Chapter 1 the first impression
The glass doors slid open, and Ciara Vale immediately knew—
She didn’t belong here.
Not because she wasn’t qualified.
But because of the way people looked at her.
Too young.
Too soft.
Too… out of place.
She adjusted her blazer, shoulders straight, chin up.
“I’m not leaving,” she whispered to herself.
Then she walked in.
The office was everything she expected.
Cold.
Perfect.
Controlled.
Just like him.
Adrian Cross.
Her boss.
The man she had spent months secretly admiring from a distance—
And now, unfortunately, the man who would decide whether she stayed or got thrown out within a week.
“New hire?”
Ciara turned.
A woman stood there, eyes sharp, scanning her like a problem already forming.
“Yes. Ciara Vale.”
A pause.
“You’re… full-time?”
Ciara forced a small smile. “Yes.”
“Follow me.”
Minutes later, she stood in front of a large office door.
Her heart beat faster.
Too fast.
“Relax,” she muttered.
Then she knocked.
“Come in.”
His voice was deep.
Calm.
Unreadable.
She stepped inside.
And saw him.
Adrian Cross stood near the window, back partially turned.
Tall. Composed. Untouchable.
When he turned—
Ciara forgot how to breathe.
He was worse in person.
Sharper.
Colder.
More… dangerous.
His eyes landed on her.
Slowly.
Taking everything in.
Then—
“Interns report to HR.”
Ciara blinked.
“I’m not an intern.”
A pause.
His gaze didn’t change.
“Then why do you look like one?”
Her lips parted slightly.
Oh.
This was going to be a problem.
“I’m Ciara Vale,” she said, steadying herself. “Your new analyst.”
Silence.
Then—
“You’re late.”
“I’m early.”
“Not early enough.”
Her fingers curled slightly.
Already?
Already?
He turned away like she no longer mattered.
“Try not to disappoint me.”
And just like that—
Her first day began.
