Chapter 3: Melissa Williams

Melissa exchanged a knowing smile with Tommy. This marked the fourth time he had deliberately spilled coffee on her, attempting to provoke a reaction. However, Melissa maintained her composure, flashing her customary smile and wordlessly making her way into Sasha Arts Studio.

As an artist, Melissa's position at Sasha Arts Studio was delicate. The scales of her professional life hung in a precarious balance. Any misstep or loss of equilibrium could jeopardize the new life she had painstakingly built, something she was determined to protect.

Ignoring Tommy's antics as she had done on previous occasions, Melissa gracefully entered the ladies' room to freshen up.

Melissa Williams was an ex-convict charged with an accidental murder three years ago. After serving her time, she was now striving to embrace a new life and leave her past behind.

Emerging from the restroom, her efforts to remove the coffee stain evident, Melissa caught the sound of someone calling her name. "Melissa."

She turned to face her co-worker, Queenie Parker—an individual who seemed intent on amplifying Melissa's misery. "Queenie, hey," Melissa greeted, maintaining her composure.

"Save your small talk for someone else. The boss wants to see you now. Don't waste any more of her precious time," Queenie retorted before promptly walking away.

Melissa sighed, wondering what Sasha, her demanding boss, had in store for her this time. Sasha always seemed to make her life unnecessarily difficult. Adjusting her already stained shirt, Melissa mustered the resolve to approach Sasha's office.

Upon reaching the door, Melissa lightly tapped on it, and a voice from within beckoned her to come in. Stepping into the office, she found Sasha Phillips seated inside. Sasha, despite being in her 40s, exuded beauty. Her plump figure, round face with rosy lips, and short, curvy brown hair gave her a distinct charm. She wore a white sunflower dress.

"Melissa, my dear, thank goodness you're here," Sasha exclaimed with a warm smile.

Melissa couldn't help but think that Sasha must have something significant in store for her this time, yet she reciprocated with a smile and said, "Yes, you called for me."

"I did," Sasha began. "There's an annual Arts exhibition, and this year, my studio will be hosting it. I want you to handle everything—food, decorations, art presentations, entertainment, music, the works."

Melissa inquired, "When is the exhibition?"

Sasha hesitated for a moment. "Well, it's on Friday evening. Ensure that everything is ready by then. Okay, dear? You may leave." Sasha returned her attention to her laptop, seemingly oblivious to the shock registered on Melissa's face.

Melissa stood there, a mix of disbelief and anxiety flooding her thoughts. How was she supposed to plan an entire event before Friday when today was already Wednesday?

"Oh, dear, I almost forgot to mention," Sasha interjected, her smile unwavering. "This isn't an ordinary event, so ensure that everything is perfect. Nothing must go wrong, or you'll be fired. I hope you understand that. Now, leave and get to work instead of standing there."

"Yes, of course," Melissa replied, nodding as if her head might detach itself from her body.

Melissa's job had once again been placed on an unsteady scale. If this exhibition didn't unfold flawlessly, she might as well bid her job farewell. Determined to meet the challenge head-on, she took a deep breath and prepared to embark on the daunting task ahead.