Elara's stomach twisted as she stepped into the polished lobby of Lumina Corp. The gleaming marble floors, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and the soft hum of business chatter made her feel small, insignificant, and completely out of place. Her fingers clenched her bag strap so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
She swallowed hard. You can do this, Elara. Just get through the interview. For Mom… for yourself.
"Good morning," she stammered as she approached the receptionist. "I… I have an interview with Mr. Adrian Blackwood."
The receptionist smiled politely, gesturing to a row of leather chairs. "Yes, Miss Monroe. Please take a seat. Mr. Blackwood will see you shortly."Elara sank into the chair, hugging her bag against her chest. Her heart pounded in her ears as she glanced around. The lobby was filled with impeccably dressed employees walking confidently, talking on phones, and carrying themselves as if the building belonged to them. Each polished surface, each glinting computer monitor reminded her just how far she was from this world.
She tried to steady her breath, her mind spinning. I'm just a girl from the old part of Silvercrest, from a crumbling apartment with Mom. I have nothing… and now I'm here, in the heart of power. Don't mess this up, Elara.
A sudden shadow fell across the lobby, and the elevator pinged. Her heart skipped a beat. The doors opened, and he stepped out.
Her breath caught.
The man from the street.
The same man who had almost run her over. The same dark, imposing figure who had stared at her like she was nothing. The man whose arrogance and ruthlessness had burned into her memory.
And now… he was standing in front of her. Adrian Blackwood. CEO of Lumina Corp.
Elara froze, panic and disbelief coiling in her chest. No… it can't be him…
"Miss…?" His voice was calm, measured, and dangerous.
"Elara… Monroe," she whispered, barely audible. "You… you're… the man… from the street."
For a heartbeat, the lobby seemed to disappear. Adrian's sharp eyes narrowed slightly, and his lips curved in a faint, unreadable expression. Recognition flashed in his eyes—he hadn't expected her to remember, hadn't expected her to be brave—or foolish—enough to speak out.
"You remember me," he said slowly, his voice low and deliberate.
"I… I do!" she stammered. Her chest tightened, adrenaline surging. "You… you almost—" Her voice cracked, and she paused, realizing how small she must sound. Fear ran like ice through her veins.
Adrian's gaze hardened, calculating. She dares speak to me? On the street, she insulted me… now, she works for me? His mind raced. This girl is bold, but she'll learn… she'll learn respect.
"Follow me," he commanded.
Elara's legs shook as she obeyed. Every step down the hallway felt like a march toward judgment. The hum of the office, the click of her heels on the marble, the polished walls reflecting her nervous expression—all pressed down on her.
Inside his office, she stopped short. The room was breathtakingly sleek, minimalist, and intimidating. Behind a massive mahogany desk, Adrian sat, eyes locked on her with a sharp intensity. The air seemed to hum with authority, control, and silent danger.
"Sit," he said, voice sharp.
Elara's stomach knotted. She sank into the chair, clutching her bag so tightly she thought her fingers might break. For Mom… for the job… I have to do this.
"Miss Monroe," Adrian began, his voice deliberate, controlled, and dangerous, "you've shown remarkable… audacity. Recognizing me here, speaking to me like that… it cannot go without consequence."Elara's heart pounded. "I… I didn't know it was you… I didn't mean to…" she whispered, fear and shame rising in equal measure.
Adrian leaned back slightly, his eyes never leaving hers. "Apologies are noted. Insufficient." His lips curved into a small, calculated smirk. "Since you have shown such… boldness, I've decided to assign you responsibilities that will test your diligence, your humility… and your ability to obey."
Elara blinked. "Responsibilities?" Her throat went dry.
"You will be my personal secretary, managing all appointments, calls, and schedules. Additionally, you will care for my son, acting as his nanny while I am in the office. Do you understand?"
Her heart sank. "I… I can do both, sir… I'll try my best…"
Adrian's eyes narrowed. "Try? No. You will do it. Mistakes will not be tolerated. Consider this a… punishment for your earlier disrespect. You will obey me fully."
"Yes… sir," she whispered, voice trembling.
"Good," he said, straightening, the faintest trace of a smirk tugging at his lips. "Take a tour of the apartment connected to the office. It is prepared for your duties. Learn quickly. Fail, and the consequences will be yours to bear."
Elara followed the assistant showing her the apartment. Every polished surface, every gleaming fixture, every detail screamed wealth and order—so far removed from her own cramped, worn apartment with her mother. Her chest tightened with both awe and fear.
Then came his son. Four years old, sharp features like Adrian, dark eyes that immediately sized her up.
"Hi… I'm Elara," she said softly, kneeling to his level.
The boy frowned. "You're going to take care of me?"
"Yes… I'll take care of you," she whispered, forcing a smile despite the fear curling in her chest.
Adrian appeared silently behind her. "You will take care of him. And follow every rule I set. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," she whispered again.
As he turned to leave, his mind raced with calculations. She insulted me on the street. She must learn discipline… and I will be the one to make her obey. But… I admit, I am intrigued by her courage, and how she will handle this.
Elara exhaled slowly, bracing herself. The man who almost ran me over… is now my boss. And I have no choice but to obey him. For my mother… for survival… I have to do this.