Chapter 3

Ella

First days always come with pressure.

I barely slept the night before. Every time I closed my eyes, I kept imagining different versions of today-walking confidently into the office, impressing everyone... or completely embarrassing myself and getting fired on the spot.

Not exactly comforting thoughts.

By the time my alarm rang, I was already awake, staring at the ceiling.

"Okay, Ella," I whispered to myself, sitting up slowly. "You got this."

I got dressed carefully, choosing my outfit three different times before settling on a simple but elegant corporate look. Nothing too flashy. Nothing too dull. Just... safe.

Ann was already waiting for me in the living room when I stepped out.

"Well, look who decided to become a corporate baddie," she said, grinning.

"Please don't start," I groaned, grabbing my bag.

"No, seriously," she said, walking around me like she was inspecting a model. "You look good. Like, promotion-in-six-months kind of good."

I laughed nervously. "Let me survive day one first."

The taxi ride felt shorter than usual, probably because my mind wouldn't stop racing.

When we arrived at Landmark Holdings, the building looked even more intimidating than it did yesterday. Tall, shiny, and full of people who looked like they had their lives completely together.

Unlike me.

"Relax," Ann nudged me as we stepped out. "You're going to be fine."

"I hope so," I muttered.

Inside, everything moved fast. Phones ringing. Heels clicking. People talking in low, serious voices. It felt like stepping into a completely different world.

Ann led me to the reception desk.

"She's the new PA," Ann told the receptionist with a proud smile.

The woman nodded politely. "You're expected. Please wait."

Expected.

That word alone made my stomach flip.

After a few minutes, a tall man in a dark suit approached me.

"Ella?" he asked.

"Yes," I stood up quickly.

"Follow me."

No smile. No extra words. Just straight to business.

I followed him through long hallways, past glass offices and busy staff. My heels clicked against the floor, each step making me more aware of how real this was.

We stopped in front of a large door.

"He's inside," the man said before walking away.

That was it.

No warning. No advice. Just... go in.

I took a deep breath and knocked softly.

"Come in."

The voice was deep. Calm. Controlled.

I opened the door and stepped inside.

And that's when I saw him.

Madden Ollen.

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

He sat behind a large desk, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit. His presence alone filled the room-calm but powerful, like someone who didn't need to speak loudly to be heard.

Ann wasn't exaggerating. He was... a lot.

Handsome, yes-but not in a soft way. More like sharp edges and quiet intensity. The kind of man who looked like he noticed everything.

Including me.

His eyes lifted from the file in front of him and landed on me.

"Ella," he said simply.

"Yes, sir," I replied, hoping my voice didn't betray my nerves.

He studied me for a few seconds. Not in a rude way, but in a way that made me feel like I was being carefully measured.

"Sit."

I obeyed immediately.

Silence filled the room as he flipped through a document-probably my file.

"You performed well in your interview," he said finally.

"Thank you, sir."

"You understand this role is demanding?"

"Yes, sir."

"No room for mistakes."

"I understand."

My hands were clasped tightly in my lap, but I forced myself to stay calm.

He leaned back slightly, his eyes still on me.

"Why do you want this job?"

The question caught me off guard.

There were so many possible answers. Money. Stability. Survival.

But I chose honesty.

"I need a fresh start," I said softly.

For a brief second, something flickered in his expression. Not surprise exactly... but interest.

Then it was gone.

"This is not a place for emotional decisions," he said.

"I know," I replied quickly. "But I'm hardworking. I learn fast. And I won't disappoint you."

Another pause.

Then he nodded once.

"We'll see."

Not exactly encouraging... but not bad either.

He reached for a file and slid it across the desk toward me.

"Your duties are outlined here. My schedule, meetings, calls-you'll manage all of it."

I nodded, taking the file carefully.

"Be punctual. Be efficient. And don't waste my time."

"Yes, sir."

"You can start immediately."

Immediately?

"Oh-okay," I said, trying not to sound shocked.

He was already looking back at his work.

"Report to the main office floor. Ann will guide you."

That was my cue.

I stood up. "Thank you, sir."

No response.

I walked out, closing the door behind me gently.

The moment I stepped away, I let out a breath I didn't realize I had been holding.

"Oh my God," I whispered to myself.

Ann rushed toward me almost instantly.

"Well???" she asked excitedly.

I blinked at her. "He's... intense."

She laughed. "I told you!"

"No, like-seriously intense," I added. "He barely smiles."

"That's normal," she shrugged. "But don't worry. If he didn't like you, you'd know already."

That wasn't very comforting.

Still, I looked down at the file in my hands. My job. My responsibility. My new beginning.

"Come on," Ann said, pulling me along. "Let me show you your desk."

As we walked through the busy office, something shifted inside me.

Yes, I was nervous. Yes, Madden Ollen was intimidating. And yes, this job was clearly going to challenge me.

But for the first time in a long while...

I felt ready.

This wasn't just another job.

This was the start of something new.

And maybe-just maybe-this time, I wouldn't run away.

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