Drop-dead Handsome Devil

Barringworth City, two years earlier...

Melody Brynleigh found herself trapped in a world where good looks and appearances ruled above everything else. It was like a never-ending game of first impressions and superficial judgments. She often wondered if there was more to life than just being judged by how you looked on the outside.

But no matter how hard she tried to break free from this circle, it seemed like she was always caught up in its alluring but confining web.

As she was going through this crazy maze of illusions, she couldn't help but think about how important it is to be real and true to oneself in a world that often preferred the facade.

In this wild world, it's kinda funny how appearances can sometimes be the key to success, no matter how hardworking, clever, or skilled you are. It's like a magical shield against harm and misfortune. It made her wonder, what's the real currency of life? Are looks truly everything, or is there more going on here?

People around her had a way of making Melody feel like she didn't quite fit the mold of what they considered beautiful or attractive. They'd throw hurtful words her way, labeling her as "fat" and "ugly."

But she refused to let their cruel remarks define her. Instead, she embraced her own perspective, choosing to see herself as "chubby" and "unattractive" in a more matter-of-fact manner.

Chubby is slightly over weight but in a cute way. Like little children can be chubby. It is a little extra but not super overweight. Fat is just extremely overweight.

An adult with 200 pounds would be fat. With her height of around 5'4" tall and weight of 140 pounds, she was just plump with little fleshy here and there.

She found solace in redefining those hurtful labels and owning her uniqueness, determined to show the world that beauty came in all shapes and sizes.

Despite the critics, Melody remained unyielding, and in doing so, she became an inspiring example of self-acceptance and resilience.

Most of the time, she also thought of herself as an ugly duckling. Like, someone who seems clumsy and not so good-looking at first, but then BAM! They end up being super gorgeous, talented, successful, or just really amazing in some other way.

With those thoughts in her head, she'd try to lift her spirits. But honestly, who cared what others thought?

Well, except her foster father—he was the real gem. He'd always be there, cheering her on to aim for higher education and embrace life to the fullest. He was her rock, her biggest supporter, and that meant the world to her.

For years, Melody held onto his advice like a treasure: "The best way to learn on the job is to observe a role model and cherish every precious moment." He'd always remind her of that, and she took it to heart, making it her mantra whenever she tackled new challenges.

"If you want to score that top job, start from the bottom. Be the person that the CEO can't live without. Be their Right Hand.  Dive into their world, and once you nail your master's degree, they'll be competing to have you on their team."

Melody nodded, seeking more guidance. "Got it. But how do I make it happen?" 

"Starting from the bottom and working your way up is a solid approach, no doubt. But it's not just about busting your butt. You must make yourself highly important to your boss. Be the one they can't even imagine living without."

He cleared his throat and continued, "You must soak up all the info about their world. Read what they read, go to conferences, and don't be afraid to ask tons of questions. Show them you're not just punching the clock but really care about their success. That's how you become their Right Hand."

Melody felt a warm gratitude as her father patted her shoulder. "Thank you. I'll make you proud. And when I get that master's degree, they'll be begging to have me on their team."

"I believe in you, Mel. Once you've got that master's degree, they'll be fighting to have you." 

Melody has struggled to become an irreplaceable person of immeasurable worth. All of her life she had been very quiet and studious. Her youth simply passed her by as she struggled to earn her undergraduate degree and went on to pursue master degree in Business Administration on a full scholarship.

She had high expectation that she would definitely become a Right Hand. Incidentally, in this case, she managed to work her way up to being someone's right hand who made her almost want to slap the devilish face every single day.

The devil had a name.

The boss, Mr. Morgan Blodwyn. Drop-dead handsome devil.

He was a dapper, well-dressed fashionable man. The way he fashionably dressed up made him look so smart, elegant and sophisticated.

Her stomach churned at the thought of him. Tall, handsome, cold, and utterly mean. He was most self-righteous, arrogant scroundel she'd ever met. It was not surprising because all the wealth, prominence, and good looks that Morgan possessed made him arrogant, overbearing, and looked down on others.

Melody often heard all the other women in the office spreading rumors about him having some flings. She wondered if it was just because of his good looks and rich background or some other things.

Her father once said, "You must realize that good looks and beauty are only skin deep, but ugliness goes to the bone."

Over the past few years, she'd encountered plenty of not-so-great guys, gone on dates with several dudes from high school and college. But none of them ever made it past the casual stage. It wasn't their fault; she hadn't found the one who truly swept her off her feet. Instead, she'd dated guys who cared more about looks than what was in her head.

From her small office room just across the hall from Morgan's office, she spotted him on her very first day at Xicorra Corporation. He strolled in a tad late, flashing a charming grin while glued to his cell phone. That grin stayed as he casually slipped the phone into his pocket, and those blue eyes of his twinkled like stars.

His office was right behind hers, so it only took a few seconds for him to pass through her room. As he did, she couldn't help but stare from her little space. Her eyes followed him as he walked by, watching how he ran his hand through his dark brown hair, and nodded to everyone he encountered.

This guy had a real air of confidence and dominance. Just like those rich businessmen who inherit their success from their family's wealth through generations.

Morgan was the type of guy she wanted to despise big time. She came to this city on a scholarship and used up her life savings to chase her dreams, while Morgan effortlessly achieved success with his family's money.

But then, whoa, his look caught her eye, and Melody couldn't help but be taken aback. It was like he didn't even notice her, but she sure noticed him, and, dang, he was stunning. His charm and hotness got her heart racing and her cheeks blushing like crazy. It totally threw her off, and all those plans to despise him went out the window in a flash.

On the other hand, Melody was really curious and was craving to know more of him.

It wasn't difficult to dig into his background. His father, Hector Blodwyn, ran the Xicorra Corporation, one of the biggest companies dealing with investments, IT, construction, and property. You didn't need to eavesdrop to hear plenty about Morgan. Ladies especially loved to chat about his love life and stuff. You know how it goes – the juicy gossip never stops.

Morgan wasn't the kind to put up with laziness, discrimination, or rudeness. Melody knew it right from the beginning – he demanded the best, and everyone around him stepped up their game.

She was proud to be working for him and had a blast ever since she got hired as his personal assistant (PA). Big shoutout to her sister, Sarah Kaisley, for introducing her to Morgan. That connection changed everything!

As a matter of fact, Sarah and Morgan were actually tight way before all this. They hit it off at some luxurious party and things got serious from there. Now they're in a full-blown relationship. So technically, Morgan's will be her future brother-in-law!

When Melody was hunting for a job during her internship, Sarah came to the rescue. Sarah hooked her up with Morgan, who just happened to be in the market for a personal assistant. It was about perfect timing!

Yeah, it was a bit tough sometimes. The whole professionalism stuff overshadowed her family connection. So, she had to keep her friendliness in check whenever she was with Morgan at the office.