In Her Shoes

LARA SMITH.

Lara slowly opens her eyes when she heard the alarm sound from her phone. She grabbed her phone to switch off the alarm, and she didn't bother to check the time because she knows that it's exactly 5:30 in the morning, and it's her usual wake up time during her working days.

She immediately got up from her bed, went straight to the kitchen to boil some water for her usual morning coffee. While the kettle is in the stove, she decided to check her fridge to see what she can eat for breakfast.

Lara lets out a depressed sigh when she realized that there was only a slice of cold pizza inside the fridge. Her fridge is basically empty, except for a pitcher of water, and that was it.

She just decided to eat the pizza for breakfast. She popped the pizza into the oven, and at the same time, she started making her own coffee, using the instant one.

Eventhough the pizza doesn't taste good anymore, she forced herself to eat it all. She then finished drinking her cup of coffee, then afterwards, she went straight to the bathroom to get ready.

After a few minutes, Lara is now walking her way towards the bus stop to go to work...

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Inside the elevator.

"It's payday today, so we should splurge a little bit tonight! Where do you want to go, girls?"

"Oh, why don't we try that newly-opened restaurant at the Metropolis?"

"Yes, that's a great idea! I've been wanting to go there. I've read many good reviews about that restaurant."

Lara suddenly felt self-conscious while listening to the girls inside the elevator. These three girls looks really pretty and glamorous as office ladies, and she feels so embarrassed with herself. She's wearing her usual black, one piece jumpsuit uniform and it looks entirely different from the branded clothes and shoes that these girls are wearing.

She is working as a janitress at Etoile Cosmetics for five years already. She's thankful for her job, but sometimes, she can't help but wonder... What if she's an office worker who looks beautiful, glamorous and chic? What if she can also afford to buy herself some expensive stuff and she can also eat at a high-class restaurant?

Lara sometimes imagine those things, but she always goes back to reality.

She's Lara, a poor woman who working hard everyday to make ends meet...

The cleaning and maintenance department should be riding on a different elevator, and the office employees have their own lifts, but their elevator is not working so they didn't have any choice but to use the white-collar workers' elevator...

She heaved a sigh of relief when the elevator opens, and those three girls started stepping out.

"Finally..." she said to herself.

But she suddenly froze in shock because she noticed that the owner and the President of Etoile Cosmetics company, Miss Amanda Montserrat. Her Boss looks so perfect and beautiful, and she looks like she walks straight from one of the fashion shows in Tokyo, Milan and Paris.

Aside from the physical beauty she possesses, she is also a successful entrepreneur. She's the epitome of a modern woman, a beauty with brains.

She wished to be like Amanda Montserrat, a beautiful, rich and a powerful woman who owns Etoile Cosmetics company. The world is her oyster, and she lives a perfect live. She's a trillionaire, she's a genius woman running a cosmetic empire on her own and she is engaged to be married to Emmett Albreicht, who is an extremely famous hotel magnate.

Lara's train of thoughts stop in a halt when she heard Amanda Montserrat's voice.

"Hello, how's your day?" her Boss smilingly asked her.

Lara wasn't able to speak for a split second because she can't believe that her Big Boss is talking to her right now! She only sees her from afar, and this is the first time seeing her this close!

"G-Good day, Madame!" she responded, while looking nervous.

"Please, just call me Amanda. And I hope you're having a good day today?" Amanda chirped.

"Yes, I guess so..." Lara forced herself to speak again.

"Hmm, your answer's a little vague... Tell me honestly, aren't you happy working here? Is someone bullying you? We might do something about it." Amanda encourages her to speak again.

"Oh, it's nothing like that Madame---uh, Amanda... I don't have any problems working in the company, it's just that I can't help but to feel jealous of other employees working at the beauty department. They look so pretty, classy, and happy." Lara doesn't have any idea on why she said those things, but she strangely feels comfortable talking to her Boss.

"But are you sure they are all happy?" Amanda asked her a serious question.

Lara was taken back by Amanda Montserrat's question. And she got a point. How the heck did she know that all those girls are happy?

"You see what I mean? You can't really define a person's happiness with their physical. appearance, expensive clothes, shoes and money... So you shouldn't feel jealous of other people." Amanda Montserrat gave her a piece of advice, while looking sincere.

Lara was about to say something but she wasn't able to do so when the elevator doors suddenly opens, and Amanda steps outside. And before the elevator closes, Amanda spoke again.

"I'll see you around, girl!"

The elevator doors closes again and now, it's making its way to the groundfloor.

She fell into a deep thought, as she tries to remember Amanda's advice to her. She actually wanted to ask her if she's happy being a successful businesswoman, managing a huge cosmetics empire. Not to mention, she is engaged to the most eligible and rich hotel magnate, which is Emmett Albreicht.

But her brief conversation with Amanda Montserrat made her feel better just a little bit. However, it doesn't change the fact that money can still make her happy and contented in life.

And maybe if they could switch places for a few minutes, Amanda will be able to understand where she's coming from...

Later that evening.

Lara is eating an instant noodle for dinner while she's watching something on her mobile phone. She's actually watching Amanda Montserrat's interview for a popular talk show for businessman and businesswomen...

"So, tell us Amanda. When did you start being in a cosmetic business?" the talkshow host asks Amanda, who looks gorgeous and classy with her overall look...

"Well, ever since I was a teenage girl, I am already fascinated with make up and many other things that can make a girl pretty. That's why I've decided to take a Business Management course at a University to know the in and outs of running a business. After graduating, I decided to work as a normal employee at my father's airline company for many years, so that I can save some capital for the business that I want to establish. I was able to save enough money to start Etoile Cosmetics company, and the rest is history." Amanda told the host her success story, while looking so confident and at ease.

"I wish I got her brains, beauty and money..." Lara wondered aloud.

Lara decided to watch another news snippet about Amanda. She clicked a video which has the title: The Engagement of a Hotel Magnate Emperor and a Beauty Empress: Emmett Albreicht and Amanda Montserrat Interview right after the engagement proposal.

"Congratulations for being engaged, Mr. Albreicht and Miss Montserrat! Is the wedding going to be held this year?" the reporter smilingly asked the newly-engaged couple.

Amanda and Emmett looked at each other, with wide smiles on their faces. Then, Emmett decided to speak first.

"Well, we haven't talked about the wedding details yet, but once we're ready, we're going to let you know the date for our big and special day..." Emmett made a promise.

It was Amanda's turn to speak next.

"You know, I just want to savour the moment of being engaged before we could start with the wedding plans. And just like what Emmett said, we'll let you guys know when is the wedding." she reassures the media.

Lara watched few more videos about Amanda and Emmett, until she decided to stop because she realized that her instant noodles have become cold and soggy. She's been to focused on Amanda that she forgot about her dinner.

Anyway, she's not hungry anymore so she just decided to leave the noodles on the table.

She then started taking a shower and brushing her teeth. Afterwards, she went to her bed to hit the sack and call it a day.

But Lara couldn't sleep right away because the videos of Amanda and Emmett keeps on replaying on her mind. She knows that millions of people will agree to the fact that Emmett Albreicht and Amanda Montserrat is perfect for each other, and their romantic partnership is a match made in heaven. Both are good-looking, not to mention, equally rich and famous.

And she can feel tbe huge gap between her and Amanda. Her life is in contrast to Amanda's fairytale-like life.

She doesn't have a family of her own because she grew up in an orphanage without even knowing her father and mother. She doesn't even know if she has a brother and sister...

Her life is just an endless circle, and she feels like she's living like a ghost.

She wanted to have a family that she can call her own. She wanted to be a wife to a hardworking, rich, kind and loyal husband, and she wants to be a mother of twins. She wants to live in a big mansion and live her life to the fullest without worrying anything about money. She wants to be beautiful, rich and famous.

Lara will do anything and everything just to be in Amanda's shoes even just for one day...

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AMANDA MONTSERRAT

Amanda smilingly glanced at the small paper bag that she's carrying. Inside the paper bag is the latest model of Patek Philippe watch and it's worth thousands of dollars. It's her present for her beloved father, who is celebrating his 60th birthday today.

And before his father's grand 60th birthday party begins, she wants to be the very first one to greet him and give him his special birthday gift...

She knocked at her father's home office door. A few seconds later, she heard his voice from the inside.

"Come in!"

Amanda went inside the room, while smiling. She immediately walked towards her father and gave her a big, bear hug.

"Happy Birthday, Daddy!" she happily greeted her father.

"Thank you so much, sweetheart. You look so beautiful, my dear daughter. I'm sure you'll be the center of attention at the party tonight." said Mr. Charles Montserrat, while looking at his one and only daughter with so much pride and joy.

"And you're dashing as ever, Daddy. That's why Mommy is still in love with you after all these years. Anyway, you'll be more handsome like a movie star back in the Golden Era once you wear my gift for you..." excitedly announced. She gave her gift to her father.

The old man's smile widened when he saw the Patek Philippe watch and he obviously likes it.

"Wow! This is the latest product of Patek Philippe! This is amazing! I finally have something new to add to my watch collection. Thank you so much, sweetheart."

Amanda took the watch from her father, and put it on his left wrist.

"You're already 60 years old and you're not getting any younger, Dad. You should take a holiday leave from the company and go on an European tour with Mommy. That has been your long-time dream, right?" Amanda suddenly relayed.

The old man lets out a deep sigh after he heard his daughter's remark.

"Well, you're right. It's been our dream eversince we got married. But I just can't easily leave the company. I have to work because we have many employees who relies on me."

"Well, you don't have to worry anymore, Dad. Once Emmett and I are married, he will be able to run the company." Amanda reassures her father.

Charles Montserrat gave his daughter a knowing look.

"Are you sure of marrying Emmett? Or are you just marrying him because of our company and not really for love?" he seriously asks her.

Amanda was about to say something more but she wasn't able to say so when her mother, Mrs. Victoria Montserrat smilingly enters the room.

"Hi, darlings... Why are you still here? Our guests are waiting for the birthday celebrant! Not to mention your handsome future husband, Amanda." Victoria smilingly said to her husband and daughter.

Amanda smilingly nodded, while looking at her beautiful mother.

"You really like Emmett as your soon-to-be son-in-law, don't you?" she asked her mother.

"I have this feeling that he's the perfect one for you, sweetheart." Mrs. Montserrat gently held her daughter's hand.

The old man stood up and offered both of his arms towards the two most important people in his life, which is his wife and his daughter..

"Let's go ladies... Let's make our grand entrance as a family." the old man happily suggested.

Mrs. Montserrat and Amanda happily slung their arms to the old man's arms. Afterwards, they walked out from the office room and made their way to their spacious, French-inspired garden, where the birthday party is being held right at this very moment...

As soon as they arrived at the party venue, all eyes are upon them as they made their grand entrance. The media people are also at the party, and they are frantically taking numerous photos of them.

Amanda's one hundred percent sure that her face will be at the front cover of the society pages.

She decided to forget her serious talk with her father, as she wants to enjoy the party tonight...

===========================

After a few days.

Amanda returned to the mansion, while feeling so exhausted. Their house helpers are all carrying the shopping bags as she makes her way inside the house. She thanked all of them for their help and after that she took the elevator to go to her room.

She decided to soak herself in a long, warm hot bath in her huge bathtub that was almost as big as a medium-sized swimming pool. After 45 minutes, she got up to get dressed.

After a while she was sitting in front of her mini-salon to blow dry her hair. He even ordered all the furniture in his boudoir from a furniture company in France.

She heard someone knocking from her door, and she heard her mother's voice calling her.

She calls in for her dear mother.

The old woman immediately entered her room and greeted her with a smile on her face.

"Did you have fun with your friends today, my dear?"

"Yes, Mommy. We had so much fun while shopping..." Amanda replied.

"That's good to hear. And I know why you went on a shopping spree. I know you're under stress and pressure because of what you and your Daddy talked about on his birthday..." her mother began that serious topic again.

"Oh, you know Daddy. He's just worried about my upcoming wedding with Emmett." Amanda casually stated, while shrugging her shoulders.

"Well, you can stop your father from worrying about you. You're our one and only child, afterall." her mother spoke again.

"Come to think of it, you're absolutely right, Mom." Amanda nodded in return.

"Just a piece of advice from me, sweetheart... Just follow what's in your heart. You are the only one who can make yourself happy." her mother said, in a sincere manner.

"I just don't want to hurt and disappoint Daddy. I've always been spoiled by him, and I've always been a Daddy's girl. And besides, both of you are not getting any younger. I want you guys to enjoy your life to the fullest and let me handle the responsibilities at Treasure Companies..." Amanda explained what's on her mind.

"You know that the employees of Treasure Companies are important to your Daddy, right? Your father believes that without them, the company won't be successful now. And besides, he feels like he needs to take care of all of the employees because they also have their own families that they need to support," added her mother.

"I'm also worried about them, Mommy. But Daddy said I can't do it alone, and I need someone to help me run and protect the company..." Amanda continues on.

"I'm not taking any sides this time because I understand both of you and your father. Anyway, your Daddy told me that he will respect whatever your decision may be. And I feel the same way too..." Mrs. Montserrat stated.

"Thanks for all the advices, Mom. It really means a lot to me." Amanda smiles at her mother, as she's feeling a lot better now.

Yes, she needs to think about everything carefully about her upcoming marriage to Emmett Albreicht. She needs to nake a careful decision not just for her own benefit and happiness, but also for their company employees and their families as well...

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The next day.

It was eleven in the morning when Amanda woke up. She fell asleep at wee hours of the morning because she is still thinking about her problem. After a few minutes of just laying in her bed while staring at the ceiling, she mustered all of her willpower to get out from her bed, fix herself, and go straight to the dining room to have her brunch. She needs to fill her stomach with food so that she can think properly.

As soon as she arrives the dining room, she was immediately greeted by the head of their house helpers, which is Mrs. Chavez.

Mrs. Chavez have been taking care of her since she was a baby. She considers her as her second mother...

"Good morning, Mrs. Chavez! What's for brunch today?" Amanda smilingly greeted the old woman.

"I cooked your favorite vegetarian dish. And there's newly arrived peaches, strawberries and avocados from your family's farm." the old woman informed her with a smile.