Lola Tanner

"You look like hell," Chloe muttered beside me, throwing her gloves into her bag.

I shot her a dry look. "Thanks, I was hoping I looked like paradise."

She smirked. "If paradise smells like bleach and despair, then maybe."

I slammed my locker shut, exhaustion pressing down on my bones. Another shift done.

Another day wasted in a place that treated us like garbage.

I'd been working here for over a year now, barely managing to survive after the world turned its back on me.

For five years, I couldn't count how many odd jobs I'd done just to survive. I'd tried getting a decent job, but no one would hire a twenty three years old school drop out like me. I was stuck with all these, barely managing to survive and saving the little money I could.

I let out a tired chuckle, running a hand through my messy ponytail. My cleaner uniform stuck to my skin, damp with sweat after hours of scrubbing floors and wiping down office desks.

"I swear, if one more executive messily leaves their half-eaten food on a table for me to clean up, I'm throwing hands," I muttered.

Chloe groaned. "Right? And don't get me started on the managers. I swear, they think we're invisible until they need someone to blame for something."

"Like this morning," I mumbled, tightening my fists.

Chloe's expression darkened.

"That poor girl. Just one mistake, and they humiliated her in front of everyone. I mean, it was a coffee spill, for god's sake."

I nodded, my stomach twisting at the memory. The girl had been practically in tears, apologizing over and over as her supervisor berated her like she was dirt.

And we had all stood there, watching, unable to do anything. Because if we spoke up, we'd be next.

"I can't do this anymore," I said, exhaling sharply.

Chloe turned to me, studying my face. "You're serious this time, aren't you?"

I nodded. "I've completed my online classes, and recently got my degree. I sent out applications last week. I don't know where I'll end up, but I can't stay here. I refuse to spend the rest of my life being treated like I don't matter."

Chloe nodded slowly. "I get it. You deserve better, Lola. We all do. But until we find a way out, we're stuck in this cycle."

"Not me," I said. "Not anymore."

**********

Fate finally smiled upon me shortly after and I was called upon for an interview for a secretary position at the prestigious Goldberg Corporations.

I wasn't ready for it but I was definitely ready to leave my previous job as a cleaner at that godforsaken company.

Still, I wasn't ready...

Not physically, not mentally, and definitely not emotionally.

As I stepped into the grand, glass-walled skyscraper, I felt so painfully out of place. Plus, it was easy to tell I was not welcome, judging from how the receptionist buried her head in the desk even with my presence.

My cheap, secondhand blazer suddenly felt like an insult to the elegance of the room.

"Name?" the receptionist asked without looking up.

"Lola Tanner," I answered, trying to sound confident. "I have an interview for the secretary position."

Her gaze flicked up briefly, scanning me like she was assessing whether I was even worth speaking to.

I clenched my jaw but forced myself to stay calm.

"Top floor," she said. "CEO's office."

I blinked. "The CEO is conducting the interview?"

She sighed like she was bored. "Obviously."

I swallowed the lump in my throat and turned toward the elevator. I was even more nervous now but I couldn't turn back for sure.

I pressed the button, stepping inside as the doors slid shut behind me.

The numbers ticked upward.

12th floor.

18th floor.

23rd floor.

With each passing second, my heart pounded harder.

The doors finally slid open, revealing a sprawling, modern office space. A woman in a sharp gray suit motioned for me to step forward.

"Mr. Kensinger will see you now."

Kensinger.

My stomach dropped.

No.

No, it couldn't be.

I stepped forward on shaky legs, my breath catching in my throat as I pushed open the doors-

And froze.

Because sitting behind a massive, glass-topped desk was him.

Lucius.

I couldn't move. Couldn't breathe.

He was right there.

The man I had once given everything to. The man I had suffered for. The man who had been my entire world-

And he didn't even flinch when he looked at me.

"Take a seat," he said, his voice cool.

Like I was just another applicant.

I sat down, gripping the arms of the chair to keep my hands from shaking. That was when I noticed the other man present and my mind ran down memory lane.

Derek!

He was Lucius' very good friend back then and when our eyes met, something flashed in his eyes... recognition.

He recognized me!

"Your name?" Lucius asked, glancing at the file in front of him.

"Lola Tanner," I managed, my throat tight.

He still didn't react.

Not even a hint of familiarity crossed his face.

I swallowed hard.

"What qualifications do you have?" he asked, his tone detached, professional.

What qualifications?

Did almost dying for you count?

Did five years of struggling alone after being abandoned by my family and friends because of you count?

I forced a breath, keeping my voice steady. "Its all in my file. I'm also hardworking, organized, and quick to learn."

Why was I even still doing this?

He nodded, flipping through my file. "You've worked as a cleaner for the past few years. Do you have any experience in office administration?"

No.

But I wasn't about to let that stop me.

"I can handle schedules, paperwork, and client calls," I said firmly. "I may not have formal experience, but I can assure you that I am more than capable."

He looked at me for a long moment. And for one brief second, I thought I saw something flicker in his gaze.

A trace of something buried deep within him. But then it was gone, and he exhaled, closing my file.

"The position requires discipline and discretion," he said. "I expect complete professionalism."

"Of course," I said in a low voice.

He tapped his fingers on the desk, then finally nodded.

"You're hired."

My breath caught.

Just like that?

"Report here on Monday," he continued. "7 AM sharp. Don't be late."

I stood, my legs feeling weak beneath me. "Th...Thank you."

His cold gaze lingered on me for a moment longer before he turned back to his papers.

I shot another final glance at Derek. He was staring now with a knowing smile playing on his lips.

As I stepped out of the office, a sudden realization dawned on me...I would be working for Lucius Kensinger.

My heart instantly began to burn with revenge.

After seeing him at that party, he had vanished. I never saw him again-until today.

Maybe fate was finally on my side. Maybe life had seen how much I'd suffered and handed me this chance to get even.

I smiled to myself. I would slip into his life, gain his trust, and then destroy him. He would pay for everything he did to me.

An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth.

Lola Tanner

As I began working for Lucius and silently earning his trust, I only grew more and more curious as to what may have happened five years ago, and when I couldn't take it any longer, I reached out to the next closest person that could have the answers I needed.

Derek

He remembered me...I could tell on that day of the interview. It was written all over his face even though I hadn't seen him around since then.

Derek was Lucius' old time best friend. Personally, I didn't like him because of his negative influence toward Lucius in the past, but I was desperate for answers.

I sneaked into Lucius' office one day and got his number from his phone.

I dialed Derek's number as soon as I had the chance. The call rang twice before he picked up.

"Hello?"

"Hello, who is this?" His voice came smooth.

"It's me, Lola."

A pause.

"Well, looks like she can reach out after all," Derek's voice slid through the phone, sounding as smooth as ever, almost like he was patiently waiting for me. "I didn't expect to get a call so soon from you, Lola."

The next thought that filled my senses were; Did he know about the kidney transplant?

About everything else? He sounded like he knew.

I sighed before responding back. "I need your help, Derek. I need to know what happened."

A beat of silence.

Then a low chuckle.

"Straight to point, huh? No 'how've you been, Derek?' No 'I missed you, Derek'? None of those to an old pal."

I clenched my jaw.

He continued, "Since I'm not getting one, I should hang up-"

"No, please." I quickly cut in.

"How are you doing, Derek?"

"I'm pretty great, how about you?" He asked sarcastically but I remained silent.

"I really need your help, Derek. You know I wouldn't have called if it weren't important."

"Alright then. What do you want, Lola?"

"I need answers."

"To what exactly?" Derek wasted no time in asking back. I didn't respond and he knew what I was on about.

"Alright then," Derek added smoothly. "I might be able to help you."

"You can, really?"

"Yeah, meet me at the Royal Crest Hotel later tonight," he continued. "I'll tell you what I know."

"Why a hotel?" I asked, feeling off about meeting him at a hotel.

Derek let out a low chuckle before responding. "Because you're the one seeking answers, not me. Unless you aren't interested..."

"Fine," I muttered quickly. "I'll be there," and hung up.

I didn't like the idea of this meeting but if it meant I would finally get an answer to what ruined my life, then I was going to take it.

********

Later that day, I arrived at the Royal Crest Hotel.

Derek spotted me and waved from afar, his outfit a simple all black, along with a charming smile on his face.

"Lola, you made it." He voiced out as he walked closer to me.

"You thought I wouldn't?" I arched my brow.

"Wouldn't blame you." He grinned, slipping an arm around my waist as if we were close, making me tense up.

Derek had always been the touchy type which was why I didn't really like him when Lucius and I were together. Yet, for the sake of the truth, I decided to just overlook it.

"Come on, let's get a drink at the bar."

I followed him through the dimly lit lounge, the rich scent of leather and expensive liquor filling the air. He led me to a booth in the corner, away from prying eyes.

He signaled to the bartender without asking what I wanted.

A drink was placed in front of me minutes later-a dark amber liquid swirling in a crystal glass.

I frowned. "I didn't order this."

Derek chuckled, lifting his own glass. "Trust me. This is the best in the house."

I hesitated. Deciding not to think too much about it, I took a small sip. The burn slid down my throat smoothly, but something about the way he was watching me made my skin prickle.

"So," I said, setting the glass down. "You said you had answers?"

Derek leaned back, swirling the liquid in his own glass. "Yeah, Lola. I might have the answers."

Derek's eyes met mine and for a moment, there was a flicker of hesitation on it. "Derek I need this..."

"I know you do. After what happened, I can only imagine how much it kills you inside to know why Lucius seem to have forgotten about you." He gulped down the rest of his drink and signaled for the waiter again.

I didn't like how vague he was being, how he was subtly dodging my questions. "You said you'd tell me what you know, Derek. What do you know?"

I pressed him more, determined to get a hint or clue but Derek just shot me a glance before asking.

"You've barely touched your drink? Do you want to top it?"

"Derek!!" I yelled, slamming my hand on the table loud enough to get his attention.

"What?" He asked, unfazed.

"At least let's have a drink while we talk, can't we do that?"

"Fine." I leaned back.

Maybe what he was about to reveal was big and I needed to settle down before taking it in.

I picked up my glass, about to down the remaining content in it, and that was when I felt it... the sharp pain that made my stomach twist.

I paused, looking down at my drink.

At first I didn't see anything wrong, not wanting to start suspecting, until my vision started blurring.

Then it clicked.

The delayed answers. The insistence that I drink more.

The way he seemed so damn patient.

I wasn't stupid. I knew the stories. I had seen enough women walk into situations like this and never walk out the same.

Calmly, I pushed my glass away.

Derek's smile faltered. "Something wrong?"

I stood up. "I need some air."

He grabbed my wrist. "Lola, wait-"

I yanked my hand free. My legs suddenly felt off, slightly heavy, but not enough to stop me. I hadn't drank much-just a sip. Maybe two. But that was enough for his evil plot.

How could I have been so stupid?

His expression hardened as he realized I knew, but he kept his eyes on me.

Watching.

"I...I need to use the restroom," I muttered and stood up.

I headed to the restroom. I could feel his eyes on my back, so I tried to keep my pace steady.

The back door was only a few meters from the restroom.

Out of the corner of my eye, I quickly gauged the distance.

The moment I pretended to step into the restroom, I turned sharply and made a swift move toward the back door.

The second my foot hit the pavement outside, I broke into a sprint, my feet hammering into the ground with each step.

The world blurred around me almost immediately, my head light, my vision slightly off. But the fresh air helped.

I just needed to get away!

I barely made it across the street before the roar of an engine split through the night.

Bright headlights flooded my vision, blinding me.

A sharp honk came, followed by the screeching of tires.

I narrowly avoided the rushing car.

Then I bumped into someone.

In all my dizzy desperation and state of panic, I couldn't believe the next thing I did!

Kingsley Reid

A few hours earlier...

"What is wrong with you?!" Gabriel Reid, my father, yelled, his fists clenched on the arms of his wheelchair. Despite the wrinkles lining his face and the years that had stolen his ability to walk, his presence remained formidable.

"I'm not asking you to murder someone or jump off a bridge!" he continued, voice rising. "It's just a marriage-to the daughter of the Prime Minister, for heaven's sake!"

I remained unflinched and coolly said, "I'm not interested in marrying anyone. I thought you called me back to handle the affairs of the company headquarters. You told me there was an embezzlement of funds. That my uncles and cousins mismanaged company funds, that you needed me to step in."

His eyes shifted. He looked away.

I shook my head. So that was it. The supposed financial crisis had been a smokescreen.

"You never intended for me to come back for the company," I muttered.

He said nothing.

I stood, my jaw tightening. "Then I'll leave tomorrow. There's no reason for me to stay."

I turned and was halfway to the door when his voice struck me again, angrier, louder.

"Don't you dare step a foot out of this house!"

I didn't reply.

But just as my hand touched the doorknob, a loud crash erupted behind me.

"Master!"

The butler's panicked shout yanked me around. My eyes widened as I saw my father sprawled on the floor, his wheelchair tipped sideways. The butler dashed toward him, but I was faster. I knelt beside him, lifting him gently. His hand latched onto mine tightly, his breathing shallow.

His eyes, usually cold, now burned into mine. And when he spoke again, it wasn't with anger-but something closer to desperation.

"Kingsley...this marriage isn't just for alliance. It's...a condition. Left by the generations before you. If you want to be heir to this empire, you must marry...and it has to be soon."

I stared down at him, stunned. The butler quietly stepped away, leaving us alone.

"And if I don't want the empire?" I asked, bitterness creeping into my tone. "I've made my own wealth, father. I don't need the title."

Father coughed, then said more gently, "I know. I know you've become very successful. But...this is what your grandfather would have wanted."

I helped him back into the wheelchair, confused.

"What do you mean?"

His gaze turned distant, eyes fixed somewhere beyond the walls of the room. "I was supposed to be the heir," he began slowly. "Your grandfather trusted me. He never trusted my stepbrothers. Called them greedy, wicked. But I underestimated them. They agitated him so much, he collapsed into a coma. And when he was unconscious, they came for me."

He looked down at his legs. "They didn't stop until they reduced me to this."

My heart thudded. "I thought you had an accident..."

"That's what they made everyone believe. That's what they wanted ME to believe...but I know better, but that's a tale for another day. What matters now is you. You're the future. I kept you abroad, safe from their eyes. But now...it's time, Kingsley. It's time to step up. They are making moves in the company and if we don't act soon, the company, everything your grandfather had labored for...his legacy, his pride...they will all go down the drain."

It felt like the room closed in on me. All these years I had questioned why he never let me return after Mother died. Now I knew.

I sighed, ran a hand through my hair. Things had turned complicated at this point.

"I'll think about it."

His shoulders dropped with relief. "That's all I ask."

"I'll head out now. Need to cool my head."

He nodded, lighter now. "Be safe."

Outside, I got into the backseat of the car. My thoughts swirled like a storm.

"Jerry," I said to my driver, "take me to a bar. I need a drink."

"Yes, sir. I know just the right place."

The silence inside the car was a strange comfort. I was deep in thought, only pulled out of it when Jerry said, "We're here."

I stepped out, still rubbing my temple when-

Bam!

I walked straight into someone.

A woman.

She staggered, and before I could think, my hand shot out, gripping her waist to steady her. The moment I realized what I'd done, I tried to pull back-only for her arms to wrap around me tightly, stopping me cold.

"Please," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Help me. Someone's after me."

Her eyes were wide, terrified. Genuine.

"What is going on here? What are you doing with my boss?! You must be a fraudster!" Jerry shouted, rushing out. "Let go of my boss!"

He tried to pull her away, but she clung harder. Suddenly, her head snapped toward the sound of approaching footsteps. Before I could react, she grabbed me, and yanked me closer.

Her back slammed against the car, her body flush against mine. Then-without warning-she tilted her head up and kissed me, using my height as cover, shielding her face from whoever was coming.

Time froze.

My eyes widened. I should have pushed her away. My brain was practically screaming for me to push her away.

But I didn't.

Her lips were warm, soft, and for the first time in years, my skin didn't crawl.

Since I turned twenty, I had been diagnosed with CAD; Contact Aversion Dysphoria -a psychological condition that made physical closeness with women intolerable. But now? I felt...nothing. No irritation. No revulsion.

How was that possible?!

Why was she different?

The heat of her mouth lingering, the taste of her lips on mine, the shortness of her breath. The wild hammering of her heart and this unfamiliar closeness...

The kiss ended as fast as it began when Jerry forcefully pried her away, shouting,

"Thief! She's trying to seduce her way into the pockets of my rich boss! How dare you touch my boss?!"

His outburst was loud enough to catch the attention of a man running past. The man stopped, turned back.

The woman gasped. "He saw me," she whispered, then

hugged me tightly. "Please don't let him take me. Please."

My whole body tensed.

Everything in me screamed to walk away-to let go, to shove her off and disappear before I got dragged into someone else's mess. And yet... I couldn't move.

I saw it in her eyes. The raw, naked fear. It gripped something in me I didn't know existed.

For the first time in a long while, a woman made me feel something other than revulsion.

Without thinking, I yanked the door open, shoved her inside, and slammed it shut.

Heart pounding, hands shaking, I cursed under my breath.

What the hell was I doing?

Even Jerry looked at me with confusion in his eyes, probably wondering why I was protecting a stranger.

The man walked toward me and coldly demanded, "Hand her over. This has nothing to do with you."

My eyes narrowed as I muttered coldly. "She doesn't want to go with you. Scram!"

The man looked so angered and furious. Before he could do anything, my overly active driver, Jerry, did the unexpected.

He stepped in front of the man and grabbed his collar tightly.

"You bastard! I've seen your face in the police files. You're the one abducting women for prostitution! You're into human trafficking!"

He shouted at the growing crowd, "Someone call the police!"

The man paled in fear and confusion. "What the hell are you talking about? I'm not a trafficker!" He yelled at Jerry.

Jerry smiled smugly and muttered in a low voice, loud enough for just the two of us to hear. "You'll soon be after I'm done with you. Next time, you won't talk to my boss that way." Then with an even louder voice, he yelled,

"Someone call the police fast! This man is a criminal!"

When the man heard whispers and murmurs and onlookers taking out their phone to record, he immediately knew Jerry was trying to set him up. He forcefully shoved Jerry and ran away.

I stood there, surprised by the turn out of events.

Was these the kind of things happening here now?

"Let's go, Jerry. I've lost the mood to drink."

"Yes, sir."

As I stepped into the car and rubbed my forehead, a soft moan broke through my thoughts.

I turned.

I had momentarily forgotten that the woman was still in my car.

What was I supposed to do with her?