Chapter 1 My Scary Past

JULIETTE POV

I was at my desk buried with fabrics and design sketches scattered everywhere when I heard my phone ring. I reached out to it immediately and it was a familiar number, an international client I had been expecting to hear from for a very long time.

I took a deep breath then swiped up to answer.

"Good morning Sir", I said as I leaned back to my chair, allowing a big smile to spread through my face. I thought to myself, "This was it! The moment I'd been working for".

Then I heard, "Mrs Harper, Congratulations!" came from the other end on the phone. "We are thrilled to let you know that we will be working with you on the project".

My heart skipped a beat. I stood up in excitement not knowing when I let out a big scream, "Yes!". All my employees' eyes were fixed on me, then I covered my mouth and quietly sat down on the chair. This was the breakthrough I had been working towards. This opportunity would take my career to the next level and it will also change the life of me and my daughter, Lily.

"Thank you! I am really excited to work with you and I promise to do a good job!"

"Amazing. We are assigning you our biggest project. It's high profile and we need someone with your expertise, creativity and vision".

I could already see the doors this project would open for me, the fame not just for my design company alone but a life of stability for myself and Lily. I smiled within myself, feeling a sense of contentment and achievement.

"Trust me! I will do a good job. You will not regret it" I said in an assuring tone.

Then I continued, "Where is the project based?" I asked, pulling out a book to jot the details.

There was a little pause from the other end before they said, "New York".

The pen in my hand froze immediately. My heart seemed to stop beating and the smile on my face dropped rapidly. New York. "Why there?" The one place I swore I'd never go back to. The city where everything fell apart, my life and a love that nearly destroyed me.

"New York?" I asked, trying to be sure of what I heard.

"Yes, we are working for a big company over there and we need someone on ground to oversee the project from start to finish".

Then he continued unaware of the storm growing within me. "It's a great opportunity, Ms. Harper and we believe you're a great fit".

I swallowed hard trying to keep my composure. My past came back to haunt me. Memories I had buried six years ago, threatened to resurface. Harrison, the wedding that never happened, the betrayal, the accusations, embarrassment and heartache. And then, running away leaving it all behind including my biggest secret, Lily.

I was lost in thought when I heard a voice, "Are you still there, Ms Harper? Ms Harper!".

I blinked, realizing I hadn't responded.

"Y-yes, I'm here". I took a deep breath trying to stabilize my voice then continued, "I just didn't expect it to be New York".

"Just take it as an adventure to a different place. New York is a beautiful place and you will have all the resources you need. The company is well established in the city and I'm sure you will be able to handle it".

I hesitated, the weight of my decision pressing down on me. I had built a new life and career for myself over here in Europe, far from the pain and betrayal. Going back to New York just felt like reopening old wounds. But this project means everything to me, a stepping stone to secure my future. I couldn't let it go just like that.

"I'll do it", I said, the words leaving my mouth before I could stop it. "I'll take the project".

"Fantastic! We'll send over the details regarding the project. I look forward to working with you, Ms. Harper".

After the call ended, I stared at my phone, "What did I just do? Did I just accept this offer?"

I can't go back there. Not after everything it took me to forget it and start a new life. The city held too many old memories of the life I'd left behind. Of him.

I ran a hand through my hair, this is just business. There is no need to think too much. I have built a career by myself, raised a child on my own, survived the worst heartbreak of my life. I can also survive a few months in New York. I can do this!

But I couldn't stay elevated for long, thoughts kept creeping in. "What if I bumped into him? What if he finds out about Lily? What will I do?"

No! What am I saying? New York is a big city filled with a lot of people. It will be difficult to bump into him. I will go, do the job and leave. I don't think Harrison would know I was there.

Still, the feeling in my stomach told me otherwise despite my effort to push it away but the fear lingered.

The next week flew by quickly and it was the D-day.

The flight to the city was long, and I spent most of it staring out the window, lost in thought. While Lily on the other hand was excited to be here, she chatted about what she wanted to do and places she would want to explore. I smiled looking at how innocent she looked, but it reminded me of the secret I had been hiding all these years.

When we landed, I could feel the city's energy buzzing around me. It was like stepping back into a life I had once abandoned. Nothing seemed to have changed over the years, it was still the same. I pushed through the crowded airport, holding Lily's hands tightly as we navigated through customs and picked up our bags. I had to stay focused. This is just business, nothing more.

As we were about to board a taxi to a hotel, I was stunned at who I saw. I had just arrived in New York in a few minutes and I was already catching up with my past faster than I expected.