Early in the morning, Hazel's alarm buzzed loudly, pulling her out of sleep. She blinked at the ceiling for a moment before the excitement hit her all at once.
"I'm 23 years old… and today is my first day of work after yesterday's interview," she whispered to herself, grinning.
The thought alone made her jump out of bed.
Today was a big day.
Her first real job.
A clean start.
A new chapter.
"Okay, Hazel," she muttered in under her breath, laughing at herself. "Try not to mess up. Stay out of trouble!"
With that, she headed for the bathroom. After a long shower, she dressed in a simple skirt, a clean plain shirt, and a light jacket. She stood in front of her mirror, applied her lip gloss carefully, pressed her lips together, and smiled at her reflection.
"Hazel," she said, pointing at herself, "you're good to go."
She grabbed her keys — then froze.
Her mother's picture sat on the shelf, smiling softly at her.
Hazel picked it up gently, kissed it, and whispered, "Mom… I hope you're proud of me from heaven."
A bittersweet smile pulled at her lips.
Today is a happy day. Mom wouldn't want me to cry, she reminded herself.
After locking her apartment, Hazel went up one floor to say goodbye to her best friend, Hailey, who lived right above her. To her surprise, Hailey was already dressed in formal work clothes.
"I thought today was your day off," Hazel said, looking her over. "Why are you dressed for work?"
Hailey groaned dramatically. "My annoying boss called me last night and told me to come in. I wanted to yell at him, but he hung up before I could even complain!" She threw her hands up. "I'm so tired of him. I swear, I almost want to resign."
Then, without missing a beat, she added with a dreamy smile, "But he is handsome. I enjoy looking at his face… even though sometimes I feel like punching it."
Hazel burst into laughter. "Oh my gosh, Hailey! Didn't you say you hate him? And now look at you. Just admit you have a crush."
Hailey crossed her arms. "Please. I'm just complimenting him. Do you think I'd actually like a man like him? Girl, he's a playboy. He flirts with anything in a skirt. Half my colleagues have had… whatever with him."
Her voice dropped, suddenly sad.
"But he's never even noticed me."
Hazel smiled softly in her head.
My poor baby has a crush on her boss.
"Hailey, stop daydreaming about him. It's not worth it," Hazel said gently. "There are plenty of men out there who won't stress your soul."
"I know, I know," Hailey sighed, waving her hand. "I'd never fall in love with someone like him anyway."
"If you say so…" Hazel mumbled, not wanting to argue.
"Come on, girl. Let's go. You can't be late on your first day," Hazel said, picking up her bag.
They rushed downstairs, and Hailey flagged down a taxi. Both hopped in.
Hailey was the first to drop off at her own company. As she stepped out, Hazel admired the building again — Gray Technologies. It was stunning, towering and modern.
Hazel had always wished to work there.
She had applied.
She had dreamed.
But she wasn't accepted.
It broke her heart at the time…
But she didn't give up.
She kept trying. Interview after interview.
And now — finally — she got hired…
Not just anywhere.
But at A.L. Technologies, the number one company in the entire city.
The "A.L." stood for Alexander, the CEO — a man surrounded by countless rumors.
Arrogant. Perfectionist. Heart-stoppingly handsome.
But Hazel didn't care about any of that.
She only cared about doing her job well.
"We've arrived at your destination, madam," the taxi driver said.
Hazel snapped out of her thoughts.
"Oh! Thank you."
She paid, stepped out — and froze.
The building was massive.
Not just tall — majestic.
Glass walls that glimmered.
Sleek lines.
A design so pristine she nearly forgot to breathe.
I'll admire it later, she told herself. I'm already late!
She rushed in.
All eyes turned to her the moment she stepped into the lobby, but Hazel didn't even notice. She was too stunned by the company's interior. It looked like something out of a futuristic movie — elegant lights, polished floors, breathtaking architecture.
She forgot about time.
She forgot about everything.
Until—
"Miss Hazel?"
She turned sharply. A tall man in a suit approached her. His hair was neatly combed back, and he had the expression of someone who didn't enjoy repeating himself.
"I'm Mr. Raymond, the head manager who hired you," he said. "Why are you late on your very first day? Is this the impression you want to give? Do you want me to regret my decision?"
Hazel went pale.
"This is a busy company. We do not tolerate lateness. And what do you think the boss will do? He hates excuses. He hates delay. You're lucky we even hired you — we're full of interns already! I picked you because you begged and because I saw potential in you. Was I wrong?"
Hazel felt her hands tremble.
Her heart hammered.
She was seconds away from crying.
No, this can't be happening. Please God, not on my first day.
"I-I'm so sorry," she stuttered. Tears pooled in her eyes. "It was the traffic… I didn't mean to be late. Please, I'm sorry."
Mr. Raymond exhaled loudly.
"Fine. I've heard enough. Let's go meet the CEO. He will decide what happens next."
Hazel felt faint.
They walked to the elevator.
When it opened to the penthouse floor, Hazel gasped.
It was… heavenly.
Luxurious.
Sophisticated.
The entire floor smelled like expensive cologne and fresh marble.
And there was only one door.
Mr. Raymond walked forward and opened it.
Hazel's breath hitched.
She stepped inside.
And there he was.
Sitting in his massive chair, back facing them.
Alexander Grey Williams.
The CEO.
The man who could end her career before it even started.
"Sir," Mr. Raymond began nervously, "this is the new personal assistant I hired. She was late because—"
"Let her speak for herself," Alexander ordered.
His voice was deep. Calm. Hard as stone.
Hazel's entire body shivered.
But she had no choice.
She stepped forward, knees weak.
And before she could stop herself—
She fell to her knees.
"I'm so, so, so sorry, sir!" she cried. "I swear I'm not usually late! It was the traffic! Please don't fire me — I really need this job!"
Silence.
Then—
"Stand up," Alexander said.
His voice didn't sound angry.
But it was unreadable.
Dangerously unreadable.
Hazel slowly lifted her head—
And froze.
Her tears… stopped.
Her breath… vanished.
Because the man looking back at her…
…was the most breathtaking human she had ever seen.
Perfectly sculpted features
Silver eyes that looked unreal
Dark hair framing his flawless face
A presence that made the entire room feel smaller
She stared.
He stared back.
And before she could stop herself, Hazel whispered—
"What the f—"
Her eyes widened too late.