You're My Destiny

"Ring... ring ... ring ..."

The alarm clock buzzed persistently, and Mary struggled to lift her feeble arm to shut off the sounds while slumbering vestiges of dreaming. Her delicately curved eyelashes fluttered, revealing dove-like ring eyes, twinkling like the night stars had fallen to the earth, lending an alluring beauty to her oval face. Her hair's soft, chestnut-tinted waves cascaded like miniature breakers against a shore of pale sand. She appeared to be a sleeping princess in her castle, awaiting her prince's arrival to awaken her.

The soothing scent of lavender wafted through her lavishly appointed room. Mary tossed aside her fluffy blanket, climbed out of bed, and flung open the window to let the morning sunlight in. Her petite, soft hand seemed even more captivating with the warm rays of the new day gleaming through it. The objects around the room seemed to awaken with her, revitalizing them after a long slumber. Her soft Teddy bear, propped against the wall, flashed a bright, cheerful smile.

She walked into the bathroom, turned on the shower, and let the cool water flow over her body. The droplets caressed her youthful and enticing body as if rubbing it. She hadn't taken care of herself in a while due to her busy schedule, so she indulged in a moment of pampering, smiling at her reflection in her favorite large mirror.

She let her soul wander freely, parting from her exhausted physical self, seeking a moment of serenity before stepping into the new day. The scent of lavender, diffused in every nook and cranny of her soul, seemed to remind her of something old yet unforgettable.

Today she was dressed differently than usual. She wore a white silk half-sleeve shirt, a grey skirt with a double row of buttons as a highlight, and a handbag decorated with metal studs, all combined in an exquisite ensemble. Of course, high heels were indispensable - a close companion to many modern women, which not only enhanced their femininity but also expressed their pride. The pastel pink heels, with slender, pointed stems, made her walk more graceful and agile, like a ballerina performing on a grand, dazzling stage.

"Have you had breakfast before heading to work, dear?"

Ana Madam, the housekeeper, just put down a bowl of beef pho and looked towards the stairs as Mary descended, asking gently.

"Yes, I'll eat breakfast before leaving."

She sidled up to her mother in a pretend to be coy. As an only child, she had always been pampered by her parents. Such doting might seem abnormal to outsiders, but it was the norm in this household. If one day she stopped behaving in such a manner, this place would seem devoid of life.

"Wow! Let's see, whose beautiful daughter is this? Can you twirl for me? My daughter has grown so much, hasn't she?"

Mrs. Frank, Mary's mother, admired her daughter's beauty, whom she had given birth to with incredible admiration. She always did this, even after all these years, sometimes overdoing it as if her child were a fairy.

Mr. Frank, her father, shared the sentiment. His daughter was always the best; if he had one wish, it would be for the world to revolve around his little princess.

"Come on; you're my parents. If outsiders hear this, they'll say, a cat praises its tail'. But am I pretty, Mom and Dad?"

Mary playfully chastised her parents for their over-the-top praises, but she felt genuinely happy because of

"Today, what mode of transportation do you plan to take to the publishing house? Do you need me to give you a ride?"

Mary's father looked at his daughter with a tender, affectionate gaze, full of the gentle love of a parent. Since the day she was born, she had been a gift bestowed upon him by a higher power. This gift was not measured by material possessions or monetary value; it was priceless, like a magical enchantment.

"Well, I'll take the bus, Father. I don't need your help; I can manage independently."

Mary declined her father's offer of assistance. She knew that he was always worried about her, concerned that she might get lost road, encounter dangerous individuals, or face difficulties. However, she understood that she had grown up and it was time for her to take care of herself, even for simple tasks like commuting from home to the office. She was not a little snail that could stay forever within her protective shell.

"No, my dear, it's not safe to go alone. Since you were young, have you ever taken the bus yourself?"

Her mother expressed her concern. In her eyes, Mary was forever a little child; she cradled in her arms and sang lullabies whenever she cried.

"Alright, if you say so, listen to me, Mother. I also need to allow Mary to become independent and mature."

Ass if understanding his daughter's thoughts, Mary's father gently persuaded her mother. He was indeed a psychologically understanding father whom countless children longed for. Looking into her eyes, he knew what his daughter was thinking of.

The bus stop isn't directly in front of the publishing house; it's about a three-minute walk away. She had been gone once, but it had been around four years ago. In four years, a lot has drastically changed.

The line of fortune trees that used to greet visitors at the main gate has been replaced by a regimented row of royal areca palms, standing tall and proud as if they were sentinels guarding a peaceful sky day and night. The path leading into the lobby, paved with dark stones, accentuates the smooth beauty of the meticulously cared-for green grass on both sides. Slender betel vines weave up the areca trunks, as sweet and intense as a fairytale romance.

The focal point is a water fountain shaped like a spinning globe, where playful water jets operate according to some immutable law. The white water sprays shoot high into the air before falling, forming bubbles that vanish in a few fleeting seconds. But even in that brief moment, we can appreciate the beauty of those fragile droplets. Thus, despite the brevity of life, we should live fully, with passion because somewhere in the vast world, there's a corner dedicated to such spirited souls.

The expansive yard in front of the main hall is as vast as the sky in her heart, growing wider with each passing day, open and infinite. She slowly navigates as though cautiously taking her first steps in life.

"That's Mary - one of the new hires from the recent recruitment drive. She graduated from the theory, criticism, and composition department at the College of Social Sciences and Humanities. So young, I doubt she'll last long here." Standing near the coffee machine, a group of older colleagues watched her with a cold gaze and a sneering smile.

"But she possesses the passion and faith of youth," another colleague added, her smile somewhat cryptic. The two then walked away, leaving a perceptible emptiness as though something unnecessary had just been cleared.

Mary looked around at the fruits of her father's passion, feeling an uncanny sense of emptiness and estrangement. Perhaps her worries were rooted in whether she could shoulder the hopes and dreams of her beloved father.

"Hello! Welcome to the Young World family. You are the youngest member here, so if you have any questions or doubts about your work, feel free to ask your colleagues. Don't be shy; we are like one big family here."

A woman's voice around forty echoed in her ears, as crisp and refreshing as the sound of a cool stream on a sweltering summer's day – Selina Jeffrey, the head of the editorial department. She is middle-aged, with thick glasses perched on her bright eyes and long dark eyebrows stretching to the corners, highlighting the elegance of her full, round face.

Despite artfully made up, signs of time were subtly etched on her face, notably the tiny black spots and minute creases visible on her cheeks when she laughed. Only those standing close and paying attention would notice these marks; otherwise, her poised, polished demeanor would overshadow them.

"Hello, everyone! My name is Mary, and I'm twenty-three. I graduated not too long ago and am inexperienced since I'm new.

I look forward to your support," she spoke, her eyes scanning her colleagues, her lips curved in a friendly smile as she introduced herself confidently.

Everyone warmly welcomed her to their shared home. Some colleagues gave her kind looks, some offered cordial smiles, and a few seemed indifferent. People's lives were filled with daily concerns, and gaining or losing a colleague was a minor deal. The atmosphere appeared friendly initially, but a more extended story could lurk behind it.

"Alright, everyone, back to work." Selina signaled everyone to disperse and kick off a new workday. Everyone quickly took their positions, as every second was being paid for; wasting work time in any situation would be unfair. Work, work, and more work were the mantra every employee had to commit to heart.

"You've graduated already? I thought you were still an intern. You look so young and pretty." Johny – a young, good-natured colleague – was the first to converse with her.

"Yes, I graduated nearly a year ago. I haven't worked anywhere else; this is the first place I've come to." She gently responded to her senior, a friendly smile appearing.

"So what have you been doing in that time? Don't tell me you were eating and playing?" Johny was curious about his new, young colleague. Most of the staff had worked for many years, and the profession posed many challenges for more youthful individuals.

Only the experienced could stand firm, and it was rare to have such a young colleague. He was eager to chit-chat.

"Well, I... I..." As she hesitated about how to explain to her humorous colleague, Johny chimed in.

"Nothing in life is more interesting than not working and still having money to eat and play. I admire people who live like that. They must have done a lot of good deeds in their past lives to enjoy this one." He chuckled, implying that everything in life was under his control. His mischievous grin became even more endearing.

"Stop it, you joker. You see a newcomer and start bluffing about this and that. Be careful, Mary, or you'll get tricked. He's famously known as Hydrogen Johny (*) around here."

Lani, seated next to them, interjected. Johny was taken aback and didn't know what to say, choosing instead to quietly and obediently resume his work.

The office window was firmly shut, but she could still glimpse the bustling life outside through the glass pane. Stepping out of the house filled with love, she felt an intense emptiness inside. But no matter how vacant or cold it felt, there would come a day when she would have to get accustomed to and even find comfort in this feeling.

She couldn't live her whole life within the limited confines of just one house. Her world was set to expand, the sky in front of her to soar higher, and she would have to look into it, gaze intently to find herself amidst the vibrant colors of this world.

Young World Publishing House would one day be her inheritance, as she could only fill that role. Was it right to place such immense responsibility on a girl's shoulders?

She stared into the vastness in front of her. Everything nearby was as clear as day, but the further away it got, the more faint it became. Her life was the same. The past years and the radiant present were vivid, but the future still held many uncertainties.

(*) Johny - Hydrogen: Hydrogen is a chemical molecule that is oxygen-seeking. Hence, it rarely stands alone and seeks oxygen molecules to bond, forming a water molecule (H2O). Once it finds a new oxygen molecule, it will immediately leave and bond with the new oxygen molecule to form a new water molecule. Therefore, this phrase denotes men who change girlfriends as often as they change clothes.

"Oh! Splash!"

Water sprayed everywhere, soaking her beautiful outfit. The vehicle that had just driven by had splashed her with water. Her ankle seemed to be sprained, making it difficult to get up. Her eyebrows furrowed in anger. She had to admit she looked pretty adorable when angry.

Her dress was wet from the knee down, and one of the buttons had popped off, detracting from its charm. Which was the dress her mother had gifted her on her birthday, a priceless gift, and now, some thoughtless person had caused damage to her cherished gift.

The car that had caused her to fall stopped right before her. A young man, around one meter eighty, with fair skin, eyes bright but steeped in deep sorrow, high forehead, dressed in a white shirt and elegant trousers, approached her.

"Miss, are you okay?" His voice was warm like a spring breeze softly caressing the summer sky, red with the hues of the setting sunshine.

"Do I look like I'm okay?" She retorted with the mood of someone greatly irritated by an unexpected misfortune. She didn't care who he was or what he was like; all she knew was that he was the one who had caused her to fall and ruined her favorite dress. She just sat there, ignoring his worried and flustered looks.

"Let me help you stand up, okay? Can I buy you another set of clothes? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I'll be more careful next time." He approached a bit closer and gently said. Making a woman angry is one of the most foolish things a man does.

She couldn't help but lift her face. Her wide-open eyes looked at me in disbelief for a moment. Those bright eyes, tall stature, polite demeanor, and warm voice she seemed to have encountered before but couldn't recall precisely when or where.

She just stared at him, and he was pretty surprised that a girl was staring at him without blinking, even though they had just met for the first time. There was no lack of women who were fond of him, but this intense gaze intrigued him. He cleared his throat, feeling a bit awkward, and said.

"I am sorry for soiling your clothes. I..." Maris interrupted him as he spoke, perhaps rude, but she didn't want to hear this voice anymore. It reminded her of someone she hadn't seen for many years.

"I'm fine, but you shouldn't drive that fast. This road is quite narrow, so please go slow. This time you're lucky to have encountered someone as lenient as me. Otherwise, if you had met someone else, then..."

She paused when she saw the apologetic look on his handsome face; this sudden pitiful expression made her heart soften, and her reproaches die on her tongue. He also was indeed remorseful for angering such a beautiful woman.

Slowly, she managed to stand up, walking away gingerly, each step heavy due to her still injured foot. He watched as she disappeared down the street, her petite figure shrinking amid the vast urban landscape. Saigon was immense, making people seem even more minor; losing each other once could mean a lifetime spent searching without finding.

The distance between human encounters and separations sometimes hangs by a thread as thin as a strand of hair. They had just met and briefly exchanged, but who knew whether fate would bring them together again?

Hearing the doorbell ring, her mother came out. Her mother was horrified at seeing their injured daughter.

"How was your first day at work? What happened to you?" Her mother assisted Mary into the house, sat on the sofa, and began recounting the incident.

"Bla... bla... bla... That's what happened, Mom."

Despite her minor scrape, her mother used away her first-aid kit. She narrated her story in one breath, and her mother was filled with sympathy and distress. Maris had grown up sheltered, and life's abrasions were a novelty, causing her mother to fret.

Her mother held her, comforting and consoling, their profound bond potentially evoking jealousy in others. Mary was like a small puppy, soaked to the bone and seeking warmth and reassurance from her mother.

"Alright, go take a shower, change your clothes. We'll wait for your father to come home and have dinner."

"Okay."

She obeyed her mother and ascended the stairs to her room. Reclining on the spacious, comfortable bed, she felt at peace.

Honestly, there was no place like home. The familiar surroundings, objects, smells, and the image of the man she had encountered earlier all felt oddly familiar. She couldn't quite recall where she had met him, but she felt normal. His sad eyes reminded her of someone she couldn't remember well. Life was full of strange events, but why did she feel this way about a stranger?

Lost in her thoughts, she sighed and left the incomplete puzzle of her ideas for another day.

After a relaxing shower, she used a towel to dry her hair thoroughly. Leaving wet hair for too long was not good for long-term health, especially at night.

"Love him. When you break up, he doesn't ask for gifts..." She moved towards the window, sat on a swinging chair, and enjoyed the lively rhythm of the famous song "Anh khong doi qua" (Only C ft Karik).

The song was a hit among the young audience, and its popularity was evident from its frequent plays in cafes. She bobbed her head to the catchy beat while continuously stroking her silky hair. Her tight-fitting dress accentuated her curves and made her look even more attractive.

Life, for her, was virtually free of worries. She had everything a girl could dream of a happy family, beauty, education, and a great asset. Her slender fingers glided over the keyboard before coming to a halt on an upscale fashion brand's online shopping site.

Her eyes widened, sparkling like dew-kissed pearls, fixating on a Hermes handbag; the emerald green crocodile leather was irresistible to fashion enthusiasts like herself. Hurriedly, she clicked on the quantity box. Fortunately, one was still available. Being a limited edition, opportunities to own this piece were scarce. Having placed the order, she sat laughing like a girl in love.

The lives of wealthy heiresses were indeed enviable; they could effortlessly acquire whatever they desired.

Mary gradually adapted to her job as a week's work passed. Her supervisor, Ms. Selina, was immensely satisfied with this new employee's work attitude and capabilities. She bestowed upon Mary her familiar warm smile at the entrance of the publishing house, her eyes sparkling with affection as she approached.

"Why are you here so early? Do you live nearby? I notice you always seem to work early every day," she questioned.

"I take the bus, so I have to get up early to make it on time," Mary replied, her charming lips curling up into a radiant smile - the kind that makes you want to stare indefinitely.

"Why not use a motorbike for convenience? The bus can be quite inconvenient at times," Miss Selina advised.

"I felt uncomfortable at first, but now I'm used to it," Mary responded. Her infectious laughter in moments like these made her incredibly endearing. Ms. Selina also laughed and turned to leave. They talked funny and entered the office while it was still quite deserted.

The vast office space was partitioned into several cubicles, each serving as an employee's table working. Maris gently put up a framed photograph of her graduation day on the left corner of her desk. A handmade pen case, intricately assembled from ice cream sticks, missing a fragment at its rim, was also there - as if someone had lost a piece of a cherished memory and had tried hastily to recover it.

Mary looked at the pen case attentively. She felt an upsurge of pain from losing her childhood memories. The more she searched, the more elusive her memory left. Years have passed, hopes have withered with time, and memories have settled, but they didn't disappear - instead, they haunted and tormented her.

Through the glass window, the radiant sunlight began to claim the day. Everything around looked brighter after a long night of quiet sleep. Mary had completed her assigned tasks quite well, and her confidence in her colleagues and herself grew.

Today, she wore a mint-colored shirt, the color of the sky, on bright sunny days. Her long sleeves are neatly rolled to her elbows. She looks too elegant. One must admit that she fits the smart but also captivatingly so much. Suddenly, Lani, a colleague three years her senior, swiveled her chair close and whispered into Maris's ear.

"Did you hear the news? Novelist Joy will collaborate with us on his new novel "Snowfall in July." Interestingly, the book cover will be designed by a young artist who has just returned from America. He's a sensation on the internet and is considered a dreamy idol by many young girls. I'm so curious to meet him. Oh, I wish I could work with him just once."

Lani enthusiastically, paying no attention to Mary's lack of interest. Jessy, who had been listening attentively, chimed in.

"I'd like to know who will be chosen for this project. He isn't only handsome and talented but also... single. I wish that lucky person could be me."

Jessy glanced at Lani and Mary, blinking as if she had some hidden agenda.

"Oh, please, you two are only interested in handsome guys. In life, good looks don't always mean everything. Take me, for example. Even though I have a bit of extra weight, my heart is always warm."

Johny - Hidrogen finished speaking and smugly raised his head to the sky, proud that he had more belly fat than anyone else.

"Just admiring his beauty every day is enough for me. Everything else is insignificant. Handsome guys may be plentiful in the world, but there's only one as beautiful as him." Lani looked towards Mary and Jessy, searching for allies, and eagerly shared her secret thoughts, trying to persuade others to join her cause.

Throughout the conversation between the four of them, Mary remained silent. She smiled to please her colleagues without agreeing or objecting. Observing Mary's lack of interest, they astutely realized that she wasn't part of this kind of conversation, so they automatically dispersed, temporarily putting aside the topic of the handsome artist.

Mary didn't have any impression of the mentioned artist, nor did she have any curiosity about him. In her mind, she was always preoccupied with a faded old memory. Handsome men aren't necessarily good; the sincere ones are lovely for her.

The phone screen suddenly changed to an incoming call. Mary picked up the phone, and a familiar voice sounded lively on the other end.

"Guess where I am right now?" It was her best friend, Agnes Kane, but wasn't she in New York at this? Someone who was supposed to be halfway around the world call and speak vaguely like this? Could it be...

"How should I know? I'm not a worm inside your stomach." Hiding her doubts in her heart, Mary pretended not to know anything, but she wanted to confirm her thoughts.

"Let's meet after your shift. I have a surprise for you. If you don't come, you'll regret it. Meet me at our usual spot."

Peep... peep... peep.

The phone went off. Mary still didn't understand what had happened or was about to happen, but more than anyone else, she understood that there was a meeting waiting for her ahead, and she was still unprepared as she had wished. Mary reviewed the documents again and neatly arranged them before taking them to the meeting room. People started to arrive, each hoping to be chosen for this project. Mary silently thought to herself that someone new like her hardly had a chance.

During the animated conversation, the conference room door abruptly swung open, causing the noise to off steadily. Holding the draft for the current project in her hand, Ms. Selina gently placed it on the table before slowly beginning to speak.

"I know what everyone is thinking and expecting to hear, but before I make the official announcement, there are some things I want to address. Opportunities are only handed out to a person at a time, so if someone isn't chosen to in chard this project, it's not because they aren't capable, but rather, we may be better suited for a more good project."

There was a ripple of laughter as people acknowledged her attempt to reassure the blow for those not selected. Unable to contain his curiosity, Johny - Hydrogen blurted out.

"Why don't you just say it outright? It sounds like there's some drama brewing. Even with my eyes closed, I know this project will likely favor a beautiful lady. I stand firm on this, being handsome doesn't necessarily mean being good."

After saying this, he glanced at the young, beautiful ladies, seemingly offering a reminder. Everyone chuckled heartily at his words, filling the room with cheerful chatter. Ms. Selina looked at Mary with a confident gaze before announcing loudly.

"In that case, I won't keep everyone in suspense. I declare that the one joining this project is our young editor - Mary."

Ms. Selina paused at the mention of the name, beaming with affection. She harbored more love for Mary than other colleagues. She then continued.

"She might be new here, but I trust her talent and dedication will ensure the success of this project. I believe in her and hope you all allow her to prove herself. We are a collective. We need unity to create strength and opportunities for success that benefit us all."

Upon the completion of her speech, applause filled the room. Yet, amidst the approving claps, Mary could make out a few envious glances. It meant she was new and entrusted with an important project. How could they possibly accept it without any incredulous? She couldn't help but wonder, was this somehow connected to her influential father?

Mary was startled by a gentle pat on her shoulder.

"Congratulations. Don't let that handsome artist slip away, okay? I'm rooting for you. Keep going!"

Lani winked in encouragement, but Mary was still reeling from the news about the project. She had no thoughts of any handsome artist.