Lisa's POV
The glass door of Sterling Corporation opened, and for a moment, I almost turned back. Everything about the building screamed power and wealth. The tall walls, the smell of expensive furniture, and even the sound of heels clicking on the tiles made me feel small. I wasn't sure if I was suited for that kind of place.
I stood at the entrance, clutching my small brown purse, pretending to adjust my blouse so no one would notice that I was new to that setting. I spent my entire night worrying about this day. My first day as an intern in one of the biggest companies in the country. My mother had prayed for me in the morning. She said, "Keep your head down and do your best." I promised I won't let her down.
I finally moved to the reception desk. Behind stood a woman in a navy-blue suit. She smiled at me politely. Her smile made my nerves calm a little.
"You must be the new intern from the graduate program," she said. Her voice was warm but firm. I nodded quickly. "Yes, ma'am. Lisa. Lisa Hart." I replied with an almost shaky voice.
She typed something on her computer and handed me a small visitor's tag. Someone will come take you to your department. Welcome to Sterling Corporation." She said as she gave me a faint smile.
I thanked her and walked to the waiting chairs. My palms were damp. I tried to act confident, but my heart was racing. Everyone around me looked composed. They moved with purpose, holding files, talking into their phones. I was scared that one wrong step would show how inexperienced I was.
A few minutes later, a young man walked up toward me with a wide smile on his face. He looked a little older than me, maybe in his late twenties. He had curly brown hair and kind eyes.
"You must be Lisa," he said. "I am Dustin. Your unofficial guide to surviving Sterling Corporation."
I laughed softly. I needed a friendly face to take me off the edge. I felt a bit relaxed. "That's good to know. I was beginning to think I would get lost before I even start."
"Don't worry," he said, waving his hand. "Everyone feels that way at first. The trick is to look busy even when you have no idea what is going on."
His joke made me laugh again. He led me through a long hallway lined with glass offices. I tried not to stare, but it was impossible not to. This was my first time seeing this kind of luxury. I had only seen things like this in movies. The company logo was shown in silver on every door.
'So what Department am I in?" I asked.
"You are with Finance," Dustin said, "I work there too. You will love it. Everyone is nice… well, almost everyone." He said as he twitched his face.
"Almost?" I asked with a nervous smile. He gave me a look that said he would explain later. "You will see." He said after a long pause.
When we reached the finance floor, I saw rows of desks lined up, on each desk were computers and people typing fast like their lives depended on it. Everyone was busy with one thing or the other. Dustin stopped by an empty desk. "This one is yours." He said, touching the desk.
I nodded with a smile. I set my bag down, taking a deep breath. My desk looked so clean and serious. I imagined myself here every morning, working quietly, doing something that mattered. It felt good. It was my dream come true.
"Your supervisor is Clara," Dustin said as he pointed to an office down the hall. "She's… okay. Just make sure that your reports are clean and your numbers make sense. She likes things perfect."
Before I could ask more, a tall woman walked out of the office. Her dark hair was tied back neatly, and her heels clicked sharply on the floor.
"Lisa Hart?" she called as she walked up to me.
Dustin made his way to his desk.
I stood up quickly. "Yes, ma'am."
"I am Clara. I'll be supervising your internship. I expect punctuality and precision. I don't tolerate excuses." Her sharp voice cut through the hall. I felt so small.
"Yes, ma'am," I said again, trying not to sound timid.
She studied me for a moment. Her eyes scanned my shoes to my hair. "We don't wear flats in this office. We wear only heels, Ms. Hart. Heels. Do you understand?"
"Yes, ma'am," I said once again. I felt a bit ashamed. I tried to dress nicely and corporate to avoid any comments on my dress.
"Good," she said as she turned to Dustin's desk. "Dustin, show her the shared drive and walk her through the company's portal."
Then she walked away without another word. Dustin gave me an apologetic smile. "Told you she's intense."
I smiled weakly. "I noticed."
For the next few hours, Dustin helped me set up my system. He explained how reports were filed, where to find data, and what Clara expected from everyone. It was a lot to take in, but I was eager to learn.
At lunchtime, Dustin offered to show me the cafeteria. It was huge, full of people talking over coffee and sandwiches. I followed him to a corner table near the window.
"So, how do you like your first day so far." Dustin asked as he bit his sandwich.
"I think I am still in shock," I admitted. "I'm still getting used to a lot of things, and it's kind of overwhelming."
"You'll get used to it." He said. "Sterling can be intense, but it grows on you. Just don't let the pressure crush you. Oh, and one more thing," he said as he leaned closer. "Try not to draw too much attention from upper management. Especially the big boss."
"Why?" I asked.
He raised a brow. "You will see when you meet him. I am talking about Fabian Sterling. He runs the company, a very brilliant man, but he is different. He can see through anyone. Everyone respects him, but no one really knows him. He doesn't talk much, and when he does, people listen."
I nodded slowly. I had heard a lot about him. The media talked about him all the time like he was the king of the whole country. They say he is the youngest CEO in the country, he came from old money, ruthless in business, and has no love interest. But I didn't expect to hear that tone of awe in Dustin's voice.
"Have you met him?" I asked.
"Once," Dustin said, "I tried to crack a joke with him, but he didn't laugh. He acts like he is made from a different universe."
I smiled. "It can't be that bad. Maybe he didn't just get your joke."
"Oh, he got it, Dustin said, shaking his head. "He just doesn't do small talk."
After lunch, I went back to my desk, determined to focus. I spent the rest of the afternoon reading through the files Clara sent to me. By the end of the day, my eyes ached from staring at numbers, but I felt proud. I survived my first day.
As I packed my bag, I saw a movement near the corner of the hallway. Someone was walking out of the elevator. He was tall, wore a dark suit, and walked with confidence. I couldn't see properly, but I noticed the people around me straightened immediately. The atmosphere in the hall had changed.
Dustin leaned closer and whispered. "That's him."
My heart skipped. Fabian Sterling. The name alone made me still. He walked past our section. His gaze focused straight ahead. He walked like he knew he was being watched. Every step carried power and respect. No one dared walk the hallway while he was there. Everyone stayed hidden, trying not to be noticed.
He walked into his office, and the spell his presence cast broke.
Dustin exhaled quietly. "Now you've met the legend."
I managed to smile. "I don't think he noticed anyone."
"Oh, trust me, he notices everything." Dustin said as he faced his desk.
As I rode the elevator down to the lobby, my mind replayed the brief moment. His eyes, his presence, and the silence that followed him.
I had promised myself not to get distracted, but something about him made me feel different. The city air felt cooler as I boarded a taxi home. "You did it, Lisa," I whispered to myself.