A/N: Pride and prejudice does not belong to me, but this crazy idea does. Some of the original scenes will be included, while others won't, or changed over. I hope you enjoy the twists!

Chapter 1

Past - April 2018

Darcy Design was one of the biggest companies in San Francisco. Most of them were located in Silicon Valley, but I was happy to be in the city. I even enjoyed the fog.

I got a job wih them right after graduation. I would like to say it was due to my stellar scores and impeccable work ethic, but it wouldn't be the truth. The fact that I was best friends with the sister of the CEO had most to do with it. At least I convinced Georgie to start me low.

Needless to say, Darcy wasn't too impressed with my being there. We had only met a couple of times a year since Georgie had started college.

The first interview was when I became Georgie's roommate, and I guess I "passed" the test. But from there to being employed at his company I guess it was a big leap, which he only took for his sister. He was a model of integrity, or so he tried.

I overheard him at our Christmas party saying that my CV was "tolerable, but not enough to tempt" him. I guess I didn't have much experience as a graphic designer, but I was pretty good at what I did. I was offended for a while, till I learnt to avoid him.

It was enough I was seeing him once a week for our department meetings.

"Hey, how are you today, Lizzie? Ready to face the dragon?" Charlotte asked. She was a couple of years older than me, and already a devoted workaholic. She was so grateful Darcy Design had employed her, she was practically married with her job. And with her horrific boss, Mr. Collins. Speaking of the devil...

"Miss Bennett, have you finished the draft for today? I know you artists always think that you need inspiration, and depend on creativity, but I believe the best tactic is just to follow your boss' lead."

"Where would we be if all did that?" I replied, but I don't think he got my sarcasm.

The meeting was uninteresting till Mr. Darcy arrived and scanned the agenda. Then he asked his assistant Mrs Reynolds for something, which she immediately brought. To my horror, I saw that there were my sketches. It's not that I was embarrassed, or unprepared, just that...

"Miss Bennett, needless to say, this model will need redoing."

"Oh really, Mr. Darcy? Which client requirements did I fail to comply with?"

He frowned a little, "I couldn't say it's about client requirements. It's just that here at Darcy Design we do things differently."

"But it is different -" I knew by this point that he was riled up.

"OK, it is too different. We always go for the classical design..."

"Why is that by the way? Have you found many advertisements in the 19th century?"

Darcy's face scowled and became sour, "You do not need to worry about the whys. Your task is to comply with client requirements AND company vision."

"So, back to the drawing board?" I was deliberately sarcastic since, although the vision was conservative, we had some of the most modern computer software available on the market.

The others in the room were looking at us as at a ping-pong match.

Darcy looked exasperated, "Look, I like your angle. I think you should keep the columns. The other parts need... tweaking."

On that note, he moved to the next item on the agenda. I could become really frustrated with this man, but I kept my grin. I found I became more daring the more I was provoked. If he wanted a new project, he would get it, all right. I got a devilish grin just thinking of the new draft, and the others watched me warily.

A few colleagues circled around me after the meeting, but it was Charlotte who spoke first, "Well, you sure keep us entertained. I'm just afraid that one of these days, your big mouth is going to get you fired."

I simply shrugged, "I cannot smile and go along with something I don't believe in. Might as well say my peace."

"I have to say, these weekly meetings used to be so boring before. I have the impression that Darcy started attending only after you came along," Charlotte mused out loud.

"I'm sure your memory is playing tricks on you, Miss Lucas," Mr. Collins intervened, "for Mr. Darcy was always very involved in the company."

"Yes, sir, you are probably right."

I tried to abstain from rolling my eyes. That's how Charlotte would have liked me to behave around Darcy too - but I just couldn't.

At the same time, my phone buzzed with a message. Everyone seemed to be looking for me - can't really complain though. It was my sister Jane, and I never refused her calls.

"Hi, sweetie, how are you?" Although I was younger, I seemed to be more protective of my sister. Maybe because Jane had this aura of fragility around her.

"Hi, Lizzie. Is this a good moment?"

"Sure, just had our weekly meeting at work. And my weekly quarrel. The day can only get better from here..."

"Oh, Lizzie, I wish you could rein your temper sometimes. But then, I guess you wouldn't be you."

I giggled, "I annoy myself too sometimes. How are you faring? Still up for our date on Friday?"

Jane had stayed behind in our hometown and would only come visit me in the city once in a while. We called these date nights.

"That's why I am calling... I was wondering if you mind postponing."

At first I was shocked - although I had to cancel before due to tight deadlines or Mr. Darcy calling emergency meetings and changes, Jane had never done that. I thought something serious must have happened, but then I noticed the nervousness in her voice.

"JANE! Are you standing me up for a - man?" I tried to whisper the last word as some coworkers seemed to be listening, but I was amused.

"Oh, Lizzie, I met the most wonderful man..."

I couldn't help but wonder where. Jane was an academic, it's not that she got so many opportunities to socialize.

"I can't wait to hear more about him! What's his name?"

"Bingley... Charles Bingley," Jane sighed.