Chapter 1: Bella

Today was the day I had been waiting for for years.

The day I finally got my dream job.

As I opened my eyes that morning, sunlight streamed through my bedroom window, filling the room with warmth. A smile spread across my face as reality settled in. After countless applications, interviews, and sleepless nights, I had finally made it.

This was the happiest day of my life.

"Bella, your breakfast is ready! Come downstairs, darling!" my mother's voice echoed from the kitchen.

I glanced at the clock and immediately jumped out of bed.

"Oh no!"

I was already running late.

Panic took over as I hurriedly got dressed. I grabbed my bag, picked up my car keys, and rushed toward the front door.

"At least have a few bites before you leave," Mom called out.

I stopped for a second and looked toward the dining table. She had prepared my favorite breakfast. Everything was arranged perfectly, just the way she always did.

A wave of guilt washed over me.

My mother always put her whole heart into everything she did for me.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I'll be late if I don't leave now."

Before she could say anything, I kissed her cheek and hurried outside.

As I started my car, I couldn't help but smile.

Mom would definitely be upset when I got home.

But I knew her too well.

All I had to do was make a sad face and apologize sincerely, and her anger would melt away within minutes.

That was how much she loved me.

Sometimes I felt I took her love for granted.

She had spent her entire life caring for me, supporting my dreams, and believing in me even when I doubted myself.

I silently promised myself that one day I would make her proud.

The drive to work felt shorter than usual.

My mind was filled with excitement and nervousness.

What would my colleagues be like?

Would I fit in?

Would I make mistakes?

A hundred questions raced through my head.

Before I realized it, I had arrived.

The large glass building stood proudly before me.

My new workplace.

My new beginning.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the car.

"Here goes nothing," I whispered.

Inside, the building looked even more impressive.

The reception area was elegant and modern, with bright lights, polished floors, and employees moving confidently in every direction.

I walked toward the reception desk where a beautiful woman sat with a welcoming smile.

"Good morning," she said.

"Good morning," I replied nervously.

"I'm Bella. Today is my joining day."

"Of course," she smiled. "May I see your appointment letter?"

I handed over the documents.

Her nameplate read Rise.

She typed quickly on her computer while I stood there trying not to look anxious.

After a few moments, she smiled again.

"Welcome to the company, Bella."

The words instantly made me feel at ease.

She completed my paperwork, explained a few formalities, and handed me an employee badge.

"Everything is ready," she said. "In about thirty minutes, I'll introduce you to your senior. He'll guide you and help you adapt to the organization."

I nodded.

"Thank you."

The next thirty minutes felt surprisingly long.

I sat in the waiting area, observing employees walking past with confidence and purpose.

Everyone seemed to know exactly what they were doing.

Meanwhile, I was trying not to look like a nervous newcomer.

Eventually, Rise returned.

"Ready?" she asked.

I stood immediately.

"Yes."

She led me through a long corridor lined with glass cabins.

The entire office looked sophisticated and professional.

As we walked, I admired the modern interior.

The sunlight reflected beautifully against the glass walls.

Everything looked perfect.

At the end of the corridor was a large cabin.

Unlike the others, it felt more spacious.

A sleek desk stood near the center of the room.

Behind it was a black chair facing a large window overlooking the city.

The person sitting in the chair had his back toward us.

Rise knocked lightly.

"Sir?"

The chair slowly turned.

And then everything changed.

The man sitting there stood up.

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

He was tall, confident, and effortlessly handsome.

His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his sharp features carried a calm authority.

But it wasn't his appearance alone that caught my attention.

It was something else.

Something I couldn't explain.

A strange feeling suddenly rushed through me.

A feeling I had never experienced before.

My heart began beating so fast that I could hear it in my ears.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

Like a drum.

I stared at him, completely frozen.

What was happening to me?

I had met many people before.

Good-looking men.

Successful men.

Charming men.

But never had anyone affected me like this.

Not even close.

It felt impossible.

I didn't know his name.

I didn't know anything about him.

Yet somehow, my heart reacted as if it had known him forever.

The feeling frightened me.

At the same time, it felt strangely beautiful.

"Miss Bella?"

Rise's voice pulled me back to reality.

I blinked.

"Oh... yes."

She gave me a small smile before turning toward him.

"Sir, this is Bella, our new joiner."

He extended his hand politely.

"Welcome."

His voice was calm and deep.

For a second, I simply stared at his hand.

Then I quickly shook it.

The moment our hands touched, my heart betrayed me again.

It skipped a beat.

What is wrong with me?

I wondered.

"Thank you, sir," I managed to say.

Rise looked between us.

"Bella, meet Mr. Robert."

Robert.

The name echoed in my mind.

"Mr. Robert is the Assistant Manager of the store," Rise continued. "He'll also be your trainer for the next six months."

My eyes widened.

Six months?

I was going to work with him every day for six whole months.

For some reason, that thought made me both nervous and happy.

Robert gave me a professional smile.

"I hope you're ready to learn."

"I am," I replied, though my voice sounded far less confident than I intended.

"Good."

There was something reassuring about the way he spoke.

Calm.

Steady.

Confident.

The complete opposite of the storm currently raging inside my heart.

As Rise excused herself and left the cabin, I stood there facing the man who had unknowingly turned my first day upside down.

I had come to this company expecting a new career.

A fresh start.

A brighter future.

I never expected that on my very first day, I would meet someone who would make my heart beat differently.

Someone who would unknowingly become the beginning of a story I could never have imagined.

And as I looked at Robert for the first time, I had no idea that this single moment would change my life forever.

To be continued...

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