In the competitive world of business, Nathaniel Sinclair and Cassandra's lives collide unexpectedly. Nathaniel, a driven businessman, offers Cassandra a job despite her lack of qualifications. What starts as a transactional arrangement evolves into a journey of mutual discovery and tenacity. Amidst office politics and family pressures, their bond deepens during a transformative business trip to New York City. Despite years of separation and challenges, their love story ultimately triumphs, culminating in a reunion that redefines their future together, marked by forgiveness, redemption, and the joy of married life.
View MoreCassandra Reed’s POV
“You cannot apply for a loan, Miss Cassandra.” The tenant in the money lending agency said. He seemed frustrated with my case and the way he said those words was filled with irritation.
“What? Why can’t I?” I asked, for the tenth time on this day.
“You see, we cannot lend any money to anyone. You must have a high-paying job running for at least three months.” He explained further. It just made me feel more stressed out. “Otherwise, we know you might be able to pay us.”
“I am about to lose my apartment,” I whispered. I cannot believe that they refuse to help a woman in distress right now. Isn’t the purpose of money lending to help people in need of finances? So why are they rejecting my plea?
“I am sorry, ma’am. You may come back once you find a job. That way, we can help you and discuss what you should do.” He said. It is just utterly unbelievable how he never even considered it.
“Are you seriously rejecting me now, are you?” I sighed. I can’t even use my face fard? I mean, I hear these men will most likely give in whenever they see a beautiful woman. I guess, he is not some simpering old employed man that is a slave to capitalism.
I rolled my eyes and picked up all my things. “Well, I guess, you are not as helpful as I thought.”
“Wait, what–”
I did not let the man finish his words. I went ahead of my errand and ditched his company.
Ohh… I want to kick the pots and everything. How can he just let me go when he could have helped?
I stormed out of the lending company's office, my heels clicking sharply against the pavement as I fought back tears of frustration. The rejection stung more than I had expected. Every "no" felt like a blow to my fragile hope, and today’s rejection had nearly shattered it.
My mind raced as I tried to think of my next move. I had to find a job, any job, to secure the loan I desperately needed to save my apartment.
The sky was overcast, reflecting my mood as I hurried down the bustling streets of the city. My eyes scanned every "Help Wanted" sign with desperation, my heart sinking each time I realized I had already applied and been rejected from those places.
With a deep breath, I set my sights on Sinclair Co., one of the largest firms in the city. I had heard they were hiring, and maybe, just maybe, this could be my chance.
As I approached the grand building, its glass facade reflecting the gloomy sky, I could feel my nerves tightening. I paused at a nearby coffee stand, hoping a hot drink might calm my jitters. The warmth of the coffee cup would provide a momentary comfort, a brief respite from the whirlwind of anxiety within me.
I stepped up to the counter and ordered a small coffee, counting my coins as I did. When the barista rang up my order, my heart sank. I was a dollar short.
"I'm sorry," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I only have two dollars. Can you... can you spare me just this once?"
The barista, a young guy with kind eyes, glanced at the growing line behind me. He sighed, clearly torn. "I'm not supposed to," he started, but then he looked at me: my messy hair, the dark circles under my eyes, the desperate plea in my gaze.
"Please," I added, my voice cracking. "I've had the worst day, and I just need a break."
He hesitated for a moment longer, then nodded. "Alright, just this once," he said, sliding the coffee cup towards me. "But don't make a habit of it."
Relief washed over me, and I offered him a grateful smile. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
The warmth of the coffee cup provided that brief respite I had been craving. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I had to keep it together. I had to keep moving forward.
Just as I took a sip, my thoughts miles away, I collided with something solid. Hot coffee splashed out of the cup, soaking the front of a tailored, expensive-looking coat. I gasped, looking up to see a man towering over me, his face twisted in fury.
"You clumsy fool!" he barked, his voice loud enough to attract the stares of passersby. "Do you have any idea how much this coat costs?"
My heart sank as I saw the damage. The coffee had left a large, unmistakable stain. "I-I'm so sorry," I stammered, my voice trembling. "I didn't see you... I was just... I'm so sorry."
Damn… the coffee I couldn’t even afford…
"Sorry?" The man's eyes flashed with anger. "Sorry doesn't fix this. You'll have to pay for this, you know."
"I can't..." I started, my voice breaking. I felt tears welling up but blinked them back. "I can't afford to pay for it. I just lost my job, and I was on my way to an interview. Please, I didn't mean to—"
"Lost your job?" The man cut me off with a derisive snort. "And you think that's an excuse for being careless? People like you always have some sob story. Well, I'm not buying it. You're going to pay for this, one way or another."
My hands shook as I clutched the empty coffee cup. "Please, sir," I pleaded. "I'm about to lose my apartment. I've been looking for work for months. I... I can wash it for you, or... anything. But please don't make me pay for it. I don't have the money."
For a moment, the man's expression softened, a flicker of empathy crossing his features. But it was quickly replaced by a steely resolve. "Fine," he said curtly. "I'll let you go this time. But you'd better watch where you're going from now on. Next time, you won't be so lucky."
"Thank you, thank you so much," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. I kept repeating it, unable to stop myself. "Thank you."
"Cut it," he interrupted sharply. He reached into his pocket and handed me a business card. "Here."
I took the card with trembling hands and read the name printed in bold letters: "Nathaniel Sinclair, President of Sinclair Co." My stomach churned violently. The man I had spilled coffee on owned the company I was about to apply to.
I looked up at him, my mouth dry. "You're... you're the president?"
"Yes," he replied, his voice calm but firm. "And I need a new secretary. You seem... eager enough."
I stared at him, my mind spinning. "You want me to be your secretary? Is this some kind of joke?"
"No joke," he said, his expression unreadable. "Come by my office today at 9 AM. We'll discuss the details."
I blinked, struggling to process what was happening. "Are you sure? I mean, why would you hire me after... after this?"
Nathaniel glanced around, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Because I see potential. And because sometimes, a little chaos brings about interesting opportunities."
Is he serious?
I felt like I was in a dream, unable to believe my luck. "Thank you, Mr. Sinclair. I... I don't know what to say."
"Save it for tomorrow," he said, turning to leave.
"Wait!" I blurted out, still not entirely convinced. "Are you serious? This isn't some kind of scam, is it?"
Nathaniel paused, looking mildly amused. "I assure you, Miss...?"
“Reed. I am Cassandra Reed.” I formally introduced myself.
"I assure you, Miss Reed, this is no scam. Be at my office at 9 AM sharp."
I watched him disappear from my sight as he walked the path that would lead to the biggest company the city had ever seen.
Am I really… employed now?
Nathaniel’s POV“Where is he going?” I whispered to myself, watching Killian rush out of the room. His face was flushed, his brow drenched in sweat, and there was a tightness in his posture that made my stomach twist. It was clear from the way he was moving that something was wrong—he’d been crying.My jaw still ached, the sting from his punch lingering. I was surprised I hadn’t needed a chiropractor to straighten out my face. It was a good thing I wasn’t weak—otherwise, that hit would’ve left me crumpled on the floor. That man... he was definitely stronger than I had anticipated.“I don’t know,” his mother replied, her voice calm but tinged with concern. She watched him leave, a faint line of worry etched on her face. “It looks like he’s needed at the hospital. He’s always been like this, prioritizing his work above everything else.”“Is that so…” I murmured, glancing at the door he had just stormed through. The tension in the room had thickened, and the last thing I wanted was to st
Killian’s POV“One woman was rushed to the hospital after suffering a fatal injury. An eight-wheeled truck reportedly crashed into her, threatening her life. The doctors are still in search of her family, and she is currently undergoing surgery.” The words from a guest’s phone echoed in the room, sending a chill down my spine.I was about to check the news on my phone when suddenly, mine started ringing. Without hesitation, I picked it up, hoping it was someone I knew, maybe someone who could offer some distraction from the overwhelming emotions flooding my chest.“Hello?” I tried to steady my voice, but it was hard. My throat was raw from crying, and every word felt like it was being squeezed out of me. I could barely breathe, my chest tight with the weight of it all. My tears had come down in a relentless stream, and now they seemed to have dried up, leaving a cold emptiness.I waited, my heart pounding, trying to focus on the sound of the voice on the other end. It was heavy breath
Cassandra’s POV“Cassandra, stop!” His voice was louder now, firm and filled with anguish. “You don’t have to listen to her. Don’t let her push you away.”I clenched my fists at my sides, summoning every ounce of resolve I had left. “Killian, please,” I said softly, my voice cracking. “Don’t make this harder.”He stepped closer, his eyes locked onto mine. “Harder? Watching you walk away is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he said, his voice breaking.Tears blurred my vision, but I shook my head, refusing to let them fall. “This isn’t about what you want, Killian. It’s about what’s best for you,” I whispered, my voice trembling.“You think this is what’s best?” he shot back, his frustration evident. “Letting her dictate my life? Pushing you away?”His mother’s voice cut through like ice. “You’ll thank me one day, Killian. She’s nothing but a distraction—a liability. You’ll see that I’m right.”I couldn’t take it anymore. Without another word, I turned and walked away, my steps hurried
Cassandra’s POVThe sharp sting across my cheek left me momentarily frozen, my mind racing to process what had just happened. My skin burned as though it were on fire, and instinctively, my hand rose to touch the spot, trying to dull the pain.It wasn’t just the slap that stunned me—it was the sheer venom behind it.“None of this would have happened if you hadn’t shown up!” Killian’s mother seethed, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. Her eyes were cold, filled with disdain as she stepped closer, pointing an accusatory finger at me. “What’s your relationship with Nathaniel, huh? Are you scheming something wicked for my son?”Before I could even respond, Killian was by my side, wrapping his arms around me protectively. “Mom, what the hell are you doing?!” he shouted, his voice shaking with both anger and fear.I could feel his hands trembling as they gently touched my cheek, his eyes scanning the redness that had begun to spread across my skin. “Are you okay?” he whispered
Cassandra’s POVThe words stung as they left my mouth, but I forced myself to hold his gaze. I couldn’t afford to let him see how his persistence rattled me, how his proximity made my heart race in ways I couldn’t control.For a moment, he didn’t say anything. His eyes flickered with a mix of emotions—hurt, frustration, something else I couldn’t name.I turned away, chugging the rest of my drink in an effort to drown the tension between us. “Besides,” I added, my tone quieter now, “we both know how this would end. Your family would never allow it. They’d see me as nothing but a threat to their perfect little world.”His brows furrowed, but I didn’t let him speak. “You know I’m right,” I said, my voice sharpening again. “I’ve seen how families like yours operate. Wealthy, powerful—they protect their image at all costs. They’d make my life hell, Nathaniel. Just like today. They’d push me into a corner until I had no choice but to walk away.”I paused, the memories of his family’s icy di
Cassandra’s POVI thought I would finally be able to go home, escape this unbearable atmosphere, but I was wrong. Killian had been called over to his parents' table, leaving me behind. So, there I was, tucked away in a corner, holding a glass of champagne like a lifeline, watching the world around me as though I were a ghost.The Luthers were the picture of unity, gathered in their little circle, speaking in low, sophisticated tones that carried an air of exclusivity. Their laughter rose above the quiet hum of the room, light and effortless, as if the world existed solely for their enjoyment.And then there was me.The outsider.I felt the weight of it settle on my chest, heavy and suffocating. I wasn’t just out of place; I was a world away from these people, their conversations about business, legacy, and things I couldn’t even pretend to understand. I sipped my champagne, the fizzy liquid doing nothing to soothe the gnawing ache of my loneliness."Lord, if you’re listening," I thoug
Cassandra’s POV“Who did you come with tonight?” Killian’s voice cut through the tension, his tone light but his words sharp enough to provoke. “Have you finally found yourself someone worth bringing to an event, or are you… lonely?”The corner of Killian’s mouth twitched, hinting at an inside joke I wasn’t privy to. From the way Nathaniel’s lips curled into a smirk, it was clear this wasn’t their first verbal sparring match.Nathaniel chuckled, a low sound that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Lonely? Hardly.” He lifted his glass lazily, taking a sip as his eyes flicked to me, lingering just a second too long. “But no, I didn’t come with anyone. I can’t seem to find someone who compares to the beauty of the woman you brought tonight. Quite the catch, isn’t she?”His gaze felt like a spotlight, making my skin prickle uncomfortably. I gripped Killian’s hand tighter, hoping he didn’t notice.“Is that so?” Killian replied smoothly, a teasing edge in his voice. “Well, don’t worry. You’ll gro
Cassandra’s POVEveryone… they were all so foreign to me. Their polished appearances, the way they moved and spoke—it all screamed wealth and status. It wasn’t just the designer clothing or the champagne glasses they held; it was in the way they carried themselves, as though they owned the world. I felt like a misplaced puzzle piece, too dull to fit into their gilded picture.The way they toasted champagne and seamlessly discussed mergers and investments left me in a haze of inadequacy. What could I possibly contribute to this? That I was a secretary for the biggest company in New York City, and their son—Killian—was out of his mind for dragging me into this?I glanced at him as he walked confidently beside me, his every move exuding a natural charisma that seemed to command respect from everyone around us. He greeted people effortlessly, exchanging names and smiles with men in tailored suits and women adorned in glittering jewelry. I didn’t recognize a single face. These weren’t peop
Cassandra’s POVI stared at the words for a moment, my pulse quickening. I felt a strange mix of nerves and excitement stir in my chest.I took a deep breath and gave myself one last glance in the mirror. “You’ve got this,” I whispered to myself. No matter what happened tonight, I was ready.I made my way down the stairs, my heart pounding as I approached the door. But when I saw him standing there, my steps faltered for a moment. Killian looked nothing like the man I was used to. He was wearing a perfectly tailored business coat, and his presence seemed to demand attention. His charisma radiated off him, stronger than I had ever felt before. It was as if he had stepped into a whole new version of himself, one I hadn’t seen until now.He turned toward me, his eyes locking onto mine. “God, you look as beautiful as ever,” he murmured, his voice low, filled with admiration. I felt a warmth spread through me at his words, but it was more than just a compliment—it felt genuine, like he tru
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