Chapter 93 Quiet Ambitions
Anabelle drew in a breath of fresh air, allowing it to fill her lungs.
A panoramic view of the city, a vast canvas of steel and glass was provided by floor-to-ceiling windows.
Annabel had a single laptop open in front of her as she sat at a big immaculate white desk.
It was both full of the possibilities of her new life and empty of the mess of her previous one.
She was still struggling to accept the fact that she and Jude were partners. Only a few days before, she was a directionless woman.
She now oversaw a significant project and worked with a man whose name had influence in the field.
Reaching out, she touched her laptop's cool metal. In this strange new world it felt like a solid anchor that she could cling to.
Her thoughts turned back to the hectic days of feelings and choices she had made.
After leaving Carson's mansion, she recalled the terror, the icy knot in her stomach and the silent desperation she had experienced.
Her bruised soul was soothed by Fred's words and his steady calm presence. He had recognized her strength when she was unable to.
He had shown her her potential by holding up a mirror. She was by herself now. However, the seclusion served as a haven rather than a punishment.
The only sound was the soft hum of the air conditioner. With the design software open she gazed at the blank screen while the cursor patiently blinked.
The task at hand seemed overwhelming: redesigning a website for a business that served as her launchpad.
She faced an empty canvas and an unwritten future. She started by drawing concepts on the tablet with her stylus.
She had a practiced ease with her fingers but her mind was slow. She had done innumerable projects for Carson but this one was unique.
This was a statement not just a job, a declaration outlining her identity abilities and future.
Her shoulders were burdened by the pressure and for a brief while the old doubts started to murmur in her ear like ghosts from the past.
Silently she asked herself “What if I'm not good enough?”
There was a slight icy tremor in the thought. “What if I fail?”
She inhaled deeply, pushed the fear away and closed her eyes.
Fred had stated that she was not fragile. She was strong. That was what she had to think.
Her eyes opened and she stared at the screen. A monument to those who dared to dream big, the city outside was a testament to ambition.
One of them must have been her. Jude mentioned a fire in her belly which she had to use.
She began with a basic design, emphasizing a crisp contemporary style. The business had an outdated and disorganized website.
In order to make it feel new and inventive she wanted to reduce it to its most basic form.
A few hours went by.
Long shadows were cast across her desk as the sun moved in the sky. She continued moving even though it hurt her fingers.
She was absorbed in a world of layouts, color schemes and typefaces lost in a trance. She was engrossed in the endeavor.
A tiny sincere smile appeared on her lips. She at last discovered the ideal typeface for the business's new emblem.
The letters which reflected the company's new identity were sophisticated yet forceful.
Even though it wasn't a big win it felt like one. She was on the correct path as evidenced by it.
She was startled and jumped when her phone buzzed. The message from Jude appeared on the screen.
It asked How’s the progress going?
Her heart leaped a little.
She had been so preoccupied with her work that she had failed to notice his presence. She didn't know what to say.
She just forwarded him a screen grab of her current work.
The phone buzzed once more a minute later. His reply was Looks great. I'm impressed. You've got an idea.
The words acted as a tender hug and a quiet confirmation of her choice.
She felt an overwhelming sense of thankfulness. He believed in her and he had given her this opportunity.
The sensation was strong. Outside the window, she gazed at the icy heartless city that had once seemed so frightening.
She felt as though she could finally start a life for herself in this city of opportunity. Below the people were like ants and the cars were like tiny moving dots.
Like everyone else she was traveling her own path. She was no longer merely a supporting character in her own narrative. She was the protagonist .
Outside, the sky was a fiery mixture of orange and purple as the day came to an end.
The city's hum was a lullaby in the distance. Her mind was still racing with ideas as she shut down her laptop.
She received a message from Fred when her phone buzzed once more.
The message said Are you coming home early?. I made your favorite.
A tiny smile slipped across her lips.
He continued to tell her story and she continued to tell him. She was not alone but she had a new life to create and a new path to follow.
A friend was waiting for her. She could go to her house…his house. Her heart was beating steadily in her chest as she packed her bag.
It felt right for her to take the first step. She was eager to start the next phase. She picked up her phone and texted back.
I'll be home in thirty minutes.