“Alice!!” Mom called out. “What are you doing?” She knocked on the door, which made me jump. “Get up, Honey?” 

I got off the bed. “I’m coming, mom!!” I yawned and headed towards the door before I answered it. “Good morning, mommy.” I instantly pulled her into a hug because I always started my day with her warm hug. 

She hugged me back, smiling. “Good morning, honey. I’ve been trying to wake you up for fifteen minutes. You know very well, today is the first day of your work at Robinson’s.”

The second I heard Robinson, my heart fluttered in excitement. I pulled myself back, looking into her hazel eyes. “I know, mom. You don’t have to worry about it. I’ll get ready on time.”

“Yeah, you better do,” she said before leaving.

I sighed, feeling thousands of butterflies bursting in my tummy. I was extremely excited to work at Robinson Fashion House. 

I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer since childhood. I remembered the day I had designed my mother's clothes for her seventeenth anniversary. At that time we did not have enough money to buy new clothes. My family background had always been disappointing. My father was a laborer in the company and my mother was a housewife. Despite this, they had managed everything for me.

I would never forget how much my family had sacrificed for my dream. My father never took care of his needs but kept mine. He had borrowed a huge amount from his company so that I could make my dream come true.

And finally, the day had come when I had time to prove myself as a good daughter. I got a chance to give a better life to my parents. I could proudly say that I am a fashion designer of Robinson’s. 

The Robinson fashion house was the most popular across the country. They were mostly designed for celebrities and highly rich people. Their designs were classy, elegant, and modern. If we made an appointment, we had to wait for six months. And this fashion house was owned by Mr. Henry Robinson. He was one of the youngest billionaires in the country. I heard he was just thirteen when he started his modeling career. And after that, he had become a fashion designer at sixteen. 

Ugh, Alice, relax!! Don’t overthink!

I sighed and went into the bathroom. Peeling my clothes, I stepped into a warm shower. It might relax my overwhelming brain. For the past few days, many thoughts were running through my mind. How do I work there? How will I react when I face Henry Robinson? How will I be able to modify myself in such a multinational company? 

Pushing the thought away, I wrapped a towel around my body and got out of the bathroom. I put on a pair of jeans and a white top and pulled my long brown hair into a tight bun and kept my face free of makeup. I found myself a bit boring when I checked my appearance in the mirror. I always like to keep my look natural and simple.

I walked downstairs and entered the kitchen. “It looks like you’re not ready yet!” Mom studied me from head to toe.

“I’m ready, Mom.” 

“Are you being serious? Look at your clothes.”

I looked down at myself. “Yeah, what’s wrong with these clothes? These were gifted by dad and I promised him I would wear them on the first day of my job.” 

“I can understand, honey! But you also need to understand that you are going to work in the biggest fashion house in the country.” She stroked my cheek. “My daughter is so beautiful and I want people to notice her. Alice, don’t hide your beauty. You’re only twenty-three and you’re living like a sixty-year-old granny.” 

“What rubbish are you talking about, Kate!” I heard dad. “Our daughter is naturally beautiful. She doesn’t need any expensive clothes and makeup to look beautiful. Don’t you know how many boys are chasing her? But she always chases our British boy Evan.” He laughed, pulling my leg.

“Dad!” I snorted in annoyance. Evan was my ex-boyfriend, and I had recently broken up with him as he shifted to his hometown in England. Sometimes I missed him because he was the only person who could make me laugh.

I brushed his thoughts away and smelled the aroma in the kitchen. “Mom, are you cooking anything special?”

“Yup, your favorite cheesy pasta and chocolate cake.” She smiled.

“Wow! Is there anything special today?”

“Yeah, your dream is going to come true. That’s why we are celebrating today.”

“Aww,” I grinned and sat down in a chair next to Dad. “My best wishes to you, Alice,” he said with a warm smile. 

“Thank you, Dad.” I gave him a side hug. “And one more thing, you don’t need to worry about money, clothes, and any accessories. From now on, you both are my responsibility,” I said proudly. 

“Aww, I didn’t know. My daughter has grown up. I remember the day when you used to roam the entire house just in a diaper.” He broke into a laugh at those memories. 

“Dad!” I gave him a soft punch on his shoulder. “You never miss a chance to pull my leg.”

“You punch me really hard, sweetie.” 

“Come on, dad you’re not that weak.” I punched him again, and we both laughed. “I know you have a lot of muscles under this shirt.”

He grinned widely. “That was the only thing your mother used to love in me. But I’d lost it.” 

“Joe, what does it mean used to?” Mom chided and folded her arms across her chest, glaring at him. “I still love you as much as I used to.” 

Stifling my smile, I lowered my gaze to the plate. They were talking about their love life and I felt awkward at that moment. They had completed twenty-five years of their marriage, but still; they loved each other like a teenage couple. 

I finished my breakfast. “I gotta go, you know today is my first day, so I don’t want to be late.” I stood up and grabbed my handbag. “And you two continue your romance.”

Both of them snapped their eyes at me. When they didn’t speak I said, “What? Did I say something wrong?” 

Dad cleared his throat. “No, not at all.” 

“Dad can tease me, why can’t I?” 

They both broke into a smile. “Come here, sweetie.” Dad hugged me softly.

“I’m going to miss you two.” Tears welled up in my eyes. “I’m nothing without your support.”

“We’ll miss you too, sweetie,” dad whispered. 

“You two are talking as if she’ll never come back home,” mom said and we all broke into a laugh.

“Miss, here you go.” The driver informed me when we arrived at Robinson’s fashion house. I climbed off the cab and headed straight towards the building. 

I gasped, mesmerized by the black-gray and tall building. It was highlighted in the middle, ‘THE ROBINSON FASHION.’ It looked just great in person and had a stunning view.

At first, the security guard asked for my identity before his eyes ran down my body, which made me feel self-conscious. Ignoring his inappropriate gaze, I walked inside. 

“Oh my gosh!” I looked around. The interior design of the fashion house was beautiful and unique. The ambiance and atmosphere were peaceful. Everything was furnished with bold and high-tone materials. And now, I was disappointed with my appearance because of my plain look. Everything was high, modern, and classy. I was feeling like garbage in such a beautiful place. 

I walked up to the receptionist to ask about the orientation program. “How can I help you, ma’am?” she asked with a polite smile.

“Where’s the orientation program?”

“Wait for a minute, please,” she said before typing something on the monitor. “The twenty-fourth floor,” she informed me.

I gave her a nod before heading to the elevator. I stepped in and pressed the twenty-fourth button. When The elevator door opened, I let out a deep breath before exiting. I walked down the hallway, reaching the entrance to the hall. Every one seemed busy talking and giggling. But as soon as I stopped there, they all snapped their heads at me. 

I didn’t know why they were eyeing me curiously. ‘Am I looking like an alien?’ I thought. I knew I looked simple, but it was not like I looked like a joker as they were watching me like that. 

“Hey, you!!” a redhead girl called me out. She was in a skin-tight blue dress that was barely reaching her thighs. “This hall is not for a rag picker like you.” 

I frowned at her statement. “Excuse me... I stuttered. No doubt I was awkward to speak publicly. 

“A ragpicker.” She crossed her arms over her chest, and the corner of her mouth turned up. “Look at yourself, it seems like you came straight from the trash.” 

“Lisa, you don’t have to disrespect and insult others like that.” A fairly pretty girl with blonde hair and soft blue eyes scowled.

“Seems like she doesn’t check herself into the mirror before leaving the house.” Lisa rolled her eyes and walked away.  

“Hey, are you okay?” That pretty girl approached me.

“Yeah, I’m fine, thank you,” I said with a forced smile. 

“My name is Ava.” She held out her hand for a handshake. “Ava Miller, the personal secretary of Mr. Henry Robinson.”

“I’m Alice Bennett.” I shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too, Alice.” She smiled and glanced at her watch. “In a few minutes, Mr. Robinson will be here. Please take your seat.” She gestured to me in the hall. 

I walked inside and took a seat beside a blonde boy. “Are you new here?” He asked me, his voice was thin. 

“I’ve got a placement through my college and I came here for an internship,” I answered. 

“Yeah, I’ve heard they even pay high to the Freshers and trainers. By the way, I’m Elio.”

“I’m Alice.”

“Oh gosh!” Suddenly, he jumped in excitement. “Look over there, Mr. Henry Robinson.”

I followed his eyes and saw a tall figure come into view. “I’ve heard of him but I’ve never seen him in person.” 

“I heard he is as cold as Antarctica and hot as the Sahara.” A blush crept on his face. “I like him.”

He was funny; I giggled at his comment. “Do you like him?” 

He nodded. “So much.” 

Mr. Henry Robinson entered the hall, with Ava trailing behind him. He looked confident and attractive. He was tall and handsome. His face was hard and chiseled as stone with high cheekbones and had the biggest, clearest dark eyes, and the fullest, most perfect lips. He was the most beautiful man I had ever seen. 

After a while, Henry discussed his fashion brand and house. He was standing in the middle of the hall, carrying confidence with a stone-hard expression. After a few moments of discussion. “We choose best in best, your one mistake may ruin your career, so don’t forget that you’re the designer of the Robinson fashion house. If you ruin my reputation, I’ll ruin your career,” he stated coldly. 

“What!” I blurted out, and heat instantly crept into my cheeks when every pair of eyes snapped at me. I nearly stopped breathing when Henry’s cold eyes fell on me. He kept staring at me for a few seconds before he took steps towards me. 

No!

He approached my table and placed his both hands on it, lowering himself down. Now we were face to face. I could smell the scent of his expensive cologne as he came closer to me. I tried not to shake with nervousness. But my hands couldn’t help and trembled. 

“Seems like you have a problem, Miss....” 

“Alice...Bennet..” I shuttered, lowering my gaze down. 

“Miss Bennet..” His voice was cold and deep and sexy. “Look at me.” He ordered, and I obeyed, looking into his dark and stunning eyes. He kept his eyes on me without a single blink. I wondered if he would ever blink. “Answer me, do you have questions...?” 

“No...” I shook my head. 

I swallowed hard under his intense scrutiny. His eyes fell on my lips, then my neck, then my breasts, and then returned to my eyes. For a few seconds, a blur spread across my eyes as he was gazing at me intently. Finally, he moved away and adjusted his suit. “Welcome to Robinson House, Miss Bennet,” he said coldly and stalked out of the hall. 

What kind of man he was, he was cold-hearted. He warned his employees on the very first day.

********