Being A Michelson

Maddie had uprooted her life from sunny California to the chaotic whirlwind of New York City exactly a year ago. Back in California, everything seemed picture-perfect—until it wasn’t. Her seemingly flawless world came crashing down when she walked in on her best friend, Jackie, tangled up with her boyfriend, Max. Betrayal had a way of cutting deep, and the sting still lingered even after graduating from high school and achieving her dream of getting into Columbia University. Her older brother, Elijah, had insisted the move was the perfect reset—a chance to leave behind the ghosts of her past and start fresh. But life has a funny way of blindsiding you. Maddie wasn’t ready for the curveballs New York City had in store, and she certainly wasn’t prepared for the secrets her own family seemed to be keeping. Could she forgive her brother for what was about to unravel? Or was this new chapter about to be filled with even more heartbreak? Maddie’s Point of View (P.O.V.): The phone rang with Elijah’s name flashing on the screen. Typical of my overbearing brother to call me right before class. “Hey, Elijah. What’s up?” I asked, balancing my coffee as I grabbed my notebook. “Hey, baby sis. Got a minute to talk?” His tone was clipped—serious. “Not really. Class starts in ten.” “Well, this won’t take long. We need you in the office at 3 pm today.” “What? Why?” My stomach sank. Elijah didn’t do vague. “It’s important. Be there. No excuses.” “I already have plans, Elijah. I—” “Maddison, this isn’t optional. 3 PM. Don’t be late.” His voice brooked no argument. Before I could respond, the call ended. I stared at the phone, the coffee in my hand forgotten. What the hell? Elijah only used my full name when he was dead serious—or when he knew I’d hate what was coming. I dialed Davina. “Hey, girly,” her cheerful voice answered. “Hey, Davi, I need to reschedule. My brothers pulled up some emergency meeting at 3, and you know Elijah won’t let me live if I skip.” “Ugh, what did you do this time?” she teased. “Nothing! I swear! But now I have to figure out how to juggle this mess.” “Want me to tag along and glare at him for you?” I laughed. “Nah. Let’s meet earlier—like 2. That work for you?” “Perfect. See you at the mall!” Class blurred by, though I barely absorbed a word of Business 150. It wasn’t my passion, but as the youngest Michelson, I had no choice but to get involved in the family empire. Elijah ran the entire corporation as CEO. Nick, my second-oldest brother, managed our transportation sector, and Liam handled the hospitality chain. Me? I was being groomed for the media division—a legacy I hadn’t signed up for. After my 1 pm class, I darted to meet Davina. But fate, as always, had other plans. I was texting Davi when someone slammed into me, spilling ice-cold coffee all over my favorite shirt. “What the hell!” I snapped, looking up to see a tall, dark-haired guy in a suit. His sharp jawline and piercing eyes might’ve been distracting if I wasn’t drenched. “You should watch where you’re going,” he shot back, though a flicker of guilt crossed his face. “Are you serious? You’re the one not paying attention!” He sighed, running a hand through his messy, windswept hair. “Look, I don’t have time for this, but… here.” Without waiting for my response, he dragged me into the nearest bathroom. “What are you—” Before I could finish, he shrugged off his suit jacket, followed by his crisp button-up, leaving him in a plain white tee. He thrust it toward me. “Here. Change into this.” “Excuse me?” “Your shirt’s ruined. Just take it. I’ll deal with the coffee stains later.” Stunned into silence, I did as he said, stepping into the stall to swap shirts. When I emerged, he offered a sheepish grin. “Sorry about that. I was running late for a meeting. Keep the shirt.” Before I could even thank—or yell at—him, his phone buzzed, and he rushed off, leaving me standing there in his oversized shirt that smelled faintly of cedar and something warm. By the time I found Davina, she was glaring at me. “Maddison Michelson! You’re late!” “Blame the guy who spilled his coffee on me,” I said, spinning to show off my new, borrowed shirt. “Wait. A guy gave you his shirt? Did you at least get his number?” “No. It was chaos.” She groaned. “You’re hopeless.” The mall trip passed in a blur of laughter, dress-shopping, and mock-serious debates over wedding outfits. But when I glanced at my watch, dread flooded me. 3:15 PM. Crap. Five missed calls from Elijah lit up my screen. “Davi, I’ve got to run. Elijah’s going to kill me.” “Good luck, babe. Text me after.” Rushing to the office, I rehearsed my excuse—traffic, late class, whatever would work. But something told me Elijah wouldn’t buy it. Whatever was waiting for me at the Michelson building wasn’t going to be good.