Tangled heart

Chapter 3

The following week dawned with the promise of change for Chloe. For nights she had barely slept, her mind rehearsing every possible scenario of what it would mean to work directly under Donald Whitaker—the man whose name alone carried weight in New York’s corporate world. The job felt bigger than her, yet it was hers. No longer just a nervous applicant clutching her résumé in the waiting lounge, Chloe was about to step into her role as personal secretary to the CEO himself.

That morning, she lingered for an extra second in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection as though trying to convince herself that she belonged in the world she was about to enter. She wore a neatly tailored gown designed by her twin, Ashley—a reminder that no matter how far she went, her roots were still humble. Ashley, despite her struggles with practical handiwork, had a talent for creating clothes that made Chloe feel strong, radiant, even unstoppable.

She walked into the company with a confident smile, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor. The lobby buzzed with rhythm, employees darting from desk to desk, their movements like parts of a well-rehearsed symphony. Chloe’s heart swelled as she realized—she was no longer an outsider peering in. She was now part of it.

“Good morning, ma’am. I’m Chloe,” she said at the front desk, her tone bright and self-assured. “I was here last week for a job interview, and I was asked to resume this morning.”

The receptionist, poised in a stylish dress, pointed toward a man seated nearby. “Oh, you can meet the gentleman at that entrance. He’ll lead you to the CEO’s office.”

Soon after, the general manager of the secretaries escorted Chloe through the hallways to Donald Whitaker’s office.

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The CEO’s office looked just like Donald and spoke of quiet authority. Files and documents were perfectly aligned on shelves, while floor-to-ceiling windows washed the space in morning light. Donald stood near the glass, sipping coffee, when the door opened.

“Morning, sir. I was told to lead this woman to you,” the general manager announced with a slight bow before excusing himself.

Chloe stepped forward nervously, folding her hands across her stomach as her eyes lingered, perhaps a second too long on Donald’s striking frame. “Good morning, sir. I received a text last week asking me to resume today.”

Donald turned, studying her briefly. “You’re welcome. Please, have a seat.” He eased into his chair. “My sister spoke well of your competence in your absence.” His gaze lingered for a moment as he looked at Chloe, though he forced himself to focus. “The general manager will explain how things are done here. But for now, you can help by sorting those files back there.” He gestured toward the shelves.

Chloe’s first day proved anything but simple, arranging files, memorizing schedules, and handling calls with international clients. Donald was sharp, precise, and rarely impressed. Yet he could not help noticing that Chloe was unlike the last assistant, dismissed in less than a month. She worked with quiet efficiency, her composure intact even under his watchful eye.

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At that moment, Sandra entered the building with characteristic poise, her heels clicking against the mabbled floor. Sharp glasses framed her face, and the subtle fragrance she carried seemed to announce her presence before she spoke. She slipped her phone from her bag as she walked.

Sandra had not always cared for her father’s company, especially after her mother’s death. But with time, she had learned to move forward. Now, at twenty-five, she was not only director of supply chain operations but also regarded by many as ready for marriage. Unlike her brother, however, she did not chase love with urgency, even though, she was prepared for marriage unlike Donald.

“Morning, ma. You are welcome, ma,” the receptionist greeted smoothly.

“Morning…” Sandra replied with a nod, striding past a cleaner who caught a lingering note of her perfume as she made for the elevator.

Nearby, Joseph, a young and handsome employee, stole a glance at her. He had admired Sandra since the day he resumed and now found himself watching her again in silent awe.

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As Sandra approached her office, her eyes caught Chloe standing by Donald’s door. She smiled, pausing long enough to address her.

“Morning, pretty. How’s your first day? Have you met the CEO yet?” Sandra asked warmly, though she didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, she swept the door open and stepped inside.

“Well, look at you,” she teased. “Seated like a king.”

Donald didn’t lift his eyes from his laptop. “Morning. You left home early. Dad asked after you.” His voice carried the weight of concentration, his tone serious.

Sandra leaned closer, lowering her voice. “You know, this might not be strictly business with the new girl. She could be your….”

Donald interrupted with a short laugh. “So this is what you’ve been scheming? You do realize she’s still under observation.” With that, he called Chloe into the office, giving her work as though Sandra’s words had dissolved into thin air.

Sandra left, momentarily stunned. Still, she carried with her a quiet relief. Whatever Donald might resist, she sensed that the game was only just beginning.