Elara trudged up the worn stairs of her apartment building, her bag digging painfully into her shoulder. Her legs ached from a day spent dashing between schedules, phone calls, and keeping her new charge in line. Her mind was spinning, replaying every word, every glance, every small detail from the office.
I can't believe it… she thought, leaning against the door as she fumbled with the keys. The man who almost ran me over… he's my CEO. And now I have to work for him?
The small apartment smelled faintly of the stew her mother had prepared, a comforting scent amidst the storm of her thoughts. She dropped her bag by the door and sank onto the worn sofa, burying her face in her hands.
"I… I can't believe I insulted him," she whispered to herself, shaking her head. "Why did I open my mouth? I should've stayed quiet. Now… I have no idea how to survive in that place. And I'm supposed to manage his son too? I can't even take care of myself properly!"
Her mother, hearing her sigh, peeked in from the kitchen, her eyes immediately scanning her daughter's tense posture. "Elara? Honey… are you okay? You're home early. How was the interview?"
Elara lifted her face, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "It wasn't just an interview, Mom… it was… it was him."
Her mother's brow furrowed. "Him? Who?"
"The man from the street! The one who almost ran me over!" Elara exclaimed, her hands gesturing wildly. "And… and he's my CEO! I'm going to have to work for him… and take care of his child!"
Her mother's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh my goodness! That's… that's incredible, honey! But… are you okay?"
Elara threw herself onto the sofa, exhaling in frustration. "I'm… I'm terrified, Mom! He's so strict, so… cold! And he punished me for recognizing him on the street! I have to do everything perfectly, or I'll get in trouble. And his son… what if he hates me? I… I don't know if I can manage both jobs!"
Her mother came over and sat beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Elara… honey, you've handled tough things before. This is just another challenge. You'll figure it out. Take it one step at a time. Focus on what you can control."
Elara nodded, though the knot in her stomach didn't loosen. "And Mom… he has this little boy. I have to take care of him too. I don't even know how to manage a child like that. What if he cries all the time? What if I make a mistake?"
"You'll do fine, sweetie," her mother said gently. "You have a kind heart, and children can sense that. You just have to be patient, brave, and show him you care. The boy will respect you, I promise. And as for Mr. Blackwood… just remember, you're capable of more than you think. Don't let fear freeze you."
Elara exhaled, trying to let her mother's words sink in. But she was restless, still thinking of Adrian's piercing gaze, the way his eyes seemed to measure her every move, every thought. The memory of that first moment in the lobby—the shock, the fear, the realization that he was the man from the street—kept replaying in her mind like a relentless loop.
She picked up her phone and dialed her best friend, Lina, who had been a source of encouragement and advice since she first decided to apply for the job.
"Lina!" she said the moment her friend answered. "You won't believe what happened today!"
Lina laughed softly. "Tell me! I've been dying to hear!"
Elara recounted everything: the receptionist, the towering lobby, the intimidating office, and the moment she realized that the CEO was the same man who had almost run her over weeks ago. She described her fear, his sharp gaze, the strict instructions, and her pounding heart.
"And then…" she said, her voice trembling, "…he punished me! Can you believe it? He made me his personal secretary… and his son's nanny. I… I don't even know how I'll manage both!"
Lina was quiet for a moment, then said softly, "El… I know it sounds scary, but maybe… maybe he's testing you because he sees something in you. You handled yourself on the street. That takes courage, even if he didn't like being called out."
Elara groaned, her head in her hands. "Courage? Lina… I was terrified! I've never been in a place like that. And now… I have to obey him completely. I can't mess up. I just… I don't understand him! He's strict, scary, and sometimes… I think he enjoys testing me."
"Then just take it step by step," Lina encouraged. "You're stronger than you think. And honestly… if he's really that strict, you'll survive. Just… stay focused, be careful, and don't let fear stop you."
Elara nodded, hugging the phone to her chest. "I… I guess you're right. I just… I feel like I'm walking into a storm, Mom… Lina… and I don't know if I'm ready for it."
Her mother squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "You're ready because you have to be, Elara. You have no other choice. But you will manage. I know you will."
Elara exhaled slowly, gazing out the small window at the glittering city of Silvercrest. Somewhere out there, Adrian Blackwood—the man who had terrified her on the street—was in his office, unknowable and untouchable. The thought made her chest tighten with anxiety and a strange curiosity she didn't understand.
I don't understand him… she thought. And I don't know what he wants from me. But I have to survive this… I have no choice.
And as she sat there, caught between fear, confusion, and the weight of her responsibilities, she realized this was only the beginning of a journey that would test her courage, her patience, and perhaps… her heart.