Chapter 5

"This is it, Andy."

You can't fuck this up.

She believed it might not be the top business in the industry, but its reputation was growing fast. It had a lot of potential to rise to the top.

But it was not her only reason for picking this company.

"You can do this." She mumbled to herself.

She chose this Design firm because of its lack of affiliation with the Preston family. The last thing she wanted was to use their name to get a job.

She wanted a fresh start where she could finally make a name on her own. She did not want to use the Preston family anymore to get what she wanted.

"It is time I make it in this world with my hard work." She was tired of being the charity case of the Preston family, remembering how Lucas had described her.

Immature and spoiled brat.

Unsuitable to be his wife?

Probably, it was how people saw her, a gold digger who had clung to the Preston family for their wealth. Maybe so, but she wanted that to change.

It must be the reason Jeremy did not take her seriously, because she was nothing. But she had enough of taking their pity. She was willing to work hard for this new opportunity.

A new job.

A new identity.

Her new life.

She walked straight into the lobby, confident and excited to face the new day. It was the start of her new career.

"Hi! I'm Andriana Young. I'm here for the new Interior Designer position." She cheerfully and enthusiastically introduced herself. Still, she could feel her knees shaking.

Of course, she was anxious. After all, this was her first job. However, nothing could ruin this day for her. She was leaving behind all the bad shit that happened in her past.

It was her brand new start, using her middle name so no one could associate her name with the Preston family.

For now, I am Andriana Young.

She knew if they learned about her connection to the Preston family. They would automatically treat her like royalty, giving her special treatment she did not want.

"Oh! Let me check." The friendly woman at the front desk asked her to wait. "Yeah, you can go straight to the 7th floor. That is the Design Department."

She walked toward the elevator, feeling like her feet walked on clouds. Then, she saw the large logo on the wall, LP Architectural Designs.

It was a newly established company that was fast making a name for itself. She felt it was the perfect fit for her startup as a new interior designer.

"Hey, hold the door for me." A man shouted when the double doors slowly slid to close.

Immediately, she reacted, pushing the button to keep the door open. The man carrying a box rushed toward her before the door closed again.

"Thanks." He said, glancing her way. "You're new here?" He asked, probably seeing the temporary badge hanging on her chest. "Let me guess. Interior Design."

She wondered how he knew that. But she was glad that he seemed friendly. "How did you guess?"

"I'm going on the same floor as you." He gestured to the lighted 7th button. "I'm Carter. You?"

She turned to get a better look at the man, finding he was pleasing to the eyes, the same as his voice and personality.

"Andy... Andriana." She quickly corrected, reminding herself that it was the new her. No one should know who she was, at least, until she had settled at her new job.

"I would shake your hand, but as you can see." He had his hands preoccupied with the box. "Anyway, I can show you around if you have time."

"Sure." She said as the door opened on their floor. She could use a friend who could guide her around. "You know where to find me."

He waved as he strode to the left hallway, leaving her at another reception desk. After a few minutes, she sat in her cubicle, instructed to wait for her trainer for the day.

While waiting, she read the reports on her desk. It introduced her to the company and her tasks. It was a short read but quite informative.

"I hope I did not bore you with the materials." A familiar voice appeared before her.

When she tilted her head, she could not help but smile, happy to see the same friendly face. "Don't tell me you will be showing me around now."

"Well, I guess you have the time." He tapped on her table. "So, move your ass. We don't have all day." He playfully ordered.

Suddenly, she wondered if he discovered who she was. Was her cover blown? Why was he being too friendly to the newbie?

"By the way, Carter Lewis. I'm the Project Head Director of this design team." He introduced himself. This time, he extended his hand.

She guessed she was just being paranoid. Her new boss probably conducted this tour guide for every newbie in the company.

"It is nice to meet you, Sir Carter." She nervously responded, feeling her hand as cold as ice as she shook his hand.

For almost an hour, he toured her around the entire building, showing her the different departments, introducing her to several people, and explaining their functions to the company.

In a way, he had made her feel comfortable with her new situation. It was as if she had known him longer than just an hour.

"I know that is a lot to take in, but soon enough, you will get used to it," Carter assured her. "Now, do you want to grab lunch?" He looked at his watch, reminding her that she was also hungry.

"Yeah! Sure."

Why not?

She was going to eat anyway. She might as well eat with a buddy. Besides, he might be her boss, but he seemed friendly enough.

"I hope you will enjoy working with us. From what I can see, you sounded like you have potential." Carter commented as they walked through the lobby on their way out of the building.

"I'm sure I will." She could not see any reason not to. But as they approached the main entrance, a man caught her eyes.

She immediately recognized its familiar face. And damn! He was the last person she wanted to see. Moreover, she did not wish for him to see her.

"Excuse me. But I need to use the restroom?" She quickly lowered her face, pulling her hair to cover her face as she hastily avoided crossing paths with him.

"Sure. I guess I will wait for you by the door." He sounded slightly confused, probably by her sudden reaction.

But she did not wait to hear what else he had to say as she dashed to the corner, hiding as fast as she could. Nonetheless, she swore she saw him look at her when she glanced behind her.

But, of course, she doubted if he had recognized her as Carter greeted him, distracting him from her escape.

That was close.

What was he doing here? She had avoided seeing him this morning after their conversation the other night. But why was he here at her new workplace?

Lucas, what are you up to?