Chapter 1: Where the Silence Begins
824 Words
“Miss Hayes?”
“Yes.”
“Come with me.”
Lyra adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder and followed without asking questions. The woman leading her walked fast—heels sharp against marble floors, posture stiff, expression unreadable.
“Is Mr. Ashford ready for the interview?” Lyra asked quietly.
“He’s always ready.”
“Oh.”
“Are you nervous?”
“No.”
A pause.
“That was a lie.”
Lyra smiled faintly. “A small one.”
The woman stopped in front of tall glass doors etched with a single name.
DOMINIC ASHFORD.
“He doesn’t like excuses,” the woman said. “He doesn’t like mistakes. And he doesn’t like people wasting his time.”
“Understood.”
“And Miss Hayes?”
“Yes?”
“Do not fall in love with him.”
Lyra blinked. “Excuse me?”
The woman opened the door. “Good luck.”
The door closed behind her.
“Sit.”
The voice was deep. Calm. Commanding.
Lyra sat without looking up.
“Look at me.”
She did.
Dominic Ashford stood behind his desk, suit perfectly tailored, sleeves rolled just enough to reveal strong forearms. His eyes were dark, sharp, assessing—like a man who missed nothing and forgave even less.
“You’re late,” he said.
“I arrived ten minutes early.”
“Then you wasted ten minutes.”
“I waited to be called in.”
“Next time, don’t wait.”
“There won’t be a next time if you don’t hire me.”
Silence.
Interesting silence.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“Lyra Hayes.”
“Speak louder.”
“Lyra Hayes.”
“Why do you want to work for me?”
“Because you’re difficult.”
His eyebrow lifted slightly.
“Explain.”
“Easy men are predictable. You’re not.”
“I fire people who think they understand me.”
“I don’t think I understand you.”
“Good.”
He moved around the desk and sat, folding his hands.
“You’ve worked as a personal assistant before.”
“Yes.”
“You left.”
“The company collapsed.”
“You stayed until the end.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Someone had to.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“I don’t run when things fall apart.”
A pause.
“You’re not intimidated.”
“I am.”
“But?”
“But fear doesn’t control me.”
He leaned back in his chair.
“You’ll work long hours.”
“I’m aware.”
“You’ll be available at all times.”
“I can manage that.”
“You’ll hear things that could ruin people.”
“I don’t gossip.”
“You’ll see things that aren’t meant for your eyes.”
“I know how to look away.”
“You’ll get attached.”
“I won’t.”
“You always say that.”
“You don’t know me.”
“I know people.”
“Then you know I’m telling the truth.”
Silence again. He studied her carefully.
“What’s your weakness, Lyra Hayes?”
She hesitated.
“Honesty,” she said finally.
“That’s a flaw.”
“Only to people with secrets.”
His jaw tightened.
“Stand.”
She stood.
“Walk to the window.”
She did.
“What do you see?”
“A city that never sleeps.”
“And?”
“Lonely people pretending they aren’t.”
He stood behind her now. Close enough that she could feel the warmth of him.
“Turn around.”
She turned.
“You’re observant.”
“I have to be.”
“Why?”
“Because no one ever warned me before things broke.”
His gaze darkened.
“You’re hired.”
Lyra blinked. “Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
“When do I start?”
“Now.”
“Now?”
“You don’t ask many questions.”
“I know better.”
“You’ll regret that.”
“Probably.”
A corner of his mouth twitched. Almost a smile.
“Your desk is outside.”
“Yes, Mr. Ashford.”
“Coffee?”
“Yes.”
“No sugar.”
“Black?”
“Yes.”
She turned to leave.
“Lyra.”
She stopped.
“Yes?”
“Don’t disappoint me.”
“I won’t.”
“You will.”
She met his eyes. “Then you’ll fire me.”
“…Go.”
As she stepped out, his voice followed her.
“And Lyra?”
“Yes, Mr. Ashford?”
“This building eats people alive.”
“I’m not afraid of being eaten.”
Another pause.
“…Good.”
The door closed.
Dominic Ashford remained still long after she left.
For the first time in years, the silence felt… disturbed.
- Writer
