Chapter 1: Bound by Duty

Raven Kendrick's heels clicked against the polished marble floor as she walked through the sound echoed off the walls, a steady beat that matched the rhythm of her racing heart. She hated coming to her father's office and the feeling of being trapped in this sterile, soulless environment.

As she turned a corner, Raven caught sight of the reception desk, where her father's assistant, Mrs. Jenkins, sat typing away on her computer. Mrs. Jenkins looked up and smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Good morning, Raven," she said, her voice warm and friendly.

Raven forced a smile onto her face, feeling like she was putting on a mask. "Good morning, Mrs. Jenkins," she replied, trying to sound cheerful.

But as she walked past the reception desk and into the inner offices, Raven's smile faltered. She hated this place, hated the feeling of being under her father's thumb. She felt like a pawn in his game, a game she didn't even understand.

Raven's father, Mr. Kendrick, was a powerful man, with a reputation for being ruthless in business. He was a man who always got what he wanted, no matter the cold what he wanted was for Raven to conform to his expectations, to be the perfect daughter.

But Raven had other plans. She had always been a rebel, a free spirit who refused to be tied down. She had dreams of her own, dreams of starting her own business and making a name for herself.

As she walked through the office, Raven caught glimpses of her coworkers, all of whom seemed to be watching her. It felt like she was under a microscope,e like every move she made was being scrutinized.

Raven's heart sank as she approached the janitor's closet, where she kept her cleaning supplies. She hated her job as a cleaner and hated the feeling of being invisible.

Just then, Mrs. Jenkins appeared at her side. "Raven, your father wants to see you," she said her voice firm.

Raven's heart skipped a beat as she followed Mrs. Jenkins to her father's office. What did he want to talk to her about?

As she entered her father's office, Raven saw him sitting behind his massive desk, his face stern. Victoria, her stepmother, was standing beside him, a smug look on her face was

"Ah, Raven," her father said, looking up from the papers on his desk. "Come in, come in."

Raven walked into the office, feeling like she was walking into a trap. Her father's eyes seemed to bore into her as he could see right through her.

"Raven, I've been thinking," her father said, leaning back in his chair. "It's time for you to take on more responsibilities in the company."

Raven's heart sank. What did he mean?

"I want you to start working as a personal assistant to Ethan," her father said, his voice firm.

Raven felt a surge of anger. Ethan was her stepbrother, and she hated the way he treated her.

"I don't know if I'm ready for that," Raven said, trying to stall.

Her father's expression turned cold, his eyes flashing with anger. "You'll do what I say, Raven," he growled. "You'll work as Ethan's assistant, and you'll do it with a smile on your face."

Raven felt a chill run down her spine as she met her father's gaze. She knew that she was trapped, trapped in this toxic household with no escape.

As she left her father's office, she was drowning in a sea of despair. She didn't know how she was going to get out of this situation, but she knew she had to try.

Tears of frustration and anger pricked at the corners of Raven's eyes as she walked back to the janitor's closet. She felt like she was losing herself like she was disappearing into the depths of her father's expectations.

Just as she was about to break down, Raven heard the sound of footsteps coming from the hallway. She turned to see a man walking toward her, his eyes fixed on her.

Raven's heart skipped a beat as she took in the man's chiseled features and piercing blue eyes. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a commanding presence.

But Raven didn't have time to admire the stranger. She was too busy trying to hold back her tears.

As the stranger approached her, Raven turned and ran, dashing out of the office and into the hallway. She didn't stop until she was outside, gasping for air.

The stranger watched her go, a look of confusion on his face. Who was this mysterious woman, and why was she so upset?

As the stranger watched her go, he couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity. Who was this mysterious woman, and why was she so upset? He shook his head, chiding himself for getting distracted. He had a meeting to attend.

The stranger turned and walked into the office building, his eyes scanning the lobby for any sign of his destination. He spotted the reception desk and made his way over.

"Can I help you?" the receptionist asked, looking up from her computer.

"I'm here to see Mr. Kendrick," the stranger replied his deep voice commanding attention.

The receptionist nodded and picked up the phone. "Mr. Kendrick, you have a visitor."

The stranger waited patiently, his eyes scanning the lobby. He noticed the janitor's closet, where Raven had been standing just moments before. He wondered what her story was.

Just then, Mrs. Jenkins appeared at his side. "Right this way, Mr. Montague."

The stranger followed Mrs. Jenkins to the elevator, his mind still on the mysterious woman. Who was she, and what was her connection to Mr. Kendrick?

As the elevator doors opened, the stranger stepped out into the hallway. He was greeted by the sight of Mr. Kendrick's office, a large and imposing door with a brass nameplate.

Mrs. Jenkins knocked on the door, and a voice from inside called out, "Enter."

The stranger stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room. Mr. Kendrick sat behind his massive desk, a look of expectation on his face.

"Ah, Mr. Montague," Mr. Kendrick said, standing up. "Welcome."

The stranger smiled, his eyes locked on Mr. Kendrick's. "Thank you, Mr. Kendrick."

As the two men shook hands, the stranger's mind was still on the mysterious woman. He had a feeling that their paths would cross again soon.