Chapter 2: First Day,Cold Welcome

Luna Santiago stood in front of the mirror in the public restroom of the Black Empire Corp building, hands shaking as she tried to smooth down her blouse. It was the cleanest thing she owned, and the most formal. Her blazer had a small rip on the inside, but she prayed no one would notice.

Today was her first day as the personal assistant of Killian Black — the city’s most feared and respected CEO.

“Don’t let him scare you,” she whispered to herself. “You’ve already been through worse.”

She walked out, holding her bag tightly, and stepped onto the elevator. As the numbers climbed to the 51st floor, her stomach flipped. Would he still want her there? Was yesterday’s job offer even real?

The elevator doors opened with a soft ding.

“Miss Santiago,” said a calm voice.

It was the same woman who guarded his office last time — his secretary, Olivia. Her face was unreadable, professional.

“You’re on time,” she said, glancing at her watch.

Luna offered a small smile. “Always.”

“Follow me.”

She was led to a small office beside Killian’s — smaller than expected, but clean, with a desk, computer, and shelves. Luna looked around in awe. Her own office.

“Mr. Black expects you to manage his schedule, screen his calls, organize meetings, and never let him get interrupted unnecessarily,” Olivia said.

“Got it.”

“You’ll also get his coffee, review documents before he signs them, and make sure he never forgets anything.”

“That too.”

“And he hates small talk.”

“Understood.”

Olivia paused. “Don’t take anything personally. He’s not rude to you. He’s rude to everyone.”

Luna smiled awkwardly. “Comforting.”

Before Olivia could say more, a cold voice came from behind them.

“She’s not here to be comforted.”

Luna turned — and there he was.

Killian Black stood at the door to his office, dressed in another perfect suit, eyes locked on her. His presence filled the hallway like a storm cloud.

“She’s here to work,” he added, staring straight at her.

Luna straightened. “And I’m ready to do that.”

He raised an eyebrow, not saying anything more. Then he turned and walked back into his office.

Olivia gave Luna a brief nod and whispered, “Good luck,” before leaving her alone.

Luna took her seat at her new desk. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard as she stared at the long list of meetings already scheduled for the week. She didn’t even know half of these names.

But she started typing.

For the next few hours, Luna didn’t stop. She organized files, answered emails, and took a call from a man with a deep voice who said he was an investor. She was about to transfer the call when Killian’s door swung open.

“No calls,” he said firmly, eyes sharp.

“Sorry,” she mumbled, quickly hanging up.

He said nothing and disappeared inside again.

Cold as ice, she thought.

At noon, she brought him his coffee. Black, no sugar. She knocked softly and entered.

He didn’t look up.

“Leave it on the table.”

She did.

As she turned to leave, he said, “Why are you still here?”

Luna blinked. “Excuse me?”

“I said no calls. You didn’t ask who the investor was. You just sent him to me. That wastes my time.”

Her hands curled into fists. “You didn’t even give me a chance to ask. You barked from the other room before I could respond.”

His eyes narrowed.

“And besides,” she added carefully, “how am I supposed to know what’s important if no one tells me?”

There was a long silence.

Then — surprisingly — he leaned back and said, “Fine. Come here.”

She walked forward slowly.

Killian opened a drawer and pulled out a black binder. “This has everything. Projects, people, internal codes. Study it. Know it.”

She took the binder. “I will.”

“And don’t mess up again.”

She nodded and turned away.

But before she reached the door, he spoke again.

“You’re not like the others,” he said.

She paused. “How so?”

“They never talk back.”

Luna smiled a little. “Maybe that’s why they never lasted.”

When she left, she didn’t see it — but Killian’s lips twitched, just a little. Almost a smile.

---

Outside the office, Luna finally let out a breath.

It was only her first day, and already she’d spoken back to the most feared man in the building. But something told her this job — this man — would be the start of something bigger.

She didn’t come here just to survive.

She came to change everything.

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