Chapter seven
839 Words
Rayna's POV
She left the house early, determined not to be late on her first day.
Her parents had been overjoyed when she told them the news. Her mother had clapped her hands and said "God always makes a way" — the same words she had said on the day of the rejection. Her father had pulled her into a long hug and called her his champion.
Theresa, whose fashion sense was honestly unmatched, had immediately raided Rayna's wardrobe looking for the perfect corporate outfit. She had held up blouse after blouse with the seriousness of a professional stylist until Rayna finally agreed they needed to go shopping.
It was worth it.
On her first day Rayna wore a fitted black pants trouser and a crisp corporate shirt, her hair pulled back into a neat ponytail with a touch of light makeup. Simple. Professional. Confident.
She arrived at the office just past seven.
The receptionist directed her to a staff member who would show her around — a warm, friendly woman who introduced herself as Clara.
"Congratulations on your first day," Clara said as they walked through the corridor.
"Thank you so much," Rayna replied genuinely, taking in everything around her. The office was sleek and corporate — exactly the kind of environment she had always imagined working in.
"Your workstation is the one closest to the Managing Director's office," Clara said casually. "You'll be reporting directly to him on certain matters."
"Oh okay," Rayna nodded. "I don't think I've met the Managing Director yet though."
"You will soon," Clara smiled. "His name is Mr. Trojan."
The world stopped.
Rayna blinked.
Mr. Trojan.
The supermarket. The ice cream. The smirk at the interview table. The smirk AGAIN.
"WHYYYYY!!" she screamed — entirely in her head, because she was a professional and this was her first day and she was absolutely fine.
Absolutely fine.
"Here's your workstation," Clara said cheerfully, gesturing to the neat desk before leaving Rayna alone.
Rayna stood there for a moment, staring at the empty desk.
Of all the companies in Lagos — in the entire world — she had somehow ended up working directly under the most arrogant man she had ever met in her life.
She exhaled slowly, pulled out her chair and sat down.
Professional, she reminded herself firmly. Just be professional.
Trojan's POV
"I'll check the files when I get to the office," Trojan said into his phone as he stepped out of his car.
His father had called first thing in the morning — there were documents that needed reviewing and deals that needed his attention. Truthfully he didn't mind. Coming back to the Lekki office had been his idea after all.
He knew it was a smart move. His parents had visibly relaxed the moment he told them he was going back to work. The marriage pressure hadn't disappeared entirely but at least they had something else to focus on for now.
He ended the call and walked toward the entrance.
In the past week he had gone out with two different women — both from his previous social circles, both beautiful, both completely wrong for what he needed. His parents wouldn't be impressed by either of them. He needed someone they would actually approve of. Someone they would dote on.
He was still thinking about it.
"Good morning sir."
Trojan blinked. He had been so lost in thought he hadn't even registered the stream of good mornings from staff as he walked through the office. Clara appeared at his side immediately — efficient as always.
He had tried his luck with her once. She had shut it down instantly and informed him she was happily married.
Oh well. Her loss.
"What's on the agenda today?" he asked as they walked toward his office.
Clara glanced at her notepad. "The new Customer Relations Officer resumed today — she's already settled in. And we have a meeting with the Chinese investors this afternoon."
"Good," Trojan said absently, reaching for his office door.
Then he stopped.
New Customer Relations Officer.
The office next to his.
Something made him turn his head slowly toward the slightly open door beside his —
He saw her.
She was seated at her desk, head buried in the laptop in front of her, completely unaware of him standing at her door.
He studied her for a moment without meaning to.
"Sir, would you like me to call her?" Clara's voice came from behind him, her tone perfectly neutral — but he caught the slight curiosity in it.
"Not necessary," he said.
As if on cue Rayna lifted her head. His voice had startled her.
Their eyes locked immediately.
For exactly one second neither of them moved. Then Trojan pulled his gaze away and turned toward his own office without a word.
He allowed himself a small smile once his back was to her.
Things were about to get very interesting.
She would pay for that sharp mouth. And those rolling eyes.
He was looking forward to it.
- Writer
