Chapter 2: A Rough Start
1021 Words
Lily took a deep breath as she stepped out of the house, her heart racing with a mix of nerves and excitement. Today was her first day at work, the first step toward building her career on her own terms. Just as she was about to leave, her father, Edward De La Cuesta, held out a key.
“Here, use this. I just bought it yesterday.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Dad? Seriously? A brand-new Maybach?” She stared at the luxury car parked in the driveway, then back at her father. “How many times have I told you I don’t want people knowing who I am? I want to succeed on my own, without your influence. If they find out I’m the only daughter of Edward De La Cuesta, the sole heiress of De La Cuesta Corp., they’ll treat me differently.”
Her father sighed, shaking his head. “All right, I won’t argue with you.”
Lily exhaled in relief. “Thanks, Dad. I’ll head out now.” She got into a much simpler car, one she had chosen for herself, and drove away.
As she disappeared down the street, Edward pulled out his phone. “Ethan, my daughter is on her way to work. I trust you’ll take care of her.”
“No worries, Edward. I’ll have one of my secretaries assist her,” Ethan assured him.
The towering glass building of Rivera Enterprises stood before Lily as she arrived at the entrance. Excitement bubbled inside her, but in her rush, she failed to notice someone in her path, until she collided with them.
“You i***t!”
A sharp, shrill voice pierced the air. Lily blinked as a furious woman glared at her. Ashley, one of the department heads, was fuming, her expensive designer dress now stained with coffee.
“Do you have any idea how much this dress costs? You ruined it!”
Lily sighed. The last thing she wanted on her first day was trouble. “I’m sorry. How much is it? I’ll pay.”
Ashley’s lips curled into a sneer as she gave Lily a once-over, eyeing her simple attire with obvious disdain. “You? Pay? Look at yourself. You can’t even afford decent clothes, and you think you can compensate for my dress?” She let out a loud, mocking laugh, drawing attention from nearby employees.
Lily clenched her fists, trying to keep her patience intact. “Just name your price, and you’ll see.”
Ashley crossed her arms. “Do you even know who I am? I’m the president’s fiancée.” She smirked, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “Since you’re new, I’ll give you a choice, leave now and never come back, or face the consequences.”
A few employees snickered, watching as Ashley flaunted her so-called power.
Upstairs, Ethan Rivera was in the middle of a board meeting when his assistant leaned in and whispered something to him.
At first, he didn’t react, until he caught a particular name, Lily.
Without a second thought, Ethan stood up, pushing his chair back. The directors exchanged shocked glances as he strode out of the meeting room without a word.
“What happened?” one of them murmured.
“Mr. Rivera never lets anything interrupt a meeting. Whoever it is must be important.”
Back at the lobby, Lily remained calm despite Ashley’s continuous insults.
“Look, Miss, this is my first day. Just name your price, and I’ll settle it.”
Ashley scoffed. “Tch. How stubborn.”
Then....
Slap!
Lily’s head snapped to the side, her cheek burning from the force of Ashley’s hand. Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Lily touched her face in shock. “What the hell?”
Ashley smirked. “Wake up, darling. You don’t belong here. Get lost.”
Before Lily could react, a deep, commanding voice cut through the tension.
“I think you’re the one who should get lost.”
The room fell silent.
Ashley turned around, her face draining of color as Ethan Rivera strode toward them, his sharp gaze locked onto her.
Lily’s heart pounded. Seeing him in person, standing just a few feet away, was something else. He exuded power, authority, and something else, something that made her stomach flutter unexpectedly.
“Are you okay?” Ethan asked, his voice gentler when he addressed her.
Lily blinked, snapping out of her daze. “Uh, yeah, I’m fine. I just accidentally bumped into her and ruined her dress.”
Ashley, sensing an opportunity, quickly interrupted. “She did it on purpose!”
Lily exhaled sharply. “I didn’t. I already apologized, but she kept criticizing me....”
Before she could finish, Ethan’s voice sliced through the air.
“You’re fired.”
Ashley’s smug expression widened into a grin. “You heard that?” She turned to Lily. “You’re fired! Now get out....”
“I wasn’t talking to her.”
Ashley froze.
“I was talking to you.”
Her face paled. “W-what?”
Ethan’s glare was cold, merciless. “Who do you think you are? Disrespecting a fellow employee in my company? Get out.”
Ashley stumbled over her words. “N-no, sir, wait! Let me explain! I....”
“Save it.” His tone was final.
Desperation flickered in Ashley’s eyes. She turned to Lily, her expression shifting into fake remorse. “Miss, I didn’t mean to offend you. Please, I swear it won’t happen again.”
Lily glanced at Ethan, then back at Ashley. She wasn’t someone who liked ruining people’s lives, but after everything Ashley had done, she wasn’t about to beg for mercy on her behalf.
“It’s fine. Let her go this time.”
Ethan narrowed his eyes at her, clearly displeased. His assistant, Alex, muttered under his breath, “Is she tired of living? No one gets a second chance after angering the boss.”
After a long pause, Ethan exhaled sharply. “This is the last warning. One more mistake, and you’re done.”
Ashley nodded frantically, stumbling away.
Ethan turned back to Lily. “Follow me.”
- Writer
