If someone had told me I'd be working for my ex again, I'd have laughed, cried, and probably blocked them.
But here I was — standing in the lobby of Reed Industries, clutching my ID badge like it was a weapon.
"First day, Miss Carter?" the receptionist asked politely.
"Yes," I said with a nervous laugh. "Please point me to the ninth circle of hell— I mean, the CEO's office."
She giggled and handed me a visitor's pass. "Top floor. Good luck!"
Yeah. I'll need it. Preferably in unlimited supply.
---
The elevator ride was long enough for my anxiety to perform a full musical number in my head.
Every time the doors slid open on another floor, I prayed someone would stop me and say, "Just kidding, you're hired somewhere else!"
No such luck.
When I reached the top floor, I was greeted by a space so elegant it made my apartment look like a shoebox. Glass walls, gold accents, the faint smell of expensive coffee — and in the center of it all, him.
Alexander Reed, looking devastatingly professional behind his desk.
Of course he was already working — typing with the same precision he used when breaking hearts.
I stood by the door awkwardly. "Good morning, Mr. Reed."
Without looking up, he replied, "You're late."
I blinked at the clock. "It's 8:59."
He finally looked up, one brow raised. "My employees come early, Miss Carter. Not almost on time."
I smiled sweetly. "Ah, right. My mistake, sir. I'll remember to wake up at 4 a.m. next time so I can meditate on your punctuality."
His mouth twitched — a half-smile, half-grimace. "Sarcasm before coffee. Impressive."
He nodded toward the corner desk. "That's yours. Let's see if you can still handle my schedule."
"Oh, I can handle a lot of things," I said, walking over. "Especially egos."
He didn't respond, but I caught the faintest smirk before he looked away. Small victories count.
---
The morning flew by in a blur of meetings, emails, and endless coffee runs.
Every time I thought I'd done well, Alex found something to comment on.
> "You missed a comma in the memo."
"This report should be in Arial, not Times New Roman."
"My coffee's too sweet — did you mistake me for someone nice?"
By lunchtime, I was ready to declare war.
---
I was halfway through a sandwich when his intercom buzzed.
"Miss Carter," his deep voice came through. "My next meeting is moved up. Cancel lunch."
I pressed the button. "Already eating, sir. Want me to cancel my appetite too?"
A short pause. Then, "You haven't changed."
"Neither have you," I muttered under my breath — but forgot the mic was still on.
"Pardon?" he said.
"Nothing!" I squeaked, cheeks burning. "I said— I'll handle it!"
Smooth, Luna. Real smooth.
---
By 3 p.m., my brain was mush. My phone buzzed — a message from my best friend, Mia.
📱 [MIA]: Surviving your first day with the demon boss?
📱 [LUNA]: Barely. He hasn't thrown holy water yet, so I guess that's progress.
📱 [MIA]: Maybe he's still in love with you 😏
📱 [LUNA]: Girl, please. The only thing he loves is his reflection.
I chuckled, slipping my phone away — only to find Alex standing right in front of my desk.
Busted.
"Personal messages during work hours?" he asked, crossing his arms.
I swallowed. "It was… um… motivational support."
"Oh?" He leaned closer, eyes glinting. "And what was so motivating?"
I smiled nervously. "Would you believe… prayer?"
He stared at me for a long second, then laughed — a genuine, surprised laugh that made my stomach flip. "You haven't changed, Luna."
"Neither have you," I said, softer this time. "Still a control freak."
He tilted his head. "And yet, you came back."
That shut me up. Because he was right. I did come back. Maybe for the job. Maybe for something I didn't want to admit.
---
The day ended with him calling me into his office again.
When I stepped in, he was packing up his things.
"You did well today," he said, almost casually. "Despite the sarcasm."
"Wow," I said. "A compliment? Should I frame that?"
He smirked. "Don't get used to it."
I rolled my eyes but smiled anyway. "See you tomorrow, boss."
He looked up, gaze lingering a second longer than it should. "Get home safe, Luna."
---
I stepped out of the building, the evening air brushing against my face. My heels hurt, my head ached, and my heart — well, that was another story.
Because for the first time since we broke up, I wasn't just angry.
I was curious.
Maybe this job wasn't a curse after all.
Maybe it was a second chance — or a disaster waiting to happen.
Either way, I was ready.