'You can do it, Rhianne.'

Rhianne took a deep breath and stood in front of the mirror. Her reflection was staring back at her with a mix of nervousness and excitement. She smoothed down the soft folds of her white blouse that was tucked neatly into a knee-length pencil skirt.

Her black blazer fit perfectly. It was simple but chic. Her hair was tied into a clean low ponytail with a few strands framing her face. Light makeup brightened her features and the hint of rose lipstick completed her look.

Today was her first day at work as Director Jamie's assistant.

She took a deep breath and straightened her posture. Then whispered to herself once again.

'You can do this, Rhianne. One step closer to your dream.'

Becoming a director had always been her goal. Ever since she learned what it meant to lead, to create and to build something meaningful, she had known that was where she belonged. And although she wasn't there yet, being chosen as Director Jamie's assistant was the start of everything.

Her eyes softened as she smiled at her reflection.

"Let's make this day productive again."

The smell of coffee and warm butter filled the air as she descended the stairs. Morning sunlight spilled through the dining room windows and casting a gentle glow across the room. Her mother was in the kitchen and humming softly while preparing breakfast. Francis was already seated at the table and scrolling through his phone while munching on toast. Their father sat comfortably with a cup of coffee and the morning newspaper in hand.

When they looked up and saw her, their faces brightened instantly.

"Oh, look at you!" Carmie, her mother, said with a proud smile. "You look so professional, Rhianne."

Francis grinned widely.

"Wow. You really look like a director already."

Rhianne chuckled as she took her seat beside him.

"Not yet. Maybe in a few years."

"Breakfast is ready." Carmie said and bringing a plate of eggs, bacon, toast and fruit to the table. "Eat well before you go. You need more energy for your first day."

"Thanks, Mom."

They began eating together while laughter was occasionally breaking through the comfortable clinking of utensils and plates. Rhianne couldn't help but feel a soft warmth spread in her chest. This was what happiness felt like. It was simple, ordinary but precious.

Then all of a sudden, Francis leaned forward. 

"If someone bullies you there, just tell me. Don't forget that, okay? I will handle them."

Rhianne rolled her eyes while fighting a smile on her face.

"I'm not going there to fight, brother."

"You never know." he said while pointing his fork at her. "Office politics is real. I saw it on TV."

"...You are watching too much TV then."

"What? I watched it from your collections though."

"Francis." their mother gently scolded him. "Don't say things like that to your sister. She will be fine. Right, my dear?"

Rhianne nodded with a soft laugh.

"I'll be fine, Mom. I promise."

Their father, Tim, folded his newspaper and set it down. His calm but steady voice catches Rhianne's attention.

"Remember that work isn't just about skill but also attitude. Be respectful to everyone no matter their position. And if things ever get difficult, don't push yourself too hard."

Then he smiled at Rhianne. His eyes were filled with pride.

"You can always rely on us, okay?"

Rhianne's heart swelled.

"I know, Dad. Thank you."

He raised his coffee mug slightly.

"To your first day."

Her mother followed with a bright grin and lifting her glass of juice.

"To our Rhianne's good future."

Francis grabbed his own cup of tea.

"To my sister's soon-to-be promotion."

Rhianne giggled and raised her own glass.

"To our success and happiness."

Ignoring the fact that they were doing it while having breakfast, they clinked their glasses together. The sound of it is light and joyful.

"For our success, cheers!"

"Cheers!"

"Anyway, what about your puppy boyfriend?" Francis suddenly asked. "Is he going to drive you?"

"Stop calling him like that." Rhianne said with a soft sigh. "And no. Today is also Keith's first day at work."

"Ah, right." Francis replied while munching his bacon. "I always forgot that brat will be inheriting their company."

Since Doctor Calvin has no intention to step up and grow in the corporate world, Keith will be inheriting their family company when the right time comes. Just like Rhianne, Keith will start working in their company and start learning how to manage it.

But unbeknownst to them, Keith gave Rhianne a call last night and offered to take her to work. But Rhianne refused and said he should use that time to prepare for work. Keith soon admitted that he wanted to see her before they began working.

Rhianne couldn't help but laugh. After graduation, they still see each other almost every day. Keith would always visit them and accompany her wherever she went. No wonder Francis calls him as her puppy boyfriend now.

In the end, they did a video call before going to bed. They also planned to meet at a cafe today after work.

"Then I'll drive you today." Tim said. "I can bring you there before I go to the company."

"Thanks, dad!"

After their breakfast, Rhianne kissed her mother's cheek and entered her dad's car.

The Cartel family's little princess was about to take her first real step into the corporate world.

When they arrived at the building, Rhianne stepped out and looked up at the tall glass structure gleaming under the morning sun. The nameplate at the entrance shone like a badge of prestige. She took another deep breath and felt her heart beating fast in her chest.

Then all of a sudden, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Keith.

'You got this, Ms. Protagonist. Make the world see what you're capable of.'

Rhianne smiled at the screen and feel a gentle warmth spreading through her chest. She quickly replied.

'Thank you, Mr. Protagonist. Wish me luck!'

'Always. I love you.'

'I love you too! Good luck to your first day too!'

Pocketing her phone, she straightened her blazer once more and walked through the glass doors.

The reception area was spacious and modern. A lot of people walked briskly around with files and tablets. Their expressions were sharp and focused. Rhianne introduced herself to the receptionist and she kindly directed her to the director's floor.

As the elevator doors closed, Rhianne glanced at her reflection in the mirrored walls. Her heart raced but she smiled to herself.

"We can do this."

When the doors opened, she stepped into a quieter floor lined with sleek offices. At the far end, she spotted a tall woman in a tailored navy suit standing beside a glass window and speaking with a staff member. Her confident stance and poised tone made her presence unmistakable.

It was Director Jamie.

"Director Jamie." the staff said and noticing Rhianne’s arrival. "Your new assistant has arrived."

Director Jamie turned around before corner of her lips lifted when she saw Rhianne.

"Good morning, Ms. Cartel."

"Good morning, Director Jamie." Rhianne replied with a polite bow. "I'm honored to work under you."

Jamie gestured for her to come closer.

"You're early. That's a good sign."

Rhianne smiled. After a brief hesitation, reached into her bag.

"Director, before we begin... I wanted to show you something."

Jamie raised an eyebrow as Rhianne held out a familiar red notebook.

"Oh." Jamie began softly upon recognizing the item in Rhianne's hand.

"This is the notebook you gave me years ago." Rhianne said. "You told me to return this once I become a full-fledged director."

Rhianne sincerely smiled while looking at the notebook.

"I've kept it all these years. And now I am fulfilling the promise I made to you back then."

Director Jamie looked at her for a long moment then she borrowed the notebook. She opened it briefly and sees a few colorful sticky notes with neat handwriting and detailing Rhianne's journey and aspirations. A genuine smile touched her lips.

"You've grown a lot." Director Jamie said, closing the notebook gently and returning it to Rhianne. "But since you chose to be my assistant, remember this. I won't coddle you. I won't be lenient either. If you make mistakes, I will scold you. I will also expect you to learn fast."

Rhianne nodded without hesitation.

"I know, Director. I don't want special treatment. I want to earn everything with my own effort."

Director Jamie's smile deepened. It was proud and approving.

"Good answer. Then let's make sure you become someone worthy to be in this industry."

"Yes, Director." Rhianne replied with quiet determination.

Then the director gestured toward her office.

"Come in, Ms. Cartel. Let's get started. I will start teaching you and how you can properly assist me."

As Rhianne followed her into the glass-walled office, the rest of the day unfolded in a blur of introductions, briefings and simple tasks. Director Jamie's work style was fast-paced and precise. But she was never unfair. Rhianne quickly realized that everything Director Jamie did was meant to sharpen her and prepare her for something greater.

Director Jamie gave her a gentle shoulder pat when the day came to an end.

"You did well for your first day."

"Thank you, Director."

Jamie gave her one last look. It was a half mentor, half challenge look.

"We will shoot a short drama next week. Let's see how long you can keep up."

But Rhianne smiled confidently at Director Jamie.

"I can do it. As long as it takes to reach my dream."