THIRD PERSON POV
Aurelia stood in front of the studio, a bright smile adorning her features as she eagerly glanced between the door and the gift basket in her hands. She could hear the hum of the sewing machine from the other side of the door, Kendall’s and Olivia’s bickering, and Mrs Juniper’s booming laughter.
The sounds swirled together, warming her heart and enriching her soul. Aurelia made a grand entrance as her fingers curled around the doorknob, her heart pounding with excitement.
“I’m back!” she announced, grinning from ear to ear as she held the gift basket high. “Assistant designer Aurelia Ravenwood is officially back on the team.”
Everyone paused on her arrival, and Aurelia was more than amused at the shocked expressions on their faces. Olivia recovered first and when she did, she immediately tackled Aurelia into a tight grip hug, almost knocking the gift basket from her hands.
“Auri!” Oliva exclaimed, unable to contain her happiness. How could she when her friend had finally returned? Aurelia struggled to hug her back, she juggled the fruit basket in her hands and Mathew took it upon himself to help.
He held his signature soft smile as he took the parcel, muttering “Welcome back Aurelia.” as he did so. Aurelia returned the gesture with a soft chuckle, and now that her hands were free, she hugged Olivia back, grateful for the warmth that spread across her chest.
“I’ve missed you all so much,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion. Olivia pulled back to check if she was alright, brows slightly raised in worry.
Tears brimmed in Aurelia’s eyes as she let out a sheepish chuckle, her cheeks heating up from embarrassment. Oliva gasped as she noticed her tears, and she signaled Kendall to get her a napkin.
He obliged without question, but as always, the eccentric man had something to say, “Geez was working with the CEO bad enough to bring you tears at the chance of escape?” he mused as he handed Aurelia the napkin, but instead of gratitude, he received a reprimanding smack to the shoulder from Olivia.
“Ouch! What was that for?” he protested, but Olivia rolled her eyes at him, brushing him off with a dismissive wave. This only fueled his irritation, and he thought pulling her ponytail was the best way to vent. Kendall took out the band that held Olivia’s golden locks, a mischievous grin curling his lips as he held it up high and out of her reach.
Aurelia held a fond smile as she watched the soon-to-be-married couple’s antics. They never failed to amuse her. Sturdy hands soon wrapped around her shoulders, effectively pulling her attention away from the couple. It was Mrs Juniper. The older woman ruffled Aurelia’s hair lovingly, a gesture that never failed to tickle her heart.
“Welcome back.” Mrs Juniper said, and as Aurelia met her gaze, a rush of relief washed over her. She was glad she wasn’t replaced, and looking at her team, it wasn’t like they were better off without her, but instead, they knew that no one else would take her spot. This unspoken revelation made Aurelia even more grateful.
“I’m glad to be back.”
But alas something was missing, rather, someone was missing.
“Where’s Caspian?” Aurelia’s gaze skimmed the studio as she searched for her friend, but her question dampened the joyful mood circling the studio.
Kendall stopped toying with Olivia, and they settled in silence, now wearing solemn expressions. Dread clawed at Aurelia’s heart, coupled with an unsettling feeling that made her mouth turn bitter. She turned to Mathew for clarification, but he merely shrugged his shoulders and sighed, gesturing towards Mrs Juniper.
“Aurelia dear,” Mrs Juniper called out to her, but her words flew over Aurelia’s head as she finally noticed that Caspian’s workstation was empty. His desk was neater than usual, devoid of any personalization whatsoever. Aurelia didn’t want to believe it, even as Mrs Juniper revealed the cold truth, she didn’t want to believe it.
“Caspian was transferred to the new branch in Germany.”
****
Meanwhile…
“Good morning sir.”
Luke acknowledged his secretary with a curt nod as he made his way to his office, but he didn’t expect her to say anything more.
“Sir, you have a package.” she proclaimed shyly, and his steps faltered. A package? He thought, and only then did he spot the small decorated gift basket that stood out like a sore thumb on her desk.
Luke’s brows furrowed in confusion, wondering who would have the gall to send him such. He flickered his hard gaze to the young lady, and she flinched, immediately regretting her action
The daunting CEO was more than intimidating as he stood before her, and she was almost suffocated by his powerful aura. The poor secretary gulped her spit as he examined the box like it was a bomb from the depths of hell, silently praying she didn’t lose her job over it. She also cursed at a certain redhead for putting her in such an awkward position.
Meanwhile, Luke’s critical gaze softened as he picked up the heart-shaped sticky note that came with the basket. He recognized the smooth lines of the handwriting and was immediately intrigued, one brow arched in interest.
Dear CEO,
Thank you for letting me keep my job, although my time with you was short, I was glad to have had the privilege of working close to you.
~Aurelia Ravenwood
An unconscious smile curved about his lips as he read the contents of the note, causing the secretary to let out a shocked gasp, it was the first time she’d seen him without his usual stoic expression. Luke notices her reaction, his smile shifting into an annoyed sneer as he reaches for the basket.
“Are you asthmatic?” he shot at her, and she frantically shook her head in response, blurting out an apology as he continued his way toward his office. When he was gone, the young lady still couldn’t believe what she’d just witnessed.
She took her phone, unable to keep it to herself.
“Hello, Miss Veronica..”
*****
Back in the studio
“Still can’t reach him?” Oliva put a comforting hand on Aurelia’s shoulder.
Aurelia looked down at her phone, blinking back tears as her sixth call to Caspian went straight to voicemail. “I can’t believe he didn’t tell me,” she whispered solemnly, biting hard on her bottom lip. “He should have told me.”
“Maybe he didn’t want to worry you,” Olivia reasoned, causing Aurelia to let out a bitter laugh as she aggressively tucked her phone back in her pocket.
“Yeah but everyone else was aware.” she scoffed, lowering her head. “I thought we were friends…”
*Just promise me one thing. Are you happy with him? I’m asking you this as your friend.*
“How could he leave without saying goodbye.” The tears she’d been desperately trying to hold back slipped down her cheeks, and Olivia quickly pulled her into a hug.
“Shh. Don’t cry Aurelia, he’ll be back before you know it.” Olivia cooed, but Aurelia knew it was just an attempt to make her feel better. Caspian wasn’t coming back, not until the new branch had been fully established, and that usually took years.
A subtle knock on the door catches the lady’s attention, and they both turn to see Mathew who stands at the entrance of the storage room.
The young man could sense the tension in the room but managed a small smile, his hand moving to adjust his glasses on the bridge of his nose.
“Mrs Juniper says she has a special announcement to make,” he informs them, taking his leave as soon as he relayed the message.
Aurelia nods stiffly, pulling back from the hug.
“Let’s go,” she answered firmly, wiping her tears with the sleeve of her blouse. Oliva narrowed her eyes at her, worry evident in her gaze.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” she took Aurelia’s hand, giving it a light yet reassuring squeeze. Olivia understood how Aurelia felt, although she still couldn’t properly define her relationship with Caspian. It came as a shock to everyone that she wasn’t aware of his departure. Caspian had told the rest of the team that she was the first to know, but of course, Olivia kept this piece of information to herself for the time being. Why add salt to the poor girl’s wounds?
Aurelia forced a smile. “No,” she replied truthfully. She was far from okay, she felt betrayed and it hurt like hell, but she’ll just have to bear it for now. “But I will be.”
Both women returned to the studio, and everyone gathered to hear the important announcement.
“As everyone knows, the success of the recent label managed by our team was highly praised, and we owe thanks to Miss Ravenwood for her stunning designs.” Mrs Juniper gestured to Aurelia, and everyone gave her a resounding round of applause.
Aurelia’s features brightened, her chest fluttering with gratitude as it helped lift her spirits a bit.
“And because of this….” Mrs Juniper continued, “…. we’ve been given an exclusive opportunity to collaborate with an A-list celebrity to advertise our upcoming label.”
The moment Mrs Juniper finished speaking, the studio doors flung open, revealing the tall figure of a man who was known to all.
Aurelia’s breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening in awe.
“Good Morning everyone,” the man smiled politely, but his looming gaze locked on Aurelia. “I look forward to working together.”
It was none other than Ezekiel Sterling.