Contract Marriage; Fated Love

“Yanxi! Yanxi! Yanxi!!!” Emily screamed as she ran into the house. There was a broad smile on her tired face. A smile that seemed to invigorate her.

“Where is she now that I need her? Gu Yanxi! Gu Yanxi!! Where are you?”

“Yes!” Gu Yanxi answered from the background.

Emily turned around.

“Where are you?”

Gu Yanxi emerged from the room soon after. She was running and her hands were wet. She was a bit frightened. She was very surprised to hear Emily scream her name in that manner. Emily usually returned from work quietly and told her what ever gist or news later and not by screaming.

“Had something bad happened to her?”

Gu Yanxi was even more flabbergasted when she saw a broad smile on Emily’s face.

“What’s the matter?”

“And where have you been? Where were you, Yanxi?” Emily asked pulling her into her embrace.

“I was in the restroom. So now, can you please spill? What’s go on? What happened? Start talking. You nearly scared me. In fact, you did. When I heard you scream, I thought something bad had happened. I was so relieved to see you smiling when I got here. So, what is with the smile?”

“Yanxi…. I… I…”

“You what? Calm down and speak.”

“I was awarded the jewellery designing contract.”

“Okay. I am confused. Which jewellery contract exactly?”

“Ye Sheting Night’s company.”

“Ahhhhhhhhh! I am so happy for you! Come here. Give me a hug.”

“I still can’t believe I made it. The most famous company in China has offered me a contract. Wow. Now, I will put in all my best. I will make sure they win that competition. Ten million Yuan! That’s the deposit. And another five million Yuan if the work is completed. You won’t even believe it Yanxi. I will also be offered twenty million Yuan once they win the contract! You need to read these terms yourself. Here,” she sang on and handed the papers to Gu Yanxi.

“You need to see for yourself. It’s so amazing.”

“Yes. Let me see for myself. The benefits are too amazing that I can’t even believe it too. I am proud of you, Emily.”

“Yanxi, I hope I am not dreaming? This is too good to be true!”

“No, you are not dreaming, dear. We need to celebrate this. We really need to.”

“Yeah. Sure. But, later please. What’s for lunch, I am literally starving.”

“I know you will be very hungry. I made meatballs and soup including General Tso Chicken. It’s very delicious.”

“I trust your culinary skills, Yanxi. Let’s hurry please. I am famished.”

The day dawned brightly. Emily jerked awake at the first ring of her alarm. Today was going to be her first day at work. She was expected to show up early. She inspected the cloth she had selected the previous night and it didn’t seem suitable anymore.

“Emily, do you want to change your mind again? We spent hours trying to choose a perfect outfit,” Gu Yanxi complained.

“Yes, I know. But, I feel I need something more sophisticated. First impressions matter my dear. I want to put on something simple, yet nice and cooperate. I want…” Emily parroted. Gu Yanxi quickly cut in without letting her finish.

“I know what you want. Emily, that cloth you are holding, speaks so much for you. It screams determined, talented and hardworking. It’s in fact, everything you ever want your clothing to say about you. It’s okay and good. Wear it or you will have to spend another hour selecting clothes. You can’t be late today. It’s your first time.”

That morning, Emily stood in front of the imposing facade of Ye Night’s company, her heart racing with a mix of nervous anticipation and excitement. Her determination and hardwork had earned her a reputation as a famous designer, catching the attention of many. She didn’t expect to attract the attention of Ye Night’s company as well. She had always rated it as something way out of her league. She was indeed a famous and a talented designer but she wasn’t yet popular enough to be noticed by top companies.

The towering skyscraper seemed to reach for the heavens, casting a long shadow over her petite figure. As she took a deep breath and pushed open the grand revolving doors, her journey to achieving greatness was about to begin. Her progress here would determine where she was going to be in a few years. The allure of working for a company so influential, further fueled her determination. There and then, she pledged to do her best. She was going to make sure the company wins the competition for which they employed her. Then, she would be a world renowned designer.

She walked into the lavish lobby of the company, her gaze immediately drawn to the grandeur of the place. The marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of crystal light chandeliers and the walls were adorned with intricate artwork. The interior was better than the exterior and it was more beautiful than she had imagined.

She had only seen such a well designed and furnished office at Noah Harper’s. She remembered the first and last time she had gone to his office, the day their affair went viral on the news. She sighed at the thought.

The receptionist at the desk glanced at her and asked politely and in a very professional manner.

“How may I help you?”

Emily quickly composed herself and answered,

“I am Emily Muxin of butterfly designs.”

A flicker of recognition flashed across the receptionist’s eyes, barely noticed before she concealed it.

“You may sit.”

As Emily settled into the plush couch in the waiting area, her thoughts swirled with excitement.

The receptionist made a call and said to Emily,

“Take the elevator, Miss. The third office by your left.”

“Thank you so much.”

“Miss Muxin?” the man in the office asked as soon as Emily entered. He was already expecting her.

“Yes, please.”

“You are welcome, Miss Muxin. Your duties will be officially communicated to you later on. I will show you to your office.”

Emily followed him out and they took the elevator to the fifteenth floor. Her office was next to the office of the CEO, Ye Sheting.

“This is your office, Miss. The CEO’s secretary will be here soon to tell you all you need to know. Is there anything you want to ask me?”

“No, thank you. I will wait for the secretary’s instructions.”

“Alright. I will take my leave then.”

Once he was out of sight, Emily took in the magnificent office. It was tastefully furnished and decorated. She smiled in satisfaction. This was a clear contrast to where she had worked all her years in the USA before she married Noah and worked at Kim Enterprise. She suddenly felt grateful to the unknown father of Liam whom the results of their one night affair had prompted her to leave the country.

“Good morning, Miss Muxin,” the ceo’s secretary greeted distracting her thoughts.

“Good morning,” she replied and studied the lady discreetly.

She was of average height and plump. She wasn’t as attractive as Emily and expected of Ye Sheting’s secretary.

Maybe he was more interested in qualifications and not appearances. That’s nice.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Miss Muxin, the first task and instruction from President Night is that you draft us a design so that we can see how and what you have in mind for a jewellery decoration. But then, he has samples in mind and would like you to go through them.”

She handed a magazine to Emily.

“Alright.”

Work begun in earnest. Emily was determined not to let herself down. She went through the magazine of over five thousand different designs silently and carefully.

The door opened and the famous CEO, Ye Sheting Night, walked in.