Chapter 1: Collisions
Amara clutched the strap of her canvas bag as she hurried into the towering glass building of Cruz Industries. Her heels clicked against the marble floor, echoing her nerves. This was the opportunity of a lifetime—an internship with one of the most prestigious companies in the country. If she could impress them, it might just change her life.
"Excuse me, miss," a sharp voice interrupted her thoughts. A security guard gestured to the metal detector. "You need to check your bag."
"Of course, sorry!" she stammered, fumbling with the zipper.
Behind her, a man in a tailored black suit entered the lobby. His presence commanded attention. It wasn't just his height or the chiseled features that seemed sculpted by gods—it was the aura of power that surrounded him. Alexander Cruz was a name that could silence a room, and today, he was running late for a meeting that could seal a multi-million-dollar merger.
Amara finally got through security, her bag slung over her shoulder as she glanced at the directory. She turned sharply, colliding with a firm chest.
"I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, looking up—and froze.
It was him. The Alexander Cruz. The man she'd read about in Forbes and seen in countless business magazines. His dark eyes bore into hers, unreadable yet mesmerizing.
"Watch where you're going," he said curtly, brushing invisible lint off his sleeve.
Amara felt her cheeks heat. "I said I was sorry."
His brow arched. "Sorry doesn't undo clumsiness."
Her jaw tightened. "Well, maybe if people didn't stand in the middle of the walkway—"
"Miss Villareal!" A voice called out, interrupting the brewing tension. It was Clara, the head of HR, rushing toward them.
Alexander's eyes narrowed. "You're the new intern?"
"Yes," Amara replied, lifting her chin defiantly.
For a moment, he said nothing, his gaze sweeping over her. Then, with a slight smirk, he turned to Clara. "See that she doesn't spill coffee on anyone important."
Amara's fists clenched at her sides as he walked away. Who did he think he was? Just because he was a billionaire didn't mean he could treat people like they were beneath him.
But as the day went on, she realized that working under Alexander Cruz wasn't just a job—it was a battle.
Amara's day had barely begun, and she was already questioning her decision to apply for the internship at Cruz Industries. The towering skyscraper that housed one of the most prestigious companies in the country was both awe-inspiring and intimidating. She had spent countless nights preparing for this moment, rehearsing interviews in the mirror and poring over reports to impress her supervisors.
But nothing had prepared her for him.
Alexander Cruz wasn't just a name in the headlines or a face on Forbes covers. In person, he exuded an aura of untouchable authority. His sharp suit fit him like a second skin, and his piercing gaze made her feel exposed, as if he could see every nervous thought racing through her mind. The brief but tense encounter in the lobby left her rattled, but she wasn't going to let it ruin her first day.
As Clara Ramirez, the head of HR, led Amara through the bustling office floors, she explained the structure of the company.
"You'll primarily be working with the design and development team, but Mr. Cruz likes to keep a close eye on new talent," Clara said with a smile. "So don't be surprised if you're called into meetings unexpectedly."
Amara nodded, clutching her bag tightly. "Noted."
When they arrived at her new workspace, Amara couldn't help but admire the sleek design of the office. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city, and the open layout buzzed with energy. She was introduced to several team members, each of whom seemed friendly and welcoming.
"Settle in, and don't hesitate to ask if you need anything," Clara said before excusing herself.
Amara took a deep breath as she arranged her things at her desk. The nerves from earlier began to subside as she immersed herself in reviewing her assignments for the day. Her first task was to assist in preparing a presentation for an upcoming project—a major development in the city center that Cruz Industries was spearheading.
---
The calm didn't last long.
"Villareal."
Amara looked up to see a tall, no-nonsense woman standing by her desk. She recognized her from the lobby earlier—Clara had introduced her as Rachel, Mr. Cruz's personal assistant.
"Yes?" Amara replied, her voice steady despite her racing heart.
"Mr. Cruz wants to see you in his office. Now."
Her stomach twisted. "Me? Why?"
Rachel raised an eyebrow. "He didn't say, and I wouldn't keep him waiting if I were you."
Amara quickly grabbed her notebook and followed Rachel down the hallway. The closer they got to Alexander's office, the more her anxiety grew. The door to his office was already ajar, and Rachel motioned for her to go in.
The office was everything she expected—sleek, modern, and intimidatingly luxurious. Alexander sat behind a massive desk, his attention focused on a tablet. Without looking up, he gestured for her to sit.
"Miss Villareal," he said, his voice even but firm.
"Yes, Mr. Cruz?" she replied, sitting down carefully.
He finally looked up, his sharp eyes locking onto hers. "I reviewed your file. Impressive academic background for someone with no connections in this industry."
Amara bristled at the insinuation. "I believe hard work can speak louder than connections, sir."
His lips twitched, almost forming a smirk. "We'll see about that. Tell me, what do you think of the City Center Project?"
Caught off guard, Amara hesitated for only a second before responding. "I think it's ambitious and has the potential to redefine the skyline. But…"
"But?" he prompted, leaning back in his chair.
"It needs more emphasis on sustainability," she said, her voice growing steadier. "The design is striking, but if we incorporate more green technology, it could become a model for eco-friendly urban development."
For a moment, Alexander said nothing, his expression unreadable. Then he nodded. "Interesting perspective. I'll have you join the team working on the redesign. Don't disappoint me."
Amara's heart raced as she left his office. She couldn't tell if she had passed his test or just been thrown into the deep end. Either way, she wasn't going to back down.
---
The rest of the day passed in a blur. By the time Amara left the office, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the city in shades of gold and gray. She stepped outside, clutching her bag, and exhaled deeply.
She had survived her first day—and her first encounter with Alexander Cruz.
As she waited for the bus, she replayed the day's events in her mind. She didn't know what the future held, but one thing was clear: working at Cruz Industries was going to be anything but ordinary.
Little did she know, her life had already begun to change in ways she couldn't imagine.