Unwanted love

episode 1 -the inter arrives Amara’s heart was racing as she stood outside the sleek glass doors of Blackwood Enterprises. Today was her first real step into the corporate world and she couldn’t afford to mess it up. She took a deep breath, straightened her blouse, and knocked. The door opened, and Resi, the secretary, gave her a sharp glance. “Yes? Who are you?” Resi asked, voice clipped and cold. “My name is Amara… I was referred by my friend, Ryan,” Amara said, extending her CV. Resi’s eyes flicked over the papers. “Hm. Come in.” Amara stepped inside the office and froze. Sitting behind the massive mahogany desk was Ethan Blackwood, the CEO. The man everyone whispered about cold, intimidating, powerful. But to Amara, he looked… approachable, almost calm. “Good morning,” Ethan said, his voice smooth but commanding. “So, you’re the one Ryan recommended?” “Yes, sir,” Amara replied, keeping her voice steady. “Have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. The interview began. Ethan asked about her education, her experience, her ambitions. He listened carefully, occasionally raising an eyebrow, but there was no trace of judgment only attention. By the end, he nodded. “I think you’ll fit in well here. Welcome to the company, Amara.” Amara could hardly believe it. She had passed. Her first day was about to begin, and excitement bubbled inside her. The next morning, Amara walked toward the office, still carrying her bag from the night before. To her surprise, Ethan was already outside, waiting by the driveway. “Amara, let me carry that for you,” he said, taking her bag in one hand. “Oh… um, thank you, sir,” she said, slightly flustered. As they walked toward the building, Resi’s sharp eyes caught them. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and her mind raced. What is going on here? “Why are you here with the CEO?” Resi snapped as soon as they stepped into the lobby. Amara froze. “Oh… he just helped me on the way. That’s all,” she said, trying to sound casual. Resi narrowed her eyes but didn’t argue further. Amara nodded politely and headed to her desk. Her first task of the day was simple, but she was already exhausted from nerves. Around mid-morning, she decided a coffee break would help. ⸻ She was filling her cup when the office door opened, and Ethan walked in. “Sir!” she exclaimed, startled, and in her panic, she spilled the coffee all over his white shirt. “Oh my God! I’m so sorry, sir!” she cried, grabbing napkins and trying to wipe the stain. Ethan froze for a moment, eyes scanning her panicked face. There was something innocent about her movements, the way she fumbled in worry. His lips quirked into the tiniest smile. “Amara… relax,” he said gently. “It’s fine. Really.” As she dabbed at his shirt, her hand brushed against his chest. She felt the firm warmth of his body, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. “Amara!” Resi’s voice cut through the air like a knife. “What are you doing? Are you okay?” The two jumped apart, quickly pretending nothing had happened. Amara stammered, “I-I’m fine, Resi. Just… just cleaning up.” Resi’s eyes flicked to Ethan, a frown crossing her face. “This is… inappropriate. You’ll pay for his laundry!” Ethan waved a hand dismissively. “No, it’s fine. My fault for standing in your way.” Later, Ryan Amara’s friend in the office approached her desk. “What happened? I heard someone spilled coffee on the CEO!” he whispered, eyes wide. Amara sighed. “I… I didn’t mean to. He’s… he’s really nice, actually.” Ryan shook his head, exasperated. “Nice? That’s understatement. But you… you need to be careful. Resi’s going to hate you even more now.” Amara returned to her work, trying to focus despite the flustered feeling in her chest. By the end of the day, her workload doubled. Resi handed her an unfair pile of tasks, smirking. Amara clenched her jaw but had no choice she wanted to prove herself. Later, exhaustion overtook her, and she dozed off at her desk. Hours later, Ethan returned, thinking the office empty. He noticed her sleeping, delicate and peaceful, and approached quietly. “Amara…” he whispered softly, shaking her shoulder gently. “Time to go home.” She blinked awake, embarrassed. “Oh… I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to…” He waved her worries away. “It’s fine. Let’s go.” ⸻ During the car ride, Ethan made small talk, asking about her family, her hometown, her dreams. Amara answered shyly, slowly letting her guard down. But she also remembered Ryan’s earlier scolding and the coffee incident and felt a wave of embarrassment. When he dropped her off, Ethan lingered a moment, his mind clearly elsewhere. The image of her sleeping at the desk replayed in his head. What is wrong with me? he muttered quietly. Amara went inside to join her brother for a family ceremony, cheeks still warm from the ride and conversation. The next day, as she returned to the office, Resi intercepted her immediately. “I want to see this completed properly,” Resi demanded, handing over yesterday’s work. “And don’t mess it up again.” Amara gritted her teeth but complied. A few moments later, Resi pretended to trip, spilling coffee over the papers she had just organized. “Redo everything,” Resi said, smirking. Amara sighed, frustration boiling inside her. She looked at Ryan, who muttered, “You will not stop getting yourself into trouble…” Amara could only shake her head. It’s not my fault, she whispered. Food deliveries, coffee spills, and office sabotage became her new normal. And as the day ended, a sense of dread mixed with anticipation settled over her. Just as she was leaving, Resi approached her, eyes blazing. She raised her hand, and for a split second, it looked like she would strike. Amara froze. And that was where Episode 1 ended.