Chapter 1
"Love at first sight is a topic often debated. Some embrace the idea, while others remain skeptical about the possibility of falling in love with just a single glance. Yet, there are moments when a single gaze can ignite a profound and passionate love – a love beyond imagination, a love that defies reason. My story is a testament to the power of 'first sight,' whether you're a believer or not."
(Mary's POV)
As the first rays of sunlight slipped through my bedroom curtains, they gently stirred me from sleep, casting a warm glow across the room. It felt as if the day itself had come to greet me, carrying a soft promise of something new and exciting. With a hopeful smile, I opened my eyes, a spark of anticipation fluttering within me at the thought of this fresh day at work.
I stepped into the bathroom and stood before the mirror, where I carefully began preparing for the day. My hands moved with precision, adding subtle touches here and there, shaping an image that felt like my truest self. I chose a soft, elegant dress that complemented my figure, allowing the fabric to fall gracefully as I left my dark hair loose, cascading down my back. A confident smile crept onto my lips as I admired my reflection, the glimmer in my eyes mirroring my growing sense of readiness.
With my bag slung over my shoulder and my heart light with excitement, I took one last look around the room, a quiet breath steadying me. Today was waiting, and I was ready to meet it head-on.
In the kitchen, my mother moved about as she always did each morning, immersed in the rhythm of preparing breakfast. I stepped in quietly, catching her by surprise with a quick kiss on her cheek. "Good morning, Mom… Goodbye!" I said, flashing a warm smile before heading toward the door with quick steps.
From behind me, I heard her familiar voice, half-exasperated, half-affectionate, calling out, "Mary, wait! Why are you always in such a rush? At least have some breakfast…"
My hand was already on the doorknob as I turned back briefly, calling out, "I’m running late, Mom! Goodbye!" I flashed her one last grin, pushing open the front door and stepping out, already feeling the day's momentum pulling me toward work.
Alright, everyone, let me introduce myself.
Arriving at work right on time, I joined a cluster of employees waiting for the elevator. And then… I felt it—the familiar allure of his cologne drifting toward me. I turned, my pulse racing as I caught sight of him confidently striding through the lobby. That face, so effortlessly handsome, had stolen my heart the very first time I saw him.
OH, HOW I ADORE HIM!
Yet, even as he stood beside me, his attention was elsewhere. We entered the elevator along with our colleagues, his cologne filling the enclosed space, intoxicating the air around us. I closed my eyes, savoring the scent—a perfect blend, as unique and striking as the man himself. The fragrance—a mix of cinnamon, tuberose, black amber, and guaiac wood—swirled together in an enchanting symphony that set my heart racing, each note igniting forbidden thoughts. A flush crept up my cheeks as I tried to steady myself.
When we finally reached our floor, I lingered a moment, allowing the others to file out first. Drawing a deep breath, I stepped out at last, gently shaking off the distraction. My heart still fluttered, but I was determined to focus. With a faint smile, I made my way toward my office, ready to start the day.
Settling into my desk, I let my thoughts drift back to him. Every detail of his face, every nuance of his smile, and that intoxicating scent lingered in my mind, stirring a warmth in my cheeks. I caught myself blushing and quickly shook my head, whispering under my breath, *“Oh God, he’s driving me insane.”*
Just then, my colleague Suha stepped into my office, her usual calm presence breaking my reverie. “Good morning,” she greeted me simply.
I managed a smile, snapping back to the present. “Good morning, Suha.”
She sighed, already looking drained. “Looks like it’s going to be a long day.”
Curious, I raised an eyebrow. “Why’s that?”
“Meetings and interviews,” she replied, sounding exasperated. “We’ve got a whole lineup with some high-profile businessmen and investors.”
As she organized papers and files, she turned to me, a hint of urgency in her voice. “By the way, where are the files I requested?”
“Oh, right here.” I quickly retrieved the documents from the locker and handed them to her.
With a nod of thanks, Suha gathered everything, rising from her chair. “Well, I’d better get going. See you later.”
“Alright, see you,” I replied, watching as she made her way to the door.
Preoccupied with the stack of papers in her hands, she didn’t notice the edge of the doorframe. In her rush, she collided with it, sending papers fluttering through the air and stumbling back with a wince.
Alarmed, I jumped up and rushed over to her. “Suha!”
She clutched her leg, her face etched with pain as a small crowd of colleagues quickly gathered around us to help.
(Jack's POV)
I’m Jack Adams, 29 years old and CEO of Adams Corp, based here in New York. 
I stepped into the elevator, joined by some of our employees, but as the doors slid shut, a strange sensation prickled at my awareness, as if someone were watching me closely from behind. The feeling lingered, crawling under my skin. Ignoring it, I took a steady breath, forcing myself to focus on the task at hand. When the elevator finally arrived on our floor, I wasted no time heading straight to my office.
Not long after, a gentle knock on the door broke my concentration. To my surprise, it was my cousin, Lamia. Lamia wasn't just family; she was practically a sister, one of the few people who truly understood me. Her presence brought a sense of calm, a reminder that not everything had to feel so heavy.
With a radiant smile, she stepped inside. "Good morning, handsome," she greeted, a familiar warmth in her tone.
“Good morning,” I replied, managing a faint smile, though my voice was quieter than usual.
She tilted her head, observing me closely. Her perceptive gaze cut through my facade. "How are you feeling today, Jack?" Her voice was soft, filled with genuine concern.
I exhaled slowly, unable to mask my tension. "Honestly, a bit nervous… this whole merger situation feels like it's slipping out of control."
Lamia’s eyes narrowed, her expression hardening with determination. She stepped closer, her voice low but laced with confidence. "Listen, Jack, you don’t need to worry. This merger? It’s not going to happen. I’ve already told my secretary to gather everything we need to counter Sam’s pitch to the board. We’re not letting this go through without a fight."
Her words were steady, a lifeline of assurance that cut through my uncertainty. I nodded, clinging to the hope that she was right. Just then, my secretary, Ruby, burst into the room, visibly flustered.
"Mr. Adams… Miss Lamia," she began, struggling to catch her breath. "Miss Lamia, it’s about your secretary…”
Lamia’s face fell, a sudden apprehension replacing her confident demeanor. "What happened? Is she alright?"
Ruby hurriedly explained, her words tumbling out, "She slipped… hurt her leg pretty badly."
Lamia’s eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth as she gasped. "Oh my God!"
(Mary's POV)
The shock of Suha’s accident left me shaken. I hurried to her side, worry etched across my face. "Suha, are you alright?" I asked gently.
She managed a small, painful sigh, her expression filled with frustration. "No… I’m not okay."
I placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, trying to steady her. “Just take a deep breath, Suha. You’ll get through this, I promise.”
Suddenly, Lamia entered, her usually composed expression replaced with concern as she took in the scene. Her gaze landed on Suha, and she asked, "What happened?"
Suha sighed, “I tripped and fell… I think my leg’s hurt.”
Lamia shook her head sympathetically. "Oh, dear. We need to get you to a hospital." Without missing a beat, she turned to call security, arranging for them to escort Suha to a medical facility. Once everything was settled, Lamia looked over at me with urgency. “I need you to gather all the documents for the meeting and come with me.”
My heart raced. The idea of attending a high-stakes meeting alongside Lamia—where Jack, the CEO, would be present—was unexpected. In two years at the company, I had never found myself so close to him. Anticipation bubbled within me, igniting a blend of nervous excitement. The thought of hearing his voice, watching his expressions, made my pulse quicken.
As I followed Lamia down the hall, the world seemed surreal. My typical duties kept me behind the scenes, compiling reports, managing spreadsheets… this was something else entirely. Every step brought me closer to his world, a place I’d only observed from afar.
We approached the meeting room, and there, waiting for Lamia, stood Jack. He turned toward us, his gaze intense as he asked about Suha, genuine concern in his voice. "How is she?"
Lamia offered a reassuring nod. "She’ll be fine. Security took her to the hospital for a thorough check."
“Good to hear,” he murmured, relief softening his features.
But then, his eyes shifted to me, his brow furrowing slightly. He looked me over with quiet curiosity, and for a brief, heart-stopping moment, our eyes met. I felt his gaze travel from my face to my trembling hands, and back up again, his expression unreadable.
"Who is this?" he asked, voice tinged with intrigue as he turned to Lamia.
Lamia placed a hand on my shoulder and introduced me warmly. “This is Mary, Suha’s assistant.”
"Mary," he repeated, his deep voice lingering on my name with a hint of familiarity. His face softened, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He nodded, and for a moment, I felt my cheeks burn with an uncontainable blush. Then, with a slight, courteous nod, he walked alongside Lamia into the meeting room.
Following Lamia’s lead, I stepped into the large conference room. My heart pounded as I took in the opulence of the setting—the polished mahogany table, the leather chairs, and the large windows offering a panoramic view of the city skyline. I’d never felt so out of place yet so captivated.
Trying to mask my unease, I leaned closer to Lamia and whispered, "Miss Lamia, what should I do now?"
She smiled, gesturing to a seat nearby. "Just sit here and observe."
I nodded, feeling somewhat reassured, and quietly took my seat. Jack sat a few steps ahead, engrossed in a conversation with other executives, but his presence seemed to fill the room, almost palpable. It was as if he drew the room’s energy into his orbit, and everyone else merely revolved around him.
Seated beside his secretary, I couldn’t help but steal a glance at Jack now and then. I could see the subtle movements in his expressions, the way his brows knit slightly when he listened intently. My heart continued to race, every beat amplified by my heightened awareness of him.
(Jack's POV)
The moment I met Lamia, my attention was immediately drawn to the woman standing beside her. There was something inexplicably captivating about her, an air that felt both foreign and familiar. Her eyes held an almost magnetic charm, a quiet mystery that made it impossible to look away. I felt compelled to know more, so I turned to Lamia and asked, “Who is this?”
Lamia smiled, introducing her as Mary. I repeated her name, letting it roll off my tongue with a touch of warmth. I noticed the faint blush that crept into her cheeks, her eyes darting downward before she offered a shy smile. We exchanged a quick glance, a silent connection, before heading toward the boardroom.
As we entered the room, the atmosphere grew heavy with tension. My eyes immediately locked onto Sam, who sat with my father and uncle, clearly prepared to put on a show. He glanced at me, a smug smirk playing on his lips, but I kept my expression neutral, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.
Once everyone settled, my uncle Michael rose, his commanding voice filling the room. “Greetings, everyone. As you know, our company stands as one of New York’s most influential, thriving through sheer dedication to entrepreneurial excellence. Sam has presented a proposal for a merger, directed at both Chase and me. Today, we bring it to the board’s attention, and ultimately, the decision lies with you all. Sam, the floor is yours.”
With an air of exaggerated confidence, Sam got up and moved to the front of the room, glancing my way with a sardonic smile before he began. “Ladies and gentlemen, today is truly a landmark occasion for our company. I present a merger opportunity that could propel us to new heights. If you look at the screen, you’ll see the projected profits from this merger. The company we’re looking to partner with has experienced rapid growth, while, unfortunately, our own profit margins have stagnated with a mere 40% increase.”
As he continued, he flashed graphs and figures, but it was painfully clear that much of it was embellished—bold claims and fabricated documents aimed to make his proposal look far more promising than it truly was. His words dripped with overconfidence, a show meant to dazzle and manipulate.
Feigning indifference, I pulled out my cell phone and scrolled idly through emails, signaling my disinterest in his act. Sam’s gaze flickered toward me briefly, sensing my dismissal, but he carried on with the same feigned enthusiasm, clearly determined to convince everyone else, even if he knew I could see right through him.
(Mary's POV)
Jack sat quietly throughout the presentation, his gaze fixed on his phone, a silent statement of his indifference toward Sam's proposal. His calm, unbothered demeanor only added to the tension in the room, making Sam’s energetic presentation seem hollow in contrast.
When Sam finally concluded, Lamia turned to me with a nod. "Mary, could you distribute these documents to the board members?"
"Of course," I replied softly, gathering the neatly organized stack and moving around the table, handing each member a set. My hands felt steady until I reached Jack, the last in line. As I extended the papers, I noticed him looking up, his eyes fixed intently on me.
Our gazes locked, and for a moment, the noise of the room seemed to fade. Jack’s eyes held a quiet warmth, a depth that seemed to draw me in against my will. I could feel the pulse in my throat, hear the faint pounding of my heart echoing in my ears, each beat faster than the last.
Stop it, Mary, I scolded myself silently. Don’t let yourself fall apart over one look. I forced my gaze downward, cheeks flushing as I struggled to maintain composure. My hand, betraying a slight tremor, released the papers onto the table in front of him. Jack’s eyes lingered for a second longer, then he took the documents with a polite nod.
With a breath I hoped no one would notice, I retreated quickly to my seat, resisting the temptation to glance his way again.
(Jack's POV)
Mary moved gracefully around the boardroom table, placing a file in front of each member with careful precision. When she finally reached me, our eyes met, and I was unexpectedly captivated. Her gaze held a warmth that seemed to reach into something deep within me, stirring an unfamiliar sensation. My pulse quickened, and judging by her sudden blush, she must have sensed it, too. She quickly looked away, hurrying back to her seat, but she left me with a lingering feeling—a subtle yet powerful flutter that I couldn’t quite place.
I shook off the distraction, refocusing on the task at hand. Taking a steadying breath, I stood from my chair and addressed the board members, my tone firm but composed. “The documents you have in front of you,” I began, gesturing to the papers Mary had distributed, “are solid evidence proving that everything my cousin Sam presented is unfounded. His numbers and claims are completely fabricated." Pausing for a brief moment, I allowed the weight of my words to settle in. “ I urge you all to review these documents closely. You’ll see the truth: the company he wants us to merge with is in severe financial distress, practically drowning in debt.”
My eyes found Sam across the table, his discomfort plain as he shifted in his chair and his expression a mix of irritation and defensiveness. “What I don’t understand, Sam,” I continued, maintaining an even tone, “is why you’d propose merging with a company so deeply entrenched in financial instability.”
Sam's face hardened, his voice tense. “What are you implying, Jack?” he snapped, his tone brittle.
I met his gaze, unyielding. “What I’m saying, Sam, is that you’re a liar. Every document you presented today is fraudulent. You’re deceiving everyone here.” I replied, each word deliberate, “ These numbers, these so-called ‘prospects’—they’re fabricated, and we deserve the truth.”
For a split second, the room held its breath, and then Sam’s composure shattered. He leapt to his feet, rage flashing in his eyes. “You know what, Jack?” he snarled, his voice rising with each word. “FUCK YOU! Just… fuck you!” His outburst echoed through the room, a shocking display of anger that had everyone’s eyes on him.
A stunned silence followed, thick with tension. My uncle Michael and my father both rose, visibly infuriated by Sam’s outburst. My uncle’s voice was low and seething with restrained anger. “Sam!” he barked, “Enough. Shut up, and come with me. Now.”
Michael turned on his heel and marched out of the room, leaving no room for argument. Sam hesitated, his face a storm of emotions, but eventually trailed after his father, casting one last bitter glance in my direction.
As the board members murmured among themselves, my father stepped over to me, a glint of pride in his eyes as he placed a firm hand on my shoulder. “You handled that admirably, son. Well done.”
I offered a quiet nod. “Thank you, Dad. I just did what was necessary.”
As the room began to empty, Lamia lingered, a smile of satisfaction lighting up her face. “Well, Jack,” she said, her voice filled with warmth and a hint of admiration, “we really made a statement today.”
I met her gaze, a sense of accomplishment settling over me. “Yes, we did. It feels like we’re finally setting things right.”
With a playful wink, she added, “Catch you later, handsome.”
As Lamia left, I allowed myself a moment to breathe, the intensity of the encounter slowly fading. Alone in the quiet of the boardroom, I felt the weight of both victory and the unresolved tension—a balance that, somehow, left me both exhilarated and reflective.
(Mary's POV)
As the meeting wrapped up in a charged silence, I began collecting the scattered documents, still absorbing the intensity of what had just unfolded. My attention drifted to Jack, who hadn’t moved from his seat. With his eyes closed, he seemed to be savoring a rare moment of quiet, as if the confrontation with Sam had taken its toll. He let out a quiet sigh, and when he finally rose and looked at me, a smirk played on his lips as he approached...
My heart skipped a beat as he came closer, his cologne wafting through the air—a scent that never failed to captivate me.
MMM! Amazing!
Jack leaned in, his voice dropping to a gentle murmur as he spoke close to my ear, “You have beautiful eyes.”
The warmth in his tone sent a delightful shiver down my spine. He took a step back, still gazing into my eyes, his smile deepening as though savoring the moment. We stood there, face to face, breaths caught in a silent exchange.
I could hardly believe what was happening. Jack’s gaze drifted to my lips, and he whispered, “See you later, Beautiful Eyes.” His words were soft, almost like a promise. I felt my cheeks flush, and I quickly averted my gaze, feeling a rush of embarrassment.
“Goodbye, Mr. Adams…” I managed, my voice barely a whisper, trying to keep my composure.
He responded with that charming smile of his, followed by a playful wink, before turning to leave. As he exited, the room felt strangely empty, leaving me standing there, still reeling.
What had just happened? Was this real, or had I somehow wandered into a dream?
