ella

YEARS

to my lungs as I dart my eyes around th

s just

ith the Secretary of Earthbound Corporat

have been

uldn'

here around here. We just arrived in New York two nights ago, and I've been too busy setting th

York. To get a chance to meet with the CEO, I decided

y is nowhere

e secretary I was speaking to b

e into tears. The old, familiar fear is back. Ever since Daisy was

d do if something bad happened to he

e mentioned wanting to use it ear

as thirty minutes ago,

inished talking to Ashley. I never anticipated the conversation would

friend

rs, which is probably why I sa

e hall is already brimming with guests from all over the world. Based

Earthbound is actually his fifth

d me. My heart races with trepidation, and I hesitate to open the door. Instead, I knock softl

le

eat accelerating as I kno

ow this place. Could someone have tricked her into leaving? Did she spot

oes. I'm quiet and reserved, but she's outgoing and animated. I don't

, even Ashley, someone we

ng hands to my face. My body shakes as I

hen she disappeared, and I'll check outside, okay?" Ashley's so

in a new city, and I've already lost track of m

ad

ughts. My mind is already racing with the worst-case scenari

much to have her. Losi

ithout a word. It's as if we're strangers no

f my long evening gown to avoid tripping. I scan the sea of faces

pace to avoid drawing attention and make my way back to the section

ted me to meet her boss ahead of

t responsible for its decorations. I wanted everything

estless with worry until the job was done. I needed t

ed me a partnership. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up,

miliar baby-pink gow

way, gesturing animatedly w

I press my hands to my face, whispering a

ther moment and s

nd spots me. Our eye

excitement. She then points to me and tu

most parents love to brag about their kids, in m

y gaze to look at

chest. My pulse races, and a sharp pain pierces

ch

st nig

for the past three years. The man

resurfaces, burning through

doing with

, but I wouldn't be surprise

sy's hand, and march towa

he door, his voi

abe

e authoritative tone lace

anged one bi

four years. Things th

el. In London, I'm Bella. Even Daisy prob

aisy's hand tighter. I'm relieved

er voice calls out,

overwhelmed that I forgot we

e smile. "I'm sorry, As

, and I'm tempted to glance a

op myself, he e

, and his jaw

Homes & Interiors?" he a

replaced by a triumphant smi

not the same wom