Monday came too quickly.
Aurora barely slept.
Between the excitement… and the uneasiness lingering in her chest, her mind refused to settle. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw him again.
Those eyes.
That presence.
That condition.
By the time morning came, she was already awake.
Martini Holdings looked even more intimidating in daylight.
The glass building reflected the rising sun, sharp and blinding, like it didn't welcome hesitation.
Aurora adjusted her bag on her shoulder, taking a steady breath before stepping inside.
This was it.
Day one.The moment she entered, she recognized her immediately.
The receptionist.
Same desk.
Same sharp eyes.
But this time…
The attitude was different.
"Miss Romano," she greeted, standing slightly. "You're right on time."
Aurora blinked for a second but nodded.
"Good morning."
The woman gave a small, polite smile.
"Follow me. I'll show you your office and go over your responsibilities."
Aurora followed, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor.
Everything felt… more real nowHer office was smaller than she expected—but neat.
Organized.
Professional.
A desk. A computer. Files arranged perfectly.
It was simple.
But it was hers.
"For your role as Mr. Martini's secretary," the receptionist began, placing a folder on the desk, "you'll be responsible for managing his schedule, organizing meetings, handling calls, and ensuring no unnecessary interruptions reach him."
Aurora nodded, listening carefully.
The woman opened the folder.
"This is his weekly schedule. It changes frequently, so you'll need to stay alert."
Aurora glanced at it briefly.
Meetings.
Appointments.Private slots with no explanation.
Her brows furrowed slightly—but she said nothing.
"And this," the receptionist added, pointing to the desk phone, "is your direct line to Mr. Martini's office."
Aurora's gaze shifted to it.
A simple landline.
Yet somehow…
It didn't feel simple at all.
"He doesn't like delays," the woman continued. "When he calls, you answer."
Aurora nodded again.
"I understand."
The receptionist studied her for a moment.
Then gave a small nod of approval.
"If you need anything, let me know."
And just like that—She left.
Aurora sat down slowly.
Her fingers brushed against the desk.
Her desk.
A small smile touched her lips.
"I actually did it…" she whispered.
But just as the thought settled—
Ring.
The sound cut sharply through the quiet room.
Aurora froze.
Her eyes snapped to the landline.
For a second… she hesitated.
Then she picked it up.
"Yes?"
"Come to my office."The voice was low.
Familiar.
No greeting.
No explanation.
The line went dead.
Aurora stared at the receiver for a moment.
Her heartbeat quickened.
"…Okay."
The walk to his office felt different this time.
Heavier.
More personal.
She stopped in front of the door, her hand hovering for just a second before knocking.
"Come in."
Aurora pushed the door open.He was already there.
Of course he was.
Seated behind his desk, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that fit him like it was made for no one else. The crisp white shirt beneath it contrasted sharply against the dark tones, the top button undone just enough to feel intentional.
His hair was neatly styled, slightly falling over his forehead in a way that looked effortless.
But it was his face—
Sharp jawline.
Defined features.
And those eyes.
Dark. Focused. Unreadable.
Aurora stepped in, but for a brief second—
Her gaze lingered.
Traced.
Noticing more than she should.He was… undeniably attractive.
Dangerously so.
And he knew it.
"Done observing?"
His voice snapped her out of it instantly.
Aurora blinked, straightening.
"Yes, sir."
Lorenzo leaned back slightly, his gaze steady on her.
"You're late."
Her brows pulled together.
"I came as soon as you called."
A pause.
Then—
"Next time," he said calmly, "be faster."
Aurora held his gaze.
"…Noted."Silence.
But not empty.
Charged.
Like something invisible had settled between them.
Lorenzo tapped a file lightly against the desk.
"Sit."
She obeyed.
Back straight. Composed.
Even if her pulse said otherwise.
"I don't repeat instructions," he began. "You've been briefed on your duties."
"Yes, sir."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Then tell me my next meeting."
Aurora didn't look at the file.
Didn't reach for anything.Instead—
"11:30 a.m. with the Virelli Group," she answered smoothly. "Followed by a private session at 1 p.m., and a conference call at 3."
A pause.
Lorenzo's gaze sharpened.
"You memorized it?"
Aurora met his eyes.
"I reviewed it."
Something flickered again.
That same look.
Interest.
"Good," he said quietly.
Then leaned forward slightly.
Close enough for the tension to shift.
"You learn quickly."
Aurora didn't move"Only when it matters."
Silence again.
But this time…
Different.
Heavier.
Lorenzo's eyes held hers a second too long.
Aurora felt it.
That pull.
That strange, unspoken tension tightening between them.
Like a line being drawn—
Or crossed.
Then suddenly—
He leaned back again.
Just like that.
Gone.
"Get back to work."
Dismissed.
Aurora stood, steady.
But the moment she turned—
She exhaled softly.
Her heart was racing.
Again.
And she didn't understand why.
Behind her—
Lorenzo watched.
Silent.
Unmoving.His gaze lingering on the closed door long after she left.
"…Interesting," he murmured.