Chapter 1 : FIRST DAY
The alarm rang loudly at exactly six o'clock.
Lena Hart groaned, reached across her tiny bedside table, and silenced it before sitting up with a deep breath.
"This is it," she whispered. "The beginning of a new life."
She smiled despite the nervous butterflies dancing in her stomach.
After graduating from university, she had spent months searching for a stable job. Countless interviews had ended in rejection, but yesterday everything had changed.
Hartwell Group, one of the biggest companies in the country, had offered her a position as an executive assistant.
Today was her first day.
After getting dressed in a neat white blouse, black skirt, and matching heels, Lena hugged her mother before leaving.
"I'm proud of you," her mother said.
"I won't let you down."
An hour later, Lena stood before a breathtaking glass skyscraper. Employees in expensive suits hurried through the entrance while luxury cars lined the driveway.
She took a deep breath.
"You can do this."
Inside, she received her ID card and was directed to the executive floor.
The moment the elevator doors opened, panic spread through the office.
"Move!"
"The CEO is here!"
Everyone quickly returned to their desks.
Lena had no idea what was happening until she stepped backward and accidentally bumped into someone.
Her coffee flew into the air.
Splash!
Dark coffee stained an expensive black suit.
Silence.
Lena slowly looked up.
Standing before her was the most handsome man she had ever seen.
Tall.
Sharp jawline.
Piercing gray eyes.
An expression colder than ice.
"I'm... I'm so sorry," she stammered.
The man's gaze remained unreadable.
"So," he said calmly, "you're the new employee."
"I... yes."
He glanced at the stain on his suit.
"You've been here less than two minutes and you've already ruined a custom-made suit."
Lena wished the floor would open and swallow her.
"I'll pay for the cleaning."
He looked at her from head to toe.
"With what salary?"
Several employees lowered their heads, trying not to laugh.
Lena's cheeks burned with embarrassment.
The man adjusted his tie.
"My office. Five minutes."
Without another word, he walked away.
One of the managers hurried over.
"You have no idea who that was, do you?"
Lena shook her head.
The manager sighed.
"That was Damien Blackwood."
"The CEO."
Lena's heart nearly stopped.
"My boss?"
The manager nodded.
"And you just poured coffee on him."
Lena closed her eyes.
"This is officially the worst first day of my life."
Little did she know...
It was also the day that would change her life forever.
