The office day had drained Isabella completely. From the moment she stepped into Alexander Knight's office, his sharp commands and impatient glares had kept her on edge. No task seemed simple enough, and every mistake—no matter how small—was met with a curt reprimand.
By the time she finally left the building, the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the city. She sank into the back seat of a taxi, the hum of the engine and the familiar clatter of tires on asphalt giving her a small sense of relief.
"To 23rd Street, please," she told the driver, her voice tight with exhaustion. She clutched her bag in her lap, replaying the day in her mind.
"Ugh," she muttered, burying her face in her hands. "I can't believe that man…"
The taxi moved through the bustling streets, but Isabella's thoughts were entirely consumed by her boss. "He's rude, impatient, impossible… he snaps at me for everything! I hate him!"
Her frustration spilled over as soon as she reached Nora's apartment. She practically burst through the door, tossing her bag aside and flopping onto the couch. "Nora, I swear, that man is unbearable!"
Nora raised an eyebrow, smiling knowingly. "Sounds like your first day went exactly like I said it would. Tell me everything."
Isabella gestured wildly, pacing the room as she vented. "He yells, he criticizes, he treats me like I'm useless! Every little thing I do is wrong in his eyes. I don't even know how he expects anyone to survive in that office!"
Nora laughed, but her eyes were sympathetic. "Wow… sounds like Alexander Knight lives up to his reputation. But honestly? That's probably why you impressed him. Not many would last a full day without quitting or breaking down."
Isabella threw her hands up in exasperation. "I know, I know… but I still hate him. I swear, I can't stand the way he looks at me sometimes, like he's measuring every flaw. I just want to scream!"
Nora shook her head, amused. "Well, at least you're honest. And maybe… just maybe, surviving his wrath is part of what makes this a good job. You've got grit, Isabella. Don't let him shake that."
Isabella sank back onto the couch, exhausted but feeling a little lighter after sharing her frustrations. "I guess. But honestly, I hate him."
Nora laughed. "We'll see how long that lasts. Somehow, I feel this story is only just beginning…"