She stood in front of the large mirror above the vanity, gently running a brush through her long hair, her movements slow and precise. The cool marble under her fingertips steadied her.
She applied a thin layer of lip gloss, just enough to enhance her natural glow. Her outfit was modest but elegant, a pastel blue silk blouse tucked neatly into a white high waisted skirt that fell just above her ankles. She had chosen it carefully, wanting to present herself well on her visit home. It was the first time she was going back since the wedding.
Just as she reached for her cream-colored purse resting on the edge of the bed, a knock came at the door.
She paused, heart skipping a beat. "Come in," she called softly, her voice even.
The door creaked open to reveal Mrs. Margaret Harrington, standing with her arms lightly folded. Her auburn hair was pulled into a neat twist, her expression unreadable behind her polite smile. She was dressed immaculately in a cream blouse and fitted trousers, looking every bit the dignified matriarch she was.
"Good morning, dear, may I come in" Margaret said, stepping into the room with calm grace, as Carmilla nodded in acceptance "You look all dressed up. Going somewhere special?"
Carmilla froze for a moment. She hadn't expected an audience for her departure. Straightening her shoulders, she tried to keep her tone casual.
"Actually... I'm going to pay a visit to my parents," she answered, clutching her purse a little tighter.
Margaret raised an eyebrow, approaching slowly.
"That's lovely," she said, her voice warm but edged with subtle judgment. "Does Harrison know about your plans? It would've been more respectful if he accompanied you. It speaks well when a man visits his in-laws."
Carmilla flushed. "No... he doesn't. I mean, it was a spontaneous decision. The idea just came to me this morning."
Margaret took another step closer, her heels clicking lightly against the polished hardwood floor. She gave Carmilla a once-over, eyes lingering on her carefully chosen outfit.
"I see. Well, at least you recognize it would've been courteous to inform someone before making a decision like this. That kind of awareness shows maturity." She clasped her hands in front of her and smiled — not kindly, but rather as though testing Carmilla's composure.
"But still," she continued, "I'm glad to see you're making efforts to stay connected with your family. Family is everything. That's why, as the matriarch of this household, I would go to great lengths to protect mine."
Carmilla lowered her gaze, whispering softly, "I'm just trying to do the right thing."
Margaret's expression softened, or perhaps pretended to.
"You have my permission to go," she said, giving a firm nod. "Take the driver with you. I'm sure your parents will be happy to see you."
As she turned to leave, she paused at the door.
"And please make sure you're back before dinner. I don't appreciate tardiness. To me, it's a sign of irresponsibility."
Without waiting for a reply, she exited the room.
Carmilla exhaled deeply, the air leaving her lungs like a pressure valve releasing steam. That entire exchange had felt like walking a tightrope. She quickly grabbed her phone, slipped into her low-heeled sandals, and exited the house where the driver was already waiting beside a sleek black sedan.
The sprawling Harrington estate faded behind them as the car pulled away and headed toward the city.
LAN CORPORATION – DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
The lobby of LAN Corporation buzzed with morning activity. Employees in tailored suits and skirts moved swiftly between the glass elevators and the front desk, where visitors signed in under the watchful eye of reception staff. High ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the space in light, bouncing off the gleaming marble floors. The company's logo a sleek silver emblem dominated one wall like a badge of power.
Up on the 21st floor, the executive suite had a completely different aura. Quiet, efficient, and cool.
Inside his office, Harrison stood by the large window that overlooked the city skyline, coffee cup in hand. His charcoal suit was freshly pressed, the collar of his white shirt crisp, and his dark hair slicked back with precision. The polished oak desk behind him was neatly arranged documents stacked, laptop open, phone blinking softly.
His personal assistant, Rachel, stood in front of him with her digital tablet in hand.
"Today's schedule is quite packed," she informed, handing him a fresh cup of coffee. "You have a meeting with the construction team at ten, followed by a conference call with the investors at eleven-thirty."
"Thanks, Rachel," he replied, taking a slow sip. "I'll go over the documents before the meeting starts."
Before Rachel could respond, the office door swung open without warning.
"Hey, man! How's it going?" came the familiar voice of Alex, Harrison's longtime best friend.
Rachel smiled politely, giving Harrison a quick nod before excusing herself and quietly pulling the door shut behind her.
Harrison laughed and stood up, meeting Alex with a brief but firm handshake.
"You always know how to make an entrance."
Alex shrugged, already collapsing into one of the leather chairs in front of the desk.
"What can I say? I miss my friend. Just thought I'd check in see how married life is treating you."
Harrison leaned back in his seat, chuckling.
"It's only been a month. I'm still adjusting, but... it's not bad. Carmilla's easy to be around. She doesn't make things difficult."
Alex raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"That's good. But isn't that how women always start out? Sweet and harmless, until they show their true colors."
Harrison rolled his eyes. "Come on, man. I know the marriage thing caught you off guard. It wasn't exactly part of my plan either."
"Right? One minute we're out in Miami living it up, next thing I know, you're wearing a wedding ring."
Harrison chuckled again, but his expression soon turned more thoughtful.
"I had to do it. You know I'd do anything for my family."
Alex's smirk faded, replaced by a look of genuine curiosity.
"I get it. But, can I ask something? What really happened with Ana? I thought you two were solid... until, boom, this arranged marriage."
Harrison's gaze darkened, his jaw tightening slightly.
"I didn't leave Ana because of this marriage," he said quietly. "I ended things because she cheated on me."
Alex blinked, caught off guard. "What? Ana? No way. I had no idea, bro. She didn't seem like the type."
"She wasn't at first. But people change."
Alex shook his head slowly. "That's wild. You know she's been asking me to arrange a meeting with you? Said she wanted to 'talk things out.' Imagine that."
"I don't want to talk to her. Whatever we had — it's over."
Alex nodded in sympathy, leaning forward.
"Sorry, man. That's messed up. But hey, better now than later, right?"
Harrison nodded silently, letting the bitterness settle.
"Anyway," Alex said after a beat, trying to lighten the mood. "So, where's this new wife of yours?"
Harrison offered a small smile.
"She's at home."