By the time they bid farewell to the serene island, darkness had already enveloped the sky. In stark contrast to the island’s peaceful tranquility, the mainland buzzed with the ceaseless rhythm of traffic and the vibrant hustle of daily life.
Juliette had arranged transportation in advance, and they made their way directly towards the city’s bustling Central Business District. Nighttime did little to dim the luminosity of the soaring skyscrapers, each aglow with activity.
Josie found herself lost in thought as she gazed through the car window, observing the unchanged pace of life outside. The incessant flow of workers, each engrossed in their own world, striving tirelessly toward what they deemed their dreams.
“What’s on your mind?” Juliette inquired, momentarily diverting her attention from applying makeup in the compact mirror to steal a glance at Josie.
“Just reminiscing about old times. I used to work in this area,” Josie replied.
Juliette appeared genuinely taken aback. “You mean to tell me you actually had to work for a living?”
It seemed Juliette was somewhat oblivious to Josie’s less glamorous past, a realization that wasn’t entirely unpleasant. Josie confirmed with a nod, “Indeed, life wasn’t always this smooth. I jumped into the workforce right after university, and overtime became my constant companion.”
A particular memory prompted Josie to gesture towards the lipstick Juliette was holding. “Once upon a time, I would’ve had to budget carefully for a whole month just to afford that brand,” she mused, reflecting on the financial constraints of her early adult life.
The path that led Josie to her current circumstances was one marked by a series of unpredictable, dramatic events.
Juliette, lips pursed thoughtfully, offered a consoling thought, “Yet, here you are, still radiating youth and beauty. Unlike myself who, at thirty, finds solace in makeup to conceal the years.”
Josie couldn’t help but smile. “So, this friend must be quite significant, to make someone as free-spirited as you exercise caution.”
Juliette’s amusement was evident, though she chose not to verbalize her thoughts.
At that moment, Josie’s phone buzzed with a message from Dexter: Where are you? It’s getting late. If you’re out and about, feel free to stay over at the manor for safety.
As Josie was absorbed. in crafting a reply, the car gracefully came to a halt. She stepped out, momentarily caught off guard by the sight that greeted her-Russell Group’s skyscraper looming above.
Juliette, with a quirk of her eyebrow, prompted, “Come on, my friend works here.”
A surge of apprehension gripped Josie as her fingers hesitated over her phone’s screen. Moving forward, she decided against sending her drafted message, opting instead for a simple query: Where are you now?
Dexter seemed to always have his phone on him as his response came almost immediately: The board meeting just ended. I’m still at Russell Group.
Josie: What are your plans after that?
Juliette, stepping into the elevator with a confident stride, pressed the button for the building’s topmost floor. Josie felt a twinge of unease ripple through her.
Dexter: I’m meeting a friend. We might have dinner together.
After a pause, he added: We’re meeting at Russell Group.
By then, Josie had pieced together the unfolding scenario, but the opportunity for evasion had slipped through her fingers.
She let out a soft sigh, a wave of helplessness washing over her as she caught her reflection in the elevator mirror.
After a hiatus of two years, she found herself en route to Russell Group once again, this time led by Juliette.
The elevator’s swift ascent prompted a brief ringing in Josie’s ears, a reminder of her nervous anticipation. Dexter’s text arrived: Why the sudden interest in my whereabouts? Planning to drop by?
The top floor and the surrounding secretariat, even more staffed than before, exuded opulence. The receptionist, Thalia, upon noticing their arrival, greeted them with the utmost respect, “Hello.”
“I’m Juliette, here to see Mr. Russell. Could you please inform him of my arrival?”
While Thalia nodded in compliance, her gaze shifted to Josie, who was attempting to remain inconspicuous behind Juliette.
Thalia’s mouth opened slightly, as if to say something. Quickly, Josie signaled for silence with a swift gesture.
Her face, widely recognized due to Dexter’s unmistakable fascination with her over the past years, was too well-known. There wasn’t an employee within Russell Group who wouldn’t recognize her on sight.
“Juliette, I suddenly don’t feel well; I think I need to find a restroom. Please, go ahead without me,” Josie interjected hastily, seeking a momentary escape.
