Jewelite

Lizzie got up early as she was informed to attend a meeting with her manager. After having a morning shower, she walked out of her room to meet her parents downstairs.

She saw her father working in a laptop with a furrowed forehead representing his tension, not new to anyone.

She went straight to him and commented. "Give yourself some rest, dad."

Michael's gaze skipped towards her.

She quietly sat beside him and added, "You must consider your health also. Please do not over exert yourself."

She placed her hand on his, looking at him with a fervor of concern on her face.

"It's nothing honey. I am fine. But I can't help but worry about the company and the mere thought of losing it is scaring me. How can not I work hard for my own company?" Michael sighed putting his laptop aside.

"Of course, you have to work hard, dad but you shouldn't overdo it till you reach your limits." Lizzie asserted leaving nothing for her dad to say.

May be he wasn't lucky enough in his company matter, but he was so lucky to have a daughter like her.

He let out a tiny laugh escape his mouth before replying. "Okay, I won't overdo it."

"I am sorry, dad. I know you need help and I feel totally useless. If only I could help you-" She agonized with misty eyes unable to bear the weighted tears when she was cut off by her father.

"Don't ever say such words, Lizzie. It is not your fault for not gaining experience in business. It was me who told you to stop pursuing your MBA and study marketing. It was me who didn't want you to take over responsibilities at such an young age. I wanted to teach you everything and hand over our company when you had enjoyed your youth and ready for a busy life. But who would have thought such a day would come in our lives. If any of us has to be sorry, it would be only me, it would never be you, Lizzie. You are the best daughter any father could ask for in the world."

The weight of tears felt heavy in her eyes and trickled down her face. "No, dad. You shouldn't be sorry. All you have thought and done is for my good sake, I know it." She responded giving a gentle squeeze to his hand, her tone showing only certainty and no hit of accusation.

Michael pulled her into his embrace wondering and admiring his little girl who turned out into a matured woman. He put a gentle kiss on her forehead, cupping her face.

"Let's have some breakfast." He said standing up from his place.

"No, dad. I have an early meeting today. I will leave now." she began, raising from her seat, gave him a quick kiss on his cheek and ran off out of the house.

"Hey, you lecture me about my health and now how dare you skip your meals?" Michael ranted at his daughter.

An "I love you dad!" yell was all he heard in return.

He shook his head in disbelief and sighed. Chuckles could be heard from the kitchen, and he knew the owner of them was his beloved wife, Alice.

...

Lizzie sauntered to her office, dragging her feet.

She hated such early meetings and work. But all she would do was take a few deep breaths and get into the work.

As she reached her manager's cabin, she gave a knock on the door before she peeped in. "May I come in, sir?"

"Yes, Miss Lizzie. Please come and have your seat."

The manager seemed as though he didn't leave the office last night. But his tie and suit spoke otherwise. They were different from what he had worn the previous day.

"What is this sudden meeting about, sir? Is there any problem?" Lizzie asked after she got comfortable in the seat in front of his table.

"There is no problem. In fact, we have a good, no great news." he gloated.

"May I know what the good news is, sir?" She frowned and inquired.

"Our company 'Growth Alley' has seen many major projects and turn overs. But this one will be a game changer." He maintained, his face was all teeth unable to hold back his ecstasy.

"And what might that be?" Lizzie asked with the least interest.

"We have got a contract with one of the top three jewellery companies in the world, 'Jewelite'." He boasted.

Lizzie heard this name once, twice or may be more than that but never bothered to know its details. Her lips formed a simple O.

The manager further added, "We will be sending our best marketing team leader to Italy."

"In that case, you should have arranged a meeting with all the team heads. Why have you called only me?" She absolutely knew where it was going but she would never accept what he was about to say.

"I know, I could have done that. But the person who is most capable and I trust the most is you. So I want you to go to Italy and take up this project for the company."

This was what she expected to come and this was what she didn't want to come. She could not leave her dad's company alone here and go abroad. Once she goes, it would atleast take a month to complete the contract and come back and one month is too long for her to leave the company in its worst stage.

"I am sorry sir. I can't take up this contract. I can not leave the country. Please assign someone else to this." She stated making the manager sigh.

"I know why you are trying to reject it. But I have one more good news and this time it is only for you, Miss Lizzie." He replied with utmost sincerity.

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Author's Note:

Hello readers! Please review the book and let me know your opinions on the story so far. This is a kind request from the author. Thank you for reading my novel. Hope I am not disappointing you.