Heir of Shadows

ELARA

Long hours. Crazy deadlines. A grumpy boss. A sassy father-in-law. I had the most exhausting day at the office, and nothing could have prepared me for the tons of documents staring at me in the morning when I arrived. At long last, I was done, and no, it wasn't closing hours yet. I just needed to be out of here as soon as possible.

Mason, my hot, charming, and irresistible boyfriend, was coming back from his one-month work trip. I have made reservations for us at Le Bernadin, a top-class restaurant just outside of Brooklyn, for a spa date and a whole night of binge-watching our favorite romantic shows. It was going to be the most beautiful night, and

I couldn't wait to see the expression on his face when he realized I planned this huge surprise.

I neatly arranged my bags while patiently waiting for the beeping sound of my phone's alarm.

The sound came, and I dashed out of my office, desperate to escape this torturous corporate life.

I knew that my lovely best friend, Avery, was waiting in the car with my favorite pizza.

"Miss Bennett," I heard the familiar voice of my annoying boss about to dampen my spirits. I clenched my fists in anger as I pretentiously turned towards his direction. At the same time, he barked orders at me for the umpteenth time.

"Yes, Clark." I forced a smile, trying my hardest to hide the irritation in my voice.

"What do you think you are doing, Elara? Leaving before official closing hours?" He reminded me.

"Who even gave the rule? Why should there always be an official closing time? Why couldn't I leave when I finish my official duties?" I thought aloud.

I had envisaged Clark would sabotage my plans to leave early today, so I prepared a backup plan. My father-in-law couldn't know I was skipping work when he threw me a lifeline.

"Errr...Mason...is..." I stuttered, losing track of the lie I had prepared all day. Luckily, Clark knew all my theatrics and decided to let this one go.

"Last time, Elara. Last time, you are screwing the owner's son doesn't give you a pass to act high and mighty." He warned me and flashed the most sarcastic smirk I had ever seen in my direction.

"I promise, I must get home before Mason returns from his trip. I haven't seen him in so..." I had barely completed my statement when Clark walked away. Could I blame him? No? I was just a girl in love.

I hurriedly ran down the stairs into the quiet car park, where an impatient best friend of mine was fuming.

"Where the hell have you been?" She screamed, ignoring my request for a hug.

"Ermm, talking to my boss. You realize it's barely closing hours, and well, I'm skipping work to

surprise my boyfriend." I said, wrapping my arms around her nevertheless.

"Grumpy Clark caught you sneaking out!" I loved it when we both mocked my colleagues.

"Yes, girl, Clark did, and you know what? I have a huge feeling he can't change."

The scent of freshly baked pizza wafted through my nostrils, and I could feel my hunger pangs fighting for a taste instantly. I unwrapped the vox, grabbing the first bite before kicking my car back to life. This was our usual ritual-Avery would join me at the office and snack on our favorite food before heading home.

I was tempted to take another bite when Avery smacked me on the head, reminding me what I had planned for the day.

"Dinner reservations?" She brought out a tiny paper and a pen and scribbled the words on them, ensuring we didn't leave anything behind.

"Check. I already called them at the office and warned them not to give out our slot; I could be a little scared when angry." She laughed, ticking off the item.

"Yes, sure you do, girl, Spa date. Have you also done..."

"Yes, Avery. I called to reconfirm if our slot was still available," I said. We pulled to a stop sign, which gave me ample time to bite my pizza further before we continued driving.

"And is it?" She didn't seem convinced.