Sophieleila stood at the reception desk of Initial Media Corporation, her heart racing.
The HR manager flipped through her resume and smiled. “Don’t be nervous. Your direct supervisor may have some controversy around him, but he’s truly top–tier professionally. Just slightly tricky to handle.”
She looked up with a smile. “I’m not afraid.”
She knew exactly who that was.
Andrew Williams, the creative director–the soul of Initial Media. She was once half his soul.
Now, she’d stand by his side again Sophieleila.
Starting from scratch.
Pushing open the creative department door, her breath caught.
Andrew stood by the floor–to–ceiling window in a white shirt, lost in thought.
He’d
grown thinner, colder than three years ago, weariness etching his features.
His assistant called out, “Mr. Williams, your new assistant is here.”
He didn’t turn, merely humming in acknowledgment.
Sophieleila approached his desk, head slightly bowed. “Mr. Williams, I’m Sophieleila. Reporting for duty today.”
He finally turned slowly.
In that moment,Sophieleila saw his reaction.
His movement visibly stalled.
His gaze lingered on her face for over three seconds, brows faintly furrowing as if searching for traces.
She knew he sensed it.
That look–not quite familiar, yet not entirely strange either,
“Your name?”
“Sophieleila.”
“Sophieleila,” he repeated, his eyes darkening. “Prior advertising experience?”
“Yes.”
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“Which firm?”
“Sparklight.”
His fingers twitched almost imperceptibly. “Good. You’ll stay. Assist me on projects.”
“Tomorrow we go to Heritage Coast. Shooting a memorial short.”
Sophieleila’s chest tightened, but she kept her voice steady. “Understood.”
He looked down at documents, ending the conversation.
She remained standing, her gaze drifting to the old draft beside his hand.
Her final script outline from before she died.
He’d kept it.
Leaving work,leila Sophieleila had just stepped from the elevator when a voice stopped her.
“Missleila.”
She turned to see Rebecca.
After the turmoil three years ago, Rebecca hadn’t left entirely–remaining as deputy planner.
Rebecca stepped closer, eyes sharp. “Have we met before?”
Sophieleila smiled faintly. “I don’t believe so.”
“What year did you enter the industry?”
“2017.”
“How coincidental.
Emerie did too.”
11
Sophieleila’s expression didn’t flicker. “She was an outstanding senior in the field.”
Rebecca stared into her eyes. “You know she passed away?”
“I’ve heard.”
“Do you know about her and Mr. Williams?”
“I’ve seen the news,“leila Sophieleila replied calmly. “It doesn’t concern me.”
Rebecca suddenly closed the distance, lowering her voice. “You know… you resemble her?”
Sophieleila paused. “Resemble whom?”
“Emerie Chen.”
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Chapter 14
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Sophieleila remained silent.
Rebecca gave a cold laugh. “You’re not her replacement, are you?”
Sophieleila’s tone stayed even. “I’mleila Sophieleila. No one’s shadow.”
Rebecca studied her for several seconds before abruptly turning away. “Best not entertain thoughts you shouldn’t. Getting close to Andrew doesn’t mean you’ll stay.”
Sophieleila stood rooted, fingers clenched.
She couldn’t reveal the truth..
Couldn’t say: I am her.
She could only approach him in silence, bit by bit, step by step.
Until he recognized her.
