Ava's POV
The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed really early. it wouldn't be nice to be late on my first day of work.
I had my bath and pulled on my favorite outfit, black slacks, a white shirt and a black blazer. Would definitely want to create a good impression to the heartless CEO. I put on a nice pair of heels to go with it all.
In the mirror, I combed my hair and tied it into a tight bun. I prayed that the stubborn strands of hair that always escaped my bun would be nice to me today.
I took another look at myself in the mirror. I don't know if I look like a CEO's secretary, but I think I look good enough.
I walked down to the living room
"James!" I yelled. "Where are you?"
"Over here, sis" he replied.
I followed his voice to the kitchen. He was fixing breakfast.
"Breakfast's ready sis" he said.
"Thanks a lot James. I really need to be at work early."
"So, what are you doing today?" I asked him as I sat down at the table to eat.
"Nothing much. I'll go play video games with Dave later."
"Alright," I said in between munches. "Be good"
I rounded up and ran upstairs to get my bag, then said to James " Have fun!"
"Good luck, sis!" he yelled back.
Stonewell Enterprises
The lobby looked even more intimidating today.
Employees swarmed the space, their chatter brisk, their heels sharp against the floor.
I clutched my bag tighter and walked toward the receptionist, who eyed me with mild curiosity.
"Human Resources said I should report back today," I told her. My voice wavered slightly, but I forced it to stay steady.
She checked her screen, then nodded at me. "Third floor. Again."
Her tone carried a faint trace of amusement. Like she knew exactly where I was heading—and what awaited me.
The same HR officer from yesterday was waiting when I arrived. Today her suit was navy blue, her glasses were perched higher on her nose, but her expression hadn't softened.
"Good, you're here," she said briskly. "Mr. Stonewell expects punctuality. That means early, not on time."
I nodded quickly. "Yes, ma'am."
She handed me a folder. "This contains your initial assignments. Schedules, call lists, filing instructions. Review it carefully. Mistakes are not tolerated."
Her gaze lingered on me for a moment, searching, almost as if she was weighing whether to say more. Finally, she sighed. "Look. I've been here fifteen years. I've seen bright, capable people reduced to nothing in that office. He will test you. He will push you. And if you falter…" She trailed off, shaking her head.
My throat tightened, but I held her gaze. "I can handle it."
A humorless smile touched her lips. "We'll see."
On my way out of HR, I passed two employees leaning against the wall, coffee cups in hand. They didn't lower their voices as I walked by.
"Another one already?"
"Poor girl. Place your bets—one week or two?"
"Five days, tops. He'll eat her alive."
Their laughter followed me all the way to the elevator.
I pressed the button with a trembling finger and forced myself to breathe.
The numbers ticked upward: 5… 12… 20… 30. Each ding made my stomach flip.
The 42nd floor. His floor.
All the stories I had heard flashed through my mind.
And now it was my turn.
The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open.
The hallway stretched before me—silent and lined with floor-to-ceiling windows that poured light across the polished floors. At the end stood a single set of double doors. They were black and imposing and on top of them was an inscription. CEO's OFFICE.
Behind those doors was Damian Stonewell.
The man everyone feared.
The man who destroyed careers with a word.
The man I now worked for.
My legs felt like they were made of sand, but I forced one step forward, then another. My heartbeat thundered in my ears.
Don't quit, I told myself. Don't back down.
And even though my hands were shaking, even though my throat was dry, I straightened my shoulders and walked toward those doors.
I hesitated at the entrance. The big moment was finally here. I became even more nervous as I started conjuring up images of everything that could possibly go wrong.
"Stop it, Ava," I chided myself. I took a deep breath, and with all the courage I could muster, I raised my hand and pressed the little button on the intercom beside the door.
Nothing. I hesitated, then glanced around, unsure what to do. I shrugged and pressed it again. Still nothing. Beginning to get annoyed, I pressed it a few more times.
"What?!" someone growled from inside the office. That has got to be the CEO. What an asshole! I found the speaker button and in my most professional voice, I said,
" My name is Ava Carter. I'm your new secretary." Before I could blink, the doors suddenly swung wide open.
I stepped inside and the beauty of the room overwhelmed me. It was large and lavishly constructed with more floor to ceiling windows. It had an adjoining office, which I guessed would be for the secretary.
I was so caught up in my admiration of the office that I completely forgot about the CEO sitting behind the magnificent desk.
He was doing something on his laptop without paying any attention to me. I began to wonder what to do.
"You're late" He said without looking up from the laptop on his desk.
"But I - I - I thought -" I stammered surprised.
"You thought wrong." He replied coldly, finally looking up from his desk.
My jaw dropped. It was the man I'd met yesterday at that restaurant. "Oh, Ava, how couldn't you have recognized him?" I moaned inwardly.