For a moment, Deni's mind froze.
It was him.
Elic.
The same man she had met by accident. The man who left a negative impression on her.
Reality sank in—she had unknowingly started working for him. But she had no choice. No options. Her personal opinions didn't matter anymore. The only thing that did was earning money to support her sick grandfather.
Elic's gaze traveled from her head to toe. She was undeniably beautiful. Maybe my thoughts about her aren't meaningless after all, he mused. Last night, he had dreamed about her—he saw her combing her hair, the golden strands glowing under the sunlight like pure gold. And now, as she stood before him, her long, thick, straight golden hair looked just as mesmerizing as in his dream.
Snapping out of his thoughts, he spoke in his usual firm tone.
"Come in and sit."
Deni sat down, keeping her expression neutral.
"So, Deni, you're here for your new job as the CEO's secretary," Elic said, glancing at her CV. "I see you're a gold medalist and a hard worker. I hope you won't give us a reason to regret hiring you." He leaned back in his chair. "Before you start, you need to sign a contract. It states that you cannot leave this job for at least two years under any circumstances. If you agree, you will be a part of this company. But remember one thing—I don't forgive mistakes. Check your work a hundred times before handing it to me. So… are you ready for this job?"
Deni took a deep breath. "Yes, I am ready to sign the contract. I am hardworking, and I will do my best not to disappoint you."
She signed the contract.
Elic nodded. "Your cabin is right in front of my office. You are now my personal secretary. My manager will explain your duties in detail. You may go."
As Deni left the office, her thoughts raced.
My first impression of him was right. He really is rude. My opinion about him hasn't changed at all.
She held a file in one hand and her old mobile phone in the other. As she reached her cabin, she scanned the space around her. Everything was dull in color—lifeless, almost suffocating. She had hoped to start her work with a positive attitude, but the heavy, colorless atmosphere weighed down on her like an invisible burden.
She tried to convince herself. It's my first day. I have to adjust.
But the more she thought about it, the more she realized—The environment isn't just unwelcoming. It's a distraction. It's a barrier to concentration.
For a moment, she considered talking to Elic about it. But her feet stopped.
It's my first day. I can't afford to be fired. I need this job.
Still, an idea sparked in her mind. A solution.
She would do something about it—just not here.
Not yet.
To be continued…