Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 11: First Day at Work

Chapter 11: First Day at Work

Ella’s POV:

My heart pounded in my chest as I rushed out of the subway station, the cool morning air nipping at my cheeks. It was my first day at Denco Groups, and the last thing I wanted was to be late.

I clutched my bag tighter, dodging the usual Monday morning crowd as I made my way down the bustling street.

I mentally checked my outfit for the hundredth time,crisp white blouse, black pencil skirt, low heels. Professional yet understated, just as I wanted.

The towering Denco Groups building loomed ahead, its sleek, glass exterior reflecting the sky like a mirror. As I approached, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

This was it, a new Chapter, a fresh start. Nothing, not even the lingering thoughts of last night, would distract me today.

The memory of the night before flashed briefly in my mind. The taste of whiskey, the feel of his hands, the way he made me forget everything else for a while... I shook my head, pushing the thought away. That was just a one-time thing, a mistake. A mistake I needed to forget.

Inside, the lobby of Denco Groups was sleek and modern, all glass and steel. I forced myself to stand taller, to project the confidence I didn’t feel as I approached the reception desk, where a young woman with a tight bun and sharp eyes glanced up at me from behind her computer.

"Good morning," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I’m Ella Davis, the new assistant. I’m supposed to start today."

The receptionist nodded, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she typed in my name. "Welcome to Denco Groups, Ms. Davis. Here’s your ID." She handed me a plastic card with my name and photo printed on it, the company’s logo emblazoned at the top. "Please head to the 27th floor. Someone will be there to show you to your desk."

"Thank you," I murmured, slipping the ID around my neck and making my way to the elevators. My heart rate had yet to settle. I could already feel the weight of the day pressing down on me, the pressure to prove myself, to make this work.

The elevator dinged, announcing my arrival on the 27th floor. I stepped out, and was met by a middle-aged woman with a friendly smile.

"Ella Davis?" she asked, extending her hand. "I’m Karen, the office manager. Welcome to Denco Groups."

"Thank you," I said, shaking her hand, grateful for the friendly reception.

Karen led me down a long hallway, her heels clicking on the polished floor. We passed glass-walled offices, each one a snapshot of bustling corporate life.

"You’ll be working closely with Mr. Weston," Karen explained as we walked. "He’s the Vice President, and can be a bit demanding, but as long as you’re organized and keep up with the pace, you’ll do just fine."

I nodded, trying to absorb her words. I had never met Mr. Weston, my interview had been with someone from HR, but his reputation as a perfectionist preceded him. I knew I’d have to bring my A-game if I wanted to keep this job. But nothing Karen said prepared me for what was to come.

We reached my desk, a spacious setup just outside what I assumed was Mr. Weston’s office. Karen showed me the basics, how to access emails, the internal communication system, where the coffee machine was (which, she pointed out, Mr. King liked to keep stocked with a specific blend).

"Mr. King should be arriving shortly," Karen said, glancing at her watch. "He’s usually very punctual. Just be ready for anything. He likes to get straight to business."

"Got it," I said, offering her a smile. I sat down at my new desk, feeling the weight of the moment settle over me. This was my chance. I wasn’t going to let anything, especially not some fleeting, hazy memory of a one-night stand, distract me.

As I organized my workspace, I kept telling myself that. Klaus’s betrayal, the drunken haze of last night, none of it mattered now. This was my clean slate.

What was wrong with me? Sleeping with a stranger wasn’t like me, but in the haze of alcohol and heartbreak, I’d been desperate to feel something other than pain.

I had just finished arranging the last of my pens when I heard the elevator doors open. My pulse quickened, I forced myself to look busy, rifling through the stack of papers on my desk, trying to appear calm.

Footsteps echoed down the hallway, drawing closer, and I glanced up just as a man rounded the corner.

Time stopped.

There, standing in front of me, was the man from last night, the man I’d slept with in a desperate attempt to forget Klaus. And now, he stood in front of me, looking as shocked as I felt.

My heart pounded so loudly in my ears that I was sure he could hear it. How was this possible? How could the man who had been my drunken mistake also be my new boss?

For a moment, we just stared at each other, the air between us thick with unspoken words. My mind raced, trying to process what I was seeing. This had to be a mistake. There was no way my new boss could be... him.

He recovered first, his expression smoothing into one of calm professionalism, though I caught the flicker of recognition in his eyes. "Ms. Davis," he said, his voice steady but with an edge I hadn’t noticed before. "Good morning. I trust you’re settling in?"

Y-yes," I stammered, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. My God, what were the odds? Of all the companies in the city, of all the nights, of all the men...

"Excellent." He walked past me, his scent, so familiar now, lingering in the air. "We have a lot to get through today, so I hope you’re ready."

I swallowed, forcing myself to focus. I couldn’t let this derail me, not when I’d worked so hard to get here. "Of course, Mr. Weston. I’m ready."

He turned back, his gaze locking onto mine, and for a split second, I saw something flash in his eyes. Something that told me he hadn’t forgotten last night either. But then it was gone, replaced by the cool, detached demeanor of a man in charge.

"Good. Let’s get started."