*Stella's pov:*
Finally, the day had arrived. The day that marked the beginning of my dreams. Today, March 24th, 2025, I, Stella Hornwell, would be starting my new job at Huston's company. I felt a thrill of excitement as I glanced at the clock, the soft glow of the numbers illuminating my darkened room. It was only 4:26 am, but I was already up and getting ready, my heart racing with anticipation.
As I stepped into the shower, the warm water cascaded down my skin, washing away any lingering sleepiness. I closed my eyes, letting the water massage my scalp, and felt invigorated. My start time was 8 am, but I couldn't shake off the excitement and anticipation. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning, eager to unwrap the presents and start a new chapter in my life.
As I got dressed, I listened to "Eyes Closed" by Ed Sheeran, singing along with all my heart. The lyrics resonated deeply with me, speaking directly to my soul. But today, I felt a sense of hope and new beginnings. The song's melancholic melody seemed to fade into the background as I felt a surge of optimism and determination.
I slipped into my outfit, feeling professional and confident in my black skirt, pale pink top, and black heels. The soft fabric of the skirt hugged my curves, while the top accentuated my shoulders. My black heels clicked on the floor as I walked, the sound echoing through the silence of the morning. My nice handbag completed the look, its sleek design and rich leather adding a touch of sophistication to my overall appearance. I felt ready to take on the world, armed with my newfound confidence and determination...
As I stepped out of my room, I saw my parents sitting in the living room. My dad's face was beaming with pride, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. The memory of the annoying seduction tutor he had hired for me over the weekend still lingered, like a bad nightmare.
I greeted my parents, trying to sound cheerful. My dad's response was enthusiastic. "Looking so beautiful! Don't forget what you were taught over the weekend, okay?" He winked at me, and I nodded my head in agreement, but deep down, I knew it was never going to be possible.
My dad's proud gaze made me feel even more uncomfortable. "That's my daughter," he said, his voice filled with pride, but I couldn't help but feel like I was living a lie...
As I headed out, I glanced at my watch and saw that it was already 6:25. The morning sunlight cast a warm glow over the city streets as I decided to hail a cab, wanting to make a good impression on my first day at work. But as I stood on the sidewalk, a sleek, deep blue car caught my eye. It was Shawn's prized possession, a stunning Aston Martin DB11, which he affectionately called "Midnight." The car's curves glistened in the morning light, and its engine purred softly as it pulled up right in front of me.
I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between Shawn's luxurious car and my humble neighborhood. The Aston Martin DB11 was a car that screamed wealth and sophistication,. It seemed out of place in our modest neighborhood, and I wondered what had brought Shawn to this part of town.
The window rolled down, and Shawn's friendly face appeared, flashing a bright smile. We exchanged warm greetings, and I discovered that he was heading in the same direction. I couldn't help but feel that this was fate. I hopped in, and as we drove, Shawn complimented my outfit. "You look beautiful," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Thanks," I replied, and we exchanged numbers, promising to stay in touch.
As we glided through the city streets, our conversation flowed easily, like we'd known each other for years. Shawn told me about his passion for cars, and I shared my love for music. Before I knew it, we were pulling up to my workplace, a sleek glass skyscraper that seemed to touch the clouds. But as I stepped out of the car, my heart sank. Standing on the sidewalk, looking as smug as ever, was the last person I wanted to see - the devil himself...