Chapter One

Ava’s POV

As I walked into King’s Enterprise, my heart skipped a beat. Why wouldn't I be nervous? It was my first day as a secretary.

King’s enterprise was one of the biggest companies in Los Angeles and it was a multinational powerhouse owned by a prominent family.

I had researched about the company– its services, investors and many more. However, I had forgotten to search for anything about my soon to be boss. I didn't meet him during the interview, so I guess I’d be meeting him today.

I wondered what he would be like— Maybe cold, distant and rude like most billionaires I’d read about.

My gaze swept around, the grandeur of the interior nearly took my breath away. I stood frozen, my mouth agape as I took in the luxurious decor and the sleek designs adorning the space.

“Ava, admiration can wait, start work first,” I cautioned myself.

I quickly made my way to the receptionist, who greeted me with a stern, knowing glance. Her expression hinted that she’d caught me admiring the space like someone from the countryside seeing luxury for the first time.

‘Ava, hope you haven't made a bad impression on your first day?’ I thought, my cheeks flushed in embarrassment and I quickly lowered my head.

I let out a deep breath and looked up at her again. “Good morning,” I said.

Her bright blue eyes sparkled, captivating me, and I was fascinated by her long blonde hair cascading down her back. “Good morning, Miss,” she said, but I was lost admiring her.

She clicked her fingers together, snapping me out of my reverie. ‘Not again,’ I muttered under my breath, pinching myself on the thigh. ‘I really need to learn to admire without getting lost in thought.’

“I'm sorry,” I quickly said, forcing a smile to hide my embarrassment. “I’m Ava Blackwood and I'm starting work today as the secretary. Is there anything I need to know before going to my office?” I asked, trying to sound professional.

“Mr. King's PA, will take you through everything you need to know. His office is the first office on the left on the third floor. Take the elevator by the corner,” she said quickly, her attention returning to her PC.

“Thank you,” I whispered, hurrying to the elevator.

My heart couldn't stop racing as I waited for the elevator to reach the third floor. It was damned slow and it only annoyed me.

I let out a deep sigh of relief as the elevator door finally opened. I straightened my dress and made my way to the PA’s office, following the receptionist’s description. However, I stopped in my tracks as I began hearing noises from a room at the other end.

My curiosity got the better of me, I couldn't help but go to see what was happening.

‘I just hope this won't land me in trouble.’

The noise increased as I moved closer to the room. I began hearing many people trying to talk at once and a baby crying. It sounded like they were all trying to calm the crying baby.

‘A baby in this formal setting,’ I whispered, my gaze darting upward to see the inscription– “Boardroom.” At first, I wanted to step back, but my curiosity about a baby in the boardroom, meant for formal discussions, wouldn't let me.

I took a deep breath and pressed myself against the side of the door, peeking inside. The door was wide open, giving me a clear view, but the commotion to stop the crying baby distracted everyone from noticing me.

“Lily, please,” A young man carrying the baby said, he looked so tired and stressed. Despite the dark lines under his eyes, his pretty eyes were still noticeable.

‘Could the baby be his?’ I wondered.

“Maybe she's teething,” a lady beside him suggested. “Put your finger inside her mouth,” the man immediately did, but the baby kept crying.

“Is she running temperature?” Another person asked.

The mother in me couldn't bear the trial and error method just to soothe the crying baby. Without a second thought, I burst into the room.

“Can I carry her?” I asked, moving towards the baby with outstretched arms.

The young man eyed me coldly. “And who are you?” He demanded.

“Does that matter now,” I scoffed, my tone firm. Without waiting for his permission, I gently took the baby from him. His gaze remained cold as he released the baby to me.

“Hey, darling,” I said softly, smiling at the baby. She stopped crying and a soft smile spread across her tiny face as she stared into my eyes. But when I thought I had succeeded, she started crying again.

I could hear murmurs and whispers from the people in the room, but I didn't let that bother me, I focused on the baby. I decided to check her diaper—it was damned wet.

I was a bit angry at that, because most of the people in the room were females. Why couldn't they just reason to check the baby’s diaper?

“Can I get a new diaper and wipes for her?” I bit back my anger, trying to sound neutral.

The young man nodded towards a woman, who quickly grabbed a bag and pulled out a diaper and wipes from it and handed them to me.

I gently laid the baby on a nearby table and began changing her diaper, singing lullabies and playing with her. The baby couldn't stop giggling, making my heart swell with joy.

As I lifted the baby off the table, cradling her in my arms, the young man said coldly, “Can I have her now?” My gaze met his, a flash of annoyance flickering in my eyes.

‘He couldn't even say thank you,’ I clenched my jaw, biting back my retort, reminding myself it was my first day at work. I handed the baby back to him, only for her to start crying again.

I almost laughed at the young man’s frazzled expression, but his angry glare made me stifle my laugh. With a sheepish look, he handed the baby back to me.

I cradled her against my chest, gently patting her back, while avoiding the man’s stern gaze. Within a few minutes, the baby's soft humming filled the air as she finally fell asleep. That brought relief to everyone in the room.

“Mr. King, I think she should go lay the baby down in her cradle in your office,” a woman suggested.

Wait! Did I just hear ‘Mr. King?’

My heart skipped a beat as I realized the young man was my CEO.

‘Ava, what have you done?’ I nearly cried.