My alarm screeches in my ear and I groan. I slam my fingers into the screen and slowly open my heavy eyes. My room is still dark. Before I fall back to sleep, I sit up and stretch.

My muscles ache from sitting at the desk for so long and from lack of sleep. In fact, my whole body feels horribly heavy. Still, I force myself to get out of the warm blankets of my bed and stand. I shiver and rush to the shower, hoping it will wake me up more.

I shower quickly then go back to my room and get dressed. My heart flutters with a mixture of nerves and excitement as I remember that I will be seeing Marcus again today.

Because of that, I pick out my outfit carefully. I need to look good, but not like I'm trying too hard. I chuckle to myself as I remember one of Mother's little sayings.

It takes a lot of effort to look effortless.

She isn't wrong. It takes me nearly an hour to get dressed and do my makeup and hair in a way that highlights my beauty without making it seem like that's what I'm trying to do.

I look at my reflection in the mirror. The make-up covers the dark bags under my eyes, thankfully. In fact, the simple black liner makes the blue of my eyes pop. I smile, the pink lip gloss making my lips look soft and plump.

"Perfect," I mutter to myself and adjust the black pencil skirt of the smart dress I wear. Finally, I put on the black heels, grab my coat and handbag, and then leave.

The underground doesn't help with the groggy feeling that consumes me. The unnatural light from fluorescent tubes makes my eyes burn and the screaming of metal on metal leaves my ears throbbing.

Knowing I have to do a full day of work at the office, then a shift at the restaurant really doesn't help either. I let out a long, tired sigh and suddenly, I feel even more tired than I did working at my desk during the early hours.

When the train comes to a stop, I rush out, desperate to get out of the station and into the fresh air. My head aches and my stomach churns from the overpowering smells of oil, soot and metal. The fresh air doesn't help though and by the time I'm sat at my desk, I am burying my head in my hands and regretting all the life choices that led to me ending up here.

My eyes sting with tears.

I want to go home.

I gulp and let out a shaky breath, biting at my lip. I force the tears not to fall. If I mess up the make-up I spent so long doing then I might just give up on this day completely.

Get a grip, Rowan.

I swallow the lump that's formed in my throat and straighten my body, pushing away all the thoughts and feelings of homesickness. Ignoring my emotions and closing them away has become strangely easy since arriving here. I can't decide if that's a good thing or not.

With a sigh, I stretch out my arms, then boot up the computer. I open up the report and start correcting all the errors I made. As I'm nearing completion, the office starts to fill for the 9 AM start.

My heart flutters with nerves as I race to get the report completely finished and sent off before nine.

"Wow, you're here early," Serena says, coming over to my desk.

"Not now, Serena," I snap.

She giggles to herself and walks away. My hands ball into tight fists and images of standing up, walking over to her, and slamming my fist into her face fill my mind.

I let out a shaking breath and force my body to relax.

"Come on, Rowan," I whisper to myself, then curse for saying my real name out loud – even if it was just a whisper.

"Stupid. You're going to get yourself killed," I mutter as I angrily click at the keypad.

My hands start to shake as the deadline gets closer. I read the last paragraph as fast as I can whilst still searching for mistakes. Then, one minute before 9 AM I submit it.

A whoosh of air leaves me and I throw myself back in my chair.

Tears of relief sting my eyes and I cover my face with my shaking hands. Again, I force my body not to let the tears spill. Instead, I take in slow, and deep breaths as I try and calm myself down.

Slowly, I realise that I did it. I got it submitted in time and I never have to look at it ever again.

I stand up from my desk. As I realise that it really is done, my headache eases and I feel the weight lift off my shoulders. I can't help but smile.

Leo grins at me as I approach his desk.

"Everything sorted?" he asks.

"Yep," I grin.

"I knew you could do it. I didn't doubt you for a moment," he says.

I raise an eyebrow.

"Okay, maybe I doubted a little bit. But I won't anymore," he promises.

"Thank you," I laugh. "Anyway, I'm going to tell Zoe I'm all done."

"Good idea. Catch up at lunch."

"Absolutely," I reply though decide I'm not going to tell him about my encounter with Marcus last night.

As I think about him, the butterflies in my stomach return. I gulp and my hands begin to sweat with nerves.

I'm going to see him again today.

What will it be like after last night? Will he pretend nothing happened? Will he be friendly? What if I don't get the translation done in time? Will he be angry?

I groan to myself. What is wrong with me today?

Letting out a shallow breath, I knock on Zoe's door.

"Come in," she says beyond. I open it, smiling and excited to tell her about my success.

The smile falls from my face as I see Serena standing before her.

"Ah, Ivy, just the person I wanted to see," Zoe says.

My heart sinks but I try not to show my fear and disappointment on my face.

"Really?" I ask, surprised.

Zoe gestures for me to sit in the chair next to Serena.

I do so, not looking at Serena. Zoe's lips pull into a tight line, and she sighs.

"Is something wrong?" I ask, confused.

Beside me, Serena laughs and shakes her head.

"Serena," Zoe begins, "has put in a formal complaint against you."

My heart skips a beat and for a second, my mind goes blank with shock.

"What?" I finally ask, confused. I turn to look at Serena, who is still smirking.

"Wait, aren't complaints meant to be anonymous?" I ask.

"Serena has chosen to waive her anonymity."

"Oh," I reply. "And what is it I am being accused of?" I ask, trying to keep my voice polite.

"Bullying."

"Bullying?" I ask, unable to hide the shock from my voice. I open and close my mouth, struggling to find the words.

What is wrong with me today? Usually, I can talk my way out of almost anything. Why now am I drawing complete blanks?

"Yes. The way you spoke to me this morning was unacceptable," Serena sighs and shakes her head.

"So, I snap at you one time when you approach me whilst I'm clearly working, and now that is classed as bullying?" I ask and look at Zoe pleadingly.

"It's not only that," Serena begins.

"Enough," Zoe snaps harshly.

Serena jumps and stares at Zoe, her eyes wide and full of disbelief. Zoe stands and leans on the desk, glaring at Serena.

"Are you sure you want to go through with this formal complaint, Serena?" she asks lowly. "Because I can promise you, it will be thoroughly investigated as will any counterclaims made by Ivy or anyone else in this office."

Rage crosses Serena's features before she forces a fake smile.

"Are you suggesting I have something to hide?" she finally asks.

"We both know you do," Zoe replies casually and sits down, not looking at Serena. She scrolls through some paperwork.

"If you decide you want to go through with this, then I will be forced to investigate how one of your colleague's work went missing from our systems yesterday." She pauses and looks at Serena with a brow raised.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Serena replies calmly then shoots a glare my way.

"Well then, I'll just submit this complaint then. I'm sure having an investigation against you on your record will make you look like a very good candidate for future employers," Zoe says.

"But the investigation is against Ivy," she stammers.

"Not if I make a counterclaim," I finally reply. "Which I might after all the rumours that have been going around about me."

I look into her eyes and cross my arms. Her jaw clenches and she looks away and back at Zoe.

"Fine, I'll drop it. But my father will know about this."

"About what, Serena?"

"About you blackmailing me to keep quiet."

Zoe laughs and nods her head. "I'm sure he will. But there isn't anything he'll be able to do about it. In fact, making threats. That's another thing I could add to your record."

Serena lets out a squeak of shock and stands. Before Zoe can say anything, she storms out of the office. The pair of us sit in still silence for a few moments, staring at the door as it closes.

I just sink into my chair and let out a long, slow breath. For the third time today, I find myself fighting back tears. I blink rapidly and clear the lump out of my throat.

Zoe smiles at me apologetically.

"It's going to be okay, Ivy," she assures me.

"It doesn't feel like it at the moment," I reply and lean forward, resting my head on my arms.

"I can put in a complaint if you want."

"No, I don't want anything like that on my record," I explain. Zoe nods her head in understanding.

"Well, try and hold out. Serena has been here for a year. It shouldn't be long before she gets a new role in a different department."

"Isn't that a long time to be here?" I ask. "I was told graduates usually get hired out anytime after four months."

"Usually, at the four-month mark, graduates start applying for all the different specialisations we have here. Serena is waiting for just one."

"Oh. Then I may be out of here before her," I joke. Zoe chuckles.

"It's a possibility. How long have you been here now, three months?"

"About that, yeah," I reply. She nods her head.

"Well, you've done an exceptional job. And good work on getting that report in."

"Thanks, that's what I came here to tell you," I chuckle.

"It may not seem like it, Ivy, but the hard work will pay off. Serena may get far because of her father's connections, yes, but the people who get far through hard work are much more respected and usually get better offers and jobs. You'll see."

"That's reassuring," I reply.

Zoe smiles widely. "Now, your next assignment."

I groan jokingly and she laughs. "I'll give you a small one. It will be done by lunch, you'll see. Then, we can get to work on the translations."

"Sounds like a plan," I reply and stand.

"I've emailed it to you," Zoe says.

"Thanks. See you later."

I get back to my desk, ignoring Serena who hovers nearby whispering to Sophie. Now that I've calmed down and knowing that I have Zoe's support, it makes drowning out Serena and her bullshit a whole lot easier.

Opening the assignment brief, I smile. Zoe was right. It is a small one, and I get to work on it immediately. As lunch approaches, I am making the final edits.

The doors to our office opens and I look up. Quiet fills the room as Marcus appears. Those horribly familiar butterflies pang in my stomach and I gulp nervously.

He carries with him two takeaway coffee cups. My heart starts to speed up as he comes closer to me. I smile, fully aware that everyone's eyes are on me. He comes to a stop by my desk and I stand. He reaches out, smiling politely.

"I thought you could use this after the late night," he says, his voice low enough that no one around us can hear.

"Thank you," I say, not needing to fake my smile at the thoughtful gesture. I reach out to take it. I almost gasp as my fingers graze against his. It was only a second, but that tiny touch has my heart thundering.

Why am I such a mess today?

I try not to show my shaking hands as I lift the cup to my lips. I take a sip and let out a sigh as warm, rich hot chocolate fills my mouth.

"That hits the spot," I say. A small smile plays on his lips and I feel warmth grow in my cheeks.

Luckily, I think my makeup is thick enough that my slight blush doesn't show through. Still, I really need to calm down.

"I saw you submitted your assignment on time. Good work," Marcus says.

"I think I only had about twenty seconds to spare," I laugh.

"On time is on time," he says and sips from his own mug.

"I'm going to talk with Zoe for a little bit," he states. "How much work do you have left to do?"

"Oh, I'm about to submit. Zoe gave me a small assignment after last night's fiasco. We were planning on starting to work on your translation after lunch."

He nods his head and smiles slightly once more. "I'll be back soon," he says, turns, and walks to Zoe's office.

Serena starts walking toward him, but he blanks her completely as knocks on Zoe's door. It takes all of my strength not to burst into laughter. I turn, not even able to look at her without snickering.

I sit in my seat, smiling widely to myself as I sip on the hot chocolate.

"Details. Now."

I jump as Leo and Mia appear next to me.

"I have to finish my assignment," I say to them both and take another sip of hot chocolate. They look at each other, then back at me.

"It's practically lunchtime," Mia moans.

I scoot my chair in closer to the desk and look at my screen. "I'll be done in five minutes if that. Then, we can chat."

"Fine," Leo sighs and takes a seat next to me.

"Are you going to watch me?" I ask, trying not to laugh.

"Uh huh, you aren't getting out of this one," he replies and smirks. I roll my eyes and look back at the screen, blocking him out.

The final edits don't even take five minutes and soon, I am picking up my back to get my phone.

"Ivy, stop leaving us hanging. You're being coy on purpose and it's infuriating," Leo moans and nudges me.

"I need to go to the cafeteria. I didn't bring any food in today. Perhaps it is best we talk there instead of here," I say.

Leo grins wickedly and stands, rushing over to his desk to get his bag. Mia does the same. I shake my head and roll my eyes. Then, I lock my computer, not wanting to risk leaving it open with a very angry Serena hanging around.

I stand up, picking up my handbag just as Zoe's door opens. I sigh, frustrated at the way my heart flutters with excited nerves.

Marcus meets my eyes and I walk over to him.

"Good, you're on your way out already," he says.

"Er, yes," I reply, "I'm going on my lunch break."

"I'll join you. Then, we'll head back to my office."

My mouth drops open and I look at Zoe who stands at the entrance of her office, smiling.

"Zoe's agreed," he chuckles. It is then I notice the documents from yesterday in his arm.

"What's going on?" I ask.

"You're going to be working on the translations with me today. You're right, I've been lazy with my language-learning skills so we will work on it together."

"Oh," I say and look back at Zoe again. She laughs.

"Go, Ivy. Get him out of my hair," she says. "Shut down your computer, take your bags, and see you tomorrow."

Not knowing what to say, I just nod my head and do as I'm told. It takes all my strength to ignore everyone else in the office. I can feel their eyes burning into me. As my fingers click away at the keyboard and mouse, the noises are deafening in the stunned silence.

"Done," I say and grab my coat. Marcus nods his head, and we start walking toward the doors. I can't help but tremble slightly beneath the weight of my colleague's stares and the slight fear that I am about to spend the rest of the day by Marcus's side.

What have I gotten myself into?