Bound To The Broken Alpha (Amy and Daniel) novel Chapter 36

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**When Dawn Breaks Slowly Hope Finds Space To Grow by Jin Rowan Vale**
**Chapter 36: The Lunar Elegance**

**AMY**

I awoke early the next morning, the soft light of dawn filtering through my curtains, casting a gentle glow in my room. As I prepared for work, an unexpected sense of well-being enveloped me. It was a curious feeling, considering the doctors had labeled my recovery as “inexplicable.” Yet, I chose not to dwell on it; my focus was on navigating the day ahead with determination.

After a refreshing shower, I slipped into a tailored beige blouse that hugged my figure and a sleek black skirt that stopped just above my knees, striking a balance between professional and understated. My hair, still damp from the shower, was pulled back into a loose ponytail, and I applied a touch of lip balm—nothing extravagant, as I wasn’t in the mood for anything more.

Stepping out of my room, I noticed the maids bustling about, clearing the remnants of breakfast from the table. I deliberately chose not to join them; the thought of starting my day in the presence of Elias was unbearable. Outside, Cole stood by the car, a familiar figure waiting patiently as he always did. He offered me a nod, which I returned with a polite smile before sliding into the backseat.

The drive to the office was enveloped in a heavy silence, the world outside blurring past as I stared out the window, lost in thought. So much had shifted in just a few days, and the weight of Daniel’s silence pressed heavily on my mind. He hadn’t reached out, not even through our mind link, and that absence gnawed at me. I wanted to reach out, but I held back, reluctant to push too hard.

Upon arriving at the Carter Enterprise building, I steeled myself, forcing my thoughts into a semblance of order. I needed to maintain my professionalism. The lobby buzzed with activity, a cacophony of ringing phones and the rhythmic click of heels on the polished tiles. My personal assistant, Sandra, was waiting near the elevator, her expression brightening as she spotted me.

“Good morning, ma’am,” she greeted, her smile warm as she handed me a hefty folder.

“What’s this?” I inquired, curiosity piqued as I took it from her grasp.

“It arrived from the executive floor. The board has finalized your next assignment,” she explained, her tone a mix of excitement and formality.

I nodded, stepping into the elevator with her. As the doors began to close, I opened the folder, my eyes scanning the front page. For a brief moment, I thought I had misread the words before me.

“Carter Enterprises will be the lead corporate sponsor and event representative for the upcoming Lunar Elegance Fashion Show.” My heart stopped. That was *the* show—the very one Clara had snatched from under me.

Sandra cleared her throat, breaking the momentary silence. “You’ve been assigned to oversee all company representation, ma’am. This includes branding, VIP coordination, and media coverage.”

I closed the folder, taking a deep, steadying breath. “So, I’m in charge of the event where Clara will be strutting her stuff?”

“Yes, ma’am.” She hesitated, her voice dropping to a whisper. “The CEO personally approved it.”

Of course he did.

As soon as the elevator doors slid open, I stepped out, each stride toward my office fueling my growing irritation. Clara hadn’t just stolen my moment in the spotlight; now I was tasked with ensuring she shone even brighter. It felt as if the universe was conspiring against me, its laughter echoing in my ears.

Once inside my office, I dropped the folder onto my desk and sank into my chair, the cityscape visible through the window offering no solace. I could vividly picture Clara’s face, her self-satisfied smile as she reveled in her newfound position at the show.