Chapter 1

NORA'S POV

“Don't forget to meet me at Sips cafe,” My mother yelled from the kitchen. She has been so restless, she seemed to want to discuss something with me since she got back from wherever she went to two nights ago.

“I won't forget” I replied, breathing heavily, I was hopping on one foot trying to fit into my black shoe.

Today is my first day at work and I have to make a good impression. My mother got this job for me– I know it sounds funny considering she hasn’t exactly been the best mother. But I was desperate for a job so I just accepted the offer when she presented it.

“Please, hold the elevator!!” I screamed running in the hallway. A lady my age was kind enough to help.

While I tried to catch my breath in the elevator, I overheard some of my colleagues whisper about welcoming the new boss of the company that day.

“Shit, I need to be on my toes today!!” My thoughts slipped out of my mouth.

“Sorry?” The lady who held the elevator asked me as she widened her eyes.

“Ohh, not you, my apologies,” I faked a smile.

Guess I am already ruining my relationship with my colleagues on the first day.

“It's fine, let me guess…You are new here.” She said patting my back which felt weird by the way.

“Yeah, I am new here”

“I see you are going to the 60th floor, that's where I am heading too.” She interrupted my reply.

“Yeahh, the 60th floor. What is you-?”

“My name is Tiffany, you can call me Tee for short” She interrupted, grinning from ear to ear.

“Tiffany is such a pretty name, I guess I'll just stick to it.” I replied, trying so hard to match up her energy. She is so bubbly and all over the place.

“Well, I am also new here, errrr–” She dragged her words trying to remember my name that she did not ask for as she wiggled her index finger in my face.

“Nora, My name is Nora.” I saved her from the stress of hurting my ears.

“Yes, Nora. Today is al-”

“Wait! What!! A newbie, I thought you have been an employee for a little over two years,” I was puzzled.

“I interned in this company two years ago, so you can say I am not totally a newbie.” She said with a wide smile running across her face again.

“Well, I hope we get along.” I said, patting her back.

Yeah, It was my turn to pat her back. I thought she had been an employee in the company for a long time because of the way she spoke to me. I know she didn't mean any harm but she is just so bubbly and hyper. I don't think we can be on the same wavelength.

What seemed like forever later came to an end, the elevator was finally opened and I could only appreciate the fresh breeze that hit me when I got out after being cooped there with a lot of people.

I was walking forward, when someone grabbed my arm. “Nora, it is that way,” She pointed in the opposite direction. As embarrassing as it was, I could only thank her and smile.

“This floor is the most respected floor, this is called the VIP floor because the Boss's office is on this floor.” She whispered as she held me closely.

“Why are you whispering?” I whispered too.

Just as we were walking towards the office with the tag ‘Newbies’ Orientation,’ a familiar scent hit my nose. The smell of smoky oud and a hint of whiskey. “Don't tell me th-”

“What is the name of this company again?” I turned to face Tiffany who seemed to have dropped something. I saw her jaw dropped, just when I turned to see what made her jaw drop, I saw…

“JEREMY KOCH!!”

He walked past me with that sense of aura, he reeked of unwavering authority and influence. He pretended not to see me just as he did eight years ago.

I ran over to Tiffany who was literally drooling. “Tiffany, Tiffany, you are drooling all over your sweater,” I tapped her out of her thoughts.

“Ohh, my days!! That is definitely the boss, the almighty Jeremy Koch.” She was still in awe of Jeremy's grand entrance which he put no effort into but was still awesome as she wiped her sweater with my handkerchief.

“Wait!! My handkerchief, that's gross. Why would you do that?!” I yanked it from her.

“I see you are one of those girls who fancy Jeremy,” I whispered softly as we made our way to our seats in the orientation office.

“Yeahh, I literally cried when I came here for my internship and he was not yet the boss. I made up my mind since then that I'd definitely work here when he is the boss and Voila!!” She said grinning from ear to ear.

“Wow! Good for you!” I smiled sarcastically.

“By the way, girl, you do not want to be caught calling him by his name. Show some respect!!”

“Pfft” I blew raspberries and concentrated on the moderator.

The door of the office room flew open and a lady in her twenties walked in, it turns out she was Jeremy's secretary. She looked so elegant and poised.

“Miss Nora Miller, the CEO, requested you to his office,” She spoke elegantly.

At this point, all eyes were on me and I was surprised myself, I don't think I am mentally prepared to be alone in the same room with Jeremy. For me to be singled out on the first day of work, I knew I had eyes on me already.

The secretary led me into his office and left immediately. My palm was began to sweat, my feet felt ice cold. I scanned the room but he was nowhere to be found.

“Miss Nora Miller,” Jeremy called from behind. I nearly jumped out of my skin.