Chapter 1: The Collision

Sienna Vale's palms were sweaty as she gripped the strap of her faded backpack tighter. The Hale Industries building towered above her like a glass giant, reflecting the Seattle skyline in sharp, unforgiving lines. At nineteen, she felt small here—too young, too ordinary, too everything. But this summer internship was her shot. Marketing department. Paid. Enough to cover next semester's tuition and help her mom with the medical bills piling up like bad dreams.

She pushed through the revolving doors, the cool air conditioning hitting her like a slap. The lobby was a sea of polished marble, buzzing executives in designer suits, and the low hum of money being made. Sienna smoothed her secondhand black dress one last time, took a breath, and headed for the reception desk.

That's when disaster struck.

She rounded the corner too quickly, her shoulder colliding with a solid chest. Her folder flew open—resumes, portfolio prints, and her carefully handwritten notes scattering like confetti. A dark splash of coffee bloomed across a crisp white shirt.

"Oh my God—I'm so sorry!" Sienna dropped to her knees, heart slamming against her ribs as she scrambled to gather the papers before they soaked.

A shadow fell over her.

"Watch where you're going."

The voice was deep, cold, and carried the kind of authority that made the air feel heavier. Sienna looked up—and her breath caught.

Caspian Hale.

She'd seen his face on Forbes covers and business news feeds: 29-year-old heir to the Hale tech empire, brilliant, ruthless, the man who closed deals with a single look. Tall, broad-shouldered, dark hair perfectly styled, jaw sharp enough to cut glass. His storm-gray eyes locked on her, unblinking, assessing her like she was a glitch in his perfect system.

"I didn't see you," she stammered, cheeks flaming as she shoved the damp papers into her bag. "Your shirt—I'll pay for the dry cleaning, I swear—"

"No need." He didn't raise his voice. He didn't have to. He adjusted his cufflinks—silver, engraved—and stepped past her without another glance.

The faint scent of his cologne lingered: cedar and smoke, expensive and unapologetic. Sienna stayed on her knees a second longer, mortified. Great start, she thought. Spill coffee on the boss's son on interview day.

She stood, smoothed her dress, and forced her legs to move. The reception desk was ahead. The woman behind it smiled professionally.

"Sienna Vale? Marketing internship?"

"Yes." Her voice came out steadier than she felt.

"Elevator to the 14th floor. They're waiting."

The ride up was silent except for her pounding heart. When the doors opened, Mara from HR greeted her warmly.

"Come on in, Sienna."

The interview room had floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Three people sat at the table: Mara, a serious man in gray, and the marketing director, a woman with sharp glasses and sharper questions.

They asked about her background, her skills, why Hale Industries. Sienna answered honestly—no fluff. She talked about juggling classes and part-time jobs, about her mom's health struggles, about teaching herself design software late at night. She didn't mention the bakery dream, but it burned quietly behind every word.

The marketing director leaned forward. "You're young, but your work shows real emotion. We need fresh energy like that."

Sienna's chest loosened. "I just want to earn my place here."

They exchanged looks. Mara smiled. "You're hired. Start Monday."

Sienna walked out in a daze. The elevator down felt like floating. Outside, the sun hit her face, warm and forgiving. She texted her mom: GOT THE INTERNSHIP!!! 😭❤️

The reply buzzed back: Proud of you, baby. Ramen celebration tonight?

Sienna laughed, tears stinging. For once, life was giving her a win.

To mark the moment, she headed to the rooftop bar near campus. It was quiet—early evening, soft jazz, city lights starting to sparkle below. She ordered a virgin mojito and sat at the railing, letting the breeze cool her flushed cheeks.

Then she felt it.

Eyes on her.

She turned.

In a shadowed corner booth sat Caspian Hale.

Alone. Jacket off, sleeves rolled, whiskey in hand. Watching her with that same unreadable intensity.

Her stomach flipped. What was he doing here? This wasn't his scene.

He rose slowly and crossed the space.

"Small world," he said, voice low.

Sienna gripped her glass. "What are you doing here?"

"Same as you." He slid onto the stool beside her. "Celebrating."

"I got the internship," she said, unsure why she was sharing.

"I know." A faint smile ghosted his lips.

The bartender set another drink in front of him. Caspian took a slow sip, eyes never leaving hers.

"You ran off fast this morning."

"I had an interview." She met his gaze. "And I didn't want to make it worse."

"You didn't." He leaned in slightly. "You're not what I expected."

"What did you expect?"

"Someone trying harder to impress."

She laughed softly. "I'm just trying to survive."

He studied her. "And what are you surviving for?"

She hesitated. "My mom. School. A future where I don't have to worry every day."

Something shifted in his eyes—something almost vulnerable. "Honest."

"You asked."

Silence stretched, charged. His hand brushed hers—once, accidental, then deliberate.

The air thickened.

"One drink," he murmured. "With me."

Every instinct screamed no.

But the night felt alive. Dangerous. Tempting.

"Okay," she whispered.

One drink became conversation. He spoke of boardroom pressure, the weight of legacy. She spoke of late nights studying, ramen dinners, dreams of fresh bread and warm mornings. His touch lingered—fingers tracing her wrist, sending sparks up her arm.

"Come with me," he said, voice rough.

She looked into those storm eyes and saw hunger. Loneliness. Need.

She should have left.

Instead, she took his hand.

The elevator to his penthouse was silent except for their breathing. Doors opened to endless windows, city lights like fallen stars.

He kissed her like a man starved.

Clothes disappeared. Skin met skin. It was urgent, raw, consuming—no words, just heat and desperation.

After, they lay tangled in silk sheets, breathing hard.

"I don't do attachments," he said into the darkness, voice rough.

Sienna stared at the ceiling, heart still racing. "Neither do I."

She waited until his breathing evened. Then she slipped out, gathered her things, and left without looking back.

Outside, the city air cooled her skin. She walked home alone, replaying every touch, every whisper.

One night. One mistake.

That's all it was.

Or so she told herself.

But inside her, something had already begun to grow.

And soon, that tiny secret would change everything.