Chapter 1

Was everything just an act?

Morticia, a well known 23 year old woman, had achieved a great success in a young age. She was not only a millionaire, but also talk of the town among many people. She held her position as a CEO on her company, "Lavender" that produced beauty products. Among her staffs, she was known to be strict. She demanded the best of the best performance from her employees. Despite her strict nature, many didn't find her as rude person. People defined her as the most professional and a smart business woman.

As she walked wearing a black long off shoulder jumpsuit with an open back alongside her most trusted and loyal secretary, Thomas, she scanned the employees working hard with her light blue eyes, her hair tied up in a high ponytail. Morticia held a soft spot for Thomas, as he had been with her since childhood and respected him by giving the title of Uncle Thomas.

While observing the work place, she noticed two voices saying strange things. One voice said, "Don't you know, Morticia's secretary Thomas is known to be loyal dog." The other voice also added, "Of course, he is. He always follows around Morticia, hoping if he could get more money. So pathetic."

Hearing the voices, Morticia's patience went outside the world. She entered the room from where the two girls were speaking. Without any words, she dragged them outside, her two hands gripping their hair. Thomas knew he couldn't interfere so he kept quite. She pulled the hairs of the two, many eyes watching. "Is this your entertainment show? Do your work and stop focusing on things that don't concern you.", She yelled at the employees making them quickly turning away, doing their directed task.

When she arrived her office room, she threw the two girls on the floor. "How dare you call my Uncle Thomas a loyal dog? Who do you think you are?", She said pointing her index finger on their forehead, "Also, who are you in the position to call me by my name? I'm your boss."

As she gave them lectures, Thomas was still standing outside, listening to them. The two girls begged to Morticia, touching her legs. She knew Thomas was at the door and called him inside. She turned to the girls and commanded, "Apologize to Uncle Thomas. It's his wish if he wants to forgive you or not." Afraid, Morticia would yell at them more, the girl again begged in front of Thomas asking for forgiveness. He picked the two up, reassuring them that it was okay.

However, Morticia made another comment that made their mind go crazy, "You see, Uncle Thomas is kind enough to forgive you but I won't . You're fired." Just then, the two girl's world stopped. They cried even more, begged countless times but Morticia stayed on her guard saying she won't turn her back to her words. Just like that, the two left after causing more dramas, yelling that they were the ones quitting and not Morticia firing them. Morticia just gave them smirk as if they are nobody and she had no time to care about them anymore.

It had always been like that. Whenever someone tried to disrespect Thomas by calling him loyal dog or other names, she would immediately shut their mouth up and if they were her employees, she could not hesitate to fire them.

Thomas was grateful for Morticia's support towards him. He always told Morticia that he would pay his gratitude towards Morticia, by staying by her side and helping her whenever she needed him. Morticia stopped him with the formalities and asked him for the schedule. Thomas handed a bunch of papers and backed out of the room.

One particular event – "Brand Owner Party", an event especially made for well known CEOs to meet, collaborate and create new ideas, caught Morticia's attention. As she puts her focus on the event, she came to know that it was tonight. She couldn't miss this type of opportunity. It was her long dream to make business partner and keep providing people with new contents. Morticia told Thomas that she wanted to attend the party. Thomas, went outside and brought a black long silk dress for Morticia, with glittery gloves. The dress showed Morticia's curves perfectly making her seem flawless. She added to Thomas that she can go alone and assured him to take some rest for the day.

As evening arrived, Morticia made her way to the party venue. The palace was beautifully decorated with shiny lights. Songs played inside the halls could be heard. Soon her excitement turned into horror as she realized she had not brought the invitation. Without the invitation, she couldn't go in. She tried calling Thomas to ask him for some help but her attempts were fruitless.

Her growing anxious was soon noticed by a dazzling man named Archer. He wore a black suit, with diamond rings on his hands. His blond hair, tied up in a half ponytail made him look stunning and outstanding. He radiated the main character energy. After carefully gazing Morticia's figure for few seconds, he made his way towards her. His shoes making "dang" "dang" sound, caught Morticia's attention. Sensing her issue, Archer came up with an offer to the pretty woman to join with him as partner so she could go inside without any invitation.

Morticia declined the stranger's offer, choosing her words carefully, and assuring him she could handle her own problem herself. Archer, on the other hand, didn't stop with his offer. She anxiously looked at her watch. Archer watched Morticia, his mouth forming a smirk. As the time went, Morticia knew she had no other choice but to go with him. Disappointed with limited choices, she gave in, gently held her hand around her elbow. They both walked confidently, wishing no one would notice their encounter just few moments ago. When they arrived at the hall, Morticia thanked Archer, and went to the separate ways.

As beautiful as the outside look, the hall's decoration could never be described in words. Wine flowing from the top of the cup, that had been stacked with many other glasses was an amazing view to see. The busy lights, loud noises and beautiful dances from many cultures were equally pleasing.

After few hours in the party, a young woman, Emma who was also the party host gathered everyone's attention announcing them about a small dance competition to lift up the party mood. Morticia, being competitive, took herself to the dance floor with flawless aura. She danced, enjoying herself, capturing many people's attention and also received thunderous applause wining the first prize.

Archer, too showed his impressive dancing skills, his flirty nature with people captured everyone's heart. His faultless performance won the first prize from the men's section.

As both young successful people, went to receive their awards, they couldn't help but stare deeply into their eyes noticing some familiarity.

"Oh, it's you", Morticia made an comment.

Noticing an opportunity to speak, Archer proposed an offer and collaboration to Morticia.