Secretary Mom Wife (Editing)

The new apartment, still smelling faintly of fresh paint and possibility, felt like a sanctuary. Amelia Thompson hummed along to Adele, meticulously arranging books on a shelf, each placement a small victory against the ghosts of her past. Two years out of college, two years since 'things happened' with her parents – a phrase she used like a shield, vague enough to deter questions, sharp enough to remind herself of the pain.

Today marked a new beginning. A new job at Knight Inc., working for the notoriously elusive Leon Knight. She’d heard the whispers, the rumors of his playboy reputation, but she chose to ignore them. Her focus was on stability, on building a life where she was in control.

Duke, her brown and white furred dog, nudged her hand, pulling her from her thoughts. "Eat up, Duke," she murmured, scratching behind his ears as he happily munched his dinner. The sun was setting, painting the city outside her balcony in hues of orange and purple. Eight o'clock already. Unpacking had taken longer than expected. Chinese food it was.

Later, curled on the couch, the comforting glow of the TV washing over her, Amelia finally allowed herself to relax. The long, hot shower had washed away the day’s fatigue, and the thought of starting fresh on Monday brought a quiet sense of anticipation. This was her new chapter, unwritten, full of potential. She just hoped it stayed that way.