Year 2025
Rosaline's POV
I left the remote area where my father had hidden me. The world has changed, and people's ever-evolving lifestyles are no longer restricted. This earth holds everything—imps, werewolves, grims, vampires lurking in the shadows, and angels glowing under warm sunlight. Among all these creatures, humans are the weakest—defenseless, and yet ironically, the most hunted in the food chain. They have no idea how dangerous the world they live in truly is.
I'm still seeking retribution. Finding a path to the heavens is harder than I imagined. I've already made two failed attempts. Trying to blend in, I decided to live an ordinary life. I had nothing with me except my father's soul pendant, which allows me to channel my powers. I believe in the curse now. Nothing significant has happened so far, no matter how hard I search for answers. Boredom is killing me—it's the hardest part of surviving.
Using my skills, I secured a position as a post-assistant director in a multinational corporation. It helps me keep going.
Monday morning.
After thirty relentless minutes of alarm ringing, I finally woke up. I had to hurry—our company was hosting a VIP today. Rumors had it that my boss had been trying to sell the company to this individual for a year. Finally, the VIP agreed to visit.
After a bath, I changed into a pale blue blouse, a black mid-length skirt, and a matching blazer. It looked like it had rained last night, so it was probably chilly outside. I grabbed my documents and keys and locked the door behind me.
"Why are you always in such a rush?" asked Nathan, my next-door neighbor.
Tall and fit, standing around six feet with perfectly balanced muscles, Nathan always looked like he belonged in a magazine ad.
"I'm not rushing, just need to be early today," I replied with a smile, glancing toward the parking lot.
As always, Nathan made his move. "Coffee sometime?"
"I'm sorry, Nathan. Maybe another time," I replied.
I couldn't afford to get close to anyone again. I'd already lost two people in the name of love. I didn't want another one to stop breathing.
I started the car and drove through the lush outskirts toward the city. It took about an hour. I lived far from the bustle to stay close to nature.
Just as I parked at the office, a black SUV pulled in beside me. It had to be the VIP. I hurried over and greeted the man exiting the vehicle.
"Hello, sir. I'm Rose, the assistant director. It's good to see you here."
He didn't respond.
So I tried again. He wore a sharp black suit and had an earpiece in his ear.
"I'm waiting for my boss," he said flatly. "He should be here shortly."
I blinked, caught off guard. "So... who are you?"
"We're his bodyguards. Just checking the safety of the premises," he said.
Embarrassed, I nodded and quietly stepped away. How was I supposed to know? The suits threw me off.
Inside, Sam mocked my punctuality the moment I stepped in.
"Something last minute came up," I muttered.
Sam, our managing director, never misses a chance to catch me slipping. Back at my desk, I was sipping my coffee when a commotion near the elevator drew my attention. In my rush, I spilled hot coffee on my skirt. Great—just what I needed. Thankfully, I was wearing black.
It turned out the VIP was the cause of the commotion. I cleaned up quickly, grabbed my diary, and returned to the area—only to bump right into him.
His presence was intimidating—tall, broad-shouldered, with skin pale like porcelain. He stared at me intensely, and I quickly lowered my gaze.
Sam introduced us with her usual sarcasm. "This is Rose, our assistant director. She's very capable."
I extended my hand. The man shook it firmly and said, "We'll see how capable you are."
A jolt of electricity shot through me as his hand touched mine. I looked up. He was staring right into my soul.
"This is Mr. Adam Black, our new CEO," Sam said.
Mr. Black gave a curt nod and walked away with her.
I composed myself and headed to the boardroom. On the way, Emma, a junior on my team, stopped me.
"What happened to your face?" she asked, half-grinning. "Lots of blush today. Special occasion?"
Blush? I hadn't even worn any. I gave her a tight smile, realizing what she meant.
Together, we entered the boardroom. I sat beside Sam. Mr. Black entered, and the room fell silent.
He walked to the far end of the table and spoke with a commanding voice.
"Greetings. I'm Adam Black, the newly appointed CEO of this company. We intend to take this venture to greater heights. For that, we will begin with a three-day trial period. My team will assess all past and current projects. Exceptional work will be rewarded with raises and bonuses. Those who don't meet the standard will be dismissed. We are committed to progress—for the enterprise."
Gasps and murmurs broke out. Three days wasn't much.
I focused on the documents in front of me, resisting the urge to glance at him again. But when I finally did, he was already looking at me. My heart skipped a beat.
After the meeting, I waited for everyone to leave and walked back toward my cabin. From a distance, I saw Sam standing near my door.
"They only plan to keep the managing director or the assistant," she said bluntly. "It's easier if one person handles all the tasks."
"Oh, now they know who's more competent?" I replied with a sharp glance.
Sam scowled and slammed the door as she walked away. Through the glass, I noticed Emma watching with concern. I smiled and gave her a thumbs-up. She smiled back and returned to work.
Just then, my phone rang.
"You are needed in the CEO's office," said a female voice.
I picked up my pen and diary and walked past Emma.
"To the CEO's?" she asked.
I nodded.
The CEO's floor had transformed overnight. Once blue and white, it was now black, grey, and pastel blue. Impressive for a few hours' work.
The new receptionist looked up blankly as I approached.
"Mr. Black asked to see me," I said.
"You're Miss Rose?" she asked flatly.
"Yes. Assistant director."
She muttered something into the phone. "Mr. Black will see you now."
I stepped in. Sam was already there. Mr. Black stood facing the window. When he turned, his expression was unreadable.
"Miss Rose, please have a seat," he said. "As you both heard, only one of you will remain—either the managing director or the assistant. We won't duplicate tasks. After three days, we'll evaluate your performance and decide."
Sam immediately jumped in. "Sir, I've been the most committed employee in this company. I've given everything—"
"Miss Sam," he interrupted calmly. "If you've done the work, you won't need to prove it with words."
His phone rang, cutting the moment short. He motioned for us to leave.
Sam opened her mouth to speak, but I walked past her before she could start. I had no energy left for her demoralizing comments. I was done for the day.