The soft sound of the door opening behind Maria drew her upright in the polished leather chair across the glossy brown-wood desk that had two piles of neatly arranged files atop it and rotating geographical figurines in the spacious office of the Principal of Minchstone High School.
A middle-aged woman entered with composed grace, skirt suit perfectly pressed, hair drawn into a tight, disciplined bun.
Transparent glasses framed a calm, assessing gaze that softened with a smile that reached her brown eyes toward Maria.
At the back of her chair was a moderately sized shelf that matched the table's quality and color, holding eight rows and eight columns filled with books.
The air conditioner hummed steadily, carrying a faint trace of sandalwood—faint but present.
"Hello, Miss Maria." the woman greeted before Maria could speak.
"Hello, Mrs Katherine," Maria replied, offering a small smile as she straightened slightly.
On the day of the launch, the principal had seemed distant—almost severe—but now Maria realized it had likely been the weight of the occasion, not the woman herself.
"I apologize for not being able to properly engage with you yesterday," Mrs Katherine said. "There was quite a bit demanding my attention."
"It's alright," Maria said softly.
"Congratulations again on your Milestone," the principal continued. "You are a remarkable inspiration to many of our female students. A beautiful proof of dedication and hard work."
"Thank you," Maria replied, cheeks warming. "Minchstone is also what it is because of leaders like you."
"Oh please," Mrs Katherine said with a light amused exhale before giving Maria a smirk, "I'm glad you noticed though."
They both laughed lightly. Maria found herself relaxing. It was easy to tell Mrs Katherine was also elite, but her humility and warmth was something Maria had not expected.
"So," Mrs Katherine leaned back slightly, "regarding the pudding setup—are there any remaining procedures? I was considering suggesting a refrigerated unit in the teacher's gym.
Even educators deserve something energizing now and then."
"We will definitely look into that," Maria replied lightly, feeling more confident about voicing the request sitting at the tip of her tongue.
"I needed to speak to you about something really important." she began carefully. She felt a little hesitant seeking favors through her position but Grace needed this for a better future with college.
"Yes of course dear," Mrs Katherine said, her tone encouraging as she settled comfortably into her chair.
"I have a little sister," Maria continued. "She's very much interested in Minchstone's scholarship program. She's also in her final year, and she's an excellent student."
"I see," Mrs Katherine responded, thoughtful now, "Minchstone values excellence but she would still need to sit for the entrance examinations to be properly assessed."
Maria nodded quickly. "Yes, she's willing. I just want her to be given fair consideration alongside the other candidates."
"I understand Miss Maria," Mrs Katherine said, her expression easing again. "Make sure she registers. The exams begin in three weeks. That should be enough time for her to prepare. Afterward, I will personally ensure she is considered for one of the scholarship placements."
Relief moved through Maria in a quiet wave. It had gone better than she'd thought.
"Thank you so much," she said sincerely. "I really appreciate this opportunity."
"It is nothing," Mrs Katherine replied. "I value bright minds. And I assume your sister, Grace, is no different—especially considering the standard you've already set."
Maria responded to the compliment with a smile.
Mrs Katherine's compliments landed with a two-edged effect on her.
If her involvement with Miles ever came to light…would that same warmth still remain in this room?
"Thank you again," she said simply.
**
Rhea maintained a carefully composed smile as she sat in the living room of Mr and Mrs Genova, her gaze drifting over the luxury that surrounded her.
Mrs Genova had personally invited her. To her, it further proved her importance to such a prestigious family—not just as a secretary to the CEO.
Soon she would be more. Even to Miles.
The sound of footsteps coming down the stairs made her look up.
Her gaze caught Mrs.Genova descending, her flowing dark purple linen robe trailing behind her as she joined Rhea, sitting across from her on the sofa, her face in a frown.
"Good afternoon, ma." Rhea greeted respectfully, sitting up and smiling despite Mrs Genova's obvious bad mood.
"Good afternoon, Rhea." Mrs Genova said with a tight voice. She crossed her legs. "I'm not happy."
"Why's that, ma?" Rhea asked, concern feigned enough to feel natural. "You certainly look better happy."
"Oh Please," Mrs Genova exhaled, leaning back. "How much do you know about this project?"
"I've handled most of the paperwork," Rhea replied.
"But the major coordination has been between Maria…and Mr Miles."
The interest in Mrs Genova's eyes sparked.
A maid in a grey and white uniform entered quietly with a tray of orange juice, placing it on a side stool beside Rhea.
"Thank you," Rhea said politely before the maid curtsied to both of them and left.
"Do you understand why I might be unsettled, Rhea?" Mrs Genova continued.
Rhea shook her head slowly. "No, ma."
"It's Maria," Mrs Genova said flatly. "I have a very bad feeling about her. And unfortunately, she's deeply involved in something this important."
Rhea's heart leapt, excited that she wasn't the only one who disliked Maria's opportunistic guts.
"I understand," Rhea replied. "I did try to suggest to Mr Miles that her role be reassessed but he insisted and also concluded he would be overseeing her work personally."
"Overseeing her?" Mrs Genova leaned forward. "Be honest with me, Rhea."
"Yes, ma."
"Do you think there is something else going on between Miles and Maria?"
Rhea fiddled with her fingers, making sure the uncertainty in her body language was obvious as she avoided Mrs Genova's gaze.
"It's not really my place to say, ma."
"Tell me what's on your mind." Mrs Genova pressed.
"Mr Miles is focused on the project and its success," Rhea said at last. "But Maria…she's the one I have concerns about."
"Go on,"
"I don't know," Rhea continued. "But she's been noticeably attentive toward Mr Miles. Especially with the way she presents herself at work, and how she behaves around him."
"I'm aware," Mrs Genova said coldly. "She seems to believe attention is something she's entitled to. It's the only thing she has going for herself in the company."
"Yes," Rhea agreed, more freely now. "And she does very little beyond speaking.
Unfortunately, Mr Miles is unsuspecting because he thinks she is genuinely dedicated."
Mrs Genova scoffed. "A corporate distraction. That's what she is. I don't understand why Daniel couldn't date anyone else and remove her entirely from the company's affairs."
Rhea took a slow sip of juice, letting the silence settle.
Mrs Genova had said it all, Maria would definitely be kept in her place soon enough.
"Before the launch," Mrs Genova spoke again. "Was Maria ever present at an event with Miles.
Rhea dropped her glass. "There was a fundraiser. I was there as well. I had just arrived in Mapla to assist with the project. That was when I first met Maria."
"And Kayden was there too?" Mrs Genova asked.
"Y-yes," Rhea replied, briefly surprised but she figured they must have mentioned it while sitting together at the afterparty last night.
"Rhea,"
"Yes, ma."
"From now on, I want you to observe both of them closely," Mrs Genova said. "I don't want assumptions. I want certainty."
"Yes, ma."
"Report every interaction Miles has with Maria. Every meeting. Every movement. You will be compensated."
Rhea's smile returned, controlled and assured. "It's nothing ma. I care about the company's reputation too well to let it be damaged by the likes of Maria."
**
Thunder rolled in the distance as Maria searched faster for a cab where she sat waiting in one of the linked chairs in the reception area of Minchstone.
It was supposed to be easier to get one by this time of the day, and the weather was threatening to change at any moment.
Maria was thankful she had taken the bold step of intervening directly with the principal concerning Grace's chances for a scholarship.
Now she just had to prepare for Grace to come join her here in Mapla.
Her phone dinged—her ride had been picked. She quickly tapped on the call button in the cab app.
The phone rang once, twice, then cut off. The app immediately notified her of the rider's cancellation.
Maria groaned silently in frustration.
She needed to return home before the rain began.
The sky rumbled again, and Maria rose to her feet,
deciding to get closer to the main road and hail a cab there instead.
She looked forward to Daniel returning her car this weekend.
She was so done with cab frustration.
As she headed out of the main school building, down the compound aisle decorated on both sides with beautiful orchid flowers in huge white vases, her ears caught Jake's voice calling from afar.
"Miss Maria!"
She turned toward the sound and smiled as she saw him enthusiastically running and waving toward her, with two boys following behind across the field on one side of the aisle—one with black hair like Jake, and the other blonde, handsome in their own right.
Maria waved back, smiling as he reached her. His presence and resemblance immediately triggered the memory of Miles in her head.
"Hello Jake," she smiles, greeting him as his friends caught up too.
They were all in red sports outfits and shoes—knickers and round-necked jerseys.
"I told you we were pals," Jake said to the boys behind him, who looked surprised before greeting her as well.
"Hello, Miss Maria," they chorused despite themselves.
"H-hello," Maria replied, a little shy from the attention.
"Congratulations," Jake said with his usual charming smile. "I clapped the most yesterday but the Principal wouldn't let me take off my shirt to cheer harder."
"Thank you Jake," Maria chuckled. "Taking off your shirt could have been completely unnecessary."
"Totally not," the blonde boy said, his eyes fixed on Maria's rear.
Maria shifted slightly, and Jake elbowed him, snapping his attention back.
"So-sorry," the blonde boy said, embarrassed.
Maria exhaled.
Apparently, the free gown she'd worn didn't conceal as much of her curves as she wanted.
"This is Jack and Drea." Jake introduced. "They're my buddies.
Maria smiled at them, then back at Jake. They were a perfect trio for teenage girls to swoon over.
"I would have loved to stay longer but I have to go now," Maria said gently.
"It's alright, Miss Maria," Jake said. "I just really wanted to congratulate you in person."
Maria's heart warmed. It was so sweet of him. "Thank you."
"Take care, Miss Maria," the three of them chorused before running back across the field and disappearing behind the main building.
The sky rumbled again, snapping Maria out of watching them as she hurried out of the school compound down the exhausting pathway from the school that led to the main road.
Thankfully, a scanty bus shelter stood close by, with just two people already under it. She moved toward it to wait for a cab when the first drops of rain began to fall.
She quickly slipped beneath it as the rain grew heavier and thunder sounded louder.
Maria sighed. This was annoying. She checked her cab app again—still no available rides.
Beep! Beep! The sharp horn of a car made Maria lift her head.
A white GLE was parked before her, the heavily tinted glass rolled down to reveal Mr Kayden smiling at her from the front passenger seat.
Maria wanted to object to his help, but his male chauffeur in a black suit had already circled the car, holding a black umbrella as he reached her.
Maria hesitated for a moment, then allowed herself to be guided beneath the umbrella and into the car.
"Hello, Maria," Kayden said from the front, watching her through the rearview mirror.
His hair was in a slick fade, as always, complemented by a dark beige suit.
"Hello, Mr Kayden," Maria replied politely, fingers tightening slightly in her lap.
It was on the edge of her tongue to tell him she could wait out the rain, but it would be rude to turn him down given she was already in the car.
The driver started the engine.
"Where are you headed?" Kayden asked.
"Ginger city estate," she replied.
Maria inhaled to calm her nerves as the driver punched the address into the car's GPS.
Then the car pulled forward into the waiting rain.