Chapter 5

Brittney

I stood in front of a massive company, aurora designs. This job was my last hope after countless rejections, and I couldn’t afford to mess it up.

My hands trembled slightly as I adjusted my bag. I squared my shoulders, forcing myself to take steady breaths before stepping inside. The lobby was breathtaking, polished marble floors, enormous chandelier and gleaming steel accents that screamed sophistication.

The company was a hive of activity, workers bustled about with purpose.

I approached the front desk, where a poised receptionist approached me with a polished smile.

“Good morning, welcome to aurora designs, how can I help you?”

“I’m here to meet Mr. Hayes, from HR,” I said, hoping I sounded more confident that I felt.

She nodded and directed me to the elevators. “Take it to the twelfth floor, his office is on the left.”

I thanked her and stepped into the elevator. This was it, the opportunity to prove that I could stand on my own, away from the shadows of Tony and his family name.

When I reached the HR office, Mr. Hayes greeted me warmly. He was a tall, sharply dressed man with a pleasant demeanor that helped put me slightly at ease.

“Ms. Summers, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He said, shaking my hand.

“Likewise.”

He motioned to me, to sit and began explaining the details of the job.

“You’ll be working directly under the CEO’s office.” He stated, like it wasn’t a monumental deal.

I blinked. “The CEO?”

“Yes,” he replied, glancing at his notes. “Mr. Carter is currently overseas, you’ll have a little time to adjust before he returns.”

I nodded, both relived and curious about what the CEO might be like.

After signing the necessary paperwork, Mr. Hayes stood and extended his hand again. “Welcome aboard, Ms. Summers, I’ll have someone show you to your desk.”

I followed an assistant through the bustling office. The floor to ceiling window made the workplace shone in natural light, and every desk was neatly organized. My desk was positioned right outside the CEO’s office.

I familiarized myself with the system and processes. My co workers were friendly enough, but there was a certain level of intensity they kept me on my toes.

The next morning, I arrived early, eager to make a good impression. I’d barely settled in when a murmur rippled through the office.

“He’s here,” someone whispered.

My heart jumped in my chest.

The CEO?

Before I could prepare myself the glass doors to his office swung open.

And there he was.

Jordan Carter.

My stomach dropped.

Jordan wasn’t just the CEO. He was the boy I’d spent my teenage years secretly pining over, the one who was always out of reach

Back in high school, Jordan had been the epitome of charm and Confidence. He was the star athlete, the golden boy, every girl wanted. And I had been no exception, I’d spend countless hours daydreaming about him, convincing myself that maybe, just maybe, he’d notice me someday. But he never had.

Now, he was standing a few feet away, impossibly more striking than I remembered. His dark hair was neatly styled, his tailored suit accentuating his broad shoulders.

His jawline was sharper, his posture commanding in a way that made him seem untouchable.

I froze as his piercing blue eyes scanned the room, eventually landing on me.

“Ms. Summers,” he spoke, his voice smooth and authoritative. “Step into my office.”

Sigh. Today’s gonna be a long day.

I stood on shaky legs, smoothing down my skirt as I followed him inside. His office was spacious and minimalist, the floor to ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city, he moved to sit behind a massive desk, gesturing for me to take the chair across from him.

He studied me in silence. Those icy blue eyes sending a chill down my spine.

“You’re the new assistant,” he finally said, his tone neutral.

“Yes, sir,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

He raised a brow, clearly unimpressed. “First rule: speak clearly and confidently. You’ll be dealing with high profile clients and executives. I can’t have you faltering under pressure.”

“ yes sir.” I repeated, this time louder.

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as his eyes narrowed slightly. “You look familiar, have we met before?”

My breath hitched. Did he remember me? My could feel my mind raced, recalling all the times I’d seen him back in high school, laughing with his friends, or charming his teachers. But to him, I had probably been invincible.

“I dont think so.” I lied, forcing a small smile.

He didn’t press further, his attention already shifting to the stack of papers on his desk. “ you’ll find your scedule packed, but I expect efficiency and discretion, Do you understand?”

“Yes sir.” I said, keeping my voice steady.

“You may go”

I walked back to my desk, my mind spinning, Jordan, the boy I spent years obsessing over, was now my boss. And to him I was just another assistant. Forgettable and replaceable.

Around 2pm, Jordan stepped out of his office, “Ms. Summers, follow me.”

I grabbed my notebook and pen, hurrying after him as he strode through the office, like he owned the world. Which in a way, he did.

We entered a sleek conference room where a group of executives waited. Jordan nodded at me to sit at the far end of the table, and I quickly opened my notebook, ready to take notes.

The meeting began, and I was struck by how effortlessly Jordan commanded the room. He spoke with confidence, his tone unwavering as he outlined the company next step.

“Ms. Summers,” he suddenly said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“Yes sir?” I replied, my pen poised over the page.

“Summarize what I just said.”