One year ago
Lena's POV
A loud ringing yanked me from the depths of sleep. Groaning, I flung my arm toward the nightstand, blindly searching for my phone. The sharp, persistent chime drilled into my skull. Who the hell is calling me this morning.
Squinting against the dim morning light. I answered.
"Hello?" My voice came out hoarse, heavy with exhaustion.
"Lena! You there?" Claire's familiar voice rang in my ear, far too energetic at this hour.
I sighed. "Why the hell are you calling me at this ungodly hour?"
"Oh God! Don't tell me you are still in bed."
I hummed, already slipping back into sleep.
"Lena!" She practically screamed.
"Spare me, Claire," I groaned. "I need at least twenty more minutes before the meeting."
"Check the time," she said flatly.
A bad feeling crept up my spine. Blinking away sleep, I lifted my phone and saw the time.
8:50AM.
"Fuck!No!" I shot up in bed, heart hummering. The meeting starts at nine.
"You see? Hurry up! You know our boss." She hung up. That man hates tardiness. If you are late, you get punished. I just hope it will be an easy one.
I threw off my blanket and bolted for the bathroom- only to stop dead on my track.
"No. No, no, no! Not today please"
I twisted the tap. Nothing. Bone dry.
"You've got to be kidding me!" I hissed. The damn water supply is acting up again. I had complained to the building management countless times, yet nothing had been fixed.
Clenching my jaw, i grabbed my toothbrush, towel and toiletries. I have no choice. Natasha's bathroom it is. Again.
I stormed out of my apartment and knocked on my neighbor's door, Natasha. She and her husband had moved in last month, and this was already the third time I had to borrow their bathroom. God, I hope I am not annoying them.
I knocked again, more urgently this time.
"Coming!" Natasha's soft, musical voice floated through the door.
A moment later, she opened it, her warm brown eyes crinkling in amusement. She was always effortlessly beautiful, even at this hour.
"Good morning, Natasha!" I greeted, forcing a sheepish smile.
"Morning! Lena," she replied, her lips curving up.
"I need to urgently use your bathroom, please." I pleaded.
"Of course, come in." She stepped aside, and I rushed in.
Their apartment was immaculate, as always. Everything was in perfect order, not a speck of dust in sight. Unlike my place, which currently looked like a hurricane had torn through it.
I hurried to the bathroom and took what was possibly the fastest shower of my life - barely five minutes. When i stepped out I had a voice from the dining area.
"Good morning, Lena."
I turned to see Raj, Natasha's husband, sipping his coffee.
"Morning, Raj. Sorry for the inconvenience," I said, feeling my face heat up.
He waved a hand dismissively. "No problem. What are neighbors for?"
"I guess… to help each other," I muttered, managing a weak smile.
Natasha emerged from the kitchen, setting a steaming plate of food on the table.
"Thank you, Natasha." I said, gratitude laced in my tone.
"You've always welcome.Lena"
"I'll get going then," I said hurriedly.
"Join us for breakfast!" Natasha offered. "I doubt you have had anything."
"Thanks, but I really have to go. I'll grab something at the office!" I glanced at the wall clock - 8:59am. My stomach clenched. Shit
I bolted out the door, shouting,"Thanks, Natasha! Sorry!"
I heard them chuckle behind me, but I didn't have time to dwell on it.
The moment i got back to my apartment, i dove into my wardrobe, and rummaged through my clothes like a madwoman. Clothes flew everywhere. Where the hell is my suit?
My mother always scolded me for being so clumsy. How i missed her nagging right now? I sniffed back the tear that was about to fall and continued searching for my suit.
After what felt like an eternity, I finally yanked out a pair of black tailored pants, a white button - up blouse, and a navy blue blazer. Good enough.
Throwing on my outfit, I grabbed my bag and key and rushed to the parking basement.
Sliding into my car, I twisted the key into ignition.
Krrr, krrr, krrr
I froze. No. No way
I tried again.
Krrr, krrrr.
A sinking feeling settled in my gut.
"Oh, my fucking God!" I smacked the steering wheel in frustration. The horn blared loudly, making several people in the parking lot turn and stare.
"Sorry!" I called out, raising my hands apologetically.
This day keeps getting worse. First, no water. Now, my car refuses to start. Claire had been telling me to get rid of this old thing, but I couldn't. It had been passed down from my parents. It held too many memories.
"Lord, please. I don't know what sin I committed, but whatever it is, forgive me and let this damn car start," I muttered under my breath. Not that I was particularly religious, but in moments like this, I suddenly found faith.
Taking a deep breath, I turned the key one last time.
The engine sputtered, coughed… then roared to life.
"Thank you, Lord!" I squealed as I sped out of the basement.
By the time I reached the office, it was 9:40 am. Shit. I wonder what my punishment will be. Just hoped not something complicated like stealing evidence of crime of the White House.
Panting, I dashed through the lobby.
"Hi!" I greeted the receptionist breathlessly.
"Good morning, Ms. Marino," she replied with a knowing smile.
"Has Mr. Brooks arrived?" I asked, dreading the answer.
"He was looking for you," she said, confirming my worst fear. "You can go in immediately. They are waiting for you."
Damn it.
"Thanks," I muttered, hurrying towards the elevator.
As soon as the doors slid shut, I took a deep breath and straightened my blazer. The panel next to me flashed a small green light. I pulled out my ID and scanned it. The hidden access panel clicked open leading to a secret hallway.
This wasn't just any company. Our work required secrecy.
The meeting room door slid open, revealing my boss standing at the head of the table.
"Thanks for coming early, Ms. Marino," Mr. Brooks said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I swallowed hard. "Sorry, sir." I apologize.
"Stand still." His voice was sharp, commanding. It was a sign for me to start the meeting.
I froze, standing at attention as the room darkened.
The projector flickered to life, displaying a towering building on the screen.
"This," I began regaining my composure, "is Nexus corp."
An image of Albert Kairos, the late founder appeared.
"One of the largest and most successful companies in Italy. Founded by late Mr. Kairos I, later inherited by his son, Rowan Kairos. After Rowan's death two years ago, the legacy passed down to his son, Asher Kairos."
The slide changed to show Asher. His chiseled features, cold blue eyes, and powerful stance filled the screen.
"Under Asher's leadership, Nexus Corp has been involved in multiple underground criminal activities - drug smuggling, human trafficking, illegal arms trade. The authorities have failed to gather enough evidence to bring them down."
Mr.Brooks folded his arms. "Which is why this case is in our hands now."
I nodded, "we need deep infiltration."
"Is that the only option." Chris asked.
"Except for getting a spy from the organization, which is highly impossible, that's the only way."
"So, what's the plan?" Mr. Brooks asked.
"Job application," I said. "We need people inside Nexus Corp to uncover the evidences."
"Who's going?" He asked.
"Asher hates women. He doesn't allow female employees, so i suggest Chris and Henry."
Mr. Brooks leaned forward. "No. You and Henry."
I blinked. "But sir, no female employees are allowed."
"Figure out how to get in." With that he left.
A lump formed in my throat. That meant one thing.
I had to become a man. Again.
And that's my punishment for being late.