Not his first choice

Chapter 1 Walking into the towering glass building of Sterling Enterprises, my workplace for over five years, I can’t help but remember when I was just an intern, hustling my way to the top. Becoming the CEO’s executive assistant wasn’t easy, but it was a price I was willing to pay to work for a powerhouse like this. At the reception desk, Stella greets me with a warm smile. I lean in slightly, lowering my voice. “Is he in?” She nods, her expression sympathetic. “Good luck. He’s in a sour mood as usual. I think it has something to do with that deal that fell through yesterday.” I sigh, already feeling the weight of the day ahead. Lucian Sterling—CEO of Sterling Enterprises. My boss. My impossible, infuriating, dangerously irresistible boss. I square my shoulders, forcing myself to push aside the exhaustion already creeping in. It’s just another day, another fire to put out, another impossible standard to meet. As I step into the elevator, my fingers tighten around the handle of my bag. The higher I go, the heavier the air feels. By the time the doors slide open to the executive floor, I’m already bracing myself. His office is at the far end of the hall, past rows of glass-walled offices and assistants who barely dare to breathe when he’s in a mood. I swear the temperature drops a few degrees as I approach. I reach my desk, set my things down, and glance at his door. Closed. Never a good sign. Taking a deep breath, I knock twice and push it open. Lucian Sterling sits behind his massive desk, exuding power and tension in equal measure. His dark suit is impeccable, not a single strand of his jet-black hair out of place, but his jaw is locked, and the grip on his pen is just shy of snapping it in half. His piercing eyes flick up to me. “Took you long enough.” And so it begins. "Good morning to you too," I say, keeping my tone professional as I step inside and close the door behind me. I don’t expect a response—Lucian Sterling isn’t the type for pleasantries. He leans back in his chair, tossing his pen onto the desk. "The contracts from yesterday—where are they?" Straight to business. No surprise there. I walk over, placing a neatly stacked file in front of him. "Reviewed and finalized. I highlighted the key revisions and flagged the sections that need your approval." Lucian picks up the file, flipping through the pages with quick precision. His movements are always controlled, always efficient—never a second wasted. I know how he works. I’ve studied him for years. He barely glances up. "And the investor call at ten?" I check my tablet. "Confirmed. They’ll be dialing in on the secure line. I’ve prepared a summary of their concerns—slide deck is in your inbox." A brief nod. That’s as close to a thank you as I’ll get. His eyes return to the contract, but then he pauses. Frowns. His thumb taps against the desk—a subtle tell I’ve learned to recognize. Something is wrong. "Lucian?" I ask carefully. His jaw tightens. "Wolfe & Co. backed out of the merger this morning." My stomach drops. That deal was months in the making. I straighten, keeping my expression neutral. "Did they say why?" Lucian lets out a slow breath, his fingers steepling together. "They think we’re stretched too thin. Too many acquisitions, not enough liquidity."** His tone is calm, but I know better. He’s furious.** I should have expected it—this is exactly why he’s in a foul mood. "That’s not true," I say. "Our financials prove otherwise." His gaze sharpens as he looks up at me fully for the first time. "Then fix it." I exhale quietly. Right. Because to Lucian Sterling, I don’t just manage his schedule—I manage his entire damn empire. "I’ll set a meeting with PR and finance," I say smoothly. "We’ll issue a statement by noon and make sure the board is aligned on our liquidity position." He studies me for a second longer, then gives another curt nod. Crisis averted—for now. But as I turn to leave, his voice stops me. "Sienna." I pause, glancing over my shoulder. He never says my name unless it’s important. His fingers tap against the desk once. Twice. Then he exhales. "Clear my schedule for tonight." That throws me off. Lucian never cancels meetings unless absolutely necessary. "Everything?" I clarify. His gaze meets mine, unreadable. "Yes. Everything." A flicker of something unsettles in my chest. I don't ask why. I just nod. "Consider it done."