Chereads / Underneath the CEO / Chapter 3 - Chapter three

Chapter 3 - Chapter three

A New Beginning

Amara stood in front of the mirror, barely recognizing the woman staring back at her. The dress hugged her figure perfectly—a navy-blue knee-length piece with a modest neckline and just enough elegance to make her look like she belonged in a corporate office. It wasn't hers, of course. It was Zara's.

"Okay, turn around," Zara said, eyes scanning her critically. "Damn, girl. If I didn't know better, I'd think you were some executive's secret mistress."

Amara shot her a glare. "Not funny."

Zara smirked. "I mean, look at you! Hair tied back neatly, light makeup, heels that actually fit—you're a whole new woman."

Amara exhaled sharply, her nerves creeping in. "What if they see through me, Zara? What if they can tell I don't belong?"

Zara rolled her eyes. "They won't. Confidence, babe. Fake it if you have to. Now, go before you're late!"

Amara grabbed her worn-out handbag, took one last deep breath, and stepped out the door.

---

The company's headquarters was a towering glass building that seemed to touch the clouds. As she walked through the revolving doors, the cool air of the lobby sent a shiver down her spine. Everything felt too expensive—too polished.

She swallowed hard as she approached the reception desk.

"Good morning. I'm Amara... I'm starting today as the new assistant in the finance department."

The receptionist, a sleek woman in a fitted blazer, gave her a once-over before nodding. "Welcome. Your department is on the fifteenth floor. Take the elevator on your left."

Amara whispered a small "thank you" and made her way to the elevator, pressing the button with slightly shaky fingers. As she stepped inside, a few employees joined her, their conversations flowing effortlessly—discussions about meetings, stock prices, weekend plans.

She felt out of place.

Ding.

The doors slid open, and she stepped onto the fifteenth floor.

A middle-aged woman with short black hair and glasses greeted her with a tight smile. "You must be Amara. I'm Mrs. Benson, the department supervisor. Follow me."

Amara trailed behind as Mrs. Benson led her through the open office, past rows of neatly arranged desks and employees typing away.

"This is your desk," Mrs. Benson said, pointing to a modest but well-organized workstation. "You'll be assisting the finance team with reports, scheduling, and general administrative work. Do your job well, stay out of trouble, and you'll do just fine."

"Yes, ma'am," Amara replied softly.

As she settled into her seat, she let out a quiet breath.

This was it.

A fresh start. A new life.

And yet, as she placed her handbag down, her fingers brushed against the business card still tucked inside.

She glanced around, suddenly feeling like she wasn't just here for work.

Somewhere in this building, the man from that night existed.

And whether she liked it or not, their paths were bound to cross again.