Chapter 4: First Day, First Enemy

The office felt colder than usual as Liya stepped into the sleek, modern lobby of Xavier Mo’s company. Her heels clicked against the polished floor, announcing her arrival to everyone who dared glance her way. She took a deep breath. Today was her first day working closely with Xavier—and she was determined not to repeat the mistakes of her past life.

“Not everyone in the office seemed impressed.”

A woman with sharp eyes and a perfectly poised demeanor approached. “You must be Liya,” she said, voice cool and calculating. “I’m Mei Lin, Xavier’s assistant. I handle everything here. I hope you can keep up.”

Liya smiled politely. “I’ll do my best.”

Mei Lin’s eyes narrowed, scanning Liya like she was a puzzle to be solved—or a threat to be eliminated. “We’ll see.”

From the moment Liya sat at her desk, she sensed the subtle hostility. Files disappeared from her table, whispered comments followed her in the hallways, and more than one pair of eyes lingered too long. Liya felt the tension but remained calm, reminding herself that patience was a weapon—and she had survived worse before.

Meanwhile, Mei Lin was not acting alone. Hidden in the shadows, she observed Liya closely, noting every movement and whispering to herself. A smirk curved her lips. She thinks she can handle this world… let’s see how long it lasts.

By midday, the whispers had begun to spread like wildfire. Liya caught fragments of conversation—“Did you hear? She’s Xavier’s mistress…”—and felt the sting of rumors trying to wound her. Her cheeks burned, not from embarrassment, but from the memory of the past life where people had betrayed and humiliated her. She would not let it happen again.

When a group of staff approached her with smirks, Liya lifted her chin and met them with unwavering composure. “If you have nothing constructive to contribute, I suggest focusing on your own work,” she said, her voice calm but firm. The staff paused, unsure of how to respond. Even Mei Lin, who had thought her plan flawless, blinked in momentary surprise.

Xavier, watching from a distance, remained silent—but his sharp gaze followed every move she made. Liya felt it like a weight pressing down on her, testing her, judging her. She did not flinch. She would prove herself—not for him, but for the woman she had become.

Across the office, Mei Lin’s smirk returned. Her plan was in motion, and she thought she had the upper hand. But Liya’s eyes met hers from across the room, calm and steady, hinting at the storm that was about to come.

The first day had ended—but the battle was only beginning. And somewhere, a rumor had already begun to spread, one that could threaten everything Liya was fighting for: she was labeled a “mistress.”

“Liya clenched her fists silently. Let them talk. This reborn Liya would prove she wasn’t to be trifled with.”

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