Wingless;

an Arc

nt prayer, a desperate call for courage. This wasn't just any firm; it was THE firm. Rowan Architects. Getting this in

s and steel fused in perfect symmetry, screaming innovation. It felt like I was walking into a future I had i

ected me to the interview room. When the door swung open, thr

mara Lyris Adler. It'

my vision: textured materials for durability and luxury, subtle design choices that infused spaces with

rate custom glass installations. I've had glassblo

anging subtle nods. The elegant woman-Mrs. La

entation are remarkable. That said,

sure. "Thank you for considering me.

______

They'd said they'd call in the evening, but the hours passed. My pho

onight, or so it appeared. I sat down in a chair and turned my back to his balcony, lost in thought while scrolli

there he was. The neighbor. Hood drawn low, body angled towards me. How cou

"It's his balcony. He can com

ocket, edged closer to the railing, and stared down at the stre

, accompanied by the unsettling sensation of unseen eye

_____

cking at my breakfast. My phone vibrated ag

iddle of his coffee

a nod. He smile

th, I answered. "H

Ms. Ximara Lyris Adler?" A pol

ler," I said, fighting

e calling about your application for the i

was clipped, nerves cho

ed. You are welcome to start tomorrow. Could you please come in ear

my ribs. "Yes, of co

phone, stunned.

the job?" he

wrapping him in a bone-crushing hug. "I got it,

arm. "Now go finish yo

ly skipping as I po

ur plan for to

ing for work clothes. I want to l

at?" His tone became softer.

to get by. And with work starting tomorr

Don't be scared to lean on someone, love. There will always be people who want to support you-people who would give you the world if they could." His voice dropped, tender

ck. My eyes stung with unshed tea

," I whispered,

ye. But no matter how I tried to distract myself, my mind kep

__

ning my posture, shoulders back with newfound confidence. Taking a deep

ights and endless designs. Then one morning, a

the CEO's office," Steph

and a sharper temper. Tabloids speculated about his anger issues, but they also stated that only his wife, Lara, could

or manager, had handed me a massive project. She'd been floored by my work reports, praising my vision, and asked m

s, and rose from my chair. I caught my breath ou

a strong vo

tephan behind his desk, with Lara perched b

an, his tone steady but

sir. Ma'am,"

been here a month now. Ho

ted carefully. "It's challeng

ome news. Victoria is stepping down, permanently. It is

eath

ace. She described your work on that project as some of the be

? I-I don't kn

laugh. "It's a big role, but you've got

to Interior Manager. More responsib

racing. "Absolutely. Thank

t his lips. "Start prepping to transition next

a daze. Interior Mana

___

fabric swatches. I flicked on the light, and froze. On my desk was a letter with my name s

, unease tingling down m

rough your hard work, not luck. That distinction ma

pulse quickened

_____