The next morning, Riven Adrian woke up with a pounding headache and a lingering sense of dread. Yesterday's first day at Thaddeus Enterprises replayed in his mind like an endless loop: the coffee spill that almost ruined his life, the relentless teasing from the female employees, and, of course, the piercing gaze of Xavier Thaddeus, the enigmatic CEO.
He groaned and rolled over, staring at the ceiling. "Why did I sign up for this? I should have stuck to normal internships. Or… not worked at all."
Even as he muttered, a small part of him couldn't deny the thrill that came with every glance from Xavier. Something about the way Xavier's sharp eyes lingered on him… it made him want to do better, survive, impress. But more importantly, it made him feel alive.
After a quick shower and a hasty breakfast, Riven grabbed his bag and headed for the elevator. His sneakers squeaked on the lobby floor, announcing his arrival like a warning siren. The moment he stepped into the office, he was immediately met by the trio of female employees who had made his life miserable yesterday.
"Well, well," the tallest one purred, smirking. "The intern actually made it in one piece today. I'm impressed."
Riven swallowed hard and gave a small nod. "Thanks… I guess."
"Guess?" another one laughed. "You'll need more than guesswork to survive here."
Riven's face heated, but he tried to keep his composure. "I'll do my best."
The third woman clapped her hands together. "Good! Because today, you're shadowing Xavier. That means you follow him around, take notes, and most importantly don't mess up."
Riven's stomach sank. Shadowing the CEO meant he would be in close proximity to Xavier all day, a terrifying yet oddly thrilling prospect.
By 9:15 a.m., Riven found himself standing nervously outside Xavier's office. He had been instructed to knock before entering, but nerves made him forget the simple rule. The door swung open before he could even raise his hand.
Xavier was standing near the window, arms crossed, gazing out over the city. He turned slowly when he heard Riven enter, his expression unreadable.
"Good morning," Riven said cautiously, carrying a folder of documents.
"Morning," Xavier replied without a trace of warmth. His gaze swept over Riven, assessing, calculating. "Follow me."
Riven swallowed hard and followed the CEO down the corridor. Every step felt heavier than the last. Today, he reminded himself, he wouldn't fumble. He wouldn't embarrass himself. Not today.
The morning passed in a blur of meetings and tasks. Riven did his best to take notes, deliver messages, and complete small errands without a single mistake. For the first hour, everything seemed to be going smoothly until the first coffee disaster.
Xavier had a habit of moving unpredictably. One moment, he was seated, reviewing contracts. The next, he stood and turned sharply, unaware that Riven was walking behind him with a cup of hot coffee.
Riven's heart leapt into his throat. The cup wobbled. He reached out instinctively, trying to steady it. In that instant, Xavier's sleeve brushed against his arm.
Time slowed. Riven's face burned. He managed to keep the coffee upright, but not before a few drops splashed onto Xavier's desk.
Xavier froze, staring at the small stains, then at Riven. There was a beat of silence. Then… he smirked.
"Careful," he said, his voice calm but with a sharp undertone. "Or I might start thinking you enjoy putting me in danger."
Riven flushed, muttering a hasty apology. "I… I'll be more careful."
Xavier's eyes lingered on him for a moment longer, then he turned back to his work, leaving Riven to his embarrassment.
Perfect, Riven thought. Nothing says 'first impression' like almost ruining the CEO's desk.
By noon, Riven was exhausted. The constant tension, combined with the teasing of the female employees and the unpredictable nature of Xavier's movements, was draining. Yet, something about Xavier's attention kept him motivated. There was a magnetic pull in the CEO's presence, a mix of authority and subtle curiosity that made Riven want to do better.
During lunch, Xavier left the office for a short walk, and surprisingly, Riven was asked to join him.
"Walks are part of the day," Xavier said casually, although his eyes were sharp. "Observe, learn, and… try not to trip."
Riven's cheeks flamed. "I… I'll try."
They walked along the rooftop garden of the office building. The city stretched beneath them, bathed in soft sunlight. Xavier's usual cold demeanor softened slightly in the open air.
"You did well this morning," Xavier said quietly. "For someone I didn't expect much from."
Riven blinked. "I… thank you."
Xavier smirked, a corner of his mouth lifting. "Just don't get used to my praise. I rarely give it."
Riven laughed nervously, the tension easing slightly. For a moment, the world felt simpler. A small, human connection amidst the chaos of the office.
Back at the office, things took another turn. The female employees had devised a new "challenge" for Riven: sorting the CEO's massive collection of contracts by a color-coded system they had invented overnight. The result was chaos. Papers slipped from his hands, files toppled to the floor, and Riven found himself bending over to collect them, only to bump heads with one of the pranksters.
"Ow!" he groaned.
The woman laughed, tugging at his sleeve. "Careful! Or Xavier might think you're a danger to yourself!"
Riven buried his face in the stack of papers, wishing the ground would open and swallow him whole.
By late afternoon, Riven thought he could finally breathe. He was alone in his cubicle, quietly organizing files when a faint tingle ran down his spine. He paused. The office was quiet, almost too quiet.
Not unusual… right? he thought.
Then, a shadow flickered across his peripheral vision. Riven turned, heart racing, but no one was there.
A subtle chill passed through the air, and for just a second, he felt… watched.
Riven shook his head. Get it together, Adrian. It's just nerves.
Meanwhile, Xavier was back in his office, silently observing the office floor from behind his large desk. He had noticed the faint tremor in Riven's movements earlier the same instinct, the sharp reflexes, the way he steadied the coffee. He raised an eyebrow.
There's more to him than he's letting on, Xavier thought. Much more.
Xavier didn't know what it was yet, but something about Riven intrigued him maybe even unnerved him slightly.
As the workday drew to a close, Riven packed his things, exhausted but oddly exhilarated. Today had been a series of embarrassments, minor victories, and subtle discoveries. He had survived the female employees, navigated Xavier's sharp gaze, and even managed not to ruin any more coffee.
Still, as he walked to the elevator, he felt that same familiar tingle at the back of his neck. Something or someone was observing him.
Across the street, in the shadow of the nearby building, two faintly glowing eyes followed him, disappearing before he could look directly.
Riven froze, heart hammering. Not now… please, not today…
And yet, deep inside, he felt a thrill he couldn't explain.
This is just the beginning.