Liya woke to the gentle caress of sunlight on her face, the kind that felt warm and inviting. She never needed an alarm; her body naturally awakened with the dawn. Slipping out of bed, she padded over to the balcony of her room. The space was nothing special—neutral tones of grey and white dominated, giving it an impersonal feel. Sometimes, it reminded her of a hotel room, a transient space devoid of attachments.

Stepping outside, she inhaled the crisp morning air and gazed at the dull yet bright sun hanging in the still-pinkish-blue sky. It was 5:30 AM. She turned back to her closet and selected a black sports bra and leggings, her go-to workout attire.

As she made her way to the kitchen, she felt a familiar solitude wrap around her like a comforting blanket. Many might wonder why she lived alone, but for Liya, solitude was a choice. It didn’t mean she was entirely isolated; she had her best friend, Amila, and her chosen family—Sara and Jo. They weren’t her biological parents, but they meant more to her than anyone else in the world.

Her biological parents had run from their home when they were young, marrying at 19 and 21. Their tumultuous relationship fractured under the weight of infidelity and addiction. Her mother often took refuge with her maternal grandparents, who opposed their union. Eventually, the chaos culminated in divorce, and Liya’s mother was awarded custody. She had been a wonderful mom, but everything changed when, in seventh grade, she vanished without a trace. When the court asked her where she wanted to live, Liya could have chosen her father. But despite her love for him, she knew he was incapable of caring for her; he was still lost in the memory of her mother, who had disappeared.

Instead, she chose Sara and Jo, close friends of her mother’s who had studied fashion designing together with her mother in US. They had settled there after Liya's parents ran away, while her mother returned to India after the divorce. Sara and Jo had embraced her with open arms, and for the past 15 years, they had been her steadfast guardians.

"You might think it's tragic," she mused, recalling her past as she prepared her special juice. "But that’s reality, and reality can be harsh. It’s simply the truth of life."

Now 27, Liya had built her fashion empire, SL, from the ground up. The blender whirred to life, and she poured the vibrant juice into a bottle. After grabbing her workout bag, she locked the door behind her and stepped into the world outside.

Her Bugatti gleamed in the early morning light, a symbol of her hard work and determination. As she started the engine, she nodded to John, her gatekeeper, who had been a loyal presence since she purchased the property. He opened the gate, and with a wave, she drove away from her private estate, a sanctuary nestled among lush greenery. The villa, neither too big nor too small, felt like home, thanks to the guards and gardeners who helped maintain the sprawling grounds.

Arriving at AX Gym, she felt a surge of energy. Meeting her trainer, Kate, she preferred the grace and strength of aerial yoga, where she could find peace among the chaos of her life. After an hour of stretching and breathing, she left the gym, invigorated.

As she pulled up to her villa, she noticed the gate was already open. Ella, her housekeeper, must have arrived. In her forties, Ella had been with her parents for years; when Liya moved in with them, her mom sent Ella to ensure she was taken care of. A warm presence, Ella was the kind of woman who could make a house feel like a home, even if Liya often insisted on cooking for herself. Ella does not let her.

Entering the villa, Liya saw Ella tidying up.

"Good morning!" Liya greeted her, a smile brightening her face.

"Good morning, dear!" Ella replied, her eyes sparkling with warmth.

Liya headed to her room, feeling a mix of anticipation and determination. Today would be another step in her journey, a day to embrace the possibilities that lay ahead.

...(It's  Liya's outfit )...

Liya stood before the mirror, admiring her reflection. Satisfied with her appearance, she descended the stairs and headed to the kitchen. There, she made herself some toast and poured a glass of apple juice. After finishing her breakfast, she grabbed her keys and headed to her car, ready to drive to SL.

Liya Smith leaned back in her chair, the cityscape stretching out before her through the floor-to-ceiling windows of her office. SL—her empire, the creation she had nurtured since she was nineteen. It all started with a few saved dollars and a dream while pursuing her business degree. She had transformed her modest beginnings into something formidable, and now SL Groups had blossomed into a thriving empire. The thought brought a smile to her lips, a sense of pride warming her heart.

As she arrived at the towering glass building that housed her empire, she stepped out of her car and handed the keys to the attendant, who greeted her with a nod. The moment she entered the building, a hush fell over the bustling crowd. Employees parted, bowing slightly as she passed—a gesture of respect that she had earned through years of hard work and determination. She returned their gestures with a simple nod, moving toward her private elevator, where only a select few were permitted.

The elevator doors slid open on the 40th floor, revealing a spacious office adorned with sleek furniture and modern decor. This entire floor was her domain, a sanctuary where only her trusted secretary, Aisha, was allowed. As she stepped inside, Aisha approached with a file in one hand and a glass of mixed juice in the other.

“Good morning, Liya. I thought you might need to take a look at this,” Aisha said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “I know you told me not to disturb you for trivial matters, but this one—he needs to be put in his place. Please, just look at it before you decide.”

Liya raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. “Okay, now get out,” she replied with a playful smile. Aisha laughed, a sound that always lightened the weight of Liya’s responsibilities, before returning to her desk.

“Rascal,” Liya murmured under her breath, her gaze shifting to the file on her desk. As she flipped it open, a frown quickly replaced her amusement. The report detailed the betrayal of one Mr. Ree, who had dared to double-cross her—a move that would come with consequences.

“Just wait and watch, Mr. Ree,” she thought, a smirk creeping onto her face. “You’ve messed with the wrong person.”

Liya picked up the phone, her expression turning serious. “Aisha, bring me the contract with Mr. Ree and tell Joie to handle the job.”

“Okay, Miss,” Aisha replied, her tone businesslike yet excited.

“Tell Joie to get it done within the hour. Understood?”

“Yes, Miss.” Aisha nodded and left, a flicker of anticipation in her eyes.

An hour later, Aisha returned, a knowing smile on her face. “Joie is here,” she said, signaling for her to enter. Joie walked in confidently, greeting Liya with a respectful nod. As she sat down, she handed over a brown envelope, their eyes meeting in an exchange of understanding.

Liya opened the envelope, revealing the information inside. She felt a rush of satisfaction. “Make sure to release them when I give you the signal,” she instructed, her tone firm.

“Understood,” Joie replied with a grin, and she exited the office, leaving a palpable sense of excitement in the air.

Aisha popped her head back in, curiosity evident on her face. “Did she do it?”

Liya simply nodded, her eyes gleaming with ambition. “Did you bring the contract and the information I asked for?”

Aisha handed over two files, her eagerness evident. Liya glanced through them, a smirk returning to her lips.

Mr. Ree, you’ve truly messed with the wrong person. This time, you’ll learn that every action has consequences.

The city below continued its hustle, unaware of the storm brewing in the penthouse above. Liya was ready to take control, and she wouldn’t stop until she had reclaimed what was rightfully hers.

Liya’s thoughts were a whirlwind as she prepared for her imminent meeting with Mr. Ree. The clock read noon, and the anticipation hung thick in the air. She picked up her phone and dialed Aisha’s number.

“Aisha, let’s meet with Mr. Ree at 1 PM. It’s time we address his breach of contract head-on,” she instructed firmly. After hanging up, she felt a familiar twinge of hunger. It was the perfect moment for a quick lunch before the confrontation.

Taking the elevator to the 41st floor, her penthouse, Liya stepped into her personal sanctuary. The space was tastefully decorated, a blend of modern elegance and personal touches that reflected her journey. She loved this place—it was her refuge from the chaos of the world below.

In the kitchen, she slipped into a comfortable rhythm, preparing Indian-style fried rice. The fragrant spices danced in the air as she stirred the ingredients, a reminder of home and her roots. Once finished, she plated the vibrant dish alongside a bowl of cool yogurt, savoring the familiar flavors.

As she sat at her dining table, she found solace in the simple act of eating. Using a fork might seem odd to some—especially when it came to rice—but it was a family tradition from her father’s side, one she cherished. She thought about how food connected her to her past and fueled her ambition.

After finishing her meal, Liya felt a sense of satisfaction wash over her. She called Aisha to ensure everything was in order for the meeting, then allowed herself a brief respite.

Liya closed her eyes on the plush sofa, letting sleep envelop her. There was a common myth that successful people thrived on only a few hours of sleep, but for her, it was the opposite. A good nap was her secret weapon; it refreshed her, cleared her mind, and left her feeling invigorated and sharp.

After thirty minutes, she woke up, her mind buzzing with clarity. She quickly tidied herself, smoothing her tailored blazer and adjusting her mask. It was a signature part of her appearance, not merely for protection against biological infections but also to maintain an air of mystique. Few had seen her true face, and she intended to keep it that way.

Making her way back to her office, she found Aisha and Joie waiting with expectant looks. Their energy mirrored her own as they strode together toward the meeting room, where the tension was already palpable.

As they entered, Liya’s eyes locked onto Mr. Ree, who was seated at the table, flanked by his secretary. He greeted her with a forced smile, one that barely concealed his unease.

“Good afternoon, Miss Liya,” he said, his voice dripping with false charm.

“Let’s get to the point,” she replied, her tone cool and composed as she gestured for him to sit.

Aisha took the lead, her voice steady. “Mr. Ree, the contract between our companies clearly states that you cannot engage with Rossoé Industries. You’ve violated that agreement, and now you have two choices: either pay four billion as compensation or surrender your company to me. If not, we’ll see you in court.”

Mr. Ree’s bravado wavered, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for support. “That is not going to happen. You should know I am in favor of Zack De Rossoé,” he shot back, his tone defensive.

Aisha leaned forward, a mocking smile playing on her lips. “Do you really think I’m afraid of him?”

Liya leaned back in her chair, observing the exchange with a mix of amusement and admiration for Aisha’s boldness. This was the kind of confrontation she thrived on—the push and pull of power.

“Mr. Ree,” Liya interjected smoothly, “do you know what I hate the most? Double-faced people.” Her gaze pierced through him. “You have one choice: either give me your company, or don’t blame me for the consequences that follow.” She smiled—a calculated expression that hinted at the storm brewing beneath her composed exterior.

Mr. Ree’s confidence crumbled. “We’ll see who faces the consequences,” he retorted, though his voice lacked conviction.

With a curt nod, he stormed out of the room, leaving behind an air of tension. Once he was gone, Liya turned to Joie, her expression shifting from calm to determined. “Proceed with the plan as discussed. We need to make a statement.”

“What time is the press conference?” she asked, her voice steady.

“At 4 PM, Miss,” Aisha replied, her eyes glinting with anticipation.

“Perfect. Let’s make sure everything is in place.”

Liya took a moment to gather her thoughts, reflecting on her carefully crafted persona. While everyone knew of her, very few had seen her face. The mask she wore over the lower half of her face served as both a physical shield and a symbolic barrier against the vulnerabilities of the world. In a business landscape rife with deceit, she preferred to guard her true self, to remain an enigma.

...****************...

When father and mother are used that means Liya's biological parents

and

when mom and dad means Sara and Jo

From lavv

Hope you all like the edited version of old chapters

Love lavv