Ivy dialed Kim’s number as she stepped out of the mall, the chill of the city air brushing against her skin. She wandered, trying to clear her head after the drama unfolding.

  “Hello?” Kim’s voice could be heard on the other end.

  “Kim, I can’t take this anymore,” she said, her voice breaking slightly. “Harper and Maze just had a screaming match over me in a department store. There were cameras, Kim. Cameras!”

  On the other end, Kim let out a long groan, her office chair creaking as she leaned back. “Cameras, huh? Well, great. I’ll draft the press release: ‘Harper Bailey’s Newest Art Project—Performance Drama in the Wild.’ Bound to go viral.”

  Ivy couldn’t help but snort despite the knot tightening in her chest. “Kim, I’m serious. I need out. Just for a bit. A week, maybe two. I need to breathe and...figure out my life.”

  There was a pause, followed by the faint tapping of a pen against a desk. “You sure about this?” Kim asked carefully. “We’re setting up a studio space for you. I mean, it’s going to be fancy. It is the kind of pce where artistic genius flourishes, and coffee flows like wine. Are you going to give that up for...what? Silence and existential dread?”

  Ivy sighed heavily, her breath misting in the cold. “Silence and existential dread sound fantastic right now, honestly. Kim, my house is gone. My work, my life’s worth—everything—is gone. And on top of that, Harper’s acting like some overprotective knight and Maze…” She trailed off, shaking her head. “Maze is just being Maze. I can’t handle it. I need space from both of them.”

  Kim let out a soft ugh. “Okay, fair. Space from Harper is basically my life’s motto. Suffocating isn’t even the word—it’s like being slowly squeezed by a very expensive, very fashionable anaconda.”

  Despite herself, Ivy chuckled. “Exactly. See? You get it. Harper doesn’t mean to, but she makes me feel like I’m under a microscope. And Maze—don’t even get me started. She’s like a golden retriever with boundary issues.”

  Kim snorted so loudly this time that Ivy had to pull the phone away from her ear. “Maze? A golden retriever? More like a Pomeranian with delusions of grandeur. But okay, I get your point.”

  Ivy’s smile faltered slightly. “I just need some time to reset, Kim. Please. I’m begging you.”

  There was another pause, longer this time. Ivy could imagine Kim tapping her pen, weighing her options. “You know,” Kim finally said, her tone softer, “I could guilt-trip you into staying. Pull the whole ‘art waits for no one’ spiel. But honestly? I think I’d need a break, too, if I were in your shoes.”

  Ivy’s breath hitched. “Really?”

  “Really,” Kim confirmed. “Besides, the set designers and stylists will need a few weeks to assemble everything for your new studio. It’s practically a construction zone right now, and trust me, you don’t want to be around for that chaos. Let’s call it...strategic vacationing.”

  Relief flooded Ivy’s chest, and for the first time all day, she felt herself truly exhale. “Thank you, Kim. I mean it. I’ll return once I’ve...figured myself out a little.”

  “Just promise me one thing,” Kim said, her voice dropping into a mock-serious tone.

  “What’s that?”

  “Don’t post any artsy Instagram captions about ‘finding yourself’ in the wilderness or whatever. I’m begging you, Ivy. We’ve got enough drama without adding vague poetry to the mix.”

  That earned a proper ugh from Ivy, light and genuine. “Deal. I’ll save my deep existential musings for my sketchbook.”

  “Good. Now get to the main office, and I’ll sort out your travel pns,” Kim said. “Consider it a corporate-sponsored sanity retreat. All the best jobs have them.”

  “You’re the best, Kim,” Ivy said, warmth creeping into her voice.

  “Don’t remind me,” Kim replied dryly. “Now hurry up before Harper tracks your phone and storms my office.”

  “Don’t even joke about that.”

  As Ivy hung up and fgged down a cab, her mood lightened slightly. Sure, her life was still a mess, but at least for now, she had a pn—and someone who understood exactly what she needed to take the next step forward.

  ***

  The office building loomed above the busy city street, its sleek gss fa?ade catching the te morning sunlight in a kaleidoscope of sharp reflections. Ivy stood hesitantly on the sidewalk, clutching her tote bag, before Kim’s familiar voice rang out, cutting through the city noise.

  “There she is!” Kim beamed, hurrying down the steps. She was dressed impeccably: a structured navy bzer with gold buttons paired with a crisp white blouse, high-waisted charcoal trousers, and patent leather heels that clicked smartly on the concrete. Her hair was pulled back into a sleek bun, not a strand out of pce. She reached Ivy and swept her into a warm hug, catching the faint scent of Ivy’s shampoo. “It’s so good to see you in one piece. Come on, let me give you the grand tour.”

  Ivy barely had time to reply before Kim had whisked her through the revolving gss doors into the lobby. Inside, the space was as impressive as the building’s exterior: polished marble floors stretched underfoot, reflecting the soft glow of strategically pced light fixtures. Sleek, modern furniture sat in clusters around the lobby, where employees in sharp suits and fashionable business casual attire hurried past. The air was faintly perfumed with something floral and expensive, and a rge indoor garden filled with lush greenery occupied the far corner, lending a touch of warmth to the otherwise corporate atmosphere.

  “This way,” Kim said, leading Ivy toward the elevators. “You’re about to see the nerve center of our operation.”

  The elevator ride was quick and pleasant, filled with Kim’s cheerful chatter. When the doors opened, Ivy was greeted by a bright, open-concept workspace. Gss partitions separated individual offices. Still, most of the area was taken up by communal desks and colborative stations. The hum of conversation and the faint ctter of keyboards filled the air, creating an atmosphere that felt professional and creative.

  “Here’s my kingdom,” Kim announced with a flourish as they reached her corner office. It was spacious and impeccably organized, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a stunning city skyline view. The desk was rge and pristine, save for a few neatly stacked papers and a tasteful orchid in a sleek ceramic pot. Shelves lined one wall with awards, framed photos, and an eclectic mix of books and design samples.

  Kim handed Ivy a slim envelope. “And since you are here, here is your very own access pass and keys to one of our lockers. I wanted to pass them on to you during our next shoot. However, I think right now is appropriate,” she said, grinning. “Welcome to the team—officially, that is. Now, you can come and go as you please while you’re under contract. Think of it as your new creative sanctuary.”

  Ivy took the envelope, her fingers brushing over the embossed company logo. “Wow, thanks, Kim. This is...a lot.”

  “Please, this is the bare minimum we could do for you.” Kim leaned against her desk, crossing her arms. “So, tell me—what’s the pn for your break? Spa retreat? Private isnd getaway?”

  Ivy ughed softly, shaking her head. “Nothing that fancy. I was thinking of heading back to my hometown for a while. Just to reset, you know?”

  Kim tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Your hometown, huh? Sounds like a great idea. You know what? I could use a getaway myself. Let me drive you. We’ll make a proper road trip of it.”

  Ivy blinked, surprised by the offer. “You’d really do that?”

  “Of course,” Kim said breezily, though the corners of her mouth curled into a genuine smile. “I’ll consider it a strategic retreat. Besides, it’ll allow me to escape from Harper’s incessant ‘updates.’ You and I deserve a little peace.”

  The idea of a quiet road trip lifted Ivy’s heart. “That sounds amazing. Thank you.”

  A knock came at the door before they could discuss the logistics further. The resident stylist, a tall, impeccably dressed individual with vibrant blue hair, stepped in, holding a sleek tablet. “Kim, I’ve got the initial designs ready for approval.”

  Kim’s face lit up. “Perfect timing! Ivy, you’re going to love this. Since you’re here, why don’t you work directly with the stylist? Let them help you assemble the ultimate travel wardrobe—head-to-toe, luggage included. Consider it a company perk.”

  “I don’t know if I need all that…” Ivy began, but Kim waved her off.

  “Trust me, it’ll make your trip feel ten times better. Besides, you’ll be helping the stylist refine their craft. Win-win!” Kim gave Ivy a pyful nudge. “Go on. You deserve to be spoiled a little.”

  The stylist grinned, gesturing for Ivy to follow. “Let’s make some magic, shall we?”

  As Ivy was led away, she gnced back at Kim, who gave her an encouraging thumbs-up before turning to her work. The weight in Ivy’s chest had lightened slightly. Maybe this was exactly the fresh start she needed.

  +++

  The scene at the mall was chaos—phones held high, whispers turning to gasps, and the electric buzz of social media in real time. Harper barely noticed at first, her focus sered on Ivy as she slipped away, blending into the crowd like a shadow. A flicker of frustration crossed her features, but she forced it down, redirecting her attention to Maze, who was still squaring up with her, all fiery defiance.

  And then, Harper smirked. A pn had crystallized in her mind, sharp and cunning. If the internet wanted drama, she’d give them drama—but on her terms.

  Before Maze could hurl another retort, Harper grabbed her by the colr and yanked her close, crashing their lips together in a bold and deliberate kiss that sent ripples of shock through the gathered crowd. Phones tilted as people jostled for a better shot, some even cheering, though many stood stunned. When Harper pulled back, her lips curved into a victorious smirk at Maze’s wide-eyed expression.

  “What the hell—” Maze sputtered, her hands frozen mid-air as if unsure whether to shove Harper or pull her back in.

  Harper didn’t give her the chance to decide. She hooked her arm through Maze’s and dragged her away from the gawking crowd, moving with the efficiency of someone who always got her way. “Py along,” Harper said, her tone clipped but smug. “Congratutions, Maze, you’re my new girlfriend.”

  “Excuse me?” Maze stumbled as Harper propelled her toward the parking garage. “You can’t just decre that like it’s some kind of—ugh, stop pulling me! What are you even doing?”

  Harper didn’t answer until they reached her car, a sleek bck coupe that seemed to gleam with as much menace as its owner. She yanked the passenger door open and practically shoved Maze inside before climbing in herself.

  As the door smmed shut, Harper finally turned to Maze, her expression cold and businesslike. “Here’s the situation: Ivy is being dragged through the mud online, and it will only get worse unless we give people something bigger to talk about. You and I? We’re going to give them a spectacle.”

  Maze leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms. “Oh, now you want my help? Didn’t seem like it when you pushed me to the gound earlier.”

  Harper rolled her eyes. “Don’t be dramatic. You’re fine.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” Maze said, rubbing her jaw for emphasis, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I forgot being manhandled and publicly humiliated was just part of Harper’s ‘brilliant’ pns.”

  “You’re the drama queen,” Harper shot back, her eyes narrowing. “Use it for something useful for once. Or do you have a better pn to fix this mess?”

  Maze opened her mouth to retort but hesitated. Harper pressed her advantage, leaning in with the intensity of a predator cornering its prey. “What’s your big solution, Maze? Sit back and let Ivy’s reputation get shredded. You want to be the one to tell her you stood by and did nothing?”

  The silence that followed was palpable. Maze shifted uncomfortably, her jaw tightening.

  “Thought so,” Harper said, leaning back and smoothing her hair. “Here’s the deal: we fake date. Publicly. Loudly. All attention goes on us, and Ivy gets the breathing room she needs. I’ll even pay you your standard influencer rate plus a bonus.”

  Maze snorted, though her lips twitched upward in the beginnings of a smile. “You’re actually trying to bribe me into dating you? That’s rich.”

  Harper was about to retort when her phone buzzed. She gnced at the screen and groaned. “What now—?”

  Kim’s voice greeted her, light and breezy as always. “Hey there, Harper. I just thought you’d like to know I’m taking Ivy out of town for a bit. No contact. Company policy and all that.”

  Harper sat bolt upright. “What do you mean ‘out of town’? Where are you taking her?”

  Kim chuckled. “Client confidentiality. Don’t worry; she’ll be fine. Better than fine. She seems excited to get away from, you know, everything.” Her tone was deliberately teasing, but it cut deep.

  “Kim, you’re seriously going to—”

  “Gotta go, boss,” Kim interrupted, her amusement evident. “Oh, and I saw the kiss; it’s all over TikTok. Great way to shake things up; your numbers are through the roof! Alright, enjoy your little drama with Maze. You’re making headlines, and we love that. Toodles!” The line went dead.

  Harper stared at her phone, her grip tightening around it. “Unbelievable.”

  Maze, who had been watching Harper’s mounting frustration with thinly veiled amusement, smirked. “Trouble in paradise?”

  “Shut up,” Harper snapped, tossing the phone into the cupholder. She turned to Maze, her expression sharpening. “Change of pns. You’re not just helping me fake-date. We’re tracking them down.”

  Maze raised an eyebrow. “You want me to help you stalk Ivy? That’s your big pn?”

  Harper leaned in, her voice low and deadly serious. “It’s not stalking. It’s protecting my investment. And you’ll help me, Maze, because you owe Ivy as much as I do. Or are you too scared to get your hands dirty?”

  Maze’s smirk faltered, her expression unreadable. After a long pause, she sighed. “Fine. But you better hope this works, or we’ll both look like absolute clowns.”

  Harper’s lips curled into a triumphant smile. “Don’t worry. Looking like a clown is your specialty.”