The morning sun filtered through the glass walls of Zenith Corp, painting golden stripes across the marble floor. Amara Okafor straightened her blouse for the third time, clutching her portfolio like it was a lifeline. Today wasn't just any day—it was her first day at one of the most prestigious firms in Lagos.
"Don't look nervous," Tosin whispered as they walked toward the elevators. "Remember, act confident, even if you feel like a jelly."
Amara forced a smile, though her stomach was doing somersaults. The elevator doors slid open, and there he was—the CEO everyone talked about. Mr. Chukwudi Ibe. Tall, impeccably dressed, with an aura that seemed both intimidating and magnetic.
Their eyes met for a brief second. Amara's heart skipped. She quickly looked away, pretending to check her watch.
The elevator dinged, and he stepped out. But before he disappeared, he gave a subtle nod in her direction—a small gesture, yet enough to make her cheeks warm.
"Just my imagination," she muttered, but deep down, she felt a flutter she couldn't ignore.
Her first meeting was a whirlwind of names, office layouts, and introductions. Amara tried her best to follow, jotting down notes furiously, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the man who had barely acknowledged her yet somehow made her pulse race.
By lunchtime, she had already survived a subtle jab from Olivia, a coworker with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "New girl, huh? Hope you're ready to keep up," she said sweetly, but there was a sharp edge underneath.
Amara didn't respond. She smiled politely, brushing off the comment. She had bigger things to focus on than office politics… like figuring out why her thoughts kept wandering to the CEO.
And as she walked past his office later, she caught a glimpse of him looking up from his desk. Their eyes met, and for a heartbeat, the world seemed to shrink around them.
Was it possible for someone to notice her in a room full of hundreds? Or was she just imagining it?
One thing was certain—this was only the beginning.