Chapter 3

After weeks of non-stop work, Blue Lines' newest software development was finally complete. The launch event was scheduled for 9 pm on Friday, and Alice was excited to attend.

Alice stood in front of her closet, scanning her outfits for the perfect dress. She had spent hours deciding on the silver gown, and now it was finally time to put it on.

As she got ready, Alice's mind wandered to the launch event. She had worked tirelessly on the software development, and tonight was the culmination of their efforts. With her hair styled and makeup applied, Alice slipped on her heels and checked herself in the mirror. The silver gown shimmered, accentuating her curves.

"Perfect," she whispered, feeling confident, feeling like the prettiest girl in the world. Alice grabbed her clutch and phone, double-checking the event details. 9 pm at the Grand Ballroom. She wouldn't be late. Before heading out, Alice took a deep breath, visualizing the success of the launch. Her heart raced with excitement. With one last glance at her apartment, Alice locked the door and stepped into the evening.

She arrived at the hall, dressed in her stunning silver gown, stealing most of the attention from other ladies. Stepping into the hall, she couldn't help herself from admiring the the interior. She had never being to an event like this and was glad she finally had the opportunity to attend it. After standing around for a while, she spotted her friends Nikki and Brie, and walked over to join them at their table.

"Wow, Alice, you look amazing!" Nikki exclaimed.

"Thanks, I was hoping to make a good impression," Alice replied, scanning the room.

They all chatted on different topics, from work to personal life. As they were still engrossed in their conversation, the noticed that the room fell silent, and all eyes turned to the entrance. A figure emerged from the shadows, commanding attention. Tall, broad-shouldered, and exuding confidence, he walked with purpose, and a cold aura that warns people to stay away. She had never seen a man so handsome in her entire life before. Alice's heart skipped a beat as his piercing blue eyes swept across the room, locking onto hers for a fleeting moment. The air seemed to vibrate with electricity.

"Who is that?" Brie whispered to Nikki.

Nikki followed her gaze. "Your kidding aren't you, that's the CEO, but I've never seen him up close. He's even more handsome and intimidating in person."

Alice felt her heart stop beating for a moment. There was something unnervingly captivating about his eyes. As he reached the stage, the room erupted into applause. Alice joined in, her eyes fixed on the mysterious figure.

"Welcome, everyone," he began, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "Tonight marks a new era for Blue Line Cooperation."

Alice listened, entranced, as he presented the new software. His words dripped with conviction, and his presence was mesmerizing.

After the CEO's speech, the emcee invited the guests to participate in a networking session, complete with champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

Alice, Nikki, and Brie exchanged excited glances. "Time to mingle!" Nikki whispered.

As they made their way through the crowd, Alice couldn't shake off the feeling that of someone watching her. She looked around but didn't find anyone suspicious. For a moment, she didn't know why, but she found herself gazing at the CEO, who was now surrounded by a group of investors. The three friends stopped at a table laden with refreshments. Alice picked up a glass of champagne and sipped it slowly, surveying the room.

"Wow, this is quite the event," Brie said, admiring the hall.

"And quite the turnout," Nikki added. "I see some big names here."

Alice nodded, spotting a few industry leaders. "This could be a great opportunity to make connections."

As they chatted, a group of colleagues from Blue Lines' marketing department approached them. "Hey, Alice! Great job on the campaign," one of them said.

Alice smiled, feeling proud. "Thanks, guys! It was a team effort."

The conversation flowed easily, with laughter and industry gossip. Alice relaxed, enjoying the camaraderie.

Just as she was about to leave, Nikki grabbed her arm. "Wait, Alice! They're announcing the raffle winners."

An emcee took the stage, microphone in hand. "And the winner of the exclusive tech bundle is... Alice Smith!"

Alice's eyes widened as applause erupted. She made her way to the stage, stunned. As she accepted the prize, she caught a glimpse of the CEO watching her from across the room. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and Alice felt a jolt of electricity. With her prize in hand. She quickly left the stage and bided farewell to her friends. "Time for me to head home," she said.

"Congratulations again!" Nikki and Brie chimed in unison.

Alice smiled, feeling elated. Little did she know, her night was only just beginning...

After the main event and after-party ended, Alice decided to head home, exhausted from the day's activities. As she walked out of the venue, the cool night air enveloped her, providing a welcome respite from the crowded, loud space.

She hailed a taxi and settled into the backseat, letting out a deep sigh of relief, feeling the tension in her shoulders begin to ease. The driver, noticing her fatigue, asked about her night. Alice managed a smile and shared a few highlights from the event.

As the taxi navigated through the quiet streets, Alice's mind began to wander. She thought about the conversations she had, the laughter, and the music. The stress of the past few weeks started to melt away.

But as the taxi turned onto her street, Alice's thoughts shifted to the stack of unpaid bills waiting on her kitchen counter. She had been putting off dealing with them, hoping for a miracle. Before she knew it, the taxi pulled up to her apartment building. Alice paid the fare and stepped out into the crisp night air. As she approached her front door, her heart sank instantly, she couldn't believe what she was looking at. There, taped to the door in plain sight, was an eviction notice. Her mind racing, she felt a wave of panic wash over her. She stood frozen, staring at the notice as if willing it to disappear. The neon lights of the hall way flickered, casting eerie shadows on the ground. The distant hum of the neighbors air con broke the silence, but Alice's focus remained fixed on the stark white paper. A mix of emotions swirled inside her: shock, fear, anger, and desperation. How could this be happening? She had always been so careful with her finances, prioritizing rent above all else. The thought of losing her home, her sanctuary, was unbearable.

Alice was already familiar with the way the land lord treats tenants who over stayed their welcome and she wasn't ready to get on his bad side. She quickly headed to her room and started putting her things together. It didn't take her much time to pack up cause apart from her clothing and a few other essentials, she didn't own anything else as the apartment was already furnished from start. Alice sat down on her already worn out sofa, thinking about what to do next, when a thought crossed her mind: Emily. Alice and Emily had attended the same college and had been inseparable best friends since then. Emily's bubbly personality, empathetic listening ear, and unwavering support made her the perfect person to turn to in times of crisis. Without hesitation, Alice decided to give Emily a call to see if she could stay with her temporarily. She couldn't ask Nikki and Brie to stay over as they both lived with their boyfriends, making Emily her only viable option. She felt a bit guilty as she didn't reach out to Emily all this time and the only time she was reaching to her was in her time of need.

After dialing Emily's number five times, there was finally an answer.

"Hi Alice, I can't believe this is really you calling! How are you, dear?" Emily's cheerful voice flooded the line.

"Hi Emily, I'm doing okay, but I need your help," Alice replied, trying to contain her emotions.

"Okay, what's going on?" Emily's tone shifted to concern.

Alice took a deep breath and shared everything: the eviction notice, her financial struggles, and her desperation. Emily listened attentively over the phone, offering reassuring murmurs.

"That's not a problem, Alice. You can totally stay with me," Emily said. "But I'm not in the country right now. However, my parents wouldn't mind having you."

"Your parents...are you sure about that?" Alice asked hesitantly.

"I'm positive. I'll text you the address and give them a call, okay?" Emily replied confidently.

"Thank you so much, Emily. I wouldn't have known what to do without you," Alice said, tears of gratitude welling up.

"What are friends for? It's okay, just go over, okay?" Emily reassured.

"Thanks, Emily. You're a lifesaver."

Alice hung up the phone, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. Emily's offer was a lifeline, and she was grateful for her friend's unwavering support.

She quickly grabbed a pen and paper to jot down Emily's parents' address. As she waited for Emily's text, Alice's mind began to wander. Staying with Emily's parents would be a temporary solution, but what about her long-term plans? The text arrived, and Alice saved the address in her phone.

Alice hung up, feeling a sense of gratitude toward Emily and her family.

As she began packing essentials, Alice realized she had to confront the root of her problems and with a newfound sense of determination, Alice closed her suitcase and headed out into the unknown.

She glanced at her apartment, one last time, before picking up bags and headed for the gates. After standing around for a while, a cab finally pulled up to her. After getting in, she showed the driver the address and he started the engine and drove off. After what seemed like forever, the drive finally came to an end. Stepping out of the car. Alice couldn't believe what she saw in front of her.

"Excuse me Mister, are you sure this is the right address?" Alice asked as she was finding everything hard to believe.

"Yes ma'am, it is" the driver replied politely while placing her bags, which he just took out of the trunk, next to her. Alice walked over to the building in front of her and couldn't believe what her eyes saw. It was a huge mansion, almost like a skyscraper. Alice's eyes widened as she gazed up at the grandeur before her. The mansion's sleek design, manicured lawns, and sparkling fountain seemed to belong in a fairy tale, not in the reality of her struggling life.

She felt a mix of emotions: awe, gratitude, and a hint of embarrassment. How could Emily, her down-to-earth friend, come from such opulence? The contrast between Emily's simple lifestyle and this majestic estate was staggering. She walked closer to the gates and noticed a sign on the wall which said 'Blacks residence '. That's when she knew she was truly at the right address because she could clearly remember Emily's surname, Black. But she never knew Emily was from a rich home, probably because about Emily was low key from her dressing to her apartment and everything, but this changes everything.

But Alice's mind struggled to reconcile this opulence with her friend's humble demeanor. Emily's understated style, from her clothes to her apartment, had never hinted at such wealth.

She still in a trance when the driver's voice broke her chain of thoughts. "Ma'am, do you need help with your bags?"

Alice shook her head, still dazed. "No, thank you. I've got it."

With a courteous nod, the driver departed, leaving Alice alone before the mansion's grand gates.

Before she could knock on the gates, the gates opened by themselves.

'Electrical I guess' she thought to herself. Immediately she walked in, she found a guard standing around the corner.

"Are you Alice Smith?" He asked with a straight face.

"Yes, I am"

"Right this way" he said gesturing towards the mansion.

"Thank you " she said as she walked towards the direction of the mansion. Getting to the front door, she gently pushed it open. Alice's eyes widened as she gazed up at the grandeur before her. The mansion's sleek design, manicured lawns, and sparkling fountain seemed to belong in a fairy tale, not in the reality of her struggling life.

As she stood there, the imposing doors swung open, revealing a warm, elegantly decorated foyer.

As Alice stepped into the mansion, she was enveloped in an aura of opulence. The grand entrance, with its sweeping staircase and crystal chandelier, seemed to whisper secrets of the past.

"Alice, dear, welcome to our home," she heard the voice of an elderly woman say. Turning around, she found an elderly couple descending the stairs.

"Thank you so much for having me," Alice replied, trying to hide her surprise.

"Your welcome my dear, please sit" said the elderly woman as the all sat down.

"Thank you so much ma'am" Alice said making herself comfortable on the couch.

"I know you don't know who we are so let me make the introduction, my name is Stacy Black and this is my husband, Jerry Black"

"It's nice meeting you both, thank you once again for letting me into your home"

"It's ok dear, Emily talks about you a lot, it's great to finally meet you, please make yourself comfortable, this is your home too"

The evening passed in a blur of polite conversation, lavish dinner courses, and stifled curiosity. Alice's mind whirled with questions as she sat across from Emily's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Black, in the opulent dining room.

Mrs. Black, a poised woman with elegant silver hair, engaged Alice in discussions about art and literature. Mr. Black, a ruggedly handsome man with a warm smile, shared stories about his business ventures. Alice struggled to reconcile the affluence surrounding her with Emily's humble demeanor. She couldn't help but wonder what other secrets her friend might be hiding.

As the main course was served, Jenkins, the family butler refilled Alice's glass with fine wine. "So, Miss Alice, tell us about your interests," Mrs. Black encouraged.

Alice launched into a passionate explanation of her passion for photography, and Mr. Black listened intently. "I've always been fascinated by the way light can transform a scene," Alice said.

Mrs. Black nodded. "Emily told us about your talent. We'd love to see your work."

Alice's cheeks flushed with gratitude. "Thank you, I'd be happy to share."

Over coffee, Mr. Black asked Alice about her plans for the future. Alice hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I'm still figuring things out," she admitted.

Mrs. Black's expression turned sympathetic. "We've all been there, dear. You're welcome to stay with us as long as you need."

Alice's eyes welled up with gratitude. "Thank you, Mrs. Black. Your kindness means everything."

"It's getting late now, and you must be exhausted," Jerry said. "Why don't you go get some rest?"

"Of course, sir," Alice replied. "I would love that."

"Jenny!!" Stacy called out, and young maid appeared in the living room instantly. "Yes, ma'am?"

"Take Alice upstairs to her room," Stacy instructed.

"Yes, ma'am," Jenny replied, turning to Alice. "Follow me, please."

Alice trailed Jenny up the grand staircase, taking in the elegant artwork and soft chandelier glow.

As they reached the top of the stairs, Jenny led Alice down a long hallway adorned with family portraits. Alice's curiosity was piqued by the warm smiles and gentle eyes that seemed to follow her.

"Your room is just over here," Jenny said, stopping before a beautifully crafted wooden door.

"Thank you, Jenny," Alice said, genuinely grateful.

Jenny smiled and said. "If you need anything, just press the button by the bed. I'll be happy to assist."

Alice stepped into her lavish guest room, feeling like she'd entered a dream world. The plush carpet beneath her feet, the marble bathroom, and the stunning city view from the floor-to-ceiling windows left her breathless.

She wandered around the room, running her fingers over the intricate patterns on the furniture, the softness of the bedding, and the delicate petals of the fresh flowers on the nightstand. Every detail seemed meticulously crafted to provide a serene escape.

As she gazed out the window, Alice's thoughts drifted to Emily. How could her friend have kept this opulent world hidden? Their college days, spent sharing laughter and late-night pizza, seemed like a different lifetime.

Alice's attention returned to the room as she noticed a beautifully crafted wooden box on the dresser. Intricate carvings adorned the lid, and a small note attached to it read:

"For Alice, with love and welcome. -Emily"

Tears pricked at the corners of Alice's eyes as she opened the box. Inside, she found a delicate silver necklace with a tiny camera pendant, a nod to her passion for photography.

A lump formed in her throat. Emily's thoughtfulness knew no bounds.

Alice fastened the necklace around her neck, feeling a sense of belonging. For the first time in weeks, she felt truly seen and cared for.

As she changed into the plush robe provided, Alice caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The necklace sparkled against her skin, and a gentle smile spread across her face.

Alice slipped out of bed, feeling refreshed after the exhausting day she had. She decided to unwind with a warm bath, eager to shed the travel fatigue.

She made her way to the marble bathroom, admiring the intricate tile work and sparkling fixtures. Filling the tub with steaming water, Alice added a hint of lavender bath salts, courtesy of the thoughtful amenities provided.

As she soaked in the tub, Alice let her thoughts drift. The warmth seeped into her muscles, easing tension. She closed her eyes, letting the gentle lapping of the water against the tub's edges lull her into relaxation.

The bathroom's soft lighting and soothing ambiance enveloped her, creating a tranquil oasis. Alice's mind began to quiet, releasing the worries of the past few days.

With renewed tranquility, Alice slipped into bed, surrounded by the softness and luxury of her temporary sanctuary.

As she drifted off to sleep, the city lights twinkling outside, Alice knew tomorrow would bring new challenges and discoveries.

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As night's moon dipped below the horizon, the morning sun ascended, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Outside, birds chorused in melodic harmony, their trills weaving with the gentle rustle of leaves. Within the luxurious bedroom, the refreshing breeze whispered through the heavy curtains, caressing the figure sprawled across the plush bed.

Alice's limbs unfolded with sleepy reluctance, her slender fingers stretching toward the ceiling.

The refreshing touch of the wind made its way into a certain bedroom, dancing in-between the hair of the figure that laid peaceful on the bed. The morning light crept through the heavy curtains, casting a warm glow on the plush carpets and intricate furnishings.

As the light grew stronger, the figure stirred. A gentle stretch, a soft sigh, and slowly, eyes fluttered open.

A soft sigh escaped her lips as she slowly sat up, her gaze drifting upward. The opulent surroundings seemed to reverberate with familiarity, yet her mind struggled to grasp the memories.

Luxurious fabrics and intricate patterns danced in the growing light, as morning sunbeams pirouettes across the room. Alice's eyes widened, drinking in the elegance. Her thoughts swirled, fragmented images fluttering just beyond recall. She raised a hand, her fingers brushing against the soft silk of her hair.

The gentle chirping outside grew louder, a soothing serenade accomp