Chapter 18

Lily stepped into her office building, the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and the hum of busy conversations wrapping around her like a warm blanket. Despite her recent leave of absence due to personal issues, she was determined to dive back into work. However, as she entered, the atmosphere felt different—charged with excitement and anticipation.

The office was abuzz with activity as her colleagues rushed around, preparing for the arrival of the new CEO. Lily furrowed her brow, confusion washing over her. She had heard whispers about a new leader coming in, but she had no idea it would be such a grand affair.

As she made her way through the bustling office, she spotted Mia at her desk, a whirlwind of papers and coffee cups surrounding her. With a smile, Lily walked over, eager to reconnect with her friend.

“Mia!” Lily called out, trying to cut through the chaos. “How’s everything going?”

Mia looked up, her expression a mix of exhaustion and amusement. She sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. “Oh, you know, just the usual. Running around like a headless chicken, trying to impress the new boss before he even sets foot in the office.”

Lily chuckled, her laughter ringing out amidst the noise. “Sounds like a typical day at the office. At least you’re not alone in the chaos!”

“True,” Mia replied, smirking. “But you should have seen the panic when they announced his arrival. It was like a scene from a reality show—everyone scrambling to make sure everything is perfect.”

Lily leaned against the edge of Mia’s desk, genuinely curious. “At least let me know our new CEO’s name. What should I call him when I introduce myself?”

Mia paused for a moment, her fingers tapping on her keyboard as she searched for the information. “It’s Lewis Evans,” she finally said, looking back up at Lily.

At the mention of the name, Lily felt a jolt of recognition. “Lewis Evans?” she echoed, her brow furrowing in thought. The name sounded familiar, but she couldn’t quite place it.

For a moment, she was lost in her memories, trying to connect the dots. “I feel like I’ve heard that name before,” she murmured, her mind racing. “But I can’t remember where...”

Mia shrugged, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well, I guess you’ll find out soon enough! Just don’t let him intimidate you. He’s just a person like the rest of us, right?”

Lily nodded, though a flutter of nerves danced in her stomach. “Right. Just a person.” But the familiarity of the name lingered in her mind, stirring a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

As the office continued to buzz around them, Lily took a deep breath, ready to face whatever the day had in store. She knew she would have to introduce herself to Lewis Evans soon, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that their meeting would be significant.

The atmosphere in the office shifted dramatically as the announcement echoed through the halls: "Please welcome our new CEO, Lewis Evans!"

Lily stood beside Mia, their excitement palpable as they joined their colleagues in forming two neat rows, flowers in hand, ready to welcome the new leader. The air buzzed with anticipation, and Lily could feel the energy in the room—nervousness mixed with eagerness.

Mia leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper. “Just so you know, Lewis is a very strict man. A self-made businessman who doesn’t forgive mistakes easily. This office is about to turn into an army school of discipline,” she joked, a playful grin on her face.

Lily chuckled, trying to shake off the tension building in her chest. “Great, just what I need—more structure in my life!”

As they shared a laugh, the double doors swung open, and all eyes turned toward the entrance. Lewis Evans stepped into the room, and the atmosphere shifted once again. He walked with an air of confidence that commanded attention, each step echoing authority.

Lily’s breath caught in her throat as she took in his striking features. His sharp jawline and perfectly styled black hair framed a face that was undeniably handsome. There was something magnetic about him, a charisma that seemed to draw everyone’s gaze.

Mia’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Oh my God, he’s handsome as hell!” she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

Lily felt her heart race, but it wasn’t just from his looks. There was something familiar about him, a sense of déjà vu that tugged at her memory. She found herself lost in thought, trying to place where she might have seen him before.

As Lewis approached, he greeted the staff with a confident smile, his voice smooth and commanding. “Thank you all for the warm welcome. I’m looking forward to working with each of you,” he said, his tone firm yet inviting.

Lily’s mind raced. Where have I seen him? She couldn’t shake the feeling that their paths had crossed before, but the memory eluded her. As he continued to engage with her colleagues, she felt a mix of admiration and curiosity.

Mia nudged her gently. “Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Lily blinked, snapping back to reality. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just... thinking.”

“Thinking about how you’re going to impress him?” Mia teased, her eyes twinkling.

“Something like that,” Lily replied, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. She couldn’t deny the allure of the man before her, but the mystery of their past connection lingered in her mind, adding an unexpected layer to the day’s events.