"This week's target is clear: twenty-five percent visibility for Project Alfa across the entire country. I don't care that it's only the fourth week of the campaign. We must exceed expectations. I didn't take on this project to fail," Mr. Black declared, his voice resolute. As the CEO of our marketing firm, his presence in the room brought a mixture of pressure and determination.
Normally, Mr. Black left day-to-day operations to us, trusting in the capable hands of his team. But this time was different. Project Alfa wasn't just another campaign—it was the campaign. Our client, Syrus Ltd., is one of the largest cooperatives in the country, and we had spent years trying to secure their business. Now that we finally had their attention, failure wasn't an option.
This wasn't just about a single campaign, either. Syrus Ltd. owned multiple subsidiaries, each brimming with opportunities for long-term collaborations. If we nailed this, we'd open doors to future projects that could solidify our position as a top-tier marketing firm.
The stakes had never been higher, and Mr. Black's intensity only magnified that reality. He wasn't here to micromanage—he was here to make sure we delivered.
Mr. Black had worked tirelessly to secure this contract with Syrus Ltd., and the weight of his effort was evident in the way he addressed us. "We already have the models and all the resources we need to begin the shoot," he said, his tone crisp and direct. Then, his sharp gaze locked onto mine.
"Carmen," he said, pausing just long enough for the entire room to notice, "make sure everything runs smoothly at the shoot tomorrow before I arrive."
I nodded firmly, a silent promise that I'd handle it. His trust in me felt like both an honor and a challenge.
"Let's put our best into this project," he concluded, his voice unwavering. With that, the meeting was adjourned, leaving behind an air of determination and urgency.
We filed out of the office, a collective sense of purpose charging the atmosphere. My mind was already racing through tomorrow's plans—ensuring the shoot went off without a hitch wasn't just a task; it was my responsibility. The stakes were high, but I was ready to prove myself.
As the team dispersed, each diving into their respective tasks, I felt a mix of pressure and pride. Failure wasn't an option—not for Mr. Black, not for the company, and certainly not for me.
I was fully immersed in my work, my focus so sharp that I'd tuned out the world around me. The sudden, vigorous tap on my shoulder jolted me back to reality. Startled, I turned quickly to see who it was.
It was Monic, my colleague from the cubicle next to mine. She was tall, blonde, and slim, with small brown eyes and a figure most would envy. But what really set her apart was her knack for gathering—and sharing—office gossip. If there was something to know about anyone or anything happening in the company, Monic was your go-to.
Before I could say anything, she subtly gestured with her eyes toward the opposite side of the room. Curious, I followed her gaze.
And there he was.
Mr. Black.
Though, in this moment, I'd rather refer to him as Max. He was a sight to behold—tall, handsome, and exuding confidence with every step. His perfectly sculpted lips, striking black eyes, and chiseled physique made him the undeniable heartthrob of the office.
Every woman in the building couldn't help but admire him, myself included. There was an unspoken rule that whenever Max walked by, we all stole glances, pretending not to. It was almost impossible not to notice him.
If not for his one ironclad rule—never mix work with pleasure—I was sure Max would have already been dating someone in the office. After all, he practically lived here, spending most, if not all, of his time in the company.
Rumors swirled endlessly about the women who'd tried to win his heart over the years. Max had been the object of countless crushes, and it wasn't just his looks that drew them in. His authority, charm, and enigmatic aura made him irresistible. Women had gone to extraordinary lengths—some even applying for jobs in the company solely to get close to him.
They'd arrive with their heads held high, confidence radiating off them, convinced they would be the one to break his rule. Rich socialites, famous actresses, supermodels—they all tried. And they all failed. Miserably.
When their carefully orchestrated plans to seduce him didn't work, the embarrassment became too much to bear. Most of them quit soon after. It wasn't as though they needed the job; they had only taken it for one reason. And when their mission failed, they had no reason to stick around.
Through it all, Max remained steadfast. He never wavered, never compromised. It was as though he was immune to the charm and beauty that left others flustered. Eventually, the attempts stopped altogether. Now, no one dared to try.
Instead, they resigned themselves to two options: wait for him to either die alone or for some miracle to occur—perhaps a chance meeting with the one woman who could make him break his rule. But considering he spent nearly every waking hour in the office, the odds of that seemed slim. And the idea of him finding his true love here, in this very building? Unthinkable.
I hadn't been working here long. This assignment from Mr. Black wasn't just another task; it was my chance—my only chance—to prove myself. I needed this job more than anyone could understand.
Unlike what the general public believed, this wasn't just a casual stint for me. For them, I was nothing more than a privileged brat dabbling in the workforce to play at being normal. The spoiled daughter of Mr. Cedric—the man hailed as the most successful businessman in the country.
But they didn't know the truth.
The man they idolized, respected, and envied for his wealth and power carried a dark secret. A secret only I knew. To the world, he was the epitome of success; to me, he was something else entirely.
Because of him, finding a job had been next to impossible. His shadow loomed over me like a curse. No matter where I applied, people whispered behind my back, dismissing me outright.
"She's just a spoiled brat. She won't take her work seriously."
"She's only here for the novelty—she doesn't need this."
"She doesn't even know what it's like to earn money on her own."
Their judgments followed me everywhere, crushing every opportunity before it even began.