Chapter 1: Loneliness
“Within each of us, there exists a shadow; light cannot exist without darkness. A person who fails to recognize their darker self is doomed to endlessly battle its manifestations in the outside world.”
— Carl Gustav Jung
Chapter 1: Loneliness
Standing by the panoramic windows of her newly purchased penthouse on the top floor of a New York City skyscraper, she gazed at the view stretching out before her—an electrifying city, brimming with opportunities, seemingly within her grasp.
A glass of red wine in her hand, she answered a call. With poise and an air of unmistakable detachment, she issued directives, cutting off any attempts at discussion with curt, sharp remarks. Her appearance reflected both sophistication and precision: cream-colored trousers tailored to perfection, elegant brown heels, and a silk blouse with wide cuffs, each detail underscoring her refinement. A slim brown belt cinched her waist, a discreet nod to understated elegance. Her long brown hair cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders, and her lips, highlighted with a touch of gloss, caught the light. Expressive long lashes and high cheekbones completed her immaculate look. A gold watch gleamed on her wrist, while a diamond ring sparkled on her fourth finger, a silent emblem of her accomplishments.
The penthouse’s interior mirrored its owner’s impeccable taste. Everything—from the muted browns and beiges to the wooden accents and marble inlays—was curated with thought and precision. A large, inviting sofa dominated the living room, accompanied by a pristine glass coffee table, over which elegant chandeliers hung, lending the space a touch of subdued opulence. The kitchen, finished with black marble and light wood, stretched along a corridor leading to two expansive bedrooms, each with walk-in closets and private bathrooms adorned with marble and golden fixtures.
Surrounded by luxury and triumphs, she still felt a subtle unease deep within. Not everything in her life was as flawless as it seemed. Every glance in the mirror reminded her of unspoken truths—things she had kept hidden from the world. This penthouse, perfect as it was, served as her sanctuary.
The ringing of her phone broke her reverie. The voice on the other end disrupted her composure—deep, commanding, and laced with memories she had worked hard to bury. Her heart quickened, though she fought to maintain a calm, detached tone.
“Long time no speak…”
“And yet you know how to find me,” she replied, feigning indifference.
“I’ve always known where you are.”
The silence that followed was heavy with tension. The confidence she had built her empire on began to falter. Every word he spoke unearthed memories she had hoped would remain buried. He was here. He had returned. And he had no intention of leaving.
Day One from the Future
She was a woman of success, yet her triumphs bore a bitter aftertaste. Slowly, those closest to her had turned away, as if her achievements were too heavy a burden for them to bear. She remembered the day her parents died—a tragic accident that changed everything. Even then, she hadn’t allowed herself the luxury of grief; work had taken precedence. She didn’t attend their funeral, consumed by the unrelenting demands of her career. Sometimes she wondered if she had orchestrated her own isolation or if someone else had been pulling the strings, removing one person after another who might have tried to hold her back.
Then came the loss of her beloved. At first, he had been captivated by her strength and determination, but over time, his admiration soured into pure jealousy. To him, she had become nothing more than a money-making machine. His love faded slowly—or perhaps it had never truly been there.
Every step she took toward the top brought her closer to loneliness. She could feel it—the loss of something intangible, irreplaceable, something neither wealth nor power could buy back.
Staring out the window, she wondered when she had started losing the people around her. Success—that word never left the lips of the perfect businesswoman she had become. Brimming with ambition and a determination rivaling that of the world’s greatest billionaires, she had worked tirelessly, day by day, to build her empire. Everything in her life appeared flawlessly planned. But it was that one final investment that had clouded her judgment. It was supposed to be the crowning jewel of her efforts, the reward for years of relentless toil.
Just this last deal, and I’ll retire a millionaire in New York, she repeated in her mind, her enthusiasm unwavering as she finalized the transaction, perfected the negotiations, and meticulously reviewed the documents. She mobilized her team with the single-minded focus of a commander rallying troops for a decisive battle.
Everything had to be perfect. Josaline was counting on her first millions to come in record time. Nothing else mattered anymore.
“Josaline, shall I confirm tomorrow’s meeting?” Kate’s voice broke through the hum of her thoughts.
“The meeting… Yes, confirm it,” she replied, though her tone betrayed exhaustion.
“You’re tired, aren’t you? Maybe we should cancel something?” Kate’s voice held a note of concern, an attempt to shake her from her daze.
“No. Everything must go according to plan.”
“In this state? Josaline, please, focus!”
“I said confirm it.”
The line went silent, and the room was once again cloaked in quiet. A knock at the door disrupted the fleeting calm.
“Come in,” she muttered, her voice devoid of energy.
“You look like you haven’t slept in a week,” he remarked.
“Did you review the calculations?” she asked, ignoring his observation.
“Yes, everything looks fine. But it’s your call how much more you want to put into this.”
“If anything goes wrong, everything will be lost,” she replied quietly.
“You’re exaggerating. You might lose a few shares, that’s all.”
“You don’t get it. It’s not just shares. It’s my life.”
“Josaline, stop being dramatic. Did Kate call?”
“Yes. The meeting’s tomorrow.”
Thomas pulled a small pouch from his pocket and placed it on the table.
“This will help you relax. Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll take over. After all, we’re partners. We have to look out for each other, right?”
“What is it?”
“It’s what you need. Trust me.”
Josaline stared at the pouch but said nothing.
Day Two – The Morning
Josaline woke with a pounding headache. The daylight streaming through the window made every movement a torment.
“What the hell did he give me? That manipulative bastard!” she hissed, clutching her temples.
She stood shakily, her body rebelling against her. Everything hurt, and her mind felt like a battlefield, crowded with chaos.
The office buzzed with a tense silence. Everyone who saw her avoided her gaze. Her disheveled appearance—an unbuttoned blouse, loafers instead of heels, and a messy bun—spoke louder than she cared to admit.
“Josaline!” Kate stormed into her office, shoving a cup of coffee into her hand. “What’s going on with you? The shareholders will be here in an hour, and you look like you just crawled out of a gutter!”
“Kate, shut up. Where’s Thomas?” Josaline sipped the coffee but grimaced as if it were poison.
“He’s not answering. Late, as usual,” Kate said irritably. “But you’re the one who’s going to screw this up if you don’t pull yourself together.”
“Don’t tell me what to do!” Josaline slammed her hand on the desk, making the coffee cup wobble dangerously. “Get the team ready for ten o’clock. If Thomas doesn’t show, he’s out of this project. Got it?”
“Got it, but right now, you look like you’re about to collapse,” Kate said, her voice steady but tinged with concern. “Do you need a doctor? Or more coffee?”
“Just do what I told you!” Josaline snapped, grabbing her head. “And find that bastard before everything falls apart!”
Kate spun on her heel and left the office, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. Her phone was glued to her hand as she redialed Thomas’s number over and over.
“Thomas, pick up, dammit!” she yelled at his voicemail. “Josaline’s on the brink, and the shareholders will be here any minute! If you don’t show up in fifteen minutes, we’re screwed. Do you hear me?!”
She slammed her phone down on her desk and returned to her boss’s office.
“Are you ready?”
Josaline looked at her from behind dark sunglasses, hiding her weary face.
“Do I look like I have everything under control?” she asked sarcastically.
“No. You look like you’re about to faint,” Kate said bluntly. “What about the documents?”
Josaline tossed the sunglasses onto the desk and ran a hand through her hair.
“Documents?” Her voice wavered, but she tried to sound composed. “All the suspicions are on Thomas. From what I see, they expect me to put all my money into this… to lose a few shares. And he promises me a billion in return.”
“So, nothing new,” Kate sighed. “But if he doesn’t show up, we can kiss this project goodbye.”
“Don’t worry, he’ll show. And if he doesn’t, I’ll handle it my way.” She narrowed her eyes, leaning back in her chair. “I pull the strings here, not him.”
Kate gave her a look as if she wanted to say something but ultimately just shook her head and left, slamming the door behind her. Josaline was alone again.
Her head throbbed, and the chaos in her mind mixed with the sense of impending disaster. Time was running out.
Kate avoided looking at her directly. Her eyes darted nervously around the room, as if searching for answers in the void.
“Do you have something to tell to me?” Josaline’s voice was icy, full of suspicion as she fixed her sharp gaze on Kate.
“It’s not me doing business with Thomas,” Kate shrugged, avoiding her gaze. “I’m just an assistant, not a business partner.”
Josaline pressed her lips together.
“And the shareholders?”
“They’ll be here in fifteen minutes. The team’s already waiting in the conference room. Thomas still isn’t answering.”
Josaline’s fingers tightened around the armrests of her chair. Every sound in the office felt like the ticking of a countdown to an explosion.
“Find him. He was supposed to lead this meeting. If he doesn’t show up, everything will sink, and I won’t be able to fix it.”
Kate nodded and strode out of the office, her heels echoing down the hallway as she dialed frantically.
“Thomas, pick up, for fuck’s sake!” she snapped at his voicemail. “If you don’t get here, everything’s going to fall apart! Josaline already looks like she’s about to collapse!”
She returned to the office and threw her phone onto the desk.
“Nothing,” she said, her voice tinged with growing panic.
“Nothing?” Josaline raised an eyebrow. “You’re my assistant, and you can’t even manage this?”
“Why don’t you try yourself?” Kate shot back with frustration. “I got a message from him. Do you want to read it or should I summarize?”
Josaline grabbed the phone. The message was brief: “I can’t make it to the meeting. Issues I need to manage. Josaline will have to handle it herself.”
“What the fuck does he mean by ‘handle it herself’? His partnership in this company is starting to have an expiration date!” she hissed, throwing the phone onto her desk.
The conference room doors swung open wide. The shareholders entered, their expressions cold and formal. Josaline adjusted her glasses and took a deep breath.
“Gentlemen, welcome,” she said, forcing a calm tone. “My partner has unfortunately not arrived yet, but I’ll address all your questions.”
One of the men, older with sharp features, scrutinized her with an icy gaze.
“Thomas was the only reason we’re here. Without him, there’s no point in continuing this conversation.”
“I understand your concerns, but—”
“You don’t understand!” he interrupted sharply. “Without Thomas, we see no future in this collaboration.”
“Please, just five minutes,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “I’ll explain why this investment makes sense.”
The older man rose from his seat, his movements deliberate and steady.
“We’ve just wasted something valuable—do you know the term ‘time’? Your company is incompetent, and you yourself need help before you can represent anyone.”
He said no more. He turned and left, followed by the rest of the shareholders.
Her hand slowly fell to the desk, and silence filled the room.
“What now?” Kate asked quietly, standing in the doorway.
“Get out.”
Kate froze for a moment before leaving, closing the door behind her.
Josaline sat motionless, staring at the empty conference room. The echo of the man’s words reverberated in her mind, dismantling everything she had spent years building.
“Should I come in, or do I have the rest of the day off?” Kate’s voice dripped with irony, as sharp as a knife in Josaline’s back.
Josaline looked up at her, exhaustion barely masking her simmering anger.
“Come in. And if you have something useful to say, say it.”
Kate sat across from her, clasping her hands on the table.
“Do you even have a plan? Because, honestly, it looks like you’ve given up.”
“I’ll figure something out. If those shareholders were Thomas’s contacts, I’ll find others,” Josaline said, trying to sound confident, though the hesitation in her voice betrayed her.
Kate let out a quiet laugh.
“Really? How? Thomas always handled things like this. You don’t even know where to start. Do you seriously think anyone will trust you after today’s circus?”
“There’s no need to kick me while I’m down!” Josaline snapped, her teeth clenched. “I know I messed up, but I’m still the boss, understand? Show me some respect or just shut up.”
“Sure,” Kate replied coolly, her gaze unyielding. “Thomas called. He said he had a family emergency, which is why he couldn’t show up.”
Josaline raised an eyebrow, sensing the lie.
“A family emergency? He’s divorced. What game is that bastard playing?”
“I know, but he still sees his son. Not everyone abandons their family forever.”
Josaline narrowed her eyes, staring at Kate as if trying to see through her.
“Fine,” she finally said, clearly unconvinced. “You can go.”
Kate stood without another word and left, leaving Josaline alone once again.
At Home
The silence in Josaline’s apartment was oppressive. She returned from the office with a weight pressing down on her shoulders, each step heavier than the last. Her failure echoed in her thoughts, relentless and loud.
Without hesitation, she reached for a bottle of red wine. Not bothering with a glass, she took a long sip straight from the bottle. The warm liquid momentarily dulled the chaos in her mind.
Her phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen and saw Thomas’s name. Picking up, she didn’t wait for him to speak.
“You bastard! How could you leave me like that?!” she spat. “You screwed everything up! The shareholders wouldn’t even listen to me! What the hell did you tell them?!”
Silence greeted her from the other end, only fueling her rage.
“Family issues, Josaline. I couldn’t leave it. My son wouldn’t forgive me. I can’t drop everything. It’s not my fault they ignored you,” he finally replied, his tone calm.
“Since when do you care about family?” she hissed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You got divorced because your family was holding you back from success, didn’t you?”
“People change,” he said evenly. “I don’t want my son growing up without a father just because things didn’t work out with his mother.”
His words hit her like a punch to the gut. For a moment, she was speechless. Memories of what she had lost flickered in her mind, but she quickly shoved them aside.
“Nice excuse. But it doesn’t change the fact that you left me to deal with this mess,” she said, her voice turning icy. “Pull a stunt like this again, and you’ll lose more than just the shareholders. You’ll lose this company too.”
“The shareholders dismissed us,” she began, cutting straight to the point, her tone sharp with accusation. “They’re not interested, and worse, they only cared about your presence. Aren’t we supposed to be partners?”
“Josaline…” Thomas sighed heavily. “They’re cold bastards, alpha males. They don’t take serious meetings with women. You have to understand, some things are handled better in a men-only setting.”
“So, I’m supposed to accept that they’re chauvinists who don’t see women in business as equals?” Her voice sharpened with every word.
“You could call it that.” His tone was indifferent, as if it were an obvious fact.
“And you’re fine with this? You, who always said we were equals?” The anger in her voice rose like a tide, threatening to engulf everything in its path.
Thomas exhaled. “Look, I’m going to be unavailable for a while. Try not to do anything stupid. Act like nothing happened. I’ll try to set up another meeting, but you need to be ready for the possibility they might ask for more than just shares.”
Josaline froze. Her heart began to pound faster.
“What exactly do you mean by that?”
“Well… they might want something more… from you,” he said after a pause, his words cutting through the silence like a blade.
“You think I’m a cheap whore? That I should sell myself for assets for my company? Is that what you’re saying?” Her voice quivered, but it was fury that dominated.
Thomas stayed silent for a few seconds before responding with a chilling calmness:
“Relax. It’s just business, sweetheart. Power has its rules. You either accept them, or you get screwed—figuratively or literally. Better to do it on your own terms.”
Her hand tightened around the phone until her knuckles turned white.
“I left something for you. Check the flowerpot on your windowsill,” he added, his tone suddenly dismissive, as though the conversation no longer mattered. “It’ll help you calm down.”
“You bastard…” she whispered, but the line was already dead.
She stared at the phone, feeling anger and frustration rise like a storm, threatening to consume her. Standing abruptly, she walked to the windowsill, where the mentioned flowerpot sat. Her hand trembled as she dug into the soil.
Beneath a thin layer of dirt, her fingers brushed against something small and soft—a white pouch.
She held it in her palm, staring at it for a moment as a sense of dread built inside her. Did she really want to know what was inside?
