Tracy's POV
The morning of my first day at Cole Enterprises, I could barely breathe. I woke up before the alarm rang, my heart already racing in my chest like it was warning me of some great battle ahead. My palms were damp as I ironed my dress for the third time, even though it did not have a single wrinkle left. Every little thing suddenly felt too important— the way my hair was pinned, the shoes I picked, even the bag I carried.
Mrs. Callahan noticed, of course. She always noticed.
"You will do just fine, Tracy." she said, standing by the kitchen counter as I nervously sipped at a cup of tea I could barely taste. "Just remember— it's work, not war."
I gave her a weak smile, though my stomach told me otherwise.
The walk up to the building felt like walking into another world. Cole Enterprises stood tall and glassy, shining under the sun like it knew it held all the important secrets of the city. My knees wobbled as I pushed open the heavy doors and stepped inside. The lobby was bigger than I expected— people in suits moving quickly, heels clicking on polished floors, voices blending into a low hum. I felt small, like a child pretending to belong in a place meant for adults.
The receptionist greeted me kindly and directed me upstairs. My heart thumped louder with each step the elevator carried me upward. When the doors opened, I was met with another wide office floor and, soon after, with the man who would be my boss.
He was taller than I expected— broad-shouldered, sharp in his tailored suit, and with an air that was both commanding and welcoming. His presence filled the room effortlessly, yet his smile was warm.
"You must be Tracy." he said, his voice calm and clear.
"Yes… yes, sir." I stammered, adjusting the strap of my bag nervously.
"I'm Nathan." he introduced himself. "You will be assisting me directly. Do not worry— I will walk you through everything."
And he did.
He showed me my desk, neat and waiting, right outside his office. He explained the schedules I'd be helping him manage, the files, the calls, the small but important details that kept things running smoothly. His instructions were steady and patient, as though he knew I was nervous but did not mind taking his time.
I nodded constantly, scribbling notes in the small notebook I had brought along. My hands trembled a little as I wrote, but Nathan did not make me feel small for it. In fact, every so often, he gave me an encouraging smile or asked if I understood before moving on.
By the afternoon, my nerves had settled slightly, though the weight of wanting to do well sat heavy on my shoulders. I kept replaying every word, every instruction in my mind, terrified of forgetting something important.
When the day finally ended, I let out a breath I did not realize I had been holding. My shoulders ached from the tension, and my head buzzed with information, but I told myself I survived it. I survived my first day.
I packed my things slowly, said goodbye to Nathan, and made my way toward the main entrance.
And then I saw him.
Ethan Cole.
He walked toward the entrance at the same time I did, tall and collected, his presence almost magnetic. My feet faltered for a second before I forced myself forward. My throat went dry, but I knew I could not just walk past him as though nothing had happened between us the other day.
"Mr. Cole." I said softly when we met near the doors. My voice was polite but tinged with nerves.
He turned his eyes toward me, those sharp, unreadable eyes.
"I… I wanted to apologize." I continued quickly, clutching my bag tighter. "For not recognizing you that day at the elevator. I didn't realize you were the CEO."
There was a brief pause. For the smallest moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something in his eyes— curiosity, maybe even amusement— but it was gone as fast as it came.
"It's okay." he said simply, his tone even and distant. "Congratulations on your new role."
And then, just like that, he walked past me. No smile, no warmth, just the broad set of his shoulders as he moved away.
I stood there for a heartbeat, staring after him, feeling the sting of something I couldn't quite name. Disappointment? Embarrassment? I was not sure. But what I did know was that his coldness reminded me, once again, that I was stepping into a world where I did not quite belong.
Clutching my bag tighter, I whispered to myself, "It is fine, Tracy. It is only day one."
And with that, I pushed open the glass doors, letting the evening air brush against my face as I walked into the city, determined to keep going.