The next thirteen days passed in a blur.
I documented my work meticulously. Trained Sarah on the accounts she would be taking over. She barely hid her satisfaction, and that made me want to slap her most of the time.
I also endured the cold shoulders and whispered gossip, busy with all of my handover matters.
Jenny took me out for drinks on my second to last day.
"I'm going to miss you," she said, already tipsy on her second cocktail.
"I'll miss you too."
"Promise you'll tell me everything. Like, everything. If this billionaire turns out to be a secret psycho, I need to know."
I laughed. "Deal."
"And if he's amazing in…" She waggled her eyebrows. "I want those details too."
"Jenny!"
"What? You're still young, single, and about to work for the hottest CEO in the city. I'm living vicariously through you."
"It's not like that. This is just a job."
"Mhmmm. Sure. Keep telling yourself that."
I rolled my eyes, but part of me wondered.
Daniel's messages had always been professional and encouraging. But there was something definitely underneath them. Something I couldn't figure out yet.
I think you're interesting, both professionally and personally.
What did that mean?
"Earth to Lulu?" Jenny waved her hand in front of my face. "You're doing that thing again. The spacing out thing."
"Sorry. Just… nervous about Monday."
"You're going to kill it. I know you will."
She raised her glass. "To Lulu Chen. The woman who jumped off a roof and learned to fly."
I clinked my glass against hers.
"To jumping," I whispered.
*******
My last day at Jensen & Partners was anticlimatic.
I cleaned out my cubicle, packing three years of my life into a cardboard box.
I said awkward goodbyes to people who had barely spoken to me in weeks.
Marcus shook my hand stiffly. "Good luck, Lulu."
"Thank you."
That was it.
No farewell party. Not even they waved me goodbye.
I walked out at 5 PM with my box under one arm and my bag over the other shoulder.
On the street, I stopped and looked back at the building.
I felt my phone buzzing inside my bag, and took it out.
Daniel Tan: Ready for Monday?
Me: As ready as I'll ever be.
Daniel Tan: See you at 9 AM. Don't be late.
Me: Wouldn't dream of it.
I hailed a cab and gave the driver my address.
As the city views blurred past the window, I felt it.
The feeling of free fall, the terror, and the exhilaration.
And underneath it all, I felt the excitement.
On Monday, my new life would begin.
I just hoped I was ready for it.
*******
Monday morning, I woke up at 5 AM without any alarm.
I was too nervous and full of anticipation. I had laid out my outfit the night before.
A tailored charcoal dress with a belt that cinched at the waist, paired with my best heels.
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my collar for the third time. My reflection stared back at me. A confident look but also completely terrified.
"You can do this," I whispered.
By 8 AM, I was out the door. Daniel had texted me the night before with instructions.
Arrive at 9 AM sharp, go to the 45th floor reception, ask for Vivian Zhang.
The train ride felt surreal this morning. All around me, people headed to their mundane jobs, to their familiar routines.
Meanwhile, I was traveling toward something completely unknown.
The Tan Industries Tower loomed ahead as I emerged from the station.
I took a breath and walked inside.
*******
The lobby was just as intimidating as I remembered. Marble floors that gleamed like mirrors. The reception desk that looked like modern art. Also the people in expensive suits moving with their own purposes.
I approached the reception desk, and felt my heels clicking too loudly. But no one cared.
"Good morning. How can I help you?"
The receptionist, a young woman with perfect makeup and a practiced smile, looked up at me.
"I'm Lulu Chen. I'm starting my first day of work here today. I was told to go to the 45th floor?"
She typed something into her computer.
"Ah, yes. Ms. Zhang is expecting you."
She handed me a sleek badge with my photo already printed on it.
"Welcome to Tan Industries, Ms. Chen. The elevators are to your right. Use your badge to access the 45th floor."
"Thank you."
I clipped the badge to my dress and headed for the elevators, trying not to look as lost as I felt.
The elevator was packed with other employees. All of them looked polished and confident.
I squeezed into a corner and watched the floor numbers climb.
30… 35… 40…
People filtered out at various floors. By 43, I was alone.
44…
45.
The doors opened.
I stepped out into a space that stole my breath.
The 45th floor was stunning. Floor to ceiling windows wrapped around the entire space, flooding everything with natural light.
The design was modern and sleek. Glass partitions instead of walls, open workspaces with standing desks, art pieces that probably cost more than my yearly salary.
"Ms. Chen?"
I turned.
A young man in his twenties stood nearby, holding a tablet. He had an eager, friendly expression.
"I'm Kevin, Ms. Zhang's assistant. She's finishing up a call, but she'll be with you in just a moment. Can I get you anything? Coffee? Water?"
"Coffee would be great. Thank you."
"How do you take it?"
"Cream, no sugar."
He smiled and disappeared.
I stood awkwardly near the elevators, trying not to stare at everything like a dumb tourist.
Through one of the glass walls, I could see a conference room where several people were deep in discussion.
Through another, rows of employees at their desks, typing away with focused intensity.
Everyone here looked like they belonged.
"Ms. Chen."
The voice was smooth, feminine, yet commanding.
I turned.
And there she was.
Vivian Zhang.