14-Love After Heartbreak.

Anna arrived at the office the following morning with a cup of coffee in one hand and her handbag hanging from her shoulder.

She had spent the previous evening making the corrections Elliot requested for over the phone. Although she was tempted to abandon the documents and go to bed, she reminded herself that this was an opportunity she couldn't afford to take lightly.

After greeting the receptionist, she headed straight to her desk. Though pairs of eyes followed her with murmurs but Anna doesn't care at all.

"Good morning, Anna."

She looked up and found Elaine approaching with a warm smile.

"Good morning, Mrs. Elaine. How are you?" She responded warmly.

"I'm fine, dear. You look quite cheerful this morning." Miss Elaine said.

Anna placed her coffee beside the keyboard and switched on her computer.

"Do I?" She smiled.

"Yes. Something good happened?"

Anna chuckled. "Not exactly. I just managed to finish the Henderson report yesterday."

"Really? That's wonderful. Did Mr. Elliot review it?" Elaine asked excitingly.

"Yeah, he asked me to make a few corrections, so I worked on them last night."

Elaine looked impressed. "You worked on it at home?"

"Just for a little while. I wanted to make sure everything was ready this morning." Anna sighed, the question was getting too much, she needs to get to work.

"Well, that's dedication. Just remember not to overwork yourself, Anna. You don't have to prove your worth by exhausting yourself." Elaine said.

Anna smiled. "I'll remember that."

Elaine nodded towards her computer."Once you're done, send me a copy. I'd like to have a look before you submit it."

"Of course."

Elaine returned to her office, and Anna began reviewing the final version.

She checked the figures again, corrected a few formatting issues, and made sure the explanations were clear enough for someone unfamiliar with the previous report.

After almost thirty minutes, she finally leaned back in her chair.

"Done," she whispered.

She saved the document and sent a copy to Elaine before printing another one for Elliot.

Just as she was arranging the pages, her phone vibrated.

She checked it, it was Georgia's message that popped in.

Georgia: Good morning, sleeping beauty.

Anna smiled as she typed a reply.

Anna: Good morning to you too.

Georgia: Have you eaten?

Anna stared at the message.

Anna: Georgia, it's not even nine.

Georgia: And? Does hunger check the time before visiting?

Anna laughed quietly.

Anna: I'm having coffee.

Georgia: Coffee is not food, Anna.

Anna: Here we go again.

Georgia: Don't make me come there and feed you myself.

Anna shook her head, amused.

Anna: I'll eat something during the break. Happy?

Georgia: Very. Have a good day, my love.

Anna's smile softened.

Anna: You too. Love you.

She put her phone away and picked up the printed report.

It was time to face her difficult boss again.

Elliot was already in his office when Anna arrived upstairs.

She knocked twice and waited.

"Come in." He replied.

She opened the door and stepped inside.

"Good morning, sir." She greeted him politely.

Elliot looked up from his laptop. "Good morning, Miss Sinclair. What is it?"

Anna approached his desk and placed the folder in front of him.

"The revised Henderson report, sir. I've made the corrections you requested."

He glanced at the folder before looking at her. "That was quick."

"I had already started working on the corrections yesterday."

Elliot opened the folder, staring at it.

"Sit down." He said flatly.

Anna sneered inwardly at him, he could have said it respectfully but No, arrogant as usual. She took the chair opposite him.

He began reviewing the document, occasionally turning a page and making notes. Anna waited quietly, although she couldn't help watching his expression.

After a few minutes, Elliot stopped at the final page.

"You corrected the formatting." He remarked.

"Yes, sir." She nodded.

"And expanded the explanations." He looked through the report once more before closing it. "Good."

Anna waited.

That was it? She had spent hours reviewing those documents, and all he had to say was good?

She hopes she can tolerate his arrogance for a long time and not get tired, she really needs the job.

She cleared her throat. "Is there anything else you'd like me to change?"

Elliot raised his eyes. "Why? Are you hoping I'll find something wrong?"

Anna offered him a polite smile. "Not particularly, sir. I just want to know whether the report is satisfactory."

He leaned back in his chair. "It's satisfactory."

"Alright. Thank you. I'm glad you didn’t tear the folder this time." she said.

He glanced at her, before ge could control himself, he laughed and she bit her lower lip not to curse him. He tore the folder she did on her first day at work.

She stood up to leave, but before she could leave, he spoke again.

"Have you ever attended a client meeting?" He asked.

Anna turned towards him, "Yes sir but not as a representative of the company."

"Have you attended one in your previous internship?" He looked at her, impressed.

"Only as an assistant. I mostly prepared documents and took notes."

Elliot nodded thoughtfully. "The Henderson Group representatives will be visiting. You'll be part of the administrative team handling their meeting."

Anna blinked in shock. "Me?"

"Do you see anyone else in this office?" He smirked.

She looked around briefly before returning her attention to him.

"No, sir. I was just surprised." She smiled, her cheeks flushed. "I didn't think I'd be involved in a meeting this important, considering I've only been here for a short time."

Elliot closed his laptop. "Your supervisor recommended you, and you've handled the assignment well. I see no reason not to give you the opportunity."

Anna's expression brightened up. "Thank you, sir. I won't disappoint you."

When the door closed, Elliot looked at the folder again.

He noticed something about Anna since she joined the company. She was inexperienced in certain areas, but she wasn't careless. More importantly, she wasn't afraid to ask questions when she didn't understand something.

He appreciated that.

Most employees were so eager to impress him that they agreed with everything he said, even when they clearly had no idea what he meant.

Anna, on the other hand, seemed perfectly comfortable telling him when she disagreed.

It was unusual.And amusing.

—

Back at her desk, Anna was still smiling when Elaine approached.

"Someone looks happy," Elaine remarked, stopping beside her chair.

Anna looked up. "Mrs. Elaine!"

Elaine laughed at her excitement. "What happened?"

"Mr. Elliot approved the report."

"That's wonderful!"

"And he said I've done well so far."

Elaine smiled warmly.

"See? I told you that you were capable."

Anna nodded, feeling genuinely pleased.

"He also told me I'll be part of the administrative team handling the Henderson meeting next week."

Elaine's eyebrows rose.

"Really? That's excellent news, Anna."

"I know. I was surprised when he mentioned it."

"You should be proud of yourself. Not everyone gets that opportunity so soon after joining the company."

Anna looked down at the desk, smiling.

"Thank you for recommending me, Mrs. Elaine."

"Don't thank me. You earned it." Elaine gave her shoulder a gentle pat. "Now, make sure you prepare properly. Client meetings require attention to detail, and I don't want you getting nervous when the time comes."

Anna laughed. "I'll try not to embarrass myself."

Elaine returned to her office, leaving Anna with a renewed sense of excitement.

For the first time in a long while, she had something to look forward to.