Still, she convinced herself.
"This is just for my career… and to get that annoying Lux off my back. I'm not planning to do anything inappropriate with Ethan anyway."
But even that reassurance didn't stop the creeping guilt.
"Besides, once the scheme works, I'll just… plan a breakup. Simple. Hopefully he doesn't expect any… premarital stuff before then."
Just the thought of it made her cheeks flush.
She covered her face with her hands.
"I'm not looking for a relationship right now," Tiana pondered quietly.
"Maybe once I'm settled and my career is at its peak—then I'll be ready."
She paused, letting the thought sit.
"Besides, even if it takes eight or nine years, or more… I'll still be in my early thirties."
A faint smile tugged at her lips.
"Alright, back to reality. My 'girlfriend scheme' might still flop…"
Her lips pursed.
"He hasn't replied yet."
The idea that Ethan might reject her again—or worse, go back on his reconsideration—sent a wave of anxiety washing over her.
"looking at my phone becomes difficult now?"
She muttered, gripping her pocket like it contained a time bomb.
"I don't have the guts to check!"
She spiral dramatically.
******************
The next morning, Tiana walked into the company, greeting everyone with a smile while hiding the usual internal war going on inside her.
"Still haven't had the guts to open my email!"
The fear of ruining her chance was real. Not only had she prayed before bed, but she also suddenly found herself taking her religious beliefs more seriously.
"Oh lord, have mercy,"
she whispered, closing her eyes, crying internally.
"Alright, good morning everyone,"
Madison said, glancing around at all the designers seated in the meeting room.
"As we all know, we've successfully completed the autumn collection launch, so the rest will be handled by other departments."
She took her seat, crossing her legs.
"But just because we succeeded this time doesn't mean we can get complacent. And just because your design was selected for the winter line, Tiana, doesn't mean you're excluded from putting in hard work for the spring sketches."
She looked directly at Tiana, who sat calm and confident.
"I urge everyone to start working. I'm sure you're all aware the higher-ups have their eyes on you now—especially after your winter sketch was accepted by the CEO."
Tiana smiled, savoring Annabel's expression, which practically told a jealous story all on its own.
"Of course, Miss Madison,"
Tiana said coolly, her usual beaming smile intact.
"Keep staring till your eyes pop out. And let me know if you need a bowl while you're at it!"
She thought smugly, giving Annabel a subtle glance before flashing her another cheerful smile.
As the meeting ended, Tiana overheard a few of her coworkers whispering behind her back.
"I think she might've seduced the CEO…"
"You think?"
"Duh, are you oblivious or what? Just because she stands out doesn't mean she won't take advantage of it."
The words didn't just hit Tiana—they sliced right through her. Mostly because… a part of it felt true.
"At this point, they're just brutal."
She thought bitterly as she walked away, trying to keep her head high.
"But seducing that man? That's basically an impossible mission."
Back at her work station, she searched online for inspiration. She scrolled through Instagram absentmindedly, until her phone nearly slipped from her hand.
"Alright… I'm checking my email."
She spoke the words with determination—but her hand trembled as it hovered over the mouse.
"Okay, just do it. I don't even know if it's a rejection or a reply to my request."
She clicked through, trying to keep up her confident facade, even though her heart was pounding.
And then she saw it—an email from Ethan.
"Wait—he actually replied?"
She blinked, stunned. And to her complete shock, it wasn't a rejection.
Instead, it was a message with a location for her to meet him.
"No way!"
Excitement lit up her entire face—until she scrolled to the bottom of the message.
"You only have one hour with me, so make it worth it."
Tiana stared.
"Why do I feel like that's a threat?"
She muttered, slightly terrified.
****************
After work, once she got home, Tiana dove straight into her closet.
"Oh, I am not missing this opportunity!"
She smirked to herself—playfully sinister.
Then she grabbed her phone and texted Hannah.
Tiana: "Hannah, help me! What should I wear?"
She sent a picture of her wardrobe.
Hannah: "Black looks good on you. I'd go with the black long skirt, white top, and that sleek black coat."
Tiana: "Niceee. Thanks!"
Hannah: "Wait… where exactly are you going? Is this a date or something?"
Tiana: "No. Just a meeting with my boss 😉"
Hannah: "Okay, just don't get too caught up in the moment."
She replied, smirking at the screen.
Tiana: "I won't. Besides, you know me—strictly no premarital anything!"
Hannah smiled, shaking her head fondly.
"Yeah, sure…"
She thought, amused.
"We'll see how long that vow lasts when temptation hits, Tia."