No Escape from Love

Mom's spirits had improved significantly, and there was a hint of anticipation on her face.

"Serena, from now on, we'll be able to live a good life, right?"

I held her hand tightly and gave her a reassuring look. "Yes, Mom. Everything will get better."

The car Lucas had sent was already waiting downstairs. It was a black Mercedes, and it was parked there so openly that it was hard to miss.

The driver got out, helped load some of our luggage into the trunk, and then respectfully opened the door for Mom and me. The car moved smoothly along the wide road, the scenery outside speeding past in a blur.

I gazed out the window. A new life was about to begin, but I had no idea what awaited me.

It wasn't long before we arrived at the apartment building. The first thing I noticed was the surveillance camera installed at the entrance.

The building manager, a warm and friendly woman, helped me carry my things inside as she explained, "The company installed it to ensure employee safety. A while ago, a female employee who lived alone was being stalked, so now, there are cameras on every floor."

When I stepped into the apartment Lucas had arranged for me, I realized it was even better than I had expected. It was a two-bedroom unit with a simple yet elegant design. It was fully furnished with all the necessary appliances.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city lights stretched out like a galaxy of stars-bright, dazzling, and full of life.

"Do you like it, Mom?" I asked as I helped her sit on the couch.

She looked around, a satisfied smile appearing on her face. "I do. It's wonderful here."

After settling Mom into her room, I started unpacking my own things.

Lucas had been incredibly thoughtful as even the wardrobe was stocked with new clothes, from underwear to outerwear. They were all neatly arranged. As I took

them out one by one, a complicated mix of emotions surged within me.

At least now, I could breathe easy. This place wasn't some run-down, overcrowded dorm room-it was a real home.

...

Meanwhile, in his office, Lucas was watching Serena's every move through the surveillance feed.

"Mr. Schneider, about Ms. Ashford's position..." His secretary entered the room, speaking respectfully.

Lucas' gaze remained fixed on the screen as he gave a simple instruction, "Special assistant."

"Special assistant?" The secretary hesitated. "But the company already has—"

"Then personal assistant," he cut her off without a second thought.

The secretary looked even more

confused. "Sir, didn't you say you

valued

Ashford's abilities?el

Assigning her as a personal assistant seems a bit..."

At last, Lucas shifted his gaze from the screen to the secretary, his tone calm but firm. "She doesn't have much experience. Let her work by my side for a few years before we consider her for any project coles. The project department is full of veterans. If she joins out of nowhere, she'll be targeted immediately."

The secretary said no more and silently left the office.noveldrama

...

The next day, I officially started work.

A young woman from HR led me to the top floor, and that was when I realized something was off. "Mr. Schneider's office is up here?"

She nodded. "Yes. You're his assistant, so you'll be working on the top floor."

His assistant? A sinking feeling hit me. It turned out that Lucas hadn't arranged for me to be an office assistant, after all. But since was already here, I might as well accept it.

Being his assistant was still a job, and it was better than nothing.