Ms CEO'S FIRST LOVE

rse, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. The name "Stella" flashed on the screen-it was her best friend. Linda

mail but realized that would only lead to more calls and texts until she e

ing to sound casual, though he

excitement and concern. "I just saw t

ne Stella's shocked expression. "Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, t

t in a good way. Who does that waiter t

well, but Linda didn't want to relive the embarrassing moment. "I

o the usual places. You're Linda Smith! You can't just walk

ading more about the incident online. "I know, Stella. It was

y. This will blow over in a few days. Just lay low for now, avoi

her. "Yeah, I know," she said quietly. Despite

you, right? If you need anything, just let me know. We cou

eling a bit better. "I'll think abo

you. You're stronger than some s

later?" Linda said, h

t or stop thinking about the waiter. But she quickly reminded herself that she wasn't one to dwell on setba

The phone barely rang twice before Stella

ice firm. "We're going shopping. At f

e responded. "That's more like it! I knew you'd boun

Exactly. I need to clear my head, and

totally in. Let's meet at our usual spot at five. And don't w

eeling a sense of anticipa

out the day's events. She glanced at the time on her phone, noting she had some time before five. "Just enough time to fre

er status, and how he dismissed her-all of it bothered her. She had faced many challenges in her life, but this felt different. It wasn't just

a touch of concern. "Is there anything you need me to do about the video?

late for that. It's already gone viral. Trying to suppress it wo

w he was thinking about the potential damage to her reputation, but for o

e estate. The mansion was grand and elegant, surrounded by a perfectly manicured landscape. Tall oak trees lined the driveway, an

t in plenty of natural light. A grand double staircase led up to the entrance, where heavy mahogany doors with intricate flora

iew. This mansion wasn't just a house to her; it was her sanctuary, a place where she could escape th

her heels clicking softly on the polished stone. The grand entrance

high ceiling, scattering light in a dazzling display. The walls were adorned with tasteful artwork and fra

the air, mixed with the subtle aromas of polished wood and expensive perfumes. Everything abou

t the country, and it was all hers. She took a deep breath and walked

one of the sofas, feeling the soft cushions envelop her. She closed her eyes for a moment, enjoying the quiet. The

g. She reached for it, already knowing it was Stella. The sc

" the text read, foll

, definitely. I need some retail

eautiful view of the gardens outside. A four-poster bed with elegant fabrics dominated the space, surrounded by nightstands and a vanity table covered

gardens below were full of vibrant colors, with flowers in full bloom and a gently bubbling fo

iguing her in a way she hadn't expected. His boldness, the way he didn't care about her status-it was unlike anythi

alked to her walk-in closet, which was as big as some people's apartments. It was filled with racks of designer clothes, shelves of shoes, and draw

leased with her look, she grabbed her handbag and headed ba

asked, calm and

Linda replie

s, and Linda stepped inside, with Steven sitting beside her, a gun neatly tucked under his bl

king about how the waiter had embarrassed her. "I'll definitely get back at him f

r her phone and called Stella. The steady sound of the tires

cheerful voice came thr

way to Madison Plaza,

now," Stella replied with excit

in her bag and looked out the window. The city was busy, with people everywher

on Plaza, one of the most luxurious malls in the city. The building's shiny glass reflected the golden colors of the setting sun

ressed in a stylish red jumpsuit and heels, waved excitedly as she walke

so long!" Stella said,

hed, hugging her back. "We

g playful compliments. Being with Stella always made Linda fe

ney!" Stella said, link

about the shopping trip. They walked into

s stunning, with high ceilings and sparkling crystal chandeliers. The marble floors gleam

l the beautiful displays. With each step, the stress from earlier started to fade away, replaced by the famili

, with clothes neatly arranged on shiny racks and comfy chairs near full-length mirrors. A

sociate said with a warm smile. "It's great to s

ed with a friendly smile, her eyes already

's the plan? Are we going all out toda

Linda said with a grin. "I

that caught her eye. It was simple but elegant, perfect for making a statement w

da," Stella said. "Yo

earlier incident at the restaurant. She couldn't shake the waiter's

raised an eyebrow. "You're not still

r head, forcing a smile. "Of course not. J

ced but letting it go. "Let's fin

ent outfits, shared opinions, and laugh

iced a white teddy bear perched high up on a rack. It looked soft and fluffy, with a cu

easily take the teddy bear from the rack above her head. Surprised, Linda turned around quickly and found herself face to chest wit

g from the strong chest to a familiar

claimed, unable

tanding right in front of him felt like a dream, and she struggled to wrap her mind around the situation