Chapter 2

Elena's Pov

As I undressed in my room, a twisted smile appeared as I couldn't believe the turn of events.

Jordan Storm was now my boss, and I was working directly with him, which meant that I would be seeing him every day and not just seeing him, but I would have the perfect opportunity to put my plans in motion.

Every time he spoke, his voice grated on my nerves like fingernails on a chalkboard. His words dripped with arrogance, and his tone was always laced with a subtle mockery that made me feel small. I hated the way he looked at me, his gaze lingering on me with a mixture of disdain and amusement. 

My anger towards Jordan was a palpable force, a living, breathing thing that pulsed through my veins like venom. I resent him for who he was, for the way he made me feel, and for the pain he caused me. 

I planned to go to bed right away, but just as I was about to lie down, my phone rang. I jolted up, remembering the receptionist had said earlier that she would reach out and inform me on how to prepare for my first day.

I fumbled through my purse, only to find it had vanished. My clumsiness was the last thing I needed today. Eventually, I located the phone, buried deep in my bag. Just as I managed to grab it, the call ended. 

Annoyed already, I didn't bother checking the caller ID. 

The phone rang again, Amy's name popping on the screen. I sat down and smiled, amused by how foolish I had been. Amy and I had spoken the night before my interview, and she had promised to call to know how it went.

“Hello. Gosh, you scared me, Amy,” I said, walking to my bag, which had fallen and spilled all its contents. 

“Wow, I'm sorry. I didn't know phone calls were now a sign of earthquakes. Or let me guess, you've changed your ringtone again to the annoying one you used the last time because you wanted to wake up early again, right?” Amy said, jumping to a conclusion.

“No, Dummy, I was expecting a call from ‘new’ boss," I emphasized the new part, knowing she'd immediately catch the hint.

“No way! You got the job?!” She squealed, “I knew you would! I'd allow the fact that you called me Dummy Slide.”She said.

 I rolled my eyes even though she couldn't see it.

Amy was a good friend we had met in my last year of college, and although I had gotten to know her late in life, I wouldn't need to ask for more, even the little time we spent together in college had been one of bliss.

It was not just the fact that she was fun to be around. It was also because she was a good person at heart. It was a quality that I had once possessed a long time ago.

Now, I only felt bitterness and hatred in my heart. I had nursed these feelings and emotions over the years so carefully that even when I had executed my plan successfully, I was sure I would still feel the same.

I could never hope to get a feeling of joy or relief. I could only wish for a sense of accomplishment or pride.

As close as she was to me, she didn't know the real reason for my application as a personal assistant to the Storm Corp.

“Hello,” she said, releasing me from my stream of thoughts. 

“Yes,” I replied.

“We need to celebrate, don't you think? Let's go out tonight!”

 I hesitated; I still had a lot to research about Storm Corp. And needed to prepare well for tomorrow.

Knowing Amy's ‘no’ wasn't an option, she would probably come over and literally drag me along regardless of my protest. “Okay, fine. But just for a little while.”

Amy's voice filled with excitement. “Come on, it'd be fun. I'll pick you up by 9.” 

I signed as she hung up; it was going to be a long night.

******

When Amy arrived at my apartment, she was already dressed to the nines, her energy level at a maximum. She greeted me with a wide grin and an exaggerated twirl. “You look amazing!” she declared, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Let’s go!”

After contemplating what to wear, I finally settled for a simple black dress and minimal makeup, preferring my comfort over style. 

Moments later we arrived, and the loud buzzing music welcomed us as soon as we walked in. The club was packed with people dancing, drinking, and all sorts. The club flashed in the corner of the room. 

I felt a bit overwhelmed and out of place, clubbing wasn't really my style. I'd rather be home buried in large piles of work than this. Before I could protest, Amy grabbed my hands and dragged me to the bar counter. 

“I'd like a bottle of tequila and a cocktail,“ she told the bartender, her face glowing with excitement. The bartender, barely visible in the dim light, eventually served us, and Amy handed me the cocktail. 

We made our way to the dance floor, where Amy began to dance. I did my best to keep up, but my heart wasn’t in it. The loud music felt disconnected from my thoughts. Eventually, a man came over and started dancing with Amy. I excused myself, making my way to the bar for a moment. 

My mind drifted to him. Jordan Storm. I'd finally get to have my revenge; I didn't know exactly how, but I'd find a way no matter what. The receptionist from earlier had later informed me to resume tomorrow, and I was ready. 

As I sipped my cocktail, I turned back to look at Amy; she wasn't there.

My eyes further scanned the loud boozing club searching for her. 

That’s when I saw her—dancing with a man in the VIP lounge. She was hovering over him; the man held her waist tightly before going in for a kiss. 

Amy was the partying type—any type anywhere she was ready for a good night of partying. She was used to all this—the loud music, men, everything.

Every time she came back, there'd always be this new guy she'd drool over, but after a week, it was over. 

I wondered who this new man was; before I could look away, my eyes met with his blue ones. 

It was him.

What was he doing here?