Mila's POV
Stepping into my house, all I could think about was Angel Harris. His chestnut brown eyes and perfectly chiseled face kept replaying in my mind. He had imprinted his image into my thoughts, and there was nothing I could do to erase it.
"Mila… How was your first day working for your new boss?" my mom called from the living room.
"Fine, Mom… Nothing out of the ordinary happened," I replied, but my mind wandered back to the incident with Angel.
"Okay," she responded, and I made my way upstairs, feeling exhausted, both physically and mentally. The events of the day kept circling in my mind, like a storm that wouldn't calm.
"Working with him is going to be hell, you know," my subconscious taunted me as I entered my room.
"Surprise!" Maya's voice rang out as I stepped inside.
"Maya! What are you doing here at this time?" I asked, shocked to see her.
"What? Can't I spend time with my best friend anymore?" she grinned mischievously.
I rolled my eyes and pulled her into a tight hug.
"I needed this," I whispered, savoring the comfort of her embrace.
"Are you okay, Mila?" she asked, pulling back to look me in the eyes.
I took a deep breath, preparing to spill everything. But before I could say anything, Maya spoke up.
"Is it about your new CEO?" she guessed.
"Yes, Maya, and he's a pain in the ass. I just can't believe he's Mr. Harris's son," I said, frustration creeping into my voice.
"So, what's his name?" Maya asked, already pulling out her phone.
"Angel Harris…" I said, and even the sound of his name made my heart race.
"Angel Harris, right?" Maya repeated, typing rapidly.
"Maya, what are you doing?" I asked, unsure of her intentions.
"Darling, I'm researching his sorry ass. If he's going to mess with you, I'm going to mess with him first," she said, her grin devilish.
"Maya, don't do anything crazy, okay? Just let it be," I tried to reason with her.
"Oh, fine, Mila. Have it your way... But thinking about it… God, he's so cute," she said, eyes still glued to her phone.
"Mila, why don't you make him fall for you? That way, you can control him and the company," she smirked.
"Maya, NO!" I screamed, blushing and looking away.
Maya studied me for a moment, a playful smile spreading across her face.
"Oh my goodness… You already like your new boss!" she screamed in amusement.
"No… No way! I hate him, that's all I feel for him. HATE. So stop saying things like that," I scolded her, walking over to my closet to change, my mind racing with one name—Angel Harris.
...
The next morning, I was determined to prove myself to Mr. Harris, no matter the cost.
I woke up three hours before my call time, got ready quickly, and took the next train. As I thought about Maya's impulsive internet post the night before, I decided to do some research on my new boss.
I found his favorite coffee shop and takeout place, and on my way to the office, I stopped by his coffee shop to pick up his usual.
"Can I get Angel Harris's usual, please?" I asked the brunette barista, and within moments, I had his coffee in hand.
This was going well so far, I thought, smiling to myself as I hurried to the office.
Mr. Harris should be here any moment, I told myself as I stood by his door, waiting.
And just like I predicted, he walked in, looking as breathtaking as ever. Each step he took sent a shockwave through my chest, and I fought to keep my eyes on him.
"Sir, your coffee," I said, holding it out to him.
He met my gaze with those intense, captivating eyes of his, and I felt exposed under his scrutiny. His gaze lingered on me, making my heart race.
"Look at me," he commanded, and I had no choice but to meet his eyes again.
But this time, something was different. He looked… off. His usual confidence seemed to be replaced by something more vulnerable. There was something he was trying desperately to hide—was it pain?
I felt a tightness in my chest, unsure of what I was seeing.
"Your coffee…" I stammered, handing it to him with trembling hands.
He took it and looked at it, then his expression softened into a smile. It was brief, but enough for me to notice. Almost immediately, though, it was replaced by his usual cold demeanor.
"Don't you have better things to do, Miss Brown?" he asked, his tone dismissive.
Next time, I can buy my own coffee," he added, pouring it out right in front of me.
Mr. Harris walked into his office, leaving me standing there, trying to shake off the storm of emotions his actions had stirred within me.
His words didn't matter, I reassured myself as I took a deep breath, trying to suppress the conflicting feelings inside me. I walked back to my desk, but the questions kept swirling in my mind.
Why was Mr. Harris drunk on a weekday? And what was that look of pain in his eyes? I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than what he let on.
I was snapped out of my thoughts when I got a call from Mr. Harris.
"Mila… I need you," he said, his voice gravelly.
I hurried to his office and opened the door, my hands shaking.
"You called for me, sir?" I asked, trying to mask my nervousness with a smile.
Mr. Harris looked at me again, that same intense gaze roaming over my body, causing me to feel exposed and vulnerable under his scrutiny.
He didn't look away this time. His eyes lingered, and I couldn't help but feel his gaze burn through me.
"Miss Brown…" he said, finally breaking the silence. "Where are the files for the shareholders' meeting?"
"I already sent them to your email," I replied, trying to keep my composure.
"And the invoice for the Moon Suite construction?" he asked again.
"Sent that as well. I also color-coded them for easy access," I said, smiling at my own efficiency.
Mr. Harris looked at me for a moment, his expression unreadable, and then he said, "You may leave now."
Relieved that I had the upper hand for once, I turned to leave, but he stopped me.
"Miss Brown… Pack your bags. We're going on a trip in a week."
I froze in place, unable to move.
A trip with Angel Harris.
Why does the universe hate me?