Chapter 1 •New Horizons•

The crisp air of early October carried a faint promise of autumn, leaves swirling on the city streets as Maddie hurried toward her new office building. The morning sunlight warmed her face, but nerves still curled in her stomach.

This was it: the first day of her dream job at Harper & Lane Marketing. She shifted her bag higher on her shoulder and gripped her coffee cup, silently coaching herself. You’ve got this, Maddie. New beginnings. No pressure.

The sleek, glass-paneled building loomed ahead, its modern lines reflecting the clear blue sky. Inside, the hum of activity greeted her, along with the faintest scent of cinnamon wafting from the café tucked near the lobby. Maddie exhaled slowly as she approached the reception desk.

“Hi, I’m Maddie—uh, Madeleine Porter. Today’s my first day,” she said, her voice a little too bright.

The receptionist smiled warmly and handed her a visitor’s badge. “Welcome! Head up to the fifth floor. Someone will meet you there.”

Her heels clicked against the polished floor as she made her way to the elevator. A quiet ding announced its arrival, and Maddie stepped inside, rehearsing how she’d introduce herself.

When the doors opened, the fifth floor was abuzz with life. Rows of desks stretched across the open space, dotted with mugs, planners, and the occasional mini pumpkin or decorative leaf garland. The first hints of autumn decorating had already taken hold, and Maddie smiled despite her nerves.

She barely had time to take it all in before a familiar voice rang out behind her.

“Maddie?”

She turned, blinking in surprise. “Ethan?”

There he was—Ethan, her childhood best friend, his grin as easy as ever.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice catching between disbelief and joy.

“Working, obviously,” Ethan said, leaning against a nearby desk like it was the most natural thing in the world. “What are you doing here?”

“Starting my new job,” she said, still processing. “Wait—are you saying we work at the same company?”

He nodded, clearly enjoying her shock. “Different departments, though. I’m upstairs with the project managers. But hey, small world, huh?”

Before Maddie could respond, a sharp but friendly voice interrupted. “Madeleine Porter?”

She turned to see a woman in a tailored blazer. “I’m Hannah, your supervisor. Welcome aboard. I’ll show you around.”

Maddie shot Ethan a quick smile before following Hannah. He responded with a wink and a cheerful, “Lunch is on you!”

Hannah led Maddie through the bustling office, pointing out the break room, conference rooms, and Maddie’s desk—strategically placed near a sunny window. The tour ended with an overview of her first-week schedule, and soon Maddie was settling into her seat.

Hours passed in a whirlwind of introductions and training sessions. By the time lunch rolled around, Maddie’s head was swimming with information. She barely had time to think before Ethan appeared at her cubicle, a crooked grin on his face.

“Need a break?” he asked. “I know a great spot for lunch.”

Maddie smiled, grateful for the interruption. “You read my mind.”

They walked to a café a few blocks away, where the cozy smell of fresh bread wrapped around them like a warm blanket. Over bowls of hearty soup, Ethan filled her in on office quirks, the best coffee spots nearby, and his latest misadventures.

It felt so natural, like slipping into a rhythm they’d never lost. Maddie found herself laughing, her earlier nerves forgotten. By the time they returned to the office, her steps felt lighter.

That evening, as she walked home beneath a sky painted in autumnal hues, Maddie reflected on the day. Her new job still felt daunting, but with Ethan around, it seemed a little less overwhelming.

For the first time in weeks, she let herself feel hopeful.

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