Chapter 3. The New CEO

Miley's POV.

I came in early the next morning, determined to arrive before the new CEO. With my sling bag and tablet in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, I was about to step inside the lobby when I ran into Chelsea. I almost forgot that we actually worked for the same company—she in HR, while I belonged to the higher-ups.

“Miley, can we talk?” she asked, falling into step beside me.

“I can’t, Chel. I need to get to the office right away,” I reasoned.

“The new CEO isn’t here yet. It’s too early. Clearly, you have time,” she said, blocking my way.

“Clearly, I don’t want to talk to you, Chelsea. Why can’t you understand that?” I snapped, unable to stop myself. If she thought she could still push me around, she was wrong.

Her face went pale, as if drained of blood. “I just want to clear some things about my relationship with Jack—”

I didn’t let her finish. My hand moved before I could stop it, striking her cheek.

“Your relationship?” My voice was low but firm. “I thought you still had a shred of shame in you, but I was wrong. You can’t even call what you had with him a relationship—and deep down, you know exactly what you are.”

Chelsea glanced nervously around, realizing that people had started to notice. I didn’t wait for her reply. I walked past her and pressed the button for the top floor in the executive elevator. By the time the doors slid shut, my chest was heaving with anger—and my eyes betrayed me once more, filling with tears.

The doors had almost closed when someone stopped them. I quickly lowered my head, mortified at the thought of anyone seeing me cry. But a broken sob escaped my throat, betraying me further. I wiped my eyes frantically, knowing my makeup must already be a mess.

Then a folded handkerchief appeared in front of me. I lifted my gaze and froze at the man offering it.

“I could hold your things so you can get your hankie,” he said in a deep baritone that resonated in my chest, “but I already have my hands full. So, please—accept mine.”

His voice was warm yet commanding, the kind that could both steady and unsettle someone at the same time.

I blinked as he waved the handkerchief slightly, as though urging me to take it. That was when I realized I had been staring—far too long. Embarrassed, I snatched it from his hand and pressed it against my face, partly to hide.

“T-Thank you,” I murmured. I couldn’t bring myself to return it; I had already stained it with my tears.

“It’s not in my nature to meddle in someone’s business,” he said, studying me with an unreadable expression, “but may I ask… why are you crying?”

I met his gaze, caught off guard by how intent it was. He wasn’t mocking me. He genuinely wanted to know.

“I—” I inhaled shakily. “I found out my boyfriend cheated on me with my best friend. I broke up with him.”

The elevator chimed just then, announcing our arrival at the top floor. I stepped out cautiously, only to notice the man walking in the same direction. My breath caught when he entered the CEO’s office.

I hurried after him, watching as he set his briefcase on the desk. “Y-You’re… Clifford Alfonso?” My voice cracked in disbelief.

He gave me a quiet nod, already pulling out papers. My throat tightened as shame washed over me. What just happened in the elevator?

Gathering courage, I stepped closer. “I—I want to apologize for what happened earlier, Sir.”

“What do you mean?” He glanced up briefly, then settled into his chair, reviewing the documents as though unaffected.

Something about his calmness softened the weight on my chest. I smiled faintly. Perhaps my new boss wasn’t as intimidating as I feared.

“Is that coffee mine?” His sudden question startled me. His eyes flicked toward the cups in my hand.

“O-Oh. Yes, Sir. I brought Espresso and Americano—you can choose whichever you like,” I said quickly, placing them on his desk.

Without looking, he took one and sipped. I couldn’t stop myself from watching the movement—the way his hand gripped the cup, steady and assured. My heart gave a nervous flutter when his gaze lifted and caught mine still standing there.

“You may return to your desk. Bring me today’s agenda,” he instructed.

I nodded at once and scurried back, trying to collect myself. But when I sat down and caught my reflection in the small mirror on my desk, I cringed. Mascara smudged beneath my eyes, exposing the puffiness of my tears. Perfect. Just perfect. First day meeting the CEO and I looked like this.

With a groan, I quickly reapplied my makeup, determined not to embarrass myself again.

“Secretary.”

I jumped at the sound of his voice. Straightening my glasses, I rushed over. He, too, adjusted his own pair as he looked up at me.

“Y-Yes, Sir?” My throat tightened inexplicably every time I stood in front of him.

“I need the copies of last month’s progress report,” he said.

I nodded and turned to leave, but his voice stopped me again.

“I don’t believe I’ve asked for your name yet.”

I spun back to him, caught off guard by the faint curve of interest in his tone. My lips curled into a hesitant smile. “M-My name, Sir?” I repeated nervously, butterflies stirring in my stomach.

“Yes. I’d rather not keep calling you secretary. That’s not your name, is it?” he said, one brow lifting slightly.

The smile slipped from my lips as reality sank in, and yet—I couldn’t ignore the warmth spreading in my chest. “I-I’m Millicent Evangelista, Sir. But… you can call me Miley.”