It was the start of a new day. The sun appeared as a radiant orb. As it rose higher, it brought a sense of renewal and energy to the start of the day.Armand stood at his garage's doorway. He smelled the familiar, intoxicating blend of rich, earthy undertones, mingling with notes of leather, fuel, and a hint of polished metal. But today felt strange. He felt both excited and worried.He hadn't driven himself in a long while. King, who had turned out to be his ever-reliable driver, had been the one behind the wheel for countless journeys. King's expert hands guided the car on the roads with such accuracy that Armand was used to it. When King drove, the car felt like a part of him, smoothly moving through traffic like a well-practiced dance.But today was the day of the interview and Armand had granted King the day off. Armand knew this was his chance to reclaim the driver's seat, to rekindle the sensation of control that had slowly faded in his absence.With a deep breath, Ar
"Tomorrow will arrive soon." Those were Vanessa's words the previous day after Armand had gotten off the phone with Charles.Indeed, tomorrow did arrive soon. Armand decided to arrive at the first loan company, Gifted hands, before Charles and Carla.He was waiting at the gate for them when they both arrived, looking at Carla, he could clearly tell she had dressed to impress him.She had on a well-fitted, tailored blazer and pencil skirt in a deep, rich red color.The blazer had a slightly low-cut V-neckline, revealing just a hint of skin, while maintaining a sophisticated silhouette. She paired it with tasteful heels, minimalistic jewelry, and subtle makeup. As they got closer, Armand broke into a fake smile."Armand, we can't thank you enough," Carla said, her voice a mixture of gratitude and amazement. She extended her arms for a hug, instead of reciprocating, Armand shook her hand instead.Charles's eyes shimmered with appreciation as he shook Armand's hand firmly. "Arm
Lily's eyes widened, caught off guard by the outburst. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she stammered an apology, her voice trembling. "I-I'm so sorry, ma'am."Unmoved by the apology, Carla's annoyance only seemed to deepen. She hissed under her breath, shooting a disdainful glance towards the still flustered Lily. Without another word, she pivoted on her heels, her designer shoes clicking against the floor, and strode away.Armand couldn't help but be amazed by the scene which had just unfolded, it looked like Carla was never going to change, she still looked down on those not on the social status as her, soon, she would have a taste of her own medicine.As Armand watched her walk toward him, he could bet that the dress she had on wasn't the same one she had worn to work in the morning.Crafted from a fabric that shimmers with an iridescent grace, the dress molded itself to the contours of Carla's body, leaving just enough to the imagination.Its neckline was a careful
Extending a hand, Armand helped King get back on his feet. Thankfully, not many people witnessed what had happened."I'm sorry, I didn't know it was you." Celine said."It's fine, Celine. I'm sorry for bumping into you too." King replied."Pardon me, but, what exactly are you doing here?" She asked.King was hesitant to answer, so Vanessa spoke on his behalf."He works for Armand.""Interesting." Celine replied, one eyebrow raised. "What exactly do you do for him?" She asked.""I... uh, I'm actually his driver." King answered, his voice softened and his shoulders slumped slightly. His gaze seemed to drop, and he avoided making direct eye contact with Celine."Oh my! What a shame. I heard about it, but I refused to believe it was true." She replied.She then leaned forward, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and disappointment. "King," she began, her tone cutting through the air, "I just can't understand how you've let yourself end up like this. Your father's company
However, their moment was interrupted by a voice from behind."What's going on here?" Carla asked.Both men untangled themselves from each other and turned to look at her."Nothing." Armand replied."That didn't look like nothing to me." Carla commented."It was just a hug." King said."A hug? Since when did drivers hug their bosses?" She inquired."King and I are more than boss and driver. We're friends." Armand answered.King's heart warmed as he heard Armand's words. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and his eyes lit up with genuine happiness."I wasn't aware that the both of you are now friends." Carla said."You're not aware of a lot of things, Carla" Changing the topic, he asked "Do you need something?""Actually, I do. I need you." She answered in a flirtatious tone.With one last knowing look and nod in King's direction, Armand asked Carla to lead the way. Carla spurned in her heels and walked back into the party with Armand behind her.Carla's voice carr
It was Celine Smith. "Mrs Smith. How lovely it is to see you. Would you like to join the interview?" Greg asked. "That's if Mr Armstrong wouldn't mind.""It's fine, she can join us." Armand said.Celine then moved over to join them with Carla right behind her."Without asking, I can tell you're having a wonderful time, Mrs Smith." Greg said."Sure, the party is simply delightful." Celine replied."If I may ask though, what was it you and your daughter found so hilarious? Care to fill me in?" Greg asked."Oh, it's nothing serious. We overheard your question and it made us chuckle." Celine answered."Why's that?" Greg inquired."Oh, Greg, I must start by saying that I am absolutely bursting with pride when it comes to my dear Armand," Celine began, her eyes sparkling with a mix of genuine affection and well-practiced charm. "From his early days, he showed such promise, and look at him now, the esteemed CEO of D'Armstrong empire, the jewel of our city's business landscape."
The party had come to an end. Amidst the lively chatter and music that filled the air, Armand stepped into the center of the room, capturing everyone's attention. The warm glow of fairy lights illuminated his confident smile as he raised his glass. Silence fell like a hush over the bustling gathering, anticipation shimmering in the eyes of the guests.Armand's voice resonated with a blend of sincerity and excitement as he began his heartfelt thank-you speech."Ladies and gentlemen, Good evening and thank you for joining us tonight to celebrate not just business partnerships, but the genuine friendships and connections that make our journeys meaningful. Your presence here tonight is a testament to the strength of our relationships, and for that, I am truly grateful.In the fast-paced world we operate in, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. But events like this remind us that amidst the hustle and bustle, it's the relationships we build that sustain us. It's the trust,
It was Monday. As the sunlight streamed through the windows, Vanessa walked into the office with a radiant smile that seemed to rival the sun itself. Her heart fluttered with a mix of satisfaction and relief. The party the previous day had gone according to plan.Vanessa strode purposefully through the entrance, her heels clicking lightly against the polished marble floor. The buzz of the office was already in full swing, the hum of conversation and the clicking of keyboards filling the air. As she made her way to her desk, Mia, the newly employed secretary, approached her with a bright smile."Vanessa, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for inviting me to Mr Armstrong's party yesterday," Mia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.Vanessa paused, returning Mia's smile warmly. "Mia, it was my pleasure. I'm glad you made it and had a good time."Mia's smile widened. "I had an amazing time! It was such a great party, and I can't thank you enough for including me."Vane