The elevator dinged, and I stepped into the lobby of Blackwood Enterprises feeling like I had walked onto another planet. The sleek marble floors gleamed under the sunlight that poured through the towering glass walls. Everything smelled expensive, polished, and intimidating.
I clutched my handbag tighter, my resume in my other hand. Today was the day I would either prove myself or fail miserably.
"Ms. Daniels," a voice called. I turned. A young assistant, maybe in her mid-twenties, was smiling politely. "Mr. Blackwood is expecting you. Follow me, please."
I nodded and followed her through a labyrinth of corridors. My heels clicked against the polished floor, and I felt every second of it. Every office we passed was bustling, employees moving with purpose. The energy was electric, yet there was an edge I couldn't describe.
Finally, the assistant stopped at a large office door. "He's in a meeting, but he'll see you shortly."
I nodded again, trying not to let my nerves show. I had survived the interview. I could survive this too.
I leaned against the wall, my thoughts a jumble. I remembered that night. Alexander. That touch. The sparks that had burned between us. I shook my head. No. I couldn't think about that now. This was professional. It had to be professional.
The door opened suddenly, and there he was. Alexander Blackwood. My chest tightened instantly. He was wearing a tailored suit, his hair perfectly styled, and his gaze sharp as ever. But today, there was something more. A commanding presence that made the room shrink around him.
"Ms. Daniels," he said, voice clipped and cool. "Follow me."
I did, keeping my pace steady. My stomach twisted, but I refused to let him see it.
He led me through a maze of offices until we reached a large corner office with floor-to-ceiling windows. The city stretched below, sprawling endlessly. He gestured for me to sit. "You'll be working directly under me. Your role is important, but I expect results. No excuses. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mr. Blackwood," I said, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my chest.
He nodded once, sharp and final, then turned to his laptop. I was left to observe. The office was immaculate, sleek, intimidating. I could feel his presence even when he wasn't looking at me.
"You can start with reviewing the project files," he said without looking up. "Make a summary by the end of the day. I don't tolerate mistakes."
"Yes, sir," I replied, and he finally glanced at me. His eyes lingered a fraction too long, sharp and assessing, before returning to his work.
I set to work immediately, pouring over documents, analyzing data, trying to focus and not think about the way his gaze had burned into me. I could feel it lingering, a silent question, a subtle curiosity.
Then, Vanessa appeared. She leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, perfectly poised. "Hello, Ms. Daniels," she said, her tone sweet but icy. "I see you've made it. I'm Vanessa."
"Hello," I replied cautiously. I didn't trust her, but I kept my voice polite.
Vanessa smiled, a little too wide, and walked around my desk, eyes scanning the files I was studying. "I hope you don't mind me giving a small suggestion," she said, voice saccharine. "Alexander likes things done efficiently. I know the project better than anyone. Maybe I can help."
"No thank you," I said firmly, keeping my eyes on the documents. "I want to try it myself first."
Her smile didn't falter, but her eyes sharpened. "Of course. Suit yourself." She walked away, but I felt her presence like a shadow.
Alexander didn't intervene, but I could sense his attention shifting subtly. He was watching us, assessing. I felt the familiar spark, that dangerous tension that had ignited the first night we met.
The day was a blur of meetings, emails, and urgent calls. I worked harder than I had in months, determined not to let anything distract me. Yet every so often, I felt his eyes on me. Cold, calculating, and impossible to ignore. I hated that I noticed it, that it made my heart race and my palms sweat.
By mid-afternoon, I needed a break. I walked toward the small kitchen area and found Vanessa leaning against the counter, sipping coffee. She looked at me with a smirk.
"Tough day?" she asked, voice light, mocking.
"You could say that," I replied cautiously, keeping my tone neutral.
She tilted her head, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I hope you're ready for the challenge. Alexander doesn't take kindly to failure."
"I can handle it," I said firmly.
Her smirk widened. "We'll see, Ms. Daniels. We'll see." She walked away, leaving me unsettled but determined.
Back at my desk, I continued working. The clock ticked slowly, and the city outside grew golden with the setting sun. Alexander finally stood, stretching slightly, and came to my desk.
"Your summary," he said, voice low and commanding. "I want it by five."
"Yes, sir," I replied, keeping my tone professional despite the fluttering in my chest.
He lingered for a moment, just close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from him. "I expect precision," he said, eyes locking with mine. "No mistakes."
"I won't disappoint you," I said, my voice steady, though my heart was anything but.
He nodded once, sharp and final, then turned and walked away. My knees felt weak. I shook my head, trying to clear the thoughts of him that refused to leave. He was impossible. Dangerous. And I was foolish for even noticing it.
By the time I left the office, the city was dark, lights sparkling like stars below. I walked to the subway, exhausted but proud. I had survived my first day. I had navigated Alexander's cold dominance, Vanessa's subtle manipulations, and the intensity of the office without breaking.
And yet, I knew this was only the beginning. The sparks, the tension, the danger, they were just starting. And somehow, I couldn't help but want to see where it would lead.