4. Marissa

The stack of invoices in my hands feels heavier than usual today. Just like my heart. Just like my whole life.

Sitting down at my desk, my thoughts dance back to yesterday’s lunch with Ria. The warmth of the memory is quickly replaced by a sense of restlessness, as if life is passing me by while I remain trapped behind this desk.

“Marissa, make sure we have fresh coffee.” Isaac’s voice snaps me back to reality. “Louis Klein will be here soon.”

He’s calling at me through his office’s open doorway, not even bothering to get up and come talk to me.

“Sure, Isaac,” I reply, trying to sound enthusiastic.

I get up and make sure the espresso machine has everything it needs. If I remember correctly, Louis likes oat milk lattes.

Turns out, there’s not much time left to prepare. The star basketball player walks into our office, the air around him crackling with energy. Louis’ presence is magnetic, and I’m excited just having him here.

“Hi, Louis. Welcome! Isaac will be with you shortly.” I offer him a warm smile.

“Thank you, Maria.” He flashes a charming grin in return before settling into one of the chairs in the waiting area.

I won’t be correcting him on my name. Nope. It’s not like it matters, anyway. He probably thinks I’m an intern here.

Leaving Louis waiting, I step into Isaac’s office. “Louis is here and ready for his meeting.”

“Take care of him, will you?” he responds, barely glancing up from his screen.

My heart flips at his words. Is he really telling me to take the meeting? After two years of assisting and never taking any reins myself, this might be the big break I’ve been waiting for.

“Of course.” I stand a little taller. “Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll report back to you with notes.”

He looks up, blinking me into focus. “What are you talking about?”

I stare at him for a long moment. Are we speaking different languages here? “I’ll take notes during the meeting.”

His eyebrows raise. “I’m not telling you to lead the meeting. I’m telling you to get him a drink.”

My mouth drops. “Oh.”

“You seriously thought I asked you to deal with one of our best clients?” He chuckles.

All I can do is stand stock-still, my face burning with embarrassment. The excitement I felt moments ago crumbles into hurt and anger.

Maybe I really am the idiot Isaac takes me for. After all, for some ridiculous reason, I thought he was finally giving me a chance.

“Fine,” I say through gritted teeth. “I’ll get him a drink.”

Blinking back tears — I’d rather die than cry at work — I make Louis his latte and then return to my desk. Isaac emerges, the perfect display of arrogance, greets Louis and suggests they have their meeting over lunch.

I sit there, watching them stride down the hallway, feeling like the walls are closing in on me. What am I doing here? Why am I forcing myself to live through such misery?

Screw this.

I’m not putting up with this kind of treatment anymore. We’re ending this.

Today.

With every step back toward Isaac’s office, my resolve strengthens. I need to prove to him that I’m more than just an errand girl, that I can handle real responsibility. And if he won’t give me a chance, maybe it’s time for me to find someone who will.

Inside Isaac’s office, I take a seat, planting myself firmly in the line of sight of the door. As I wait, I run through what I want to say in my head, trying to find the perfect words to make him understand how serious I am.

I don’t even realize how much time has gone by until I hear a familiar voice. Isaac is striding down the hallway, talking on his phone. My heart races, knowing the moment of truth is drawing near.

“I’ll send the contract over today.” Isaac opens the door. “Good doing business with you, man.”

I clear my throat loudly, and he stops walking. “What are you doing here?”

I stand up, keeping my posture straight and my chin high. “We need to talk.”

He slides his phone into his pocket, his eyes narrowing. “Is the espresso machine acting up again?”

I can barely keep from yelling. “No. It’s not the espresso machine.”

“Oh.” He frowns at me. “Then what is it?”

Taking a big, deep breath, I launch into it. “I deserve to deal with clients directly. I’m an assistant agent here, not a secretary. Not a personal assistant who picks up your dry cleaning.”

He regards me for a moment, then leans against his desk, crossing his arms. “You think you’re ready for that kind of responsibility?”

“More than ready.” I swallow hard. “I know every client’s file inside and out. I’ve worked tirelessly on every project you’ve thrown my way, and I’ve never once complained about the mundane tasks you’ve had me do. I have proven myself time and time again.”

He sighs, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. I brace myself for an argument, but instead, he smirks. “All right. You want a chance to prove yourself? Fine. A perfect client just came across my desk — Charlie Elwood.”

My stomach drops at the mention of Charlie’s name. His reputation precedes him. Not only does the guy have a long history of partying and womanizing, but he was also recently kicked off the Thunderhawks.

“Elwood’s career is toast,” I say.

Isaac shrugs. “You think you’re capable, right?”

“I…” I struggle to find the words.

Obviously, Isaac is giving me the hardest client he can pull out of his hat because he wants me to fail. And then, once I do, he’ll blame it on me and not the fact that Elwood’s career is unsalvageable.

Unless, of course, I do turn things around for him.

“If you can find him a new team, I’ll give you a promotion to handle more clients,” Isaac continues, watching me closely. “So, what do you say?”

Despite the overwhelming odds, I refuse to back down. This is my chance to show what I’m capable of, and I won’t let it slip away. “I accept.”

The words taste like a bite of victory. Once I release them, I’m hooked. I want more.

“Good luck.” Isaac smirks, clearly not expecting me to succeed.

But I’m determined to prove him wrong and finally earn my place in this agency. No matter how difficult the task may be, I will find a way to make Charlie Elwood’s future shine — and mine along with it.