Chapter 1 My Chaotic First Day on the Job

Nora

The early morning sun in New York painted the bustling streets with shades of gold and amber, setting the stage for my first day as an executive assistant at Hudson Industries. It was a corporate behemoth, a symbol of power and grandeur that loomed over the city. With each step I took towards its towering glass doors, I felt like I was marching into the unknown, excitement and anxiety dancing in my chest.

"Good morning," I greeted passersby as I strolled down the street. I was known for my congeniality, a trait instilled in me by my family, but today, my politeness had a singular focus: my new job.

Whispers of Liam Hudson, the formidable CEO who ruled this corporation with an iron fist, echoed in my mind. He was the former Navy SEAL turned millionaire, known for his no-nonsense attitude. My role required me to be his right hand, and as I approached the grand entrance, a mix of exhilaration and trepidation washed over me.

A sharply dressed woman emerged from the building, casting a condescending glance my way. Her expression seemed to say, "What are you doing here? Looking for a job? You'll need to try harder." Her demeanor unsettled me, but I brushed it off; I had a mission today, and that was to start my new job at Hudson Industries.

The elevator ride to the top floor felt interminable. I took a moment to check my reflection in the mirrored walls, adjusting my impeccable charcoal-gray suit and the silk scarf around my neck. I reminded myself that confidence was key.

"That woman just gave me the once-over," I thought. "I need to straighten up, or I might get kicked out." I checked myself one last time, brushing my lips to ensure everything was perfect. Satisfied, I stood tall, brimming with confidence.

When the elevator doors finally parted, I was greeted by the sleek, modern elegance of Hudson Industries' headquarters. The reception area exuded opulence, adorned with a massive chandelier and a minimalist waterfall feature.

The receptionist, a poised woman in her forties, welcomed me with a warm smile. "You must be Nora Bennett," she said, her voice tinged with reverence.

I nodded, offering a polite smile in return. "Yes, that's me. I'm here for my first day."

She handed me a visitor's pass and directed me to Mr. Hudson's office on the top floor. As I made my way to the executive suite, my heart fluttered with a combination of excitement and apprehension. This was the moment I had prepared for tirelessly.

Arriving at the imposing double doors of Liam Hudson's office, I took a deep breath and knocked lightly. A muffled voice from within beckoned, "Come in."

Pushing open one of the doors, I entered with determination. But what I encountered took me by surprise.

There he sat, behind a colossal mahogany desk, engrossed in a stack of reports. Liam Hudson. The legendary CEO. His piercing blue eyes met mine briefly before returning to his work. His chiseled jaw bore a day's worth of stubble, and his dark hair was meticulously combed.

I cleared my throat, reminding myself of the need to make a good impression. "Mr. Hudson, I'm Nora Bennett, your new executive assistant," I introduced myself, stepping forward with a warm smile.

But his gaze lingered on mine, intense and scrutinizing, as if he were dissecting me from the inside out. I felt like a fish out of water, utterly embarrassed. So, I took a step back, waiting for his lead.

"Ah, Nora Bennett," he said, his voice measured and low. "I've been waiting for you."

He gestured for me to take a seat in one of the plush chairs opposite his desk, and I complied, my nerves humming. This was it, the beginning of a partnership that could make or break my career.

Then, to test me, he slid a hefty report my way. "I trust you're prepared for your first day."

Panic surged as I realized that I had left my meticulously organized papers and briefcase at the reception. But I couldn't afford to let it show. Instead, I took a deep breath and met his piercing gaze with all the confidence I could muster.

"Of course, Mr. Hudson," I replied, my voice unwavering. "I've done my homework, and I'm ready to dive in."

He arched an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing at his lips. "Good. I expect my assistants to be proactive and well-prepared."

Little did he know that my resolute response was fueled by sheer determination and a trace of annoyance at my own oversight. I refused to let a minor slip-up on my first day at Hudson Industries define my future.

As he settled into his chair, eager to guide me through office procedures, I felt my initial apprehension wane. Liam Hudson was undoubtedly demanding, but his brilliance was equally unmistakable. I could see why he had achieved such success. Our conversation progressed smoothly, and I began to believe that I could navigate the challenging waters of becoming his right hand.

But just as our meeting neared its end, the unexpected occurred.

A knock, followed by the swift swing of the door, revealed a woman with fiery red hair storming into the room. Her presence crackled with energy, and she was none other than the intimidating figure I had encountered at the entrance.

"What is this, and why hasn't anyone informed me?" Her voice was sharp, her finger pointing accusingly at a document in her hand.

Liam's composure remained intact, but a glimmer of amusement danced in his eyes as he assessed the intruder. Clearly, he had not expected this interruption any more than I had.

"You must be Solange Madra," he acknowledged, his tone measured. "You're certainly well-prepared and punctual. I see you've found the financial report for the upcoming merger."

My heart sank as I realized the truth of the situation and the office drama unfolding on my first day. The woman who had barged in was none other than my predecessor, Solange Madra-the very person I had been hired to replace. I had stepped into a situation rife with tension and unresolved conflicts.

Solange's emerald eyes blazed with anger, and her lips were set in a resolute line. She was a force to be reckoned with, and it was clear that her abrupt entrance was fueled by frustration.

"Now you act like you don't know me, Liam?" she retorted, dripping with sarcasm. "How about well-informed? I just started this job today, and no one bothered to inform me about any mergers, let alone provide me with the necessary information to handle them!"

I watched the confrontation unfold, feeling like an intruder caught in the crossfire of a battle I had no part in. The room's atmosphere had shifted from a calm, professional discussion to a charged clash of wills.

As tension simmered, I couldn't help but wonder how this unexpected confrontation would shape my journey as an executive assistant at Hudson Industries. Unbeknownst to me, the fiery clash between Solange Madra and Liam Hudson on my very first day would set the stage for a tumultuous journey filled with unexpected twists-a journey that would forever alter the course of my life and my heart.

As the heated exchange between Solange and Liam continued, I felt like a spectator at a high-stakes tennis match, my head swiveling between the two adversaries. Their argument seemed to be reaching a boiling point, and I had the distinct feeling that things were about to take a turn for the worse.

Desperate to extricate myself from the escalating confrontation, I attempted to excuse myself again. "Uh, I'm sorry, ma'am, and sir," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'd really like to leave..."

But they both turned toward me simultaneously, their eyes ablaze with determination. "Stay put!" they commanded in unison, their voices echoing in the plush office.

I swallowed hard, pinned to my chair by the force of their commands. There was no escaping this maelstrom of anger and resentment. Solange, undeterred by my presence, shot back at Liam, "I may not physically be present in the office every day, but that doesn't diminish my right to this company."