Chloe stood at the foot of the Sinclair Group tower, craning her neck to take in the building's glittering glass facade. It pierced the sky like a monument of ambition and elegance. She hadn't realized just how large the Sinclair brothers' empire truly was until now.
She stepped through the polished revolving doors, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor of the expansive lobby. Staff passed by in tailored suits, crisp blouses, and sharp expressions. She swallowed hard. This was nothing like the modest office where she had worked before. And yet, here she was, walking in as a potential new hire.
Her interview was scheduled on the 25th floor. As the elevator rose, her nerves did too.
When Chloe sat down with the HR manager, she did her best to stay composed. She shared everything she could about her past work experience, highlighting her adaptability and the wide range of tasks she had handled in her previous role.
"What was your previous position?" the interviewer asked, glancing at her resume.
"I was the personal assistant to the CEO of a small company," Chloe replied. "I supported him across various departments from admin, scheduling, even product development at times."
The woman nodded thoughtfully. "We're impressed by your experience at such a young age. There's an opening in the fashion department. Would you be interested in an assistant manager position?"
Chloe blinked in surprise. "Really? I'd love that! Thank you so much!"
It was her first official job interview since graduating, and now she had landed a promising position in one of the most prestigious firms in the city. Her heart soared as she stepped out of the interview room.
Without thinking, she pulled out her phone and typed a message to Ryan.
Chloe: I got the job! Thank you so much for the opportunity. Are you free for lunch? I'm nearby and would love to celebrate.
A moment later, he replied.
Ryan: Sure. I'll wait for you at the Western restaurant across the street.
Excitement fluttered in her chest as she made her way across the street. She found the restaurant easily and was soon shown to a quiet table by the window. She sat down, anxiously fidgeting with the strap of her handbag. Despite having met Ryan only yesterday, her heart beat like it was the first date of her life.
She still couldn't understand it. How could she feel this drawn to someone she barely knew? And how could she feel this alive when she had cried over Leo just the night before?
Before she could answer her own thoughts, Ryan walked into the restaurant. The sunlight framed him as he entered, and his confident stride drew the attention of more than a few diners.
He spotted her, nodded once, and made his way over.
"Thank you for the interview opportunity. Lunch is on me!" Chloe said as he sat down.
"You look much better today than you did the other night," Ryan said with a small smile. "Smiling suits you."
Chloe felt her cheeks flush. "Thank you."
"What department will you be working in?" he asked as the waiter poured water into their glasses.
"I got the assistant manager role in the fashion department. It's something new for me, but I'm excited."
Ryan nodded. "Ms. Yuko is very experienced. I'm sure she'll guide you well. She's led some of our most successful campaigns."
Chloe felt encouraged by his words. She chatted cheerfully, telling him a bit about her background and how she had never expected to end up in the fashion world.
Ryan watched her talk, his expression thoughtful. When she finally paused to sip her water, he asked, "So this is your usual self?"
"Sorry," she said quickly. "Am I being too talkative?"
He shook his head. "No. You're just different from any woman I've ever met."
Chloe was taken aback. She looked down, unsure what to say. Was that a compliment? Or a polite way of saying they were too different?
Before she could reply, Ryan leaned forward and gently reached for a napkin. He wiped the corner of her mouth where a small drop of sauce had escaped.
She froze.
It was such a simple gesture. Yet it felt incredibly intimate. Her heart skipped a beat. No one had ever done that for her before.
Ryan sat back, a flicker of surprise in his own expression. He had moved on instinct. Something about Chloe made him act differently. When he first saw her crying in the hotel, she had seemed like someone familiar. He now wondered if his mother had sensed something he couldn't yet see.
After they finished their meal, Ryan paid the bill, and they stepped out onto the street. The air was warm and filled with the hum of lunchtime traffic.
"Ryan, can I request something?" Chloe said as they reached the corner.
"Go ahead."
"Can we keep our engagement a secret at work for now? I just don't want it to affect our jobs."
He nodded calmly. "No problem. But you know it'll come out eventually."
"I know. Thank you."
Ryan paused for a moment before adding, "If you really want to thank me, come with me to my grandmother's house next weekend. It's for my parents' memorial."
Chloe didn't hesitate. "No problem. I'll definitely come with you."
He didn't respond with emotion. Just a simple nod and a glance toward his car.
As he left, Chloe watched him walk away, her thoughts swirling.
Ryan was quiet. Hard to read. But there was a kindness to him. A stillness that made her feel safe.
She knew it would take time to understand him.
But maybe, just maybe, this arranged engagement wasn't something to fear.
Maybe it was the beginning of something real.