Paula led Eden through the bustling offices of the entertainment company. Eden's mother was in a meeting with several actors, directors, and producers, discussing her next film. Even in her late thirties, her mother's talent and fame were undeniable—she commanded respect the moment she entered a room.
"Paula! Finally, you're here. Where have you been? Have you found someone to replace Mira yet?"
Nancy's voice cut across the office as she strode toward them. "We really need a replacement—Mira's about to go on maternity leave, and we have so much on our plate."
"Nancy, I… ran a few errands for Cynthia," Paula explained.
"Errands? Hm, never mind." Nancy turned her sharp gaze on Eden, raising an eyebrow at her simple outfit and thick-framed glasses. Disapproval radiated from her.
"What do you mean?" Paula asked, frowning.
"I requested a PA, remember? Mira's on maternity leave, and we need someone competent. Is she the replacement?" Nancy gestured toward Eden.
Paula hesitated, glancing at Eden.
"She's so plain. And those glasses! Honestly, she looks boring," Nancy continued, giving Eden a once-over from head to toe. Eden was just wearing a plain T-shirt under a long-sleeve polo and simple pants.
"The thing is—" Paula began.
"Never mind. I have no choice. Just make sure she does her job well. I don't want a lazy PA who can't keep up." Nancy handed the scripts to Eden, then stormed off.
Paula looked at Eden apologetically, about to retrieve the scripts.
"Actually, I think I'll take this job," Eden said with a confident smile.
"What? No!" Paula exclaimed, stunned.
"I'm already in disguise. I might as well use this opportunity to work with you and Mom. Besides, I can get to know her work better. I'm on vacation, so a little part-time work seems fun. I can be with Mom and learn, and earn some money too."
"Earn money? You don't need this! Why—" Paula tried to take the scripts from Eden, but Eden's hand was quick, and the scripts stayed in her grasp.
"I can do this, okay?" Eden said firmly, smiling. "It's refreshing, a new experience. Now… where's the conference room? I think I have to—"
Before she could finish, Nancy's voice boomed again: "COME ON! Get moving!"
"Let's go. Before I deal with that one," Paula said, stepping ahead.
"Really? You can do that?" Eden asked with a small laugh, falling into step beside her godmother.
"I might as well," Paula replied with a grin.
Eden couldn't help but smile at her answer, the warmth between them easing the tension she had been carrying all day.
"Finally!" a woman exclaimed as Paula and Eden entered the conference room. The actors already seated turned their attention to them. Eden's eyes immediately found her mother, Cynthia. Despite the changes in her appearance, her mother recognized her and smiled warmly.
"Let's distribute the scripts," the woman said, taking the rest of the papers from Eden's hands.
"Go ahead," Paula replied, walking toward Cynthia's seat. She leaned in and whispered something to her mother, earning a soft nod in return. As Eden laid the scripts on the table, she felt Cynthia's gaze resting on her.
"You don't have to do this," her mother murmured when Eden reached her.
"I'll be fine," Eden said simply, offering a small smile before moving on.
During the entire script reading, Eden's attention never wavered from Cynthia. Her mother's talent was undeniable; she had grown up accompanying her to shoots, though always kept out of sight.
She remembered the rumors that had surrounded Cynthia—stories of affairs with prominent businessmen, and the disbelief that a famous actress could also be a single mother. She herself had grown up in secrecy.
After the reading, the three of them—Eden, Paula, and Cynthia—remained behind in the conference room. Cynthia's brow furrowed. "Explain to me… why are you working here? And why this look? Is this the new style your father wants?"
Paula chimed in with a knowing smile, "Exactly my point. And as for working here… Nancy even mistook her for a new PA."
Cynthia raised an eyebrow. "Then let's correct that—"
"Mom, it's okay. I want to work here," Eden said firmly. "I also want to be with you while I'm on vacation. I don't want to stay home reading books. Since I'm in disguise, I might as well use it to my advantage."
"Don't worry," she added, giving a glance at Eden. "They won't know we're connected."
Cynthia studied her daughter silently, the mix of pride, worry, and recognition reflected in her gaze.
Cynthia knew she had failed as a mother. She wanted to make up for lost time, but the public wasn't ready for the revelation of her daughter. For more than twenty years, she had hidden Eden's existence. If the news ever leaked, it could destroy her career—and complicate Eden's life, especially without the knowledge of her father.
"I'm not comfortable with you doing this," Cynthia said, frowning.
"I'll be fine," Eden replied with a smile. "It's easy work anyway."
Paula placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Let her, Cynthia. She wants to be with you."
Cynthia exhaled slowly. "If I see her struggling… she will have to stop," she warned.
"You're overprotective," Paula teased softly.
"Of course. She's my daughter," Cynthia said, brushing a lock of hair from Eden's face.
Eden noticed the sadness in her mother's eyes. "Why?" she asked quietly.
Before they could say more, the conference room door swung open. Nancy strode in, eyes fixed on Eden.
"There you are," Nancy said sharply.
"What does she need from him?" Paula whispered.
"Mira left a lot of work behind, and I need her to help me. She can't be slow," Nancy barked at Eden.
"Can she start tomorrow?" Paula asked.
"No! I need her today," Nancy snapped, grabbing Eden's hand without warning and pulling her toward the door. Cynthia watched silently as they left.
"I hate her guts," Paula muttered under her breath once they were out of sight.
"Will she be okay?" Cynthia asked.
"She will," Paula assured her. "If that woman mistreats my goddaughter, she's in trouble." She looked at Cynthia thoughtfully. "Eden's old enough now. Do you think she should know who her father is?"
"No," Cynthia said firmly. "Nothing will change. Her life is fine without him. We are fine without him."
"Are you really?" Paula asked gently. "You've been single for so long, dismissing every suitor."
"You know why," Cynthia said, walking toward her bag. "I'm still married."
"And he hasn't married anyone either, even after twenty years… I suppose you still think there could have been a chance—"
"I am not thinking about that. When I left him, I knew for sure we would never be together. Let's not talk about this," Cynthia said firmly, leaving the conference room.
Paula watched her friend go, knowing she secretly followed Darius from afar, kept a journal, and tracked news about him. She cared for him deeply, even after all these years. He was an excellent ruler, and Paula knew he loved her friend dearly.