CHAPTER 2
SCENT OF LIES
The moment Lilac stepped into the building, eyes turned toward her.
The place was too quiet.
Her shoes made soft tapping sounds against the marble floor, each step echoing louder than it should. People walked past in neat suits, their eyes sharp.
She felt out of place.
Adjusting her ID badge, she clutched the coffee cup in her hand like it could save her life.
---
BACK AT THE PARKING GARAGE
Ola stepped out of the car, exhaling.
"Maybe I shouldn't have lied about that…"
"Lied about what?"
Ola flinched.
The Managing Director, Sarah, stood behind her, watching.
"I told you to stop walking so silently," Ola muttered, sighing. "It's nothing. Just thinking."
Sarah studied her for a moment, then shrugged.
"Alright. Anyway, there's an orientation today. You'll need to meet the new hires."
Ola froze.
"What? Can't you handle that? Why do I have to be there?"
"I hired your new assistant," Sarah replied calmly. "You need to assess her. I think her name was… Lilac."
Ola's thoughts spiraled.
I'm so screwed… why did I even lie? I just wanted to be closer to her without the whole boss-employee thing…
"…I'll see what I can do."
Sarah raised a brow.
"Alright. Let's go."
---
IN THE COMPANY
"New hire?"
Lilac turned quickly.
A woman stood at the reception desk, staring at her.
"Uh—yeah. Intern," Lilac replied, forcing a smile.
"Third floor. Orientation room."
"Thank you."
---
The elevator ride was awkward.
Two men stepped in after her. No one spoke.
The silence was heavy.
Then—
A faint scent brushed past her just before the doors closed.
Warm. Sharp. Comforting.
Her breath hitched.
It wasn't coming from the men.
The elevator dinged.
The doors opened.
The scent was gone.
---
The orientation room was already half full.
Great.
Lilac slipped in quietly and took a seat at the back, her heart still racing.
Get yourself together.
Whispers filled the room—
about how the boss was strict, emotionless… and unbelievably gorgeous.
Lilac frowned slightly.
Where is Ola? Don't tell me she got lost…
Then—
The door opened.
The entire room fell silent.
Everyone stood up.
"Good morning, everyone."
That voice.
Lilac looked up—
—and froze.
There she was.
Standing at the front like she owned the world.
Black suit. Calm expression. Sharp eyes.
Ola.
"…No way."
"Welcome to Olaria Business Enterprise," Ola continued smoothly, avoiding Lilac's gaze. "I'm Ola, the owner of this company."
Lilac's brain shut down.
Owner…? Boss…?
Her grip tightened around her cup.
This liar… this insanely attractive driver—
Ola's gaze swept across the room—
—and paused on Lilac.
Just for a second.
Lilac stopped breathing.
Something had changed.
This wasn't the playful stranger from the car.
This version of Ola felt…
dangerous.
Untouchable.
Like someone she shouldn't get close to.
Then that scent hit her again.
Stronger.
Deeper.
Pulling her in like gravity.
Her fingers trembled.
Why does it smell like this…?
Her chest tightened.
Her heartbeat raced.
Ola looked away.
And just like that, the feeling weakened—but didn't disappear.
---
LATER
The session ended in a blur.
Lilac barely remembered anything—especially about her position.
One thing was clear:
Ola lied.
And now she was stuck working with her.
"Great," she muttered, dragging a hand down her face. "Just great."
Her phone buzzed.
Mary.
Lilac's expression softened instantly.
"Hey…"
"Did you get there safely?"
"Yeah… I did."
"Do you like it?"
Lilac hesitated.
Her mind flashed—
Ola.
That scent.
Her voice.
"…I don't know yet."
A pause.
"Be careful, Lilac."
Lilac frowned. "Why?"
Another pause.
"I just have a bad feeling."
Lilac laughed softly. "You always say that."
"Not like this."
Something in Mary's tone made her chest tighten.
Before she could respond—
A shadow fell over her.
Lilac looked up.
Ola.
Standing right in front of her.
Too close.
Way too close.
"Enjoying your first day?" Ola asked calmly.
Lilac swallowed.
That scent—
stronger now.
Overwhelming.
"…You lied to me."
Ola tilted her head.
"Did I?"
"You said you were an intern."
A small smile curved her lips.
"I said 'hmm… yeah.' You assumed the rest."
Lilac blinked.
This woman was insane.
Ola stepped closer.
Just enough.
"Try not to be late tomorrow, Lilac."
Her name—
The way she said it—
---
END OF CHAPTER 2