Elena's POV
Monday morning. Somehow, I woke up at seven practically a miracle for me. I cleaned my apartment lightly, my heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement.
Today was the day. My first day at work. I still couldn't believe I got the job. I called Summer, and she was just as hyped, bragging about her raise at the restaurant. Honestly, this week was off to a damn good start.
I also filled her in on what happened at the club. She was worried but then I told her Rio saved me and she was relieved.
But I wasn't just nervous , I was a hot mess wrapped in baby pink. How would the CEO be? Rude? Arrogant like Rio? Okay, enough about him. I swore I wanted nothing to do with that asshole. A total lie, of course.
I tried to convince myself I hated him. But when I looked into those stormy brown eyes, I saw something else: grief, loss, hurt ,emotions so familiar they pierced me.
That cold, untouchable Rio wasn't the real Rio. Something had shattered him, and all the walls he built were to protect that broken heart. Or maybe I was just desperate to find someone who shared my pain. Either way, he was a total asshole.
I sighed, staring at my reflection. Baby pink pants, white button-up blouse tucked in perfectly, matching blazer, black belt, and heels . Minimum gewelry and also very light makeup.
I looked like a damn queen. I tied my hair in a low ponytail, leaving two strands framing my face. One last glance ,and I smiled, proud as hell.
I grabbed my black handbag, tossed in my laptop, chargers, backup makeup, phone, and keys, and headed out. The elevator dinged.
The sun was scorching hot, my heels clicked as I made my way to my car .
I slid into my car, switching on the radio. Blinding Lights by The Weeknd filled the air, and I sang along, ready to conquer the day.
Parking outside my favorite coffee shop, the bell chimed as I stepped inside. Lisa, my sunshine of a barista and lowkey friend, caught sight of me immediately.
"Well, well, well… look who finally decided to show up after a thousand years," she teased with a grin and wrapped me in a hug.
"Hey, Lisa! I missed you," I smiled, pulling away just enough to breathe. She went behind the counter, whipping up my usual.
"Missed you too, darling. The usual?" she asked. I nodded, feeling the warmth of normalcy in the chaos.
Coffee in hand, I headed outside the coffee shop, and I drove through the streets of New York, towards the MARIANO'S building.
The sun was merciless a brutal New York oven. But my nervousness? Gone. I walked in with my head high, ready to slay in business mode.
At the front desk, the same redhead from my interview was glued to her computer. I needed to know her name , couldn't just call her "Redhead."
"Good morning, miss," I said with a smile. Her gaze lifted, matching mine with a warm one of her own.
"Morning! You're back! That means you got the job congratulations!" she said genuinely.
"Thank you. Umm…" I hesitated.
"Margo," she introduced herself, holding out a hand which I shook.
"Elena," I replied, cheeks warming from all the genuine smiles bouncing between us.
"Follow me to Mrs. Mariana's office," she said, leading the way. The elevator ride was quiet, the floors ticking by until the 18th, where the luxury hit me hard ,marble floors so clean you could see your reflection. The cleaning crew deserves a raise, no cap.
Margo knocked lightly on a massive door.
"Come in!" a woman's voice called ,definitely Mariana.
The office was huge, tastefully decorated ,white checkered floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, shelves heavy with books, and a large polished desk with a leather chair.
"Madam, Miss Elena is here," I heard softly, and then her eyes met Mariana's. I recognized her from the interview , she hadn't said a word then, just watched.
And I was also certain she was the one I saw at the club but , she doesn't have to know that ,so I shut my mouth .
"Thanks, Margo, you can go," Mariana said with a gentle Italian accent.
Once alone, I approached the desk and sat.
"I'm glad you made it. The CEO was desperate for an assistant, and out of 46 candidates, you qualified. Congratulations," Mariana smiled, and I had to bite back a childish urge to jump up and down.
"Thank you, Miss Mariana," I said, voice steady but thrilled.
"Well, let's get started, shall we?" She gestured to her own seat, standing while I powered up my laptop.
"The CEO isn't easy hot-tempered, no mistakes allowed. He demands perfection, and that's exactly what he gets. Keep him on your good side, don't take his anger too literally, and for God's sake, be punctual. Never late. His office must be immaculate, and his coffee — hot, two sugars, waiting for him every morning. Memorize his schedule and keep him updated. Basically, do your job, and stay the hell out of his way."
I blinked, a thousand questions on the tip of my tongue. Was she his assistant? Before I could ask, she answered herself.
"I know this because he's my big brother. I was helping him find a replacement," she smiled.
"I think I can handle that," I said confidently.
She nodded, handing me a document.
"That's his schedule for today."
Shit. That's a lot.
Just as I grabbed my bag to leave and follow her to wherever it is she's going to lead me , she stopped me.
"This is your office now. Settle in. When the CEO arrives, he'll call you through the office phone."she says with a smile .
I stop in my tracks and I smile back at her .
I nodded, thanking her ,and she patted my shoulder before leaving.
Door shut behind her, I sank into the leather chair, hands running over the polished desk. I couldn't believe it , my own office, complete with a personal bathroom. I was definitely out of my league here.
Just then, the office phone rang. Heart pounding, I snatched it up.
"Miss Elena, my office now," the deep voice commanded before the line went dead.
God he sounds a lot like Rio.
I chuckled, that can't be Rio.
Clutching his schedule and my phone, I headed out. The door with the giant CEO sign was easy to spot.
I knocked lightly and stepped inside once invited.
He sat with his back to me, looking out the window. I stood there like a damn fool my heels clicked slightly as I walked over near his desk, clearing my throat.
Slowly, he turned , and my jaw hit the floor,my blood went cold ..or hot.. because what in the actual fuck!!!?
The shock is evident on my face.
No fucking way. Rio is my boss.
You have got to be kidding me .
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