| scarlette | 

As I savored my Iced Caramel Latte in the most exquisite coffee shop, my gaze drifted out of the window, mesmerized by the serene clouds drifting lazily across the wide  sky. Absent-mindedly twirling my jade pendant around my fingertips, I was suddenly jolted back to reality by a vivid flashback from my recurring dreams. Each one was eerily similar - the same oppressive chains, the same foreboding weather, the same haunting sensations , the sa—

Just as the memories began to resurface, my reverie was shattered by a voice beside me.

"Miss, we need to head back to the office now. You have an important meeting."  said my assistant . 

As I kept the coffee cup on the wooden table ,  I slid a 30% tip with the bill  and stood up . “ Camilia , what is my schedule for the day ?”  I solicited  to my assistant while walking towards the gate , my Rolls Royce  parked in front of me , waiting for me to sit inside . As I slid inside the car and my driver closed the door distancing the outer world from me and bringing me to my peace , It is not that I hate people but sometimes they’re just so much , as the car started Camilia began to dictate the prearranged schedule , slowly slowly her voice started to fade as I drowned in the ocean of memories , swimming across my past regrets , guilts and heartbreak while a tint of pride was also present , in my veins not only blood runs but my past experiences run too . As the car came to a stop and I jerked a bit , I collected all my intense emotions and stepped out of the car , wore my Versace sunglasses and entered the collosal building that I achieved through my blood and ash . “ Good morning miss ” ….. “ Good morning miss ” ,  after I was greeted from the employees I made my way to the elevator . 

“ Oh she’s here ! Good morning Miss Nightingale , hope you had a pleasant day today ” As I entered the meeting room I was greeted by a middle aged man who specifically did not have a good dressing sense , his childhood was spent in Italy which everyone could notice due to his accent , apparently his first wife cheated on him and his second wife is a huge  materialistic witch , Oh such a poor man I know numerous people  would necessarily be thinking that but according to his ex-wife she exclaimed and said that he is a lair and an abuse besides he’s the one who cheated on his first wife .  How do I know this ? 

Duhhh I researched upon him ! 

“ Good morning Mr.Hawls ”  I said to him in a straight yet powerful tone which definitely describes that who’s the boss here . As I elegantly took my seat the meeting started , we discussed about collaborating with Mr.Hawls company but my mind was set to not sign the deal , I don’t consider those people humans who don’t deserve to be treated as one , and according to the past records he has, he’s a crazy lunatic . 

“ So , would you like to sign the deal miss ? ” says Mr.Hawls’s or should I say the crazy lunatic’s assistant aka his little evidence eraser . “ No , I said firmly not even trying to explain myself.” “ But—- why ” I was asked “ See first and foremost these products use certain harsh chemicals that might put an impact on my customers and  I am not taking any risks ”. As I said this I grabbed my Birkin and walked off  , that lunatic really thought I would sign a deal with him , phew ! 

As I strolled through the park, the warm sunlight filtering through the lush greenery above 

me . The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, and the gentle chirping of birds created a soothing melody. Lost in thought, I wandered along the winding path, my heels clicking softly on the pavement. As I turned a corner, my soft gaze fell upon a small, frail figure huddled on a bench. A little girl, no more than six years old, sat with her knees drawn up to her chest, clutching a tattered stuffed rabbit. Her clothes were worn and dirty, her hair matted and unkempt.

My  heart skipped a beat as I  noticed the girl's eyes, sunken and haunted, gazing up at me  with a mixture of fear and desperation.Without hesitation, I approached the bench and sat down beside the girl. "Hey there, little one," I  said softly.

The girl looked up, her eyes welling up with tears. "M-mommy's gone," she stammered.

My heart swelled with compassion. "Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry."

The girl's voice cracked. "I don't have anywhere to go. I don't know what to do."

I wrapped my arms around the girl, holding her close. "You're not alone, okay? I'm here for you."

The girl buried her face in my shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably.

In her  tears, I saw the fragility of life, the beauty of trust, and the power of human connection.

I held her, stroking her hair, and whispering words of comfort.

As we sat together, I  noticed the girl's shivering. I  slipped off my jacket and wrapped it around the girl's frail shoulders."Let's get you something to eat, and then we'll figure out what to do next," I said.

The girl nodded, her eyes red-rimmed.

I took the her little soft hand, and walked to a nearby café. Over hot chocolate and sandwiches, I learned the girl's name was Melody . 

It really suited her , her brown eyes and pink lush lips , her skin so soft and moist most probably due to her countless tears and her hair brownish gold  which were the perfect combination I’ve ever laid my pair of eyes upon . 

I  pulled out my  phone and dialed a number. "I'll call someone to help us find you a safe place to stay." Melody’s eyes filled with tears again.

I held her hand. "You're not alone, Melody . I promise."

As I  waited for my staff to arrive,I felt an inexplicable connection to Melody , a sense of responsibility to protect this fragile soul.

Our lives had intersected by chance, but I knew our  bond would last a lifetime. For some reason or the other I felt a wave of connection to this girl , it feels like I am taking care of myself when I was six , when  my mother had left my drunkard father who used to beat me and anything would have been better for me to live with him  , so I ran away and came to the city , my days were so unbelievably cruel , I did not have food to eat while I watched the riches throw away the most luxurious and delicious food over nothing , and treated everyone below them like freaking insects that day I challenged my own self to show them what really means to be rich from outside and as well as inside , I spent countless days over a loaf of bread or water and worked hard and hard to complete my studies and as well as be my own source of bread and butter and eventually all my hardwork paid off and brought me to where I am today , I am the CEO and Owner of the most successful and luxurious cosmetics brand ‘ Valmonte ’ . 

As I waved goodbye to little Melody I received a text message from my assistant , she asked me that do I want to attend my next session , these sessions are where I go through all my employees to check about their lives and to see through their souls to inquire which one of them is loyal , btw this part was a secret I usually tell everyone that I go around to check my employees to see their mental health status etc. 

I texted Camilia and told her that No,today I don’t want to go for my prearranged sessions and told her to tell my driver to prepare my Porsche for me as I will be driving myself to a couple of places. 

As I slipped behind the wheel of my Porsche, the familiar thrill of freedom coursed through my veins. It had been far too long since I'd taken her out for a spin. The engine purred to life beneath me, and I felt alive. My destination was the local mall . As I drove there the cool breeze kissed my skin and the tress running at my speed , the birds chirping as if welcoming me and the weather seemed so good that I wished that this moment never comes to an end but alas everything has an end but this doesn’t mean to drown yourself thinking about the future but to enjoy every second of the joy you are getting . I wandered through the stores, gathering an assortment of treasures: mystery novels, silk dresses , and fruit flavoured candy . The simple pleasures in life. But my true purpose wasn't self-indulgence – it was sharing that joy with others. With my trunk loaded, I headed to the nearby orphanage. As I stepped through the doors, bright smiles greeted me. I spent the afternoon distributing my spoils: books for the bookworms, clothes for the fashionistas, and treats for the sweet-tooths. Laughter echoed through the halls as we read together, played dress-up, and savored each bite. For a fleeting moment, their faces forgot the hardships, and mine forgot its own. In their sparkling eyes, I saw a reflection of Melody's, reminding me that kindness can be a potent balm. As I prepared to leave, one tiny hand grasped mine. "Thank you , miss ," a small voice whispered. My heart swelled, with the fact that I did something good today and there is atleast little value of my life .

I pulled into the office parking lot, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the sleek glass facade. Another drive, another moment of clarity. I stepped out of the Porsche, my heels clicking on the pavement as I made my way to the elevator. The doors slid open, and I was enveloped in the soft hum of the office. My assistant, Camilia , greeted me with a warm smile. "Welcome back, miss Scarlette. You've got a stack of documents waiting." I nodded, settling into my chair as I began to sift through the papers. Acquisition reports, financial statements, and investment proposals – the familiar rhythm of my business empire. My mind focused on the numbers, analyzing trends and opportunities. The quiet intensity of the office was a stark contrast to the laughter-filled afternoon at the orphanage, yet I found solace in both worlds. As I scanned each page, my thoughts occasionally drifted to the children, their faces etched in my memory. The phone buzzed, breaking my concentration. "Miss Nightingale , your meeting with the investors is confirmed for tomorrow at 10 am." I nodded, making a mental note. Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but for now, I was lost in the world of spreadsheets and profit margins.

I pushed my chair back from the desk, stretching my arms above my head. The fluorescent lights overhead seemed to hum in sync with my tired muscles. Time for a break. I made my way to the office kitchen, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me, ahhh . As I poured myself a steaming cup, my mind began to unwind. I added a dash of creamer, watching the swirl of white blend into the rich brown. The first sip was like a warm hug, maybe like those which people get from there mother but since I never got one so can’t say anything. I settled onto the plush couch in the corner, cradling my cup. Tomorrow's schedule loomed, and my thoughts turned to the investor meeting. I mentally rehearsed my presentation, anticipating questions and crafting responses.But my mind kept drifting to Melody and the orphanage. Their smiles lingered, a reminder of the impact I could have beyond the boardroom. My business acumen had always driven me, yet today's visit had awakened a new sense of purpose. As I sipped my coffee, the sounds of the office faded into the background. I closed my eyes, letting the warmth seep into my bones.Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but in this moment, I felt a sense of clarity. My empire might be built on steel and stone, but its true foundation lay in the connections I made, the lives I touched. The coffee's bitterness mingled with the sweetness of my thoughts, a perfect balance.

“Scarlette?" Camila's voice broke the spell. "You've got a call from—" . I opened my eyes, smiling wryly. "Take the call  Camilia . I'm on coffee break."