A Second Chance At Love

Zara tightened her grip around the strap of her shoulder bag, her nails digging into the leather as she steadied her breathing. This is it. Her first real job. She slowly inhaled and exhaled lifting her head, her electric blue eyes settled on the towering glass skyscraper standing proudly before her. ASTERION GROUP. The silver letters reflected under the morning sunlight, making the building even more intimidating. She swallowed nervously, calming the excitement bubbling inside her chest. Don’t mess this up. Taking one last deep breath, she pushed away every anxious thought crowding her mind before she walked through the revolving glass doors. She walked towards the reception desk. “Good morning.” The receptionist looked up. For a brief moment she stared at her then smiled politely. “Good morning, how may I help you?” “I’m Zara Fredrick,” she offered a small smile despite the nervousness twisting inside her stomach. “I’m the new executive assistant.” The receptionist quickly typed before nodding. “Welcome, Miss Fredrick. Please head to the second floor, the first office on your right.” “Thank you.” Zara turned to leave. But just before she stepped away, she heard the receptionist whisper. “…Wow, she’s so pretty.” A small, confident smile appeared on Zara’s lips. Maybe…today wouldn’t be a bad day after all. The second floor was much quieter. The moment she reached the first office — the door opened. A man wearing a perfectly tailored navy suit looked at her. His golden brown hair was neatly styled while his warm amber eyes studied her professionally. He looked to be in his late twenties. “You must be Miss Fredrick.” She nodded. “Yes.” He smiled politely. “I’m Liam Jackson,” he extended his hand. “The Chief Operating Officer. It’s nice to meet you.” Zara shook his hand. “The pleasure is mine.” He gestured for her to follow. “I’ll take you upstairs.” Zara followed quietly beside him. Her eyes took in her surroundings. The office buzzed with activity. Employees confidently walked through the building. Some with heavy files, while conversations remained soft and professional. Everything looked organized, calm and disciplined. Somehow… It made her feel less nervous. As they walked, Liam spoke. “You’ll be managing the CEO’s schedule, confidential documents, acting as the primary bridge between departments and all his executive meetings. “I understand.” “You’ll also be working directly beside him.” Zara nodded. “I’ll do my best." “I’m sure you will.” They reached a private elevator at the end of the hallway. Liam swiped an executive access card and the door slid open silently. “After you.” She stepped inside and he followed. Her reflection caught in the mirrored wall. For a moment, she just stared at herself. Her cream blouse, black pencil skirt and black stiletto. She looked like she belonged. But a sudden wave of uneasiness washed over her. Her stomach twisted yet, she forced herself to press her lips together and stay calm before quietly looking away. The elevator continued moving. Higher. Higher Until— Ding. The door opened and silence welcomed them. The entire top floor felt different. Much larger. Much quieter. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the entire Elarion city while sunlight spilled across the polished floor. At the very end stood two enormous wooden doors. Liam stopped walking as they got there.“This is his office.” He pointed towards a modern desk positioned just outside the door. “And this will be yours.” Zara blinked. “So close?” Liam chuckled. “He prefers his executive assistant nearby.” “I see…” was all she could say, feeling the growing heaviness in her chest. Liam looked at his watch. “I’ll leave the rest to you.” “Thank you.” He nodded once before walking away. Soon— Only Zara remained, alone with her scrambling thoughts. She looked towards the large door, her heartbeat quickened. She had practiced this moment dozens of times. “You’ve got this.” She muttered encouragingly. She could do this, she was ready. She nodded then walked forward. Knock. Knock. No answer. She knocked again. This time a bit firmer. “Come in.” A deep… Low… Rich baritone voice answered calmly from inside. The sound of that voice made something twisted inside her chest. It was calm, firm and…. Familiar. She frowned slightly. Shaking her head. No… That’s impossible. She slowly pushed the heavy doors open and stepped inside. The office was enormous. Elegant and quiet. The faint scent of cedarwood, amber and expensive cologne lingered in the air. Near the floor-to-ceiling windows sat a man behind a massive mahogany desk. His chair faced the city, his back remained toward her. He didn’t move. Zara swallowed, taking a step forward then smoothed her skirt. “Good morning, sir. My name is Zara Fredrick. I’m your new executive assistant.” Silence stretched across the room. Only the quiet hum of the air conditioner filled the room. Seconds passed. The chair remained still. Her heartbeat grew louder. Did he hear her? Was she supposed to say something else? Just as her thought was about to spiral. The leather chair moved. Slowly. It was almost painful. It turned slightly, enough for her to see his hand resting against the armrest. Long fingers. A silver watch. An expensive charcoal suit. The chair continued turning. Zara’s body reacted before her mind. Her spine straightened, her breathing slowed and her fingers clenched tightly into the fabric of her bag. Something felt terribly wrong. Another few inches. She could finally see part of his jaw. Sharp. Defined. His raven-black hair looked perfectly styled beneath the morning light. Then— The chair stopped. completely. A pair of dark designer sunglasses rested against his face. But his pale complexion and the aura radiating from him stirred up memories she thought she had buried years ago. Her heartbeat pounded violently against her ear. The man finally lifted one hand. Slowly… Deliberately… He removed them. When those eyes locked onto hers, Zara’s entire world came to an abrupt, crashing halt. Her eyes widened as her breath caught in her throat. Her legs almost gave out. For a terrifying second, she thought she was hallucinating. No… No. It can’t be. Not him. But it was him. Recognition crashed into her all at once. “It’s him…” The whisper barely escaped her lips as. He was broader now, his features sharper and more masculine. His storm-gray eyes seemed colder. Deeper. And more dangerous than they used to be. Of all the cities, of all the corporations in the world…fate had thrown her right back to him, The man sitting behind the desk looked directly at her. A flicker of shock crossed his face. But vanished instantly. Almost as if she had imagined it. He lowered his eyes at the laptop on his desk. His expression was completely blank Then in that same calm voice— He spoke. “Close the door.” Zara couldn't move. Her fingers dug into the fabric of her bag as years of buried memories came crashing back all at once. After six years.... The last person she ever wanted to see.... Was now her boss.