Chapter two
955 Words
The sound of her alarm broke through the quiet, pulling Ivy from sleep. She blinked at the ceiling, letting the realization sink in—first day at K and K Corporation.
Rolling onto her side, she grabbed her phone.6:30 AM. She had plenty of time, but she didn’t want to rush.
She stretched, feeling the unfamiliarity of her new apartment, a mix of soft neutrals and personal touches. She picks out an outfit that screams "competent and in control" but still effortlessly stylish.
She makes herself coffee and eggs
"Okay, look at me adulting. Fancy breakfast on a weekday?"As she ate, she glanced at her phone, mentally preparing herself. First day at work. She wasn’t nervous,not exactly—but there was always something unsettling about stepping into a new environment
After a quick shower, she slipped into a simple yet professional outfit—black slacks, a cream blouse, and low heels. Polished but comfortable. A touch of mascara, a dab of lip gloss.
Ready!
She grabbed her bag and keys before stepping into the crisp New York morning.
K and k corporation
The building was sleek and modern, the kind of place where people moved with purpose. The receptionist greeted her, and within minutes, she was in HR signing papers and receiving her ID badge.
Then came the tour.
She met her team—some warm, some distant, all focused on their own tasks. Normal office dynamics.
Her desk was by a huge glass window, giving her a view of the city below. She took a moment to appreciate it before diving into work.Emails. Introductions. A couple of small tasks to ease her in.
By noon, her stomach grumbled. Break time.
Deciding to stretch her legs, Ivy stepped out for a second cup of coffee.
The coffee shop was just a few blocks away, familiar now after yesterday. She walked in, savoring the warmth and the comforting scent of roasted beans.
She joined the line, scanning the display. The last croissant.
Perfect.
Just as she was about to place her order, a voice cut in smoothly.
"Oh, hi. Me again."
Ivy barely registered the words before the barista’s expression changed.
"Brea over there said she’d like the croissant," the voice continued casually.
Ivy turned slightly, following the barista’s gaze. Brea. A woman at the window, sipping her drink with an air of amusement.
The barista hesitated before looking at Ivy apologetically. "Sorry, ma’am, we have another batch coming right up."
Ivy sighed, watching as her croissant was handed over.
"It’s fine. I can’t wait."
She picked up her coffee, finally turning to the culprit.
And then—she saw him.
The same eyes.
Ivy froze briefly, her gaze locking onto his.
The guy turned, croissant in hand, meeting her eyes fully this time.
He wasn’t smug. He wasn’t indifferent.
He was just… watching her.
Ivy tilted her head slightly. "I was gonna have that."
No response.
Just a steady gaze.
Then, without a word, he turned and walked toward Brea.
Ivy exhaled, shaking her head. Rude!
She took a sip of her coffee and walked out.
But this time, she had a feeling it wasn’t the last she’d see of him.
After her coffee run—and yet another encounter—Ivy returned to K&K Corporation, feeling more settled into her new role.
Finance and logistics had always been her thing. Numbers made sense; they followed rules. Unlike people, numbers weren’t unpredictable. That’s why, despite being new, Ivy quickly grasped the system.
Her boss,Mr. Rodney had already been impressed with her résumé. He was an older man, sharp-eyed and straight to the point. During their brief meeting, he reviewed her previous experience and gave a satisfied nod.
"You’ve got a strong background, Ivy. I expect great things from you."
She took it as a challenge. And she loved a challenge.
By the time Ivy got home, she was comfortably exhausted. The good kind. The ‘I’m-building-something-for-myself’ kind.
She threw her bag onto the couch, kicked off her shoes, and stretched. The day had gone well. Her boss was already impressed with her work, her desk had a killer view, nothing felt out of place.A hot shower later, she was in sweatpants and an oversized tee, padding barefoot to the kitchen. She grabbed an orange juice and a snack before noticing her phone blinking.
Dad.
She smirked and called back.
"Ivy, sweetheart! How’s my career woman?"
"Alive. You?"
"Still handsome, still breaking hearts."
Ivy rolled her eyes, laughing. Her dad, mid-50s and still ridiculously well-kept and very aware of it. He had stayed single for a long time after her mom died,12 years, to be exact. But when he finally started dating again, he jumped all in. And honestly? Good for him.
"What’s her name this time?" she teased.
"Brenda. Lawyer. Smart, beautiful, and—"
"Alright, Dad. No details, please."
"What? You asked."
She chuckled, shaking her head.
Most people assumed she’d be the overprotective daughter, but why would she be? He deserved to be happy.
"How’s Mikayla?" she asked, shifting gears
"Still acting like she’s grown, but she’s good. Your brothers are too. They were asking about you."
"Tell them I’m alive."
"I’ll let them know. So, first day at work?"
"Good. My boss already thinks I’m a genius."
"Well, he’s not wrong."
They talked a little longer before saying their goodbyes. Ivy ended the call feeling lighter.
She glanced around her apartment. No one to tell her what to do, no expectations except the ones she set for herself.
Ever since she was 16, she had dreamed of breaking free. Of being her own person. And now?
She was living it.
Tomorrow, she’d do it all over again.
- Writer
