Today was stressful in the kind of quiet, suffocating way that didn't announce itself with noise or chaos. It sat heavy on my chest from the moment I woke up, lingering through every hour, every thought. Thankfully, I wasn't alone. I had Belle Rivers—my best friend, my anchor, the one person who made days like this survivable.
Belle had always been there. Not just when things were easy, but when everything felt like it was slowly falling apart. She showed up without being asked, stayed without being told, and somehow managed to make even the worst days feel lighter. And, as if life had decided to be unfairly generous with her, she was beautiful too. Effortlessly stylish, confident in ways I had never learned to be.
I was lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in my thoughts when the door creaked open.
"When you're done daydreaming, come downstairs," Mum said, her voice sharp but controlled. She didn't wait for a reply before closing the door.
That was my mum—cold on the surface, distant in a way that made people misunderstand her. But underneath it all, she cared. She just didn't know how to show it softly.
I sighed and dragged myself off the bed. After splashing water on my face, I slipped into my shorts and a tank top. Comfortable. Simple. Safe. I headed downstairs, where Mum and Dad sat in the living room, the television murmuring in the background. No one spoke much. Silence had become our unspoken language.
---
The Next Day
I left home earlier than usual the next morning. The sky was still dull, the streets quiet, and the air cool against my skin. I knew I had a long day ahead. The design shop never truly rested, and neither did the expectations placed on us.
When I walked in, the familiar scent of fabric, ink, and fresh sketches greeted me. It should've been comforting. Instead, my chest tightened.
"Brookie, you came really early today," Belle said cheerfully, nudging me as she passed by.
"Belle, I'm not Brookie. I'm Elera. Get that into your skull," I said, rolling my eyes.
She laughed, completely unbothered. Then her expression shifted—just slightly.
"Well," she said, lowering her voice, "that's not the important part. Mr. Orion asked me to let you know that you'll be accompanying him to an awards night."
The words didn't register at first.
"Wait… what?"
"Yes," she replied, enjoying the way my face drained of color.
"No. No, tell him I can't go," I said quickly. "Why would he even pick me? What about you?"
She leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "Why would he pick you? You don't exactly look like the type for important events. He would've picked me, but I'm already going with my cousin. So you were the only option."
Her smirk made my stomach drop.
"I'm done for," I muttered.
She burst out laughing. "Relax. I'll be there too. We're going shopping after work."
And just like that, she was gone, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
Why would he pick me?
---
Later that day, I stood outside Mr. Orion's office, my hand hovering over the door. My heart raced for no good reason.
He was calm. Young. Handsome in a way that didn't seem forced. Elegant without trying.
Stop it, Elera. He's your boss.
"Elera Brooke, Belle Rivers already informed you, correct?" he asked when I stepped inside.
I nodded.
"Tomorrow night I'll pick you up, and we'll go together. Dress appropriately. You're free to go home now."
"Thank you, sir," I replied, leaving quickly.
---
Shopping with Belle was overwhelming.
"He said dress appropriately—why are you giving me this?" I asked, staring at the black dress she held up.
It was tight, strapless, open at the back. Too revealing. Too bold. And undeniably beautiful.
"This is an awards night," Belle said calmly. "You don't want to disappear in a crowd like that."
I hesitated, then nodded.
---
When I got home, exhaustion hit me all at once. Over dinner, Mum and Dad asked about my day. I told them everything, bracing myself for disapproval that never came.
Later, I took a long bath, letting the warmth wash away the tension. When I finally crawled into bed, sleep claimed me quickly.
The darkness came quietly.