Trapped

Trapped. Book 1 of 3 of The Rebirth Series. A Rebirth Fantasy Trilogy Novel Written by chaywrites. Prologue. »»—♡—«« “yes, you will rise from the ashes, but the burning comes first. for this part, darling, you must be brave.” ― kalen dion »»—♡—«« Everyone had blamed the snow but Chandria beg to differ. “Meeting adjourned.” Mr. Smith, one of the board of directors, had announced in front of everyone. His voice was monotonous and raspy. Upon his statement, he had immediately gathered his things then headed towards the exit door. The members were all busy packing and organizing their things and some were already leaving the room. Some looked eager to leave the room and some were just relieved that the event is now over. Now, they can all head home and take a rest by themselves or with their family. A monthly meeting is not new in  Luciano Corporation. It had been a routine for the entire board to gather and talk about the progress of the company and sometimes… even the mistakes and shortcomings that are needed to be fixed. However, everyone is leaning more to the fact that there are more improvements than the fact that there were a lot of errors. They were all aware that mistakes are inevitable but they all believed that every employee can learn lessons from all their past mistakes. In addition to that, once in a while Analysts, Experts and Developers would conduct a proposal and have the board as their panel. An appropriate proposal that would eventually flourish in passing time. Offering them much more opportunities and investment as a return. Luciano Corporation is slowly rising in their field, with the help of everyone in the firm; it only connotes a stronger bond and a stronger organization. One of their goals is to be the number one in the industry, something that would still probably take them years to accomplish. Something that they were willing to wait for. All employees in a company would share the same organization goal. And that is for the success of their company. Not only that, for their firm to grow and flourish more in the future. Everyone was motivated by that goal. “I am so proud of you, Chandria.” Viktor Luciano, the owner of the Luciano Corporation had announced. He had a proud smile smeared on his face, despite the wrinkles and the ageing that was profound in his look, Viktor was still standing strong at the age of 76. Chandria had walked towards the man and had immediately bowed at him, showing her courtesy. “Thank you, Mr. Luciano.” She had responded with utmost respect, hinting a small smile curt on her lips. “Oh, munchkin, drop the formalities.” The old man chuckled affectionately at the woman before him, “I told you to never call me like that.” He added, tilting his head to the side as if she was disappointed in her but there was a grin smeared on his mouth. Chandria released a soft chortle, amused by the exchange of conversation. “I still get nervous, granddad. Phew!” She exhaled, as if all the tension in her body had left her being as soon as Viktor had shown his recognition to his granddaughter. The old man laughed, extending both of his arms for Chandria. In which she had abruptly leaned in for a family hug. Chandria, although nervous throughout the whole project proposal, had managed to present her presentation with beaming confidence attached to her voice and her whole composure. She had prettily handled it in such a professional way. One that Viktor Luciano had always admired for. A release of cough in the room was enough for Chandria to withdraw the hug, looking to the owner of the sound emitted. Across the room was Robert Quinn and Maxwell Quinn, Chandria’s father and sister. Who were gazing at them the whole conversation. There was a smug look on Robert’s face, even Chandria had noticed it but she had chosen to shrug it off. “Maxwell also did perfect on her report last month.” Robert declared while looking at Viktor’s eyes then averted his gaze to her daughter who was standing beside her, almost shoulders’ slumped. Viktor let out a genuine smile, “Everyone did great, Robert.” he acknowledged. “But this is Chandria’s final Project Proposal, and the boards were still interested just as much when she did her very first proposal. The proposal is a success and has tons of potential. I am just proud of your daughter, are you not?” Viktor pressed, even though his voice was monotonous, it did not hide the fact that he was actually proud of Chandria but at the same time he wanted Robert to be intimidated by him. In this case, Robert did. He slowly stepped back while Viktor was glowering at him. Instead of adding fuel to the fire, Maxwell bowed at his grandfather, “I’ll do better next time, Granddad.” Viktor nodded at her other granddaughter, “I know you will, pumpkin.” He had announced, genuinely enough that it had casted a soft smile on Maxwell’s face. She was also touched by Viktor’s affectionate nickname for her. Both Chandria and Maxwell have a nickname from Viktor and it has always made them smile hearing it from their loving grandfather. Robert was about to point something at it, still not dropping the topic; when Maxwell had gently grabbed his father out of the room, leaving Chandria and Viktor. As soon as Maxwell and Robert had left the room, Robert’s face was unreadable. Maxwell could notice her father’s annoyance. Clearly, unsatisfied with the outcome. Maxwell, who was terrified of her father’s actions and expressions had stayed silent as they faced each other, just outside the door. She could hear the laughter coming from inside the room, in which it had caused her to frown a little bit. “Do better next time, Maxwell.” He commanded more than he had advised his daughter. The words came out in a harsh way, and Maxwell was quick enough to nod at his father, acknowledging his words. “Yes dad, I will. I will not fail you.” “You better not.” He barked then pivoted his heels as he had left Maxwell at her place and began to leave the place. Maxwell lowered her head down, casting her eyes on the carpeted floor as she clasped her hands together then began to fidget. Despite her father’s actions, she was supposed to get used to it by now. Robert has a lot of expectations from her daughter that’s why he was being like that. Maxwell reminded herself not to be carried away with the emotions. She slowly wrapped her arms around herself, engulfing her with a hug then whispered. “You’re doing great, Max.” Just as she was done reassuring herself, the meeting room door had opened and revealed Chandria exiting the room. She was still beaming and had a huge smile plastered on her face while she was walking towards Maxwell. “Congratulations, kiddo! You absolutely did great.” She had praised Chandria, opening her arms for a sisterly hug. Chandria tightly hugged her sister, “Thank you, Big Sis!” Upon breaking the hug she had added, “I was really nervous while presenting, I was so glad when Granddad said that he was proud of me.” The smile had never left her face, still overjoyed by the success of her final proposal. Maxwell straightened her little sister’s formal clothes, wrinkled by their tight hug. “I am so proud of you too, Chandy.” The proudness latched on her face was bona fide. Maxwell had always adored her little sister. Even from her small success to the biggest ones. She had always supported her in everything that she had done. She had acted like a second mother to Chandria. And that was why Chandria is also fond of her big sister.  The two were inseparable. Despite the fact that they have different circles of friends, or a different work in their family’s business. They always had the time to bond and hang out with each other whenever there was free time. They had always encouraged and supported each other since they were young. They were each other’s shoulders to cry on. Chandria and Maxwell shared memories that they would never trade for anything in the whole world. Even if Chandria was younger than Maxwell, they were both excellent in their specific fields. Their skills were surely untraded for, so Viktor was proud of both of them. However, Maxwell is well aware that her granddad favored Chandria more than her. She was never the overly jealous type of a person. Due to the fact that when they were young, they were both equally loved and cared for. However, favoritism was always present in their life. They were both mindful of it, but they never really took it by heart since they never considered each other as a competition or a rival. Instead, they had taken that factor to push themselves more to become better at their job in Luciano Corporation. Their entire day was done, and they can now go home and rest themselves after a tiring but productive day. Maxwell hesitated for a bit but managed to voice out her thoughts, “Uhh, can I have a ride?” Her sister casted her eyes at Maxwell, confused but still she had offered a smile. ““Sure you can!” Chandria had immediately answered. “Where’s your car though?” She added. “Uhh… it was at an auto repair shop. I wouldn’t be able to get it by tomorrow.” Chandria nodded, “Okay, I’ll give you a ride, but you have to pay for the gas.” she had jokingly teased her sister. Maxwell released a chuckle, fazed by her sister’s quirkiness. “Okay, call.” she claimed while still laughing. Chandria 's eyes widened, “I’m just kidding!” “Yeah, me too.” Maxwell’s statement had gathered louder laughter that resonated in the hallway. They were not aware that the laughter and happiness they shared today would be up for an exchange… one that would initially cost their lives.