Glam and Glow

Welcome to Glam and Glow.

"Wow... this place looks like an expensive shopping mall!"

There were escalators on both sides, a glass wall glittering with the city outside, and giant posters of models on every wall. Focus, Rose.

"Excuse me—!"

Oh. I didn't see that lady sitting behind the counter.

"Um, Rose à Montasia. I'm here for the internship."

"Oh! Welcome to Glam and Glow. I'll let our boss know you've arrived!"

Boss...?

Why am I so nervous?

My hands are literally trembling.

First day the grand hall of my potential workplace and here I am, feeling smaller than a speck of glitter.

And why is everyone staring at me?

Keep it together, Rose! Who's gonna be the next big thing?

Me!

"Miss Montasia, to the boss's office, please."

"Eh? Did I do something wrong?"

Oh great. I look like an idiot.

In my world, if your name gets called to the office... you're in trouble.

"I'll escort you to the boss's office. This way, Miss Montasia."

I followed her all the way to Level 3 the highest floor of the building.

She knocked gently.

"Boss Vincent, I've brought Miss Montasia."

Then, a voice "Enter." 

Hold up.

This is it. This is my new world now. Starting from this moment... 

I'm ruined. Yup.

I stepped in.

First step I caught his golden eyes staring at me.

Brown messy hair, sleeves rolled up...

WHAT?! It's that guy!

The one I thought was a prince, or a model, or something!

HE'S MY NEW BOSS?!

My life just keeps getting more dramatic every minute. Come on, universe. 

Bring it on. What's next?

Me, sitting on a throne, wearing sunglasses and the best dress I designed myself, 

him standing beside me like a royal bodyguard... Wahahahaha!

"Thank you, Miya. You may leave now."

Right... back to reality.

I'm still me. Small, fidgety, nervous me.

Click.

The door closed behind me.

"Well! Have a seat, Rose à Montasia."

"Oh! Yes. Please!"

What am I even saying?!

I sat down in front of him.

Even with a desk between us, I could smell his cologne.

Ahem. Focus.

"So... you have quite a reputation, huh?"

He studied me while I sat frozen in place.

"First, a girl who did a great job even though her dress got ruined.

Then, running around the hallway... and bumping into trouble."

He smiled at me.

My cheeks burned.

"Why did you put that on my resume?!"

He chuckled.

"My name is Vincent Leclair. Nice to meet you."

He leaned back, relaxed but commanding.

"I'll be your manager from now on. In this world, you work under me. 

So listen up, newbie. And keep up with me."

Okay, hold up.

I hate this guy already.

He's going straight to second place on my hate list.

Right under Lucas.

"Alright, newbie eyes sharp!"

Vincent stood up, fixing the buttons on his cuff with that intense stare.

Wait up do all bosses look at you like that? Or just mine? Sorry, sorry, moving on...

"One more thing before we start. Here, we don't have uniforms. Dress smart. And—"

He slid something across the table toward me.

"Eh? What's this?"

I squinted. Oh. a pen.

He raised an eyebrow. 

"Don't tell me you don't know how to wear lipstick."

My face turned pale like a melted marshmallow.

"Ehh...!" I snatched it and shoved it into my pocket, grumbling under my breath.

He didn't even hide his smirk.

"Today, I need to introduce you to everyone and show you the place. 

This is your new playground. So, follow me."

I scrambled to stand up. "Yes... sir...? Boss... manager...?"

He turned halfway and said without missing a beat

"It's Vincent. Call me Vincent. Now hurry up this is working hours, not daydream hours."

Ugh! This guy. Who does he think he is?! ...Oh right. My boss. Fine.

I grabbed my bag and trailed after him like an obedient puppy.

"In this building, we have five levels total Levels One, Two, Three, plus B1 and B2."

He gestured like a tour guide, but with a vibe that screamed CEO.

"The top level is the executive floor this is my office. 

On the right is Lady Boss Helena's office She's the wife of the company owner, so watch your manners. 

On the other left is Manager Cecil he's five years older than me. 

You'll meet them later. They're abroad right now for some business negotiations.

Just remember if you don't wanna get eaten alive, keep up with me."

"Eh?!" A shiver ran down my spine.

He shot me a look serious this time.

"Follow me."

We stopped in front of a wide glass wall.

"See this? From here, you can look inside, but from the inside, no one can see out. It's tinted glass. Inside are six chairs, six mini offices split into two groups. Group A works under me; Group B works under Cecil.

That's the core team's nest. And yours" he pointed, "is over there in the corner."

I squinted. One lonely empty chair.

"So... that's mine? And you can watch me work from here?" I asked suspiciously.

"Yes, Rose à Montasia. If you prove yourself. Earn it first, then claim it."

He smirked. I rolled my eyes behind his back.

He kept striding ahead like he owned the whole planet.

"Right corner bathroom. Left corner pantry. 

Free coffee, tea, bread all stocked. Don't ask why I still get café coffee. Next—"

Okay, let me take over before this hotshot explains my whole life.

So! Quick blueprint, Rose version.

Level 3: Boss offices (Vincent, Helena, Cecil), tinted glass workstations, VIP lounge.

Level 2: Mini runway stage, fitting rooms, guest lounge for buyers and negotiations.

Level 1: Reception desk where Miya works, and that café where my boss's precious black coffee comes from. 

Seriously... why does he need café coffee if there's a pantry?! Ugh.

B1: Storage all fabrics, extra sewing machines, tools. 

Designers heaven's down there. One day, I'll touch every fabric in that room. Hehe.

B2: His pet beast's cave aka his shiny black car. One day, I'm driving that too.

Okay! That sums up my new kingdom.

I'm Rose à Montasia remember the name.

Next time you see me? I'll own this place.