Chapter 4 FIRST DAY, HIDDEN TRUTHS

*Point of View: Lila Carter*

My heart is racing as I look at my phone. "Lila Smith, we need to talk about Ethan Blackwood," the note reads. It's from an unknown number. I'm Lila, posing as Lila Smith, and I work for Ethan's large corporation to hold him accountable for harming my father. I'm here, but who knows? Sitting on my lumpy bed in my little apartment, my hands tremble. I can only hear my own breathing despite the noise of the city outside. I'm afraid to text back, but I want to. Could it be a ruse? I hug my knees and put down the phone. I must concentrate. I've been working for Ethan for two days now, and I'm almost done learning his secrets.

Morning arrives quickly. I get my luggage, put on my blue outfit, and go to Blackwood Enterprises. In the packed metro, I grip my phone tightly and examine that odd message once again. No fresh texts. I tuck it into my pocket and try not to think about it. I work at my desk outside of Ethan's door at the workplace. He's already there, speaking in a steady, powerful voice over the phone. I look through the glass at him. His clothing seems pricey, and his black hair is well-groomed. When he sees me, he grins, and my stomach flips amusingly. I turn my head away, angry with myself. Instead of becoming like him, I'm here to wreck him.

"Can you sort these papers, Lilia?" Ethan hands me a stack and asks. I quickly draw away as his fingers touch mine. I murmur, "Sure," while continuing to look at the papers. I go to work organizing as he returns to his office. I'm thinking about the folder I saw yesterday, the one with the words "Riverdale" inscribed inside and the label "Confidential." It's about a little village, similar to the one I was harmed by Ethan's business as a child. I must see it once again.

The workplace is crowded. People race around as phones ring. I behave like an excellent assistant by taking calls and typing emails. However, I always take a peek at Ethan's desk when he leaves his office. The folder is no longer there. It breaks my heart. Was it anything he concealed? I continue to work, but my gaze keeps straying to his door. I must have a plan. Perhaps I could remain late and search for it after everyone has left.

I have a sandwich in the break room for lunch. Beside me is a lady called Claire. She smiles and says, "You're Ethan's new assistant, right?" I eat quickly as I nod. "It's a pleasure working for him," she adds. "Always fair." I make an effort to grin. He's liked by everybody here. It's unclear. Why did his firm wreck my dad's life if he is such a good guy? With a lot of questions in my mind, I return to my work after finishing my meal.

I'm called into Ethan's office. He says, "Lila, I need you to take notes during a meeting." I feel heated again as his blue eyes meet mine. He leads me to a large room with a long table, and I pick up my notepad. Suit-clad men sat there discussing business and money. I take notes on what they say while keeping an ear out for hints. Riverdale is mentioned by one individual. He claims that the agreement is proceeding quickly. With a solemn expression, Ethan nods. I quit writing. Is this the folder's poor deal? My heart pounding, I continue to write.

Ethan leads me back to my desk as the conference comes to a conclusion. He smiles and adds, "Lila, you did fantastic." "Thanks for your promptness." "No problem," I murmur, but Riverdale is on my mind. I must have that folder. Ethan leaves his office vacant to attend another meeting. I look around, but nobody is looking. My shoes are silent on the carpet as I go inside. There are documents all over the desk, but there isn't a red folder. I carefully open a drawer without making any noise. Nothing. With trembling hands, I inspect another. Nothing has changed.

I hear footsteps. My heart leaps, and I quickly close the drawer. I pretend to need a pen, so I take it off the desk. Ethan enters. "Lila? His eyebrows go up as he says, "What are you doing?" With a faltering voice, I raise the pen. "I needed a pen." Mine ran out. After giving me a brief glance, he nods. "All right. More may be found in the supply room. I rush out with a burning grin on my face. It came really close. Too near.

I spend the remainder of the day occupied with scheduling meetings and taking phone calls. Ethan is kind and constantly expresses gratitude. I feel guilty about lying. However, I continue to worry about Dad and how he lost everything. Ethan's generosity won't deter me. I remain at my desk and act as if I have work to do when the office is empty. Everyone, including Ethan, departs. As he moves, he waves. "Lila, don't stay too late," he advises. I wait until he leaves, nodding.

Now there is just the buzz of lights in the workplace. I return covertly to Ethan's office. I search his desk one again, my hands shaking. Not a folder. I glance at the cupboards and shelves, but nothing. Then I see a little, lockable safe in the corner. I feel sick to my stomach. Does it include the folder? I have to attempt opening a safe even though I have no idea how. I drop to my knees and examine the lock's numbers. Perhaps it's a simple occasion like his birthday. I experiment with a few numbers, but it remains unchanged.

The loud buzzing of my phone in my pocket fills the peaceful room. I leap and extract it. From the unidentified number, another SMS. "Come see me this evening. 8 p.m. Cafe on Fifth Street. I am aware of your secret. I hold my breath. What's my secret? Are they aware that my name is Lila Carter and not Lila Smith? I almost drop the phone because my hands tremble so much. I glance at the text and then back at the safe. I have no idea what to do. I might get caught if I go. They may tell Ethan everything if I don't. With my pulse racing, I grab my suitcase and dash outside. It's close to the coffee shop. Before it's too late, I need to know who is messaging me.