As the office settled into a quiet rhythm, Ava worked diligently at her corner, her focus unwavering. Dominic occasionally glanced at her from his desk, a thoughtful expression in his dark eyes. The silence between them was comfortable, yet charged with an unspoken awareness.
Finally, his voice, smooth and low, cut through the stillness.
"Are you always this quiet, Miss Ava?"
Ava glanced up, startled. She hesitated, then met his gaze with calm determination. "I prefer to focus on the task at hand, Mr. Vale."
A faint smile played at his lips. "Efficient and disciplined.
She inclined her head slightly, acknowledging the compliment without flattery. "I believe actions speak louder than words."
His brows lifted subtly. "Ah, but sometimes words reveal more than actions, don't you think?"
Ava held his gaze, feeling the weight of his word. "Perhaps. But I find words can be... misleading."
His smile deepened, a flicker of amusement lighting his obsidian eyes. "Then we'll see which you're better at—actions or words."
Before she could respond, the intercom buzzed. James's voice filtered through, announcing the revised meeting time and her HR orientation. Dominic responded with a brief nod.
When the line clicked off, Dominic rose gracefully, smoothing the sleeves of his dark suit.
Ava stood, gathering her things. As they walked side by side through the corridors, she sensed his quiet, yet powerful presence. The subtle brush of his sleeve against hers sent a ripple through her nerves.
As they passed the R&D division, she slowed, her gaze caught by a sleek prototype on display. Dominic noticed her pause.
"Curious?" he asked softly, his voice like velvet over steel.
She glanced at him, a faint, wry smile curving her lips. "I've always admired innovation. It's... inspiring."
His dark eyes gleamed. "Innovation requires risk. The question is—are you willing to take one?"
Their gazes locked, an invisible thread tightening between them. Ava's breath caught, but she lifted her chin, matching his intensity. "Maybe. If it's worth the risk."
A subtle spark of approval flickered in his eyes. "I'll keep that in mind."
As they returned to the CEO floor, Dominic slowed his steps, his gaze landing on Ava with a hint of challenge.
"You're adapting well, Miss Ava. But…" He leaned in slightly, voice low and controlled. "You avoid looking at me every time you sense my eyes on you."
Ava lifted her chin, her blue eyes locking onto his with quiet confidence. "I don't avoid anyone, Mr. Vale. I'm just focused on my responsibilities, not on… distractions."
For a split second, surprise flickered in Dominic's eyes—then it shifted into something darker, more amused. "Distractions," he echoed softly.
Ava's lips curved into a subtle, almost taunting smile. "That's right. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked into her corner, her every step poised and collected. Dominic's gaze lingered on her retreating form, the faintest smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Interesting, he thought. Very interesting.
__
When the lunch bell rang, Ava closed her laptop and stretched her neck before standing. A few secretaries approached her with friendly smiles.
"You're the new PA, right? I'm Rachel," said one, extending her hand.
"I'm Ava. Nice to meet you."
Soon, they were joined by others, including a man from the secretary team named Lucas, who had an easy smile and mischievous glint in his eyes. "Come on, Ava, we're heading to the cafeteria. You'll love the food here—it's rumored to be five-star."
They all laughed as they made their way to the sleek, modern cafeteria filled with warm lighting and elegant counters. As they settled at a corner table, conversations flowed around Ava, but she mostly listened, observing with quiet amusement.
"You know," whispered one of the women, "before you, no personal assistant ever lasted more than a week. He's...Cold"
Lucas grinned. "Relax, Ava. If anyone can handle the boss, it's you. And if not, we'll form a support group!"
The table erupted into laughter, and Ava's lips curved into a soft smile. But before she could enjoy more of the delicious grilled salmon, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Dominic:
"Bring my lunch to my office."
Ava's brow twitched. She sighed, glancing at her barely touched plate. "Excuse me, I have to go" she said lightly, standing.
Rachel gave her a sympathetic look. "Poor thing. Already summoned."
"Good luck," Lucas grinned. "You'll need it."
---
Ava knocked once and entered, balancing the tray. Dominic sat at his desk, scrolling through something on his tablet, his dark brows furrowed in concentration.
"Your lunch, sir," she announced, setting the tray down.
Dominic's eyes flicked up. "Took you long enough. Were you hand-picking the lettuce leaves?"
She said solemnly. "I was having my lunch with other colleagues members so it took a little time. "
"Oh?" He leaned back in his chair, eyes gleaming with a mix of challenge and intrigue. "I thought you knew that this is a part of your job."
"I didn't knew sir " she said solemnly.
A glimmer of amusement tugged at his lips. "I'm starting to think you enjoy testing my patience."
"I wouldn't dare sir," she shot back, straightening her back.
His gaze lingered on her, thoughtful and sharp. Then, almost lazily, he added, "Sit. You'll make me feel guilty eating alone."
She raised an eyebrow. "That's alright sir, I have had my fill earlier. "
"..Sit"
Ava sighed but took the chair opposite him.
He ate in companionable silence for a moment, until she noticed his eyes flicking toward her plate.
"You're not used to eating with anyone, are you?" she said, tapping her fork against her salad.
"I usually prefer silence during meals," he admitte
"Then Enjoy your lunch, Mr. Vale," she said crisply, turning toward the door.
But just as her hand brushed the handle, his voice cut through the air—low, calm, and undeniably confident.
"From tomorrow onwards I expect you to join me for lunch miss ava"
"She said solemnly " I'm afraid that wont be possible sir i prefer my privacy "and then she added as in challenging voice " Since there is no clause saying personal secretary had to always eat with her boss" With that she went out of the room saying
"I'll be at my desk if you need me, Mr. Vale," she said.
Dominic nodded slightly, his expression unreadable.