Chapter1
1022 Words
New beginnings
Lily Bennett paused at Stonebridge Enterprises' tall glass doors, smoothing down the front of her charcoal-gray pencil skirt to try to calm the nervous flutter in her gut. This was it—the start of a fresh chapter in her life, one she expected would bring stability and success. She inhaled deeply, then pushed open the door to enter the contemporary lobby.
The receptionist gave a friendly glance. "Good morning! I can help you.
"I'm Lily Bennett," she said, her voice firm even with the residual butterflies. "I am Mr. Stone's new secretary here for my first day."
Nodding and looking at her tablet, the receptionist Naturally, Ms. Bennett. Welcome from Stonebridge Enterprises. You are expected by Mr. Stone. Kindly head to the executive floor; his office comes last on the left.
Lily responded, "Thank you," grinning gratefully, then turned to face the lift, her heels clicking on the smooth marble floor. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror inside as the doors slid shut. Her emerald green eyes were brilliant with will, and her auburn hair was tied back in a tidy bun. She straightened her shoulders, psychologically getting herself ready for any obstacles loomed.
Lily followed the receptionist's instructions and soon found herself standing before a big oak door with a basic brass sign saying "Michael Stone, CEO." She was exiting on the executive floor. Her heart thumping, she knocked softly.
Come in, a deep voice emanating from within.
Lily pulled the door open to enter the roomy corner office. Though her eyes were first drawn to the man behind the massive mahogany desk, floor to ceiling windows presented an amazing perspective of the metropolitan skyline.
Rising from his seat, Stonebridge Enterprises CEO Michael Stone had an incomprehensible look. Lily couldn't help but remark on how perfectly he was dressed in a charcoal suit that highlighted his broad shoulders and chiseled face. His blue eyes locked hers momentarily before he reached out a hand.
"Ms. Bennett, welcome," he began in a voice that was silky yet firm. Michael Stone is my name.
"Lily," she said, firmly shaking his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet Mr. Stone."
"Please, call me Michael," he responded, pointing for her to sit across from his desk. "I have faith you had no trouble locating the office?"
Lily sank into the chair, attempting to ignore the impulses threatening to compromise her serenity. "No, the directions were unambiguous. Thank you.
Michael briefly watched her, his eyes penetrating. "Excellent. At Stonebridge, efficiency is crucial. From my staff, I really expect nothing less than perfection.
Lily answered, "I understand," squarely staring at him. "I'm here to help you in any way I can."
He nodded, as though he approved of her answer. "Great." Let us begin; shall we?
Lily picked up her new position rapidly over the morning. She skillfully negotiated Michael's hectic schedule, answering calls, setting up appointments, and sorting his deluging email. Though at first distant, Michael turned out to be a reasonable and respectful manager who provided direction and comments as needed.
Lily felt as the day went on that there was more under Michael's calm front. She noticed flashes of a man committed to his work but perhaps weighed down by something more—a touch of weakness seeping through his professional front.
Lily was staring out at the city skyline, thinking back on the road that had brought her here during a little break in Michael's meetings. Lily, who grew up in a modest apartment under her industrious mother, had always imagined a job that would help them escape financial instability. Her opportunity to ensure that future came from this work at Stonebridge.
Michael's office phone buzzed just as she was ready to resume her work. He grabbed it, his brow slightly wrinkling as he listened to the voice on the other end. Though Lily sensed conflict in his manner, she cannot hear the words.
Michael hung up and turned toward Lily following a brief conversation. "You are supposed to set up a Davis family gathering. We really must get their cooperation for the forthcoming merger negotiations.
Lily nodded, already internally planning the logistics. Of course, Michael. I'll get right over to them.
Her questions nagged at her as she started writing the email. The Davis family was well-known for their conservative principles and demand on moral behavior in commercial transactions. While securing their alliance would be vital, why did it appear to weigh so heavily on Michael?
Lily had confirmed the meeting with the Davis family for the next day hours later. She looked at the clock; about six in the evening. Now the office was silent; Michael's desk was softly illuminated by the sunset.
Michael came out of his private conference room looking especially reflective just as she was getting ready to head off for the day. He stopped to see Lily still seated at her desk.
"Thank you for staying late," he replied softly, his voice somewhat tired.
"It's no problem," Lily said, organizing her belongings. "Is there anything else you need before I leave?"
Michael stopped, as though he was evaluating his remarks. Indeed, yeah. Lily, I have something for you.
She blinked, startled by his abrupt change of tone. "A proposal?"
"Yes," he answered, approaching further closely. "But first, I need to ask you something really crucial."
Lily's heart missed a beat, doubt whirling in her head. Given just one day on the job, what could Michael possibly want to ask her now, at this hour? She looked at him, waiting for him to go on.
Michael replied at last, his voice low, "I need your help." "It relates to the Davis family reunion tomorrow. The future of this business depends on it, so I need someone I can rely on to make sure everything happens accordingly.
Lily nodded slowly, her pulse picking speed. Naturally, Michael. You know you can count on me.
He looked at her for a moment, his face . Then he said words that would transform everything in a voice just slightly above a whisper:
"I need you to wed me, Lily.
- Writer
