I stretched and sat up, feeling a slight ache from last night’s run.I had also made a list of which body care to use, from shower oil to perfume, and a step-by-step list on how to lead the conversation during the lunch.
After getting dressed earlier than usual, I reached for the dress that Amanda had helped me pick and Dylan had insisted on buying.Donning the navy blue collared lingerie (also bought by Dylan) I slipped into the dress, carefully zipping it up.I blinked at my reflection and cupped my breasts.
“Wow, it really makes them look delectable,” I said to myself.
It was definitely a little risque for a jeweler’s day at work, but it was my birthday, so it was fine.
My dark hair brushed my shoulders in soft waves, and my makeup was subtle but bold with a red lip.I nodded in approval, wearing a necklace and earrings that Justin had complimented.They were my first pieces of work that I made in my home studio, and I was proud of how elegant and soft they had turned out.
I grabbed a small, neatly wrapped gift box from my desk drawer.Inside lay a pair of cufflinks I had crafted at home.Melting an alloy blend for durability, engraving a minimalist design symbolizing balance and boldness, and polishing the surface until it gleamed under light.It was for him, and I hoped he’d like it.
Before leaving for work, I crouched by the small glass tank, greeting my goldfish with a smile.
“Morning, Pollux,” I said, watching him swim in graceful, lazy circles.“Wish your mom good luck on her birthday!”
He swam around, his cute face giving me confidence.
“Love you.I’ll see you soon!”I had taken a half-day, hoping after lunch, if all things went well, I could invite Justin over and maybe have dinner together.
The weather was perfect, and excitement gave me a spring in my heeled sandals.
But as soon as I stepped intoOpulence, that hope fell apart.
The office buzzed with the usual hum of conversation, clinking tools, and the tapping of keyboards.I had joined the prestigious luxury brand mostly for the chance to apprentice under Justin, whose face and articles were almost always in zines each year as the head of design.He was my mentor for years.
Before the day ends, he would see how much my craft had improved, and considering my feelings for him, we would become equals.
But that hope, a carefully curated dream, crumbled when a famous actress and model walked into the showroom.
Summer Hayes.She was as stunning in person as she was in her movies and shows.Her skin was radiant despite the sheepish smile on her face as she slid a delicate necklace to me.
“Hi, I’m Summer,” she said, nodding at the jewelry.“I found a defect on this corner.Can it be fixed?”
Ignoring the looks of other employees, who seemed in awe at her beauty, I carefully took the piece and forced a warm, polite smile.
“I’m so sorry about that, ma’am.Let me check it right away.”I let the staff provide her with a private room with snacks and liquor.SinceOpulencewas a global luxury brand, we provided special services to celebrities, politicians and our recurring customers.
And Summer Hayes was one of them.
I carefully examined the service log.My heart sank as I saw that the design specifications had been altered, and the mistake was Justin’s.Worse, the customer service record showed his dismissive response when she initially complained over a call.
This was not good.We worked in hospitality and were considered a successful luxury brand.Dismissing a customer’s concern was still unacceptable, no matter who they were.
I approached him hesitantly when he was chatting with an HR manager.
I kept my voice calm but firm, explaining the situation and taking him to the private room where Summer was sipping on water.
“Hi, we are sorry for the issue.This is Justin, and there was a minor miscalculation in the design.”I remained calm even though my heart pounded in my ears.I had never made a mistake.Especially when it came to delivering a custom product, which was meant for her as an anniversary gift by her famous billionaire fiancé.We could only thank the stars that Damon Grant hadn’t arrived with her, or we would be on the news.He was well-known for being cold-hearted and grumpy.
I thought Justin would handle it with his charm, apologizing for his mistake and showing what a nice mentor and leader he was.
But he laughed, surprising me and Summer.It was a low and patronizing sound that made my skin tense.
“Oh, Katie,” he said, a smirk playing on his lips as he wrapped his arm around me.“Why would you confess that you made a mistake to our… customer?Surely you don’t want to embarrass yourself.”
What the hell?
I eyed him.Feeling uncomfortable instead of elated when he touched my waist.I was stunned by his approach and watched him brush off my concerns, attempting to spin the story as though all of it were my fault.
