Ava's Morning
Ava's eyes fluttered open, greeted by the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. She stared at the ceiling, taking a deep breath. A new day, new challenges. I'm going to live today to the fullest.
With renewed determination, she jumped out of bed and headed to the washroom. After refreshing herself, she donned her crisp white shirt and the uniform of a personal secretary. Pulling her hair into a high ponytail, she examined her reflection in the mirror.
"Okay, ready to deal with this day," she whispered to herself, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
Breakfast Encounter
Descending the grand staircase, Ava made her way to the dining hall. She took her seat at the same spot as the previous night, the vast table stretching out before her. Moments later, Dominic entered, his presence commanding as always.
She stood up respectfully. "Good morning, Mr. Vale."
He nodded, acknowledging her greeting, and they both sat down to begin their breakfast in silence.
After breakfast, Ava stepped outside, noticing the sleek car parked at the manor's gate. Standing beside it was a young man, tall and broad-shouldered, with dark brown hair neatly combed back. Dressed in all black, he leaned slightly on the car, observing the flowers nearby.
Sensing someone's gaze, he turned his eyes and saw a slender woman with a high ponytail approaching. Her features were soft, and her eyes as blue as the ocean. It was his first time seeing a woman emerge from the manor, aside from the staff. Judging by her attire, it was clear she worked for the boss.
Just then, James approached, drawing the young man's attention.
"Miss Ava, this is Mr. Jones, the boss's driver," James introduced.
They exchanged greetings before Dominic appeared, dressed in a dark black suit that accentuated his ethereal presence. His obsidian eyes shimmered in the sunlight.
Mr. Jones promptly opened the door for Dominic, who settled into the Rolls Royce's luxurious interior.
Dominic's gaze shifted to Ava. "Aren't you coming?"
She looked at James, who gestured subtly, indicating she should get in.
"After you," she said, hesitating.
Dominic, without looking up from his tablet, replied, "You're coming with me."
She raised an eyebrow at his words.
"Aren't you my personal secretary? So shouldn't you be coming with me? Let's go," he added, his tone firm.
Taking a light exhale, she stepped into the car, joining him.
Arrival at the Office
Inside the elevator, Ava busied herself adjusting to her new work environment, with James assisting her. Dominic leaned slightly, observing them silently.
As they entered the office floor, every secretary stood up, paying their respects. The atmosphere was thick with formality, yet an undercurrent of tension lingered.
Ava stepped onto the glossy office floor beside Dominic. The subtle hush of secretaries standing tall in greeting filled the air. Despite her calm exterior, her pulse raced beneath her white shirt, feeling the weight of the new job and eyes—and on her.
James leaned toward her slightly. "Miss Ava, I'll coordinate with HR for your access passes and schedule. Shall we?"
Before she could respond, Dominic's voice, smooth and commanding, echoed from just ahead.
"She'll follow me for now."
Ava blinked, glancing between James and Dominic. James gave a polite nod and stepped back, murmuring, "Of course, Mr. Vale."
As Ava stood still, Dominic's stride slowed ever so slightly, an unspoken command for her to catch up. She hurried a few steps to fall in line beside him, though keeping a respectable distance.
They passed through the modern, minimalist-designed corridors of Vale Enterprises—white walls accented with matte black lines and bursts of lush green plants. Soft light filtered through expansive glass windows, casting long shadows on the polished floor.
The subtle click of Ava's heels echoed alongside Dominic's measured steps. Finally, she spoke, her voice a soft murmur. "Mr. Vale, I'm assuming today's schedule is the same as discussed in the morning brief?"
He didn't slow, but his lips curved in the faintest hint of amusement. "Impressive. You remember the details despite the rushed introuction yesterday."
She straightened her back. "I make it a point to keep up."
He stopped abruptly in front of a sleek glass door, turning to face her fully. The sudden proximity made her catch her breath, though she maintained a composed expression. His dark eyes searched hers, as if probing deeper than her words.
"That's what I'm counting on, Miss Ava."
Before she could formulate a reply, he pushed the door open, revealing his expansive corner office. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the room in natural light, the view of the city below stretching endlessly. A large, matte black desk sat near the windows, complemented by a minimalist couch and a meticulously arranged bookcase.
Dominic gestured slightly. "Settle here today. You'll coordinate directly with me."
She nodded, stepping in cautiously, feeling the subtle shift in air as the door clicked shut behind her. As she moved to unpack her tablet and notebook on the side desk, she couldn't shake the feeling of his gaze tracing her movements.
He moved to his main desk, typing commands on his tablet with swift precision. Yet, every few moments, his eyes flicked to her—assessing, intrigued.
Minutes stretched into an hour as they worked in silence. The only sounds were the soft taps of keys and the occasional low hum of his voice giving commands to the AI system integrated into the room.
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