Chapter 2: A New Beginning in New York

The city felt like a completely different world. As Rebecca stepped out of the taxi and onto the bustling streets of New York, she was immediately overwhelmed by the towering skyscrapers, the honking of impatient drivers, and the chatter of thousands of people moving in every direction. The city had an energy unlike anything she had ever experienced—a mix of chaos and opportunity, loneliness and possibility.

She adjusted the strap of her duffel bag and took a deep breath. This is it. This is my fresh start.

Her apartment was located in a high-rise building in the heart of Manhattan, a small but aesthetically pleasing space with large windows that overlooked the city. It wasn't a penthouse, but it was hers. The walls were painted in soft neutral tones, and the minimalist décor gave it a sophisticated yet cozy feel. The moment she stepped inside, she knew she had made the right decision.

She dropped her bags on the couch, exhaling deeply. The past few months had drained every ounce of energy from her, but standing here, in a place where no one knew her name, she finally felt like she could breathe again.

But the scars of betrayal didn't disappear overnight.

Rebecca had moved to New York not only to escape her past but also for her career. She had landed a promising job at Luxe Marketing Agency, one of the top firms in the city, known for its high-profile clients and fast-paced work environment. It had been a dream opportunity—one she couldn't let slip away.

Her first morning on the job, she woke up before sunrise, determined to make a good impression. She carefully selected a sleek, navy-blue blazer with matching tailored pants, wanting to look both professional and confident. Standing in front of the mirror, she smoothed down her hair and whispered her morning affirmations.

"You are strong. You are capable. You are worthy."

Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her purse and stepped out the door.

The streets were alive with activity as she made her way to the subway station. Business professionals in sharp suits rushed past, coffee in hand, while street vendors set up their carts, the smell of roasted nuts and fresh bagels filling the air. The city was a machine, always moving, never stopping.

When she arrived at the sleek, glass-covered office building of Luxe Marketing, her nerves kicked in. The lobby was grand, with polished marble floors and gold-accented décor. A receptionist greeted her with a polite smile before directing her to the 12th floor.

As the elevator ascended, Rebecca clutched her portfolio tightly. She had worked hard for this opportunity—now she just had to prove she belonged here.

The moment she stepped into the open office space, she was met with the buzz of ringing phones, clacking keyboards, and the murmur of colleagues deep in discussion. The energy was fast, sharp, competitive.

A woman with sharp cheekbones and a no-nonsense attitude approached her, clipboard in hand.

"You must be Rebecca," she said briskly. "I'm Melanie, your supervisor. Welcome to Luxe Marketing. Your office is down that hall—get settled in, and we'll meet in the conference room in an hour."

Rebecca nodded, gripping the strap of her bag.

"Yes, of course. Thank you."

She walked to her office, a modern space with a glass wall that overlooked the city. A sleek desk sat in the center, along with a brand-new laptop and a notepad with her name printed on it. She ran her fingers over the smooth surface of the desk, allowing herself a small smile.

This is where my future begins.

Despite the fresh start, old wounds had a way of creeping back in.

Rebecca had thrown herself into work, determined to keep her mind occupied, but the loneliness of the city often reminded her of what she had lost.

Every now and then, she would catch herself thinking about Noah. About Stacy. About how everything had changed so quickly. She would scroll through social media late at night, staring at pictures of them together—Noah looking happier than ever, Stacy glowing with her pregnancy.

It made her stomach twist.

"Why am I still torturing myself?" she thought, tossing her phone onto the bed.

She had moved halfway across the country to escape this, yet it still found ways to haunt her.

Determined to push forward, she focused on work. She took on extra projects, stayed late at the office, and spent hours perfecting marketing strategies. The praise from her colleagues and superiors gave her a sense of validation, but deep down, she knew she was just keeping herself distracted.

Then came the promotion.

Four months into the job, Rebecca had proven herself to be one of the company's rising stars. Her marketing campaigns had been a success, and her ability to think creatively set her apart from the rest.

So, when the company announced that she was being promoted to Senior Marketer, she was thrilled.

That morning, she dressed in a sleek white blouse paired with high-waisted black trousers. She repeated her affirmations, applied her signature nude lipstick, and made her way to the office.

The meeting where she would officially be introduced to the senior management team was scheduled for 9:00 AM sharp. But as she glanced at her phone while grabbing coffee, her stomach dropped.

8:55 AM.

She was going to be late.

Rushing through the building, she weaved through the crowd of employees, her heels clicking against the marble floor. When she finally reached the boardroom, she took a deep breath and pushed open the door.

Every head turned.

The CEO, Ethan Carter, sat at the head of the table, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers with a look of disapproval. He was strikingly handsome, with neatly combed dark hair, a sharp jawline, and an aura of authority that filled the room. His tailored suit fit perfectly, exuding confidence and power.

Rebecca swallowed, feeling heat creep up her neck.

"I—I'm sorry for being late," she stammered, glancing at the clock. Five minutes.

Ethan leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.

"I don't tolerate lateness," he said, his voice cold and clipped. "Since you couldn't be on time, you can leave. You'll have to catch up on your own."

A hush fell over the room.

Rebecca's stomach twisted in humiliation. Her first meeting with the senior team, and she was being dismissed in front of everyone.

With her head held high, she turned on her heel and left the room.

But as the door shut behind her, her heart pounded with a mix of anger and embarrassment.

Who does he think he is?

Later that afternoon, her phone buzzed.

Meeting: CEO's Office – 2:00 PM.

Rebecca sighed, already dreading the conversation.

She had fought so hard to get here. There was no way she was going to let some arrogant CEO ruin it for her.

With renewed determination, she straightened her blazer, lifted her chin, and prepared to face Ethan Carter.