Scarlet Fashion House
Employees streamed into the building in pairs and clusters, their footsteps echoing across the spacious compound. Beyond the main structure lay an expansive field, specifically designated for producing new outfits under the brand's creative vision.
The weekend had ended, and today marked the beginning of a fresh, demanding workday.
Voices overlapped as colleagues exchanged greetings, laughter flickering here and there. Among them was Tania. Relief washed over her as she stepped inside. Work—this was the only place she could breathe. The only distraction she had from the chaos waiting for her at home.
"Who do I confide in?" she wondered absentmindedly.
Breaking away from the group, she pressed the elevator button. Moments later, she was ascending to the sixteenth floor—the heart of creativity. A department dedicated to sketching, crafting, and bringing imagination to life.
Tania was a genius.
Even in the middle of emotional turmoil, she created—not just anything, but rare, breathtaking designs. Her talent wasn't ordinary; it was a gem, admired yet quietly envied.
To avoid attention, she slipped out of sight as usual. It was already enough that many envied her. Most of them came from loving homes, supported, cherished… secure.
She was the complete opposite.
How was she supposed to explain to them that she was bound in a marriage she never chose—one forced upon her to save her family?
"Those ingrates…" Her chest tightened. Not one of them had bothered to truly check on her.
"What about Dad?" she muttered under her breath as she approached her desk.
A mountain of workload stared back at her.
"Emily…"
Her heart clenched at the name.
Emily was the only one who could truly see through her. She remembered that day vividly—the question that almost exposed everything.
"Tell me… has something big happened? Are you hiding something from me?"
Tania had almost crumbled. Thankfully, a phone call had interrupted them. She didn't know how many lies she would have had to weave to protect herself.
"Hello?"
Tania spun around.
Martin walked into the office, a stack of files in one hand, his phone still in the other. His expression was unusually serious.
She studied him carefully. They weren't close, but one thing was certain—Martin was usually jovial.
Something was off.
"Martin… is something the matter?" she asked immediately.
Just then, Ryder and the rest of the team began filing in, taking their seats one after another.
"Well, look who finally showed up," Hannah teased. "We've been looking everywhere for you."
"You just disappeared without a word," Rose added, raising a brow.
Tania blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
"Ah… my apologies," she said quickly. "I just wanted to get started immediately. Nothing personal."
"There she goes again," Rose smirked.
"Our full-time workaholic," Hannah chimed in.
Stanley and Debbie burst into laughter, their faces flushing red.
But Emily…
Emily remained silent.
Unusual.
Tania didn't miss it.
"Did she find out something? Why is she so quiet?" she wondered, rubbing the bridge of her nose.
"Hey, Emily, you're scaring me," Tania said, forcing a light tone. "Why so reserved these days?"
"And what's with the all-black hair and… proper dressing?" Stanley added jokingly. "What happened to the pink dye? Are you seeing someone?"
"Back off," Ryder snapped, shoving him lightly. "You're overdoing it."
Emily said nothing.
On the surface, she remained composed, focused on her work—but something underneath had shifted.
Something wasn't right.
Without a word, she stood and quietly excused herself.
"What's with her?" Debbie asked, concern evident in her voice.
"Come on," Ryder sighed. "Let's give her space. She'll talk when she's ready."
"Alright, guys," Martin spoke up, drawing their attention. "I got a call just before you all came in."
"It's about our new teammate… you remember Sienna?"
"Yeah, Sienna. What about her?" Hannah cut in.
Tania froze.
A jolt ran through her.
"Sienna…" The name echoed in her mind, but she didn't dare say it out loud.
Emily had mentioned her before.
Same surname.
Woods.
"This is insane… why would she choose this place of all places?" Tania felt a headache forming.
"She ran into some problems," Martin continued. "She won't be available this week."
"And she wants us to assist with her workload until she returns."
"How long is that supposed to last?" Rose groaned. "The last thing I need is extra work."
"For now, we don't know," Martin replied.
"Well, I just hope it's not forever," Rose muttered.
Laughter erupted again, lightening the atmosphere.
"Alright, enough chatter," Sebastian clapped sharply. "We've got tons of work waiting."
Everyone settled back into their tasks.
Tania did the same—but her mind was far from calm.
Yes, she had escaped her problems at home… but now, a bigger one loomed right here.
"What if she comes back… and tells everyone the truth?"
"My marriage… my connection to her…"
"Or should I say it first? Should I tell them before she gets the chance?"
Lost in thought, she rested her chin on her hand.
Snap.
She flinched.
"Are you okay?" Rose stood in front of her, elegant as ever.
"Yes… I'm fine," Tania replied quickly, straightening up.
"You're the only one left," Rose said. "Everyone else stepped out for lunch. I just came back—I forgot my phone."
She laughed lightly. "I've been so clumsy lately."
Her voice faded as she walked off again.
Tania barely registered the rest.
"I guess I should grab something to eat…" she murmured. "Otherwise, I'll have to explain why I look like this."
Her phone rang.
She frowned.
"Not again… I'm not in the mood."
Reluctantly, she answered.
Her expression changed instantly.
"Hello."
"Before you hang up—hear me out," the voice pleaded.
Tania sneered.
"Why did you call? What do you want?" she shot back coldly.
"You brat! Just because you're married to the richest tycoon in town doesn't give you the right to speak to me that way!"
Tania exhaled sharply.
"I don't have time for this—especially not your nonsense. If you don't have anything important to say, I'm hanging up."
"Wait!" Selene's voice cut in. "It's your father."
Tania froze.
"…What?"
"Think whatever you want about me," Selene continued smoothly, "but at least care about your father."
"What about him?" Tania demanded, panic rising. "Is he okay? Let me speak to him!"
If only she could see the smile spreading across Selene's face.
"How is that even possible?" Selene's voice broke, trembling convincingly. "You shut us out… we don't even know where you live anymore."
She sniffed softly.
"This isn't something we can discuss over the phone. Let's meet."
Tania hesitated.
"…Alright. I'll send you the address."
Green Ville Villas
"Mom, who were you talking to?" Sienna appeared suddenly, curiosity shining in her eyes.
"Sienna… you're such a handful," Selene muttered lazily.
"Come on, tell me," Sienna pressed.
Selene smirked.
"You win. It was that gullible girl… your so-called sister."
"I don't have a sister," Sienna scoffed, folding her arms.
"Whatever," Selene waved dismissively. "What matters is that she fell for it—again."
Her smile darkened.
"And this time… I'll make sure she pays."
Sienna's eyes lit up.
"Wow, Mom… you're a genius. So what's the plan?"
Selene turned, her gaze sharp and secretive.
"That," she said softly, "is something you'll find out soon."
She walked away, leaving Sienna alone on the balcony—burning with curiosity.
If you want, I can intensify the emotional tension further, especially between Tania and Emily or build up the upcoming confrontation with Selene.