Fernanda Salas is a young woman full of optimism, a lover of reading and life. For her, there is no problem that does not have a solution, even when things go wrong in her life, she always keeps a smile.

However, when she is fired from each of the jobs she applies to, she cannot remain optimistic, especially when she concludes that the reason behind her dismissals is the extremely handsome and cold CEO Max Hidalgo.

Fernanda deduces that this handsome and rich man wants to maintain a relationship of submission with her, just like those ruthless CEOs in web novels.

But, will she be right? Are these unfortunate encounters due to some malevolent plan or will they just be coincidences of fate?

Author's Note:

Welcome back to this new adventure, I had previously uploaded this story, but I didn't like how it was turning out, plus I was going through a difficult time and writing was impossible for me. I apologize for abandoning you and leaving you on hiatus 🥰

Now, my beautiful readers, let me tell you a few things you should know about this story:

This story is entirely my own creation, each character belongs to me, any resemblance to reality is purely coincidental. Also, let me tell you that its adaptation or copy is completely prohibited. This story will only be uploaded on this APP, so if you see it in an application other than Noveltoon, do not hesitate to let me know 🥺

The protagonist Max is a secondary character in the novel My Piece of Heaven, however, it is not necessary to read that story to understand this one, since they are totally independent stories from each other, but if you like to read it, there is no problem, I wouldn't be angry, in fact, I would be happy 😆

This story is about two broken people who together form one piece. There will be everything; from comedy, anguish, romance, life stories. People who have previously read other stories written by me already know my way of writing.

I would appreciate it if you leave a like on the chapters and comments, these small actions are very helpful to the authors as a source of motivation to bring you more content and not leave the stories unfinished. You don't know how nice it feels when your work is well received and supported 😍

And my beautiful readers, if by any chance you don't like how the story is going, just stop reading it, life is too short to force ourselves to do things we don't like. I accept constructive criticism, as long as it is written with respect 😁

Thank you very much for stopping by and giving this story a chance.

With love:

Erica

PD: The romance is slow, so you are warned, the updates will be daily.

PD: If you like you can add me on Facebook as: Erica Catse. I am also on Instagram as: ericacatse.

Thank you again for the support and love that I know you will give to this story. Thank you for reading what I write, thank you for being part of my growth as a writer ❤️❤️❤️

Since I was little, I understood that I wasn't born with the best of luck. I knew very well what to expect and always anticipated the worst from any situation, because when things went wrong in my life, they only tended to get worse. But, despite this, I tried to live as positively as I could. Even when I lost my parents in a fire and my sister was diagnosed with leukemia, I didn't break down, I locked all those negative feelings in a box and focused on finding a solution, even though all I wanted was for the pain to end. But at this moment, at least for a second, I couldn't continue to be positive.

I'm finished! I've struggled so much. It won't get better… Now what..?

I shook my head, freeing my mind from those thoughts, and concentrated on what was about to happen: I was going to be fired because I spilled coffee on some important documents, my boss and his partner's.

The atmosphere inside the office was heavy, my hands felt sweaty. I bit my lip, while I looked at my sensual boss, who was now in a deplorable state due to my clumsiness, and then at the pile of documents scattered on the floor covered in murky water.

"I'm sorry!" I apologized for the umpteenth time, even though I knew I was finished without any chance of redemption. I could foresee that I was going to be fired; the most laughable thing is that today was my second day of work. My second day! "I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention…"

"You're fired, Miss." Carlos, one of Max Hidalgo's executive assistants, my boss, interrupted me. "The fact that you spilled a cup of coffee on our client, as well as on our boss, demonstrates that you are not qualified to be one of Mr. Hidalgo's assistants. Do you even know how much money we lost, not only that. You could have caused a great disaster if the coffee had been hot! Please, Miss, go to human resources, your trial period ends now, thank you very much for your…"

I stopped listening while I tried to find a way to turn this situation around. I tried to open my mouth and explain myself. But, there was nothing to explain. I knew very well that I was to blame. I was guilty. After all, if I hadn't been thinking about the book that kept me up all night reading, I wouldn't have made such a mess. In my defense, when I saw my boss sitting with that pose, reviewing some documents, it was impossible for me not to think about the protagonist of the book I was reading.

Oh God! This can't be happening.

I looked at my boss sadly, hoping that he could intercede for me. However, as soon as I noticed his serious face, I felt a shiver run down my body. Despite the fact that he was an extremely handsome man, with his elegant bearing, golden hair and blue eyes similar to diamonds. However, he had an aura that was too cold and sinister. He didn't seem to be someone you could talk to freely, he didn't seem to be easy to deal with.

So when I saw his eyes looking at me coldly, I couldn't help but lower my gaze with fear. I had the intuition that if I kept insisting, I was not only going to be fired, but my career and my life would be ruined; just as those ruthless CEOs in the novels that I like to read so much would do. You know, those who are capable of ordering the killing of their enemies, destroying their families and making anyone's life a living hell with a single call, all this while drinking a glass of expensive wine.

Oh no! That couldn't happen. It's better to give up. It's not like it's the only place that offers work, what's more, I can even set up a food stall.

"Okay, thank you very much for everything. And again, I'm sorry for everything that happened, it wasn't my intention."

After saying that, I turned on my heels and with my heels of more than ten centimeters I headed towards the human resources department to proceed with all the corresponding procedures.

Some of the employees I had spoken to a few days ago offered me comfort when they found out that I was fired.

"I'm so sorry, Fernanda. Something better will come along" mentioned Claudia, who was a woman in her thirties, tall with beautiful green eyes who had offered me her friendship when we met in the month I was going to the training.

"Of course, because when one door closes, others open" I replied animatedly "The only thing I regret is the salary, I don't think any other place will pay as well as here."

Claudia laughed at my words, then placed a card on my hands. "Although they don't pay as well as here, this is a company that offers a lot of benefits to its employees. The head of human resources is my brother, so I'll talk to him so he can give you the opportunity to apply for one of the job openings that are open. I know you'll get in. You're a very hardworking and intelligent young woman."

"Thank you very much" I said smiling.

"You're welcome, say hello to Angelica, tell her that this weekend I'll bring her some gifts."

"My sister will be happy to hear that, she's been asking about you all this time."

"I can imagine, well I'll go back to my job before they notice."

"You should if you don't want to be fired" I said jokingly.

Claudia laughed at my self-deprecation, then hugged me fleetingly and ran out like the devil was chasing her. Which was quite a spectacle, since she was wearing heels of more than 20 cm.

I sighed and left the company, which was one of the most prestigious nationally and internationally. So it had been my first choice when I got my university degree. I gave it another look before leaving for the hospital where my younger sister was receiving treatment.

I sighed as I looked at the pile of documents on the table. It was all a big mess. I shook my head as I remembered the look on that woman's face before she left the office with Carlos. Then I looked at Dean, one of the business partners with whom I was going to make a trade agreement, however, noticing his face full of impatience, I had a slight headache.

"I'm sorry, let's schedule the meeting for another day."

Dean shook his head, then stood up and extended his hand.

"Don't worry, Max. This meeting is just a mere formality. Let's talk about it later."

Hearing his words, I knew the situation was stable. But it was more than clear that this sly fox was going to take advantage of the situation, but despite knowing his plans, there was nothing I could do. At this moment I urgently needed to stabilize the situation in the stock market after all the scandals in which my family had been involved this year. So, I shook his hand in response.

"Okay. If you need anything just let me know."

"Sure, I'll be in touch" Dean, noticing how some dirty water descended on his shoes, gave me a smile full of helplessness "Next time, choose your staff very well, this is the first time I've had this kind of situation. Does that woman have butterfingers, did she even receive training? I'm glad you fired her."

I kept silent as I listened to his words.

Dean shook his head again, gave me a slight nod, and then left the office. Once I was alone, I untied my tie and ran a hand through my hair. I closed my eyes trying to calm my emotions. However, the image that came to my mind was a disturbing memory, of a past that I would like to forget, but that haunts me every day of my life, especially at night, preventing me from falling asleep.

While I was taking a pill for the headache, Carlos returned, his face was full of annoyance.

"That woman, where is she supposed to have her eyes? It seems she only joined the company to have a chance with you, boss" my assistant mentioned with a reproachful tone once inside the office "Maybe all that of her throwing the coffee was a tactic to get into your bed. That's such an old trick, she must have learned it on television. I know her type, just..."

"Don't talk about a lady like that, Carlos" I interrupted his offensive words.

Carlos had been my assistant for more than 10 years, he was one of the few people closest to me. More than an assistant, he was my friend. However, despite being very good at his job, he had a single flaw and that was his tongue. He tended to be a little nosy and talkative, so I always had to correct him.

"But, she was eating you up with her eyes, boss. You can't deny it..."

When he noticed my icy gaze, wisely, he kept silent.

"I'm going to change my clothes, until I get back, have the documents for the new bidding project ready."

"Okay."

"And about the young woman, talk to human resources to debit her salary for the days in which she offered her services."

"Are you going to pay her, boss? Because of that woman you couldn't close the deal with Mr. Dean. She is the one who should pay us for damages."

"Do what I told you" I said to him in a serious voice.

After all, I liked to be a transparent and ethical person. Also, I couldn't let myself be carried away by my own personal prejudices.

Carlos looked at me and then nodded. "Okay, I'll talk to human resources."

After hearing his response, I entered the room I had in the office and looked for a change of clothes to change. When I was ready, I received a call, it was from my brother Alejandro.

With some confusion I answered.

"Hello."

"Uncle Max, beautiful uncle, happy birthday, handsome uncle, cute uncle like a tadpole, happy birthday, kisses and hugs ~~"

Hearing the sweet humming of Milena, my little 5-year-old niece, I smiled.

"Don't call your uncle a tadpole Milena, don't be naughty" I heard my brother, Alejandro, scold her "Happy birthday, Max."

"Thank you, how have you been?" I asked him.

"Good, I was calling you to invite you to dinner tonight, if you are available, right?"

"I have something to do."

"It's not all work, Max. The company is not going to go down. Come, Milena and Andresito want to see you, me too, brother."

I hesitated for a moment, but in the end I declined his offer. I had a world of things to do that couldn't wait.

"I'm sorry, I'll stop by your house on the weekend" after saying that, I hung up the call.

With mixed feelings I approached the window and looked at the sky that was cloudy, I sighed as I felt the pain in my head increase. From my height, whether people or things around, looked like small ants. And although it seemed that I was in the highest place of the pyramid, I could not feel happy. For some reason I felt alone, very alone when I remembered the reason why I was now sitting on this throne.

Everything that happened with my family, last year, everything I had to face, the pain and the loss. The desperation I felt back then was something I couldn't forget easily and that followed me like a fierce ghost, lurking in the shadows.

When I closed my eyes, atrocious images flooded my mind and made the pain in my soul stronger.

Blood, there was blood, darkness, a lot of darkness.

My heart started beating rapidly. Last year was painful, not only for me, but for my whole family, it was a year full of loss, a year full of pain and despair.