"Alaina, this is your leaving certificate, your belongings and here are a few bucks." Miss Freda Smith, the warden said while handing over a box to her.

"Ms. Smith, thank you." Alaina carefully took the box and bowed before Miss Freda Smith, although she was very excited to leave this orphanage, there was something holding her back and that was the love and care given by Miss Smith.

“I'm wishing you all the best for the future may you get back your true identity and also take back everything that you have lost, I know you can do it but be careful, those people are not easy to tackle.” Miss Smith patted her back.

“I know Ms. Smith, Thanks for taking care of me for so many years. I’ll do everything that I should do in succeeding in my aim.” Alaina replied determinedly.

When Alaina was brought to the orphanage at the age of 5 years, she was wearing a frock and a small neck chain with an unusual dragon-carved pendant. As per the rules of the orphanage she was changed into a new set of clothes and all her belongings were kept in a labelled box. This box was handed over to her as per the rules.

A small ceremony of farewell began. Alaina also got many farewell gifts from her mates. She was quite emotional while leaving the orphanage.

At 5 o’clock, Alaina entered her rented place which was a two-bedroom flat. She rented this apartment a few days ago. The size of the flat is around 700 square feet. It consists of one bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom.

There were also some basic amenities such as a refrigerator, stove, washing machine and oven.

It was located in an area that is not considered prime real estate as the neighbourhood was surrounded by lower-income populations and was farther away from city centres.

Though the rent of $1,000 per month was considered cheap for others it wasn’t at all cheap for Alaina. She had earned some money while working part-time so she could afford the rent somehow.

Actually, she was mentally preparing herself to leave the orphanage and was quite sure that she wouldn’t feel much after leaving the orphanage but now her mood was a little gloomy, she had prepared herself for this day but didn’t know when the actual day would come she would feel that much low.

Her days were ordinary at the orphanage. She used to attend school until the afternoon and then take tuition for some rich children. She was a bright student so she started to take Tuition when she was only in high school. During the time of graduation, she was already doing part-time jobs along with taking tuition.

A few months back when she was attending the birthday party of one of her students, she found a girl wearing a necklace which was identical to one that she had seen in her belongings at the orphanage. Out of curiosity she asked about the unusual dragon-carved pendant and found that this was the relic of one of the influential families of the city Z. Since that day she started to secretly investigate this powerful family famous as ‘Johnsons’.

Johnsons is the second most powerful family in city Z. They have multinational companies, and many hospitals and malls are under their brand name.

Peter Johnson is the CEO of Johnsons Group. Although he is old now yet couldn’t be retired as his elder son is not capable to carry the legacy, his younger son passed away many years back so he is still handling the business and mentoring his grandson as his successor.

Alaina put her bags on the table and sat down on the small sofa. She opened the small box and took out the pendant. The dragon with flam in its mouth is really a rare piece of art. She was staring at it for a while then carefully packed it back in the box.

She got up and boiled a cup of water and put a pouch of instant coffee in it. While she was sipping the coffee the doorbell rang.

Putting the cup on the table she headed towards the door and peeped from the peephole.

Seeing Samantha, her college friend standing at the door she quickly opened it and gave her way to enter the flat.

“Not bad!” Samantha exclaimed while looking around. She didn’t expect that Alaina could actually able to rent out such a nice flat.

“You have got a nice abode for yourself. I’m impressed.” Said Samantha while putting the carry bag in her hand at the kitchen counter.

“What have you brought?” Asked Alaina confusedly.

“Since it’s your first day here I have bought dinner for both of us to celebrate.”

Saying this she started to empty the carry bags. In a short while, she brought out the dinner in two trays and put them on the central table in the living room.

There were ham and cheese sandwiches, roasted chicken, chicken soup and two cans of beer.

“It's really a treat. Thank you, Sam.” Saying this Alaina happily picked fork and knife and started to eat.

“I think I should also move here, What do you think? This flat can accommodate me as well.” Samantha asked showing her interest.

“Don’t make fun of your poor friend Miss George. This place is not worth for you even setting foot let alone staying.” Alaina sighed.

“How many times did I warn you not to address me as Miss George? I am not the real Miss George. I am just an illegitimate daughter who is an eye-shore for Mrs. George and Real Miss George. Samantha retorted putting down her fork on the plate.

“I’m sorry, I won’t bring this issue up again but please don’t stop eating, you can bring your luggage and move in any time.” Alaina coxed her making a puppy face.

“All right, all right, don’t make this puppy face in front of me otherwise don’t blame me if I’ll forget my gender and ponce on you,” Samantha said, picking up her fork again.

Alaina was an extraordinary beauty but she seldom shows her real face to others most of the time she hides her appearance under a thick layer of brown powder, heavy spectacles and a curly wig. Since Sam was her best friend she was fully aware of her beauty and very well knew that Alaina has a face that could even provoke saints to commit a crime.

“Please spare me for god’s sake.” Alaina folded her hands and giggled.

“Why should I leave you for God’s sake when he himself sent you here as a reward for my last life’s good deeds,” Samantha replied in a more dramatic way. They were like this chatting, teasing and having fun with each other.

Both friends finished dinner in a relaxed atmosphere and after dinner, Samantha left for her house and Alaina went to the bathroom to take a bath.

While moving into this flat she was afraid that she wouldn’t fall asleep in a new environment but she slapped relatively better in comparison to the orphanage.

The next day, Alaina got up early in the morning to dress up for the interview which was scheduled for 8 o’clock. At 7:45 she was at the reception of the corporate Office of Johnson's group.

She had applied for the post of secretary to Vice President and fortunately was shortlisted.

“Excuse me mam I am here for the interview of secretary to the Vice President,” Alaina informed the reception girl. Since she was here for the Post of secretary a vice president she didn't hide her beauty deliberately.

Seeing an angel-like face in front of her, the receptionist got mesmerized. Although Johnson’s group is a renowned group with a salary package and there are all kinds of beauties already working in the company but this is the first time far is the receptionist to see such a beautiful face. For a moment she could not utter a single word.

Noticing the clueless gaze of the receptionist Alaina got confused.

“Hello Miss, I’m here for an interview could you please guide me to the destination,” Alaina asked impatiently. She was regretting not using the makeup today.

“I’m sorry Miss, could you please show me your interview letter?” The receptionist said embarrassed.

“Here you are.” Alaina showed the interview letter.

“Mam please take the second lift to the 20th floor and report at the secretary’s cabin.” The receptionist guided her politely.

As soon as Alaina enter the lift she quickly unzipped her handbag, picked up the face powder and applied it all over her face. As she looked in the compact mirror, she found her brown colour relatively soothing to her eyes.