CHAPTER 1: THE NEW BEGINGING
The day began with the aggressive buzz of an alarm clock at 6:30 AM. Half-asleep, with messy hair and tangled limbs, Alena struggled to wake up. In her clumsy attempt to reach the phone and silence the noise, she lost her balance and fell completely out of bed, landing on the floor with a heavy thud.
“Ahhh!” she screamed.
Downstairs, her mother heard the crash and rushed up to the room, worried. She threw open the door only to find her daughter sprawled on the floor, still groggily fighting the alarm.
Her mother narrowed her eyes, looking Alena straight in the face. “Oh God in heaven, what kind of creature did I give birth to?”
Alena didn’t miss a beat. As she twisted her hair into a messy bun and stood up, she gave a cheeky grin. “Oh yes, Mom, I am a heavenly creature—a blessing sent from God. I’m an angel, right?”
“Stop joking,” her mother replied, though she was clearly used to the sarcasm. “Go wash up and have breakfast, or you’ll be late again. Even though we all know you’re slow, trying is the only thing you can do.”
Alena walked over to the window, sliding the curtains back to feel the cool morning breeze. As she looked out, she thought about her life. She had always felt like she was in “second place,” except for the day she was born—since she was an only child.
Her mother had been a beauty pageant queen in her youth, often called a “heavenly maiden.” Her father had been the “campus heartbreaker,” the kind of guy every girl wanted. But Alena felt that, as they say in math, “two positives make a negative.” Unfortunately, she felt she was that negative when it came to beauty.
She had dark brown hair, thick eyebrows, and deep, double-lidded eyes. Her lips weren’t full, but they weren’t small either, and her skin was a perfect medium tone—neither too pale nor too dark. Even if she didn’t see it, her overall look was actually quite striking.
“Isn’t she awake yet? Should I just leave without her?” a sharp, stern voice called out from downstairs. “Alena! Come down now or I’m leaving! Don’t be late on your first day!”
“I’m coming!” Alena shouted back.
She dressed quickly in a casual but sharp outfit—a slim shirt and straight-cut trousers that suited her frame perfectly. Usually, they would be heading toward the university together, but today was different. Today, they were headed to the office.
As the car moved, Alena rolled down the window. The wind rushed through her hair as she rested her cheek on her hand, watching the world go by. Alena: (Narrating) Today is my first day at my dad’s office. I am going to prove that I am the best. People whisper that I’m just a “Nepo baby,” and honestly, they aren’t completely wrong. Getting a job at Nexus is a dream for many, but I’ve met every qualification required. I’m here to earn my place. (Inside the car, the engine roars. The car swerves slightly.)
(Dad): Alena! Slow down! Are you trying to kill all three of us? Putting the window down on the highway at 80 km/h?
Alena: (Sheepishly) Oh... sorry.
(Dad): Sometimes I think you’re totally clueless, my darling. Do you think life is a fictional story where women get whatever they want just because a rich man shows up? In the real world, there are challenges. From today onwards, you’ll know the real struggle.
(He pulls the car over suddenly in the middle of the road.)
Alena: (Confused) Dad? Why are we stopping?
(Dad): This is where your journey begins. Get down. There’s a bus stop over there. You know the name of the company, right? If you get lost, show your ID card to someone and tell them you’re going to Nexus. People will help you.
Alena: Dad! I’m not a small child anymore!
(Dad): (Teasing) Oh, you aren’t? Then why did you fall off your bed this morning fighting with your alarm clock?
Alena: (In a mocking, funny tone) I will see you later. Wait for my revenge!
Scene 2: The Arrival
(Alena stands in front of a massive, towering building. A bold sign at the top reads: NEXCUS FOODS.)
Alena: (Taking a deep breath) I can do this.
(She checks her ID card one last time and walks toward the reception desk.)
Receptionist: Hello! How may I help you?
Alena: Oh, hi! I’m the new intern in the Sales Department.
Receptionist: Okay, let me check. Name and ID number, please?
Alena: It’s Alena. My ID is 2516302.
Receptionist: (Checking computer) Ah, yes. You’re on the 3rd floor. You need to meet Ms. Lily; she’ll be your supervisor. But... just a warning. She is incredibly strict. Don’t let the cute face fool you.
Alena: (Nervous) Oh, really? Yeah... I think I should go now.
(Alena walks toward the elevators. Suddenly, she spots a familiar face waiting for the lift—it’s her father’s close friend, a major shareholder in the company.)
Alena: (To herself, panicking) Oh no! Not now!
(She quickly steps backward, nearly tripping, and ducks toward the exit sign.)
Alena: (Whispering) I have to take the stairs. Oh my god... that was a close call.
