chapter 3

I barely slept that night.

Every time I managed to close my eyes for a few minutes, I saw the same scene again: Julien… in Vanessa’s arms. Their looks, their smiles, their intertwined hands.

I always ended up waking with a start.

When my alarm went off, I was already awake.

I lay there for a few moments, staring at the ceiling. Part of me wanted to stay under the covers and forget about the entire world. But I knew that wasn't the answer.

I had to move forward.

Even if it hurt.

I slowly got out of bed, took a shower, and let the cold water run over my face for a few extra seconds. I hoped it would wash away at least some of my sadness.

When I looked at myself in the mirror, I let out a quiet sigh.

My eyes were still red and slightly swollen.

I took out my makeup bag and did my best to hide the traces of that endless night.

Then I put on a simple yet elegant beige suit. I tied my hair into a low bun and grabbed my bag.

Just before leaving the apartment, I placed my hand on the doorknob.

“Today… you’re starting a new life, Marie,” I whispered to myself, trying to find the courage to move forward.

Then I walked out.

---

Half an hour later, the taxi stopped in front of Terry Group’s headquarters.

I slowly looked up.

The building was impressive.

Its enormous glass façades gleamed beneath the first rays of sunlight. Employees walked in and out with determined expressions, some talking on their phones, others carrying briefcases.

I remained still for a few seconds.

I had never been inside such a prestigious company.

“Is everything all right, miss?” the driver asked.

I gave him a small smile.

“Yes… thank you.”

I paid the fare and stepped out of the vehicle.

Standing before the automatic doors, I took a deep breath.

You can do this.

At the reception desk, a young woman dressed in an elegant uniform looked up at me.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning. My name is Marie Rose. I have an interview this morning.”

The receptionist quickly checked her computer before smiling at me again.

“Yes, Miss Rose. Mr. Terry is expecting you on the twenty-fifth floor.”

“Thank you very much.”

I stepped into the elevator.

As the numbers climbed, my heart began beating faster and faster.

When the doors opened, a young blonde woman immediately approached me.

“Good morning. I’m Olivia Carter, Mr. Terry’s executive assistant.”

She held out her hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is mine.”

Her warm smile managed to calm my nerves slightly.

“Please, follow me.”

I followed her down the hallway.

It was spacious, bright, and perfectly maintained.

Employees moved from one office to another, completely focused on their work. The only sounds were keyboards clicking and a few quiet conversations.

Everything radiated professionalism.

Finally, Olivia stopped in front of an imposing black wooden door.

She turned slightly toward me.

“Mr. Terry will see you now.”

I discreetly wiped my sweaty palms against my trousers.

“Thank you.”

Olivia knocked twice.

Immediately, a deep voice answered from the other side.

“Come in.”

She opened the door and stepped aside to let me enter.

I walked into the office.

It was enormous.

A large floor-to-ceiling window offered a breathtaking view of the entire city.

The furniture was modern, elegant, and understated.

Behind a large dark wooden desk sat a man dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit.

He was going through some documents with absolute concentration.

Without looking up, he gestured toward the chair in front of him.

“Sit down.”

His voice was calm, deep… and intimidating.

I sat down without saying a word.

A few seconds later, he closed the file and finally looked up.

Our eyes met.

I froze.

The man sitting before me exuded natural confidence.

His expression was serious, almost unreadable. His dark eyes seemed to analyze every detail without ever revealing what he was thinking.

He didn't need to raise his voice to command respect.

He picked up my résumé.

“Marie Rose.”

“Yes, sir.”

He gave a slight nod.

“Your profile is interesting.”

“Thank you.”

He continued reading without saying another word.

Silence once again filled the office.

I could hear the pounding of my own heart.

Finally, he placed the file on his desk.

“Tell me… why do you want to leave your previous job?”

I instinctively lowered my eyes.

There was no way I could tell him what had happened the night before.

I took a steady breath.

“I simply need to start over.”

He didn't answer immediately.

I could feel his eyes fixed on me.

As though he were trying to uncover everything hidden behind my words.

After a few seconds, he gently closed the file.

“I appreciate honest people.”

A knot formed in my stomach.

Had he realized I was hiding something from him?

I opened my mouth to answer, but someone knocked on the door.

Without waiting for permission, a young man walked straight into the office.

“Uncle Clark…”

I recognized that voice the moment it echoed through the room.

My heart stopped for a second.

Julien.

He froze the moment he saw me sitting across from his uncle.

His expression changed instantly.

“Marie Rose… what are you doing here?”

I was speechless.

Then I slowly turned my head toward the man sitting behind the desk.

Clark Terry.

So this was him.

Julien’s uncle.

Clark looked from his nephew to me and then back again.

His eyes narrowed slightly, as though he had just realized there was a connection between us.

The silence that filled the office was heavy.

And, for reasons I couldn't explain, I had the feeling that this encounter was about to change my life forever.