At just 21 years old, Saphina Rose Hadley had already seen more of life's bitter side than most did in a lifetime. Orphaned at the age of ten after a tragic car accident stole her parents away, she had grown up learning how to survive — not by choice, but by force. The world didn't wait for anyone, especially not a girl with no family, no backup, and nothing but a stubborn heart full of dreams.
Now, standing outside a towering glass building in the heart of the city, she took a slow breath, adjusting her second-hand blazer and worn-out purse. This wasn't just a job interview. It was a shot at a new life — one that didn't involve worrying about rent, skipping meals to save money, or crying herself to sleep out of pure exhaustion.Saphina was petite, just a little under average height, but her presence was impossible to overlook. Her deep brown eyes held a quiet fire, framed by long lashes. Her soft curls were pulled back into a neat bun, though a few tendrils escaped to kiss her warm, bronze skin. She was beautiful in the kind of way that made people turn twice — not flashy, but striking. A gentle kind of beauty that lingered. Hope and grit clung to her like perfume.
She whispered to herself, "You've come this far… don't stop now," and pushed open the door.
**
Elsewhere, in a penthouse office with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the entire skyline, a man stood, watching the city below like a king surveying his empire.
He didn't speak. He rarely needed to. His presence filled the room in a way that words never could.---
Saphina adjusted her blouse nervously as she sat on the edge of the reception room sofa, hands folded tightly in her lap. The clock ticked loud in her ears, each second stretching into what felt like minutes. Her palms were sweaty, and she wiped them quickly on her skirt. She didn't want to mess this up.
Around her, everything screamed wealth — the marble floors, the gold-accented furniture, even the scent in the air. She'd never been inside a place this elegant before. This wasn't some local firm; this was Moretti's Holdings — one of the biggest, most feared business empires in the country. The kind of company that was whispered about, never questioned.
And yet, here she was. Hoping. Praying.
"Saphina Rose Hadley?" a soft, clipped voice called.
She sprang up. "Yes! I mean—yes, that's me."
The woman who'd called her smiled tightly. She wore all black and walked like someone who didn't have time for nonsense.
"This way. Mr. Moretti 's assistant will see you."
Her heart skipped.
Mr. Moretti.
The name sounded like something out of a crime drama. She didn't know what he looked like, but she'd heard stories — the man was smart, ruthless, and rich beyond measure. And now, his assistant wanted to see her?
She followed silently, her flats barely making a sound on the floor.
When they reached the office, the assistant — a clean-shaven, serious-looking man named Caleb — stood to greet her. "Miss Hadley. Thank you for coming. Please have a seat."
She did, clutching her file.
Caleb glanced over her résumé, nodding slowly. "Graduated top of your class… part-time tutoring, freelance writing… You've worked hard."
She smiled, unsure if she should say thank you or stay quiet.
"I'll be honest," he continued, "We don't usually take fresh graduates, but there's something promising here. Mr. Moretti takes notice of ambition."
Saphina's heart fluttered. Was she actually being considered?
Then the door behind Caleb opened — and in walked the storm.
She didn't see his face at first. Just the sound of his shoes. The room seemed to shift with his presence. Even the air felt heavier. And then — he looked up.
Their eyes met.
Her breath caught.
It was *him*.
The man from the elevator.
Earlier, when she'd arrived, she'd shared an elevator ride with a man who didn't speak, didn't even look at her — but she remembered his presence, the way he'd stood like the world didn't touch him.
Now he was here.
And he was him.
Tristan Lucien Moretti.
He didn't smile. Didn't blink. Just looked at her — like he was trying to solve a puzzle he hadn't expected to find.
Saphina quickly stood up. "Good morning, sir."
Tristan looked at Caleb. "You didn't tell me we had a new applicant today."
"I thought I'd screen her first," Caleb replied, clearing his throat. "She's… interesting."
Tristan's gaze remained locked on her. "I can see that."
His voice was smooth, deep, and commanding. He walked over to his desk, eyes still on her, then finally broke the stare to glance at her résumé.
"Hmm. Saphina Rose Hadley," he read aloud. "Twenty-one. No work experience in the corporate world… yet here you are."
She swallowed hard. "I'm willing to learn, sir."
He looked up slowly. "Everyone says that."
Silence filled the room.
Then, to her surprise, a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "But you… you don't look like you're here to waste time."
"I'm not."
Tristan studied her again. That fire in her eyes — it reminded him of something. Or someone. He couldn't place it yet.
He finally spoke to Caleb, "She starts tomorrow. Entry-level assistant. Let's see how long she lasts."
Saphina blinked. "Wait… I got the job?"
Tristan gave her one last look. "Don't make me regret it."
Then he turned and disappeared into the next room — leaving her standing there, stunned.
She had no idea what she'd just stepped into.
But from the look in his eyes… neither did he.
**
Far above, Tristan stood by his office window again, hands in his pockets, watching the streets below.
That girl — Saphina.
There was something about her.
He wasn't sure what.
But for the first time in a long time… he was curious.
And curiosity was dangerous.
Especially for a man like him.
---