Arya.
It was harder to avoid Lauren Steele than I’d thought.
Like Rachel in 'Mean Girls,' she was the most popular girl at the office. Everyone loved her and because she hated me, they hated me too. I’d limited my movements to just mine and Tyler’s office to avoid any snide talks and comments but even that proved to be futile because there was no avoiding them at meetings.
Lauren seemed determined to make her presence known for some reason. She had told me over and over that Tyler would not end up with me. A little redundant, if you asked me, as she was beginning to sound like a broken record.
I’d made the mistake of going into the employee lounge area for a cup of coffee during lunch. As soon as I stepped into the lounge, the conversation died out and a silence spread. The attention disconcerted me for a second, but I regained my composure, keeping my head forward and my back straight, daring anyone to talk shit to my face.
Lauren sauntered over before I even got to the coffee machine, a veneer of false friendliness on her face. “Well, well, look who decided to grace us with her presence,” she sneered, her tone dripping with condescension. “That’s a pretty dress. Where did you get it?”
I offered her a polite smile that always split my face in two. “Thank you but that’s none of your business.”
“Is it? Because I have a dress of this design too. Same color as well,” her lips twisted into a dramatic frown. “Did Tyler buy it for you? Because I’ll have you know that he got mine for me.”
My cheeks burned with embarrassment. The sneers that spread around the room only intensified the feeling of humiliation that slowly filled me and I couldn’t tell if it was because what she said could have been true or that she’d said it out loud for everyone to hear.
“Looks like he wants you to dress like me. I wonder what else of me he’ll make you do.” Lauren let out a chuckle that sounded very much like a strangled chicken. Then she turned her head to face the employees that were present. “Told you all she was sleeping with the boss. Why else would he employ such a wannabe?”
The room laughed.
Tears gathered in my eyes. Angry tears. Not at Lauren, but at myself for being so weak. So fucking pathetic.
Lauren, seeing the tears in my eyes, smiled and leaned in, undeterred. “I won’t stop reminding you that you’re a nobody and I certainly won’t let you take him away from you. So, for now, enjoy it where it lasts.”
Keeping my emotions in check, I responded with quiet determination. “And I won't stoop to your level, Lauren. Tyler’s choices are his own, and I won't let anyone dictate my worth.”
I stormed out, finally letting the traitorous tears fall, wondering if I’d made the right choice in coming to Rogue City.
*****
The clock on my bedside table told me it was a little past two in the morning. I turned and tossed on the bed restlessly, sighing every two minutes. When I couldn’t quell the rumblings of hunger, I dragged myself out of bed and walked to the door. Opening it softly so it didn’t crease too nosily, I peered my head outside the hallway, checking to see if anyone was present.
It was empty. I stepped out and closed the door behind me. I’d never actually wandered around Tyler’s mansion before. The corridors were expansive and the polished floors shone under the dim lights.
I didn’t need any more proof that Tyler was very wealthy. The question was: how wealthy was he?
Lost in thought and navigating through unfamiliar territory, I found myself in a vast, dimly lit hall adorned with paintings and sculptures. My stomach growled louder, echoing through the silent space. I’d been too angry after work about that episode with Lauren that I hadn’t had the appetite to eat anything.
Now, however, my stomach was begging for food. As I rounded a corner, I stumbled upon a grand staircase that spiraled upwards. Guided by curiosity, I ascended, the plush carpet muffling my steps. At the top, a set of ornate double doors beckoned me forward. I hesitated for a moment, debating if Tyler would be okay with me snooping through his house, then pushed them open, revealing a balcony that overlooked the moonlit landscape.
The night air was crisp, carrying with it a fragrance of blooming flowers from the mansion's gardens. Sighing loudly, I approached the railing, marveling at the breathtaking view of the city below. Lights twinkled like stars, and the distant hum of nightlife reached my ears. Oh, it was beautiful. The most beautiful sight I’d ever seen.
Lost in the beauty of the scene, I failed to notice the figure already occupying the balcony.
“Amazing view, isn’t it? I built this balcony just to stand out here and look down at my city.”
Tyler stood at the edge, his silhouette outlined against the moonlit backdrop. I turned, surprised as I spotted him at the far right of the spacious balcony.
He turned to face me. “What brings you out here? Couldn’t sleep?”
Caught off guard, I stammered. “I… uh… I’m sorry. I was looking for the kitchen for a snack and ended up here.”
A chuckle escaped his lips. “The mansion can be quite the maze. Come, join me.”
Tyler gestured to the other side of the balcony, where a small table was set with an assortment of fruits, cheeses, and a bottle of wine. I nodded, a mixture of embarrassment and gratitude washing over me, and took a seat.
“I hope you don't mind the late-night snack. I find the balcony a perfect place for reflection,” he remarked, pouring a glass of wine for each of them.
I hesitated, then replied, “No, not at all. It's beautiful up here.”
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, savoring the tranquility of the night. The moon's gentle glow bathed them in an ethereal light, creating a serene atmosphere.
“So,” he began, “how has working at the office been? Challenging?”
I sighed, leaning back against the chair as I thought of Lauren and her antics. “Somewhat. I’ve never had an actual job before. It’s not what I expected.”
“That’s normal. I’m sorry if it’s too stressful.”
“It’s not your fault. I just want to earn my place.”
“You already have a place,” Tyler said with a reassuring smile. “You're my mate, and that holds more significance than anything else. And again, you don’t have to work. I can take care of you.”
I smiled, a warmth settling in my chest. Something had been gnawing at me for a while, however, and this felt like the best time to ask the question. “Tyler? What did you mean when you said you couldn’t wait to mark me?”