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I woke up to the alarm clock buzzing on the bedside table, my lips curling into a small smile. My heart gladdened, and my eyes widened ever so slightly as a spark of excitement coursed through my blood.

It was yet another day to be grateful for the gift of life, another day to be productive and chase my dreams. As a 22-year-old young woman who had a small, humble beginning in a quaint town, I was determined to make it big in the city of Los Angeles.

I wasn't born into wealth and didn't have a business tycoon for a father or a family business to run. What I had, however, was a single mom who did her best to raise me in the ways that she could. She taught me to be content with what I had and to always go for what I wanted regardless of the situation I found myself in.

The fact that I wasn't born with a silver spoon was the reason I worked tirelessly to change my life with one goal in mind: to be successful. I owed it to myself and to my mother, who battled with depression almost all the time.

Maybe watching her struggle with emotional stress over the years was what birthed my love for helping people overcome their pain. I developed a passion for psychology at a tender age, drawn by the concept of human behavior.

I wanted to understand the human mind—how it operated—and also have a deep knowledge of why people acted the way they did. The variations in people's reactions to the same action was rather intriguing to me, and I wanted to know more. If I could understand the psychology of human beings, then I would be able to help humanity in the little ways I could.

Driven by this ideology, psychology was my major in college, and that was the first step in becoming the strong and successful woman I’d always envisioned.

As a fresh graduate, I moved to LA for an internship at a prestigious private therapy clinic, Oakwood Wellness Center. The clinic was a serene oasis nestled in the heart of the bustling city, providing top-notch mental health services to a diverse clientele.

I worked as an intern at the clinic for six months before being promoted to a job position. I learned far more than I ever imagined within this time period. According to my superior, Dr. Kim Kurt, my dedication and zeal to work was the reason for my quick promotion.

She wasn't wrong, considering that my passion for the profession seemed to wax stronger with each passing day, with each patient I helped.

Working at Oakwood Wellness Center had filled a void in my heart and gave me a sense of fulfillment. I felt like I was at the right place, with the right people, doing the right thing for the right course. There was no greater joy than this—at least for me, anyway.

This was why I always woke up happy every morning, eager to see what the day had in store for me. My colleagues at work nicknamed me “Sunshine Girl” because they claimed that I was always so bright and positive. Why wouldn't I be? I had everything I'd ever wanted, and my life was meaningful—simple but meaningful.

I stretched and swung the sheets to the other side; I sat on the edge of the bed, my legs dangling in the air for a moment. The floor was cool beneath my feet as I strolled to the floor-to-ceiling window and parted the curtains.

The sun’s glow was warm on my skin, and my smile broadened as I drew a deep breath with closed eyes. My hair was a tangled web, with stray strands framing my face, as I glided through the room, rolling my neck in a massaging motion.

“Hey, Siri, play ‘Better When I’m Dancin’ by Meghan Trainor,” I said, rubbing my eyes.

Siri’s smooth voice responded, “Playing ‘Better When I’m Dancin’ by Meghan Trainor.”

The upbeat melody filled the air, charging the atmosphere with positive vibes, and I couldn't help but move my body to the rhythm. The song’s infectious beat dropped, and I swayed my hips, allowing the music to take control. As Meghan’s powerful vocals rang out, I felt my energy lift, and I spun around, rhythmically snapping my fingers.

I danced my way to the bathroom, my feet moving and twirling to the beat while singing along. I shed my nightgown and stepped into the shower. There, I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and enjoyed a warm bath.

Once done, I headed out and strolled over to the wardrobe with a white towel wrapped around me. My eyes squinted as I stared at the clothes neatly arranged on the hangers, contemplating what outfit to wear today.

Not long after, I chose a navy blue pencil skirt and a crisp white blouse with a subtle sheen. The blouse featured a relaxed fit and soft V-neckline, adding a touch of elegance to the overall look.

I picked a pair of black stilettos from my collection of shoes to complement my outfit.

As I finished dressing, I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror, admiring the gorgeous woman looking back at me. My hazelnut brown hair fell in effortless waves over my shoulders, and thanks to my heels, I stood inches taller.

My light brown doe eyes sparkled with mirth, and my full lips, painted a shade of red, curled into my signature smile. I smoothed out the wrinkles on the skirt that accentuated my curvature, and my impeccably manicured fingers adjusted my blouse.

I exhaled sharply, beaming with confidence as I muttered the same words I told myself every morning. “It’s gonna be a good day.” A radiant smile flashed across my face, and I grabbed my handbag, heading out, ready to face the day.

***

The Uber driver pulled over by the sidewalk, the gravel crunching beneath the tires as the car came to a halt. I opened the door and stepped out, the morning sun enveloping me. As the vehicle drove away, I headed toward the clinic's magnificent building, its sleek glass facade reflecting the vibrant greenery of the surrounding park.

My heels clicked against the fine floor as I walked into the building. Inside, the clinic's modern design and calming color palette exuded warmth and welcome.

“Morning, Sunshine Girl,” Olivia, the receptionist, greeted me, standing at her position behind the counter. Her long dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail, her blue eyes shining with admiration as she stared at me.

“Morning, Olivia,” I replied, mirroring her sweet and endearing tone with a vibrant smile. “You look amazing today,” I added, strolling past her.

Her brows arched, her grin widening as she trailed me with her eyes. “Funny, you took the words right out of my mouth.” She chuckled.

I turned around and shrugged my shoulders while walking backward, my eyes pinned on her. “Well, I guess what they say is true: Great minds do think alike.” I winked at her, wiggling my brows before swiveling to round a corner.

“Good morning, Sunshine Girl,” greeted a tall, bearded man with sharp dark eyes and black hair.

“Hey, Ronnie, how’s it going?” I asked without slowing down.

He caught up with me, matching my pace while scribbling on a notepad. “Bonnie broke up with me last night,” he said, his tone light and casual with no hint of pain whatsoever.

My brows furrowed, and I stopped in my tracks, facing him. “Oh, my God, are you okay?”

He tore his eyes off the notepad in his hands and held my gaze. “Yeah, I’m good,” he said with a smooth tone that masked his true feelings.

I eyed him and raised an eyebrow, my voice dry and laced with sarcasm. “Try saying that with a bit more enthusiasm, and I just might believe you.”

He hesitated for a moment, his jaw clenching ever so slightly. “I’ll be fine.” His lips curled into a plastic smile.

I'd definitely have a talk with him later, but right now, I had a patient to attend to. My hand snapped out to rest on his shoulder. “You will be.” I beamed an encouraging smile at him. “We’ll pick this up later.” I patted his shoulder and walked away.

My first session today was with a woman named Sarah, who was battling with anxiety and depression. She’d just recently lost her cat in a fire that almost claimed her own life. Sarah seemed more bothered about the death of her pet than the house and property that the fire had consumed. She said that the cat was the closest thing to a family she had, and now she felt all alone in this “cruel world,” as she put it.

In this line of work, nothing was weird or strange; it was just another Tuesday for us. It didn’t matter how ridiculous our patients’ stories might seem; what we were more interested in was their emotional state. Our job was to listen and provide them with the help that they so desperately needed.

Clearly, Sarah and her cat shared a connection that I was unable to fathom. However, I listened to her, offering empathetic nods and supportive words. As the session progressed, I was able to skillfully use relaxation techniques and coping strategies.

Later during the day, after a series of sessions with other patients, my superior called for an impromptu meeting with his team.

We all sat at the large rectangular table that dominated the center of the room, murmuring amongst ourselves and wondering why we were called. My eyes scanned the modern conference room, admiring the crisp white walls and polished dark wood floor.

The air was filled with the soft hum of conversations and the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee from our mugs. A whiteboard on the wall across from me displayed the remnants of our last meeting, the marker’s vibrant colors still bold against the board’s sleek surface.

Ronnie sat relaxed in his chair, his eyes staring blankly into space. He had a hand under his chin as he sat there, lost in his own thoughts. The breakup had hurt him more than he cared to admit.

My gaze shifted to Emily sitting in a chair a few feet from Ronnie. She had her eyes fixed on him, her expression soft, and I could swear that she could feel his pain. Emily had always loved Ronnie, but he’d been too blind to see it.

Personally, I never liked that Bonnie girl, and for someone as free-spirited as I was, that spoke volumes. Everyone who’d met her had told Ronnie that she was bad news. But the man was so in love with her that he failed to see the danger she posed to his sanity.

Maybe this was for the best. Maybe now, he’d finally see the one woman I was sure truly loved him: Emily.

Aside from that, what exactly was going on? Why the sudden meeting?

I glanced at my watch, and that was when the door opened, and Dr. Kim Kurt walked in. At her appearance, silence fell, and every staff member adjusted in their seats.

Dr. Kim’s heels clicked against the floor as she walked to the head of the table, her perfume wafting through the air. Her short brunette hair framed her round face, and her green eyes sparkled behind her wire-rimmed glasses. She wore an impeccably tailored black suit with a crisp white undershirt, exuding an air of confidence and professionalism.

The woman inspired me in more ways than one. She was the perfect role model for me: beautiful, successful, and very good at what she did. Dr. Kim was in her late forties, but she looked twenty years younger, especially because of her petite frame and baby face. Sometimes, my male colleagues would talk about how she was so hot and sexy and fantasize about the crazy things they could do to her in bed. Idiots.

She halted at the head of the table and said, her voice calm and collected, “I’m sorry I’m late.” Her gaze swept across the room. “Thank you for coming on such short notice,” she began, her aura commanding attention. “I have an important announcement to make.”

Glances were exchanged as she paused for a moment.

Dr. Kim continued. “We’ve been approached by a high-profile client, and usually, I should be the one to take the sessions with them. But unfortunately, I’m indisposed at the moment.” She paused, as if to let that sink in. “That being said, I’ll be assigning one of you to the case—someone that I’m positive is more than capable for the job.”

All eyes fell on Carol, and her lips curled into a self–satisfied smile, pride flickering in her gaze. She was the one who fit the description. Besides, when situations like this arose, she was always the first choice. The girl was good at her job, but she was an embodiment of pride and arrogance.

“Clarice,” Dr. Kim’s voice pierced through my thoughts, and her gaze fell on me. “You’re taking the case,” she blurted out.

“What?!” Carol snapped reflexively, her eyes wide with shock and disappointment.

The same exclamation escaped my own lips, but with a much lower tone. My heart skipped a beat, and for a fleeting moment, my brain abandoned me. I was just as shocked as everyone else at the table. Dr. Kim had caught me off guard with this appointment, and now I felt a surge of excitement and nerves at the same time.

I could feel my colleagues’ gazes and sense the skepticism some of them gave off. Honestly, I couldn't blame them for being doubtful about the selection, considering that I was relatively new to the team.

“Dr. Kim, are you sure about this?” Carol questioned, her tone hinting at her judgment and disdain. “Clarissa is new to the job; she has no experience. She’s incapable of handling high-profile clients.” She rose to her feet, an instinctive move that highlighted her opposition to the plan.

Carol had never gotten my name right, and I hated that. However, what bothered me the most was her condescension. She'd always thought she was better than everyone else, but her arrogance would be her undoing.

“Carol, sit your ass down, and don’t you ever interrupt me again,” Dr. Kim spat, her voice calm but laced with venom.

Reluctantly, the sassy and arrogant girl sat back in her chair, glaring at me with a clenched jaw.

“Congratulations, Clarice,” Dr. Kim said, her eyes locked on me. “I believe you have the potential to excel in this field, and I’m eager to see how you’ll handle this challenging case.”

I was almost certain that Carol was just as eager. She was clearly anticipating my failure.

“Thank you, Dr. Kim.” I nodded, trying to appear more confident than I felt. “I promise I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t,” she said with conviction, her gaze still locked on mine. “I’m more interested in how you’re going to navigate the complexity of this case. It’s not gonna be easy. But I have faith in you.”

My lips parted into a faint grin, and I drew a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. I was ready to prove myself, to show Dr. Kim that contrary to what Carol thought, she hadn’t made a mistake by choosing me.

I locked eyes with Carol, and I could see the fire burning within, the jealousy and the envy. But I wasn’t moved by any of that. I had a task to do, and I was going to give it my best.

“Alright. That’ll be all for now,” Dr. Kim said, her voice sharp and dismissive.

Her phone buzzed on the table, and she answered the call, strolling out of the conference room.

“Congrats, Clarice,” a female colleague, Fiona, whispered as she rose to her feet with the others.

“Thanks.” I looked up at her, paying attention to the murmurs around me.

Most of my colleagues seemed genuinely happy for me, but the likes of Carol, not so much. Carol’s heels clicked against the floor as she strolled over to me.

“You’ve landed your first high-profile client,” she said coldly. “Let's see how long your victory lasts.”

My expression softened at her words, and I beamed a broad smile at her, unaffected by her negativity.

Her face contorted into a faint frown as though my grin had pierced her heart like a knife. Without another word, she walked away, her footsteps rapidly receding.

“How do you guys cope with her?” I leaned back in my chair, eyes fixed on Ronnie as he leaned against the edge of the table.

“We just ignore her and act like she doesn’t exist,” Emily chipped in, heading toward me with some files clasped to her chest.

“Works every time,” Ronnie said, chuckling, his fingers loosening his tie.

“How’re you holding up?” I asked him, looking into his eyes. I could see his pain simmering beneath the surface.

He hesitated for a second. “I’ll live.”

“Yes, you will,” Emily said, her lips curling into a bright grin. She rested her hand on his.

For the next few seconds, there was an awkward silence as the two gazed at each other. Emily got a grip of herself and cleared her throat, pulling her hand away. She gripped the files to her chest tighter and looked in my direction. “Congratulations on landing the big case, Clarice. You’re going to knock it out of the park. I’m sure of that.”

My eyes crinkled at the corners. “Thanks, Em.”

She flashed a smile that barely masked her nervousness, and her eyes darted back to Ronnie before she left the room.

He watched her leave and didn’t shift his gaze off her until she was out the door. Ronnie looked back in my direction and caught me staring at him with a knowing smile on my lips. “I know what you’re thinking,” he said, cocking his head to the side, his tone flat. “It’s a bad idea.”

I threw my hands in the air with a defensive motion and demonstrated zipping my lips. Those two had chemistry, but Ronnie was still in denial.

However, that was the least of concerns at the moment. This case was a big deal to me, and my superior was already counting on me not to fail. As a newbie to the profession, I shouldn’t be handling such high-profile clients yet. But here I was, with that burden on my shoulders.

Dr. Kim could’ve given this case to anyone else, yet she chose me to handle it. As excited, thrilled, and intrigued as I was, I was also nervous, anxious, and maybe even afraid.

But was I going to let it control me and affect my performance? Hell, no. This was an opportunity to prove myself to everyone. It was a test, a test that I was determined to pass with flying colors.

Whoever the high-profile client was, surely, their case wouldn’t be so terrible.

Right?