CHEERS TO A FRESH START….OR NOT

CHAPTER 3

FIVE YEARS LATER…

Alara raises her head high to look at the building which stretches endlessly into the sky. Tall, sleek glass bounce off the light of the early morning sun. 

She steps forward, gripping her handbag firmly as she finally moves, ascending the stairs and walking into the establishment. Her heels click against the polished marble, announcing her presence and demanding attention. 

Heads turn to obey, conversations become on hold and curious eyes trail her every move. She doesn’t spare anyone a single glance.

Inside, the lobby hums with the usual Monday morning chaos. Employees rushing in to avoid a strike for late coming, phones ringing, the sharp click-clacks of keyboards—it is an image of a typical business place. 

That is until they spot her.

Alara exudes confidence as she strides through the place like she owns it, grey eyes locked ahead and posture poised. She is a force of feminine power and grace. 

The elevator doors gleam ahead as if in wait for her arrival. She steps in and she keys in her destination. Just as the doors begin to swish close, a hand slips between them. The doors jolt back open. 

Her brows pinch together in irritation. Now she has to be a minute late because somebody cannot keep up—until her gaze lifts. 

One moment, she’s simmering with silent anger. The next, she’s staring up, up into playful but piercing light blue eyes. Honey brown hair, tousled but effortlessly perfect. 

Blessed with what she notes is a strong jawline, the man’s lips curl up into an easy smirk. He takes one long stride into the elevator and Alara cannot help but admire the way that grey charcoal suit fits him too damn well. 

Broad shoulders tapering into a lean waist to accentuate the well-tailored pants clinging onto powerful thighs. 

“Sorry,” he says with a voice she thinks is too smooth. “Didn’t mean to be so rude about it.”

‘Who does he think he’s trying to charm? What’s worse? It’s laced with amusement. Does he think it’s funny to inconvenience people with his own tardiness?’, the thoughts remain as she shifts her weight. 

She looks far from being impressed. Why would a company with such a reputation even hire such people? Well, maybe he has a hidden talent?

She forces herself to maintain calmness.

He exhales, running a hand through his hair. “First day. You know how it is. Shouldn’t be late, the pressure to look responsible, but here I am.’

She doesn’t respond. All she wishes is for him to shut the hell up so she can get her thoughts in one place without his cloyingly sweet voice disrupting that.

Before the doors can fully close, hurried footsteps echo from outside. A voice calls out— “Wait up, sir!”

Alara expects the man beside her to hold the doors. Instead, he tilts his head, grinning as he wiggles a finger. The doors slide shut. 

Her irritation spikes. She exhales sharply through her mouth then crosses her arms. 

“You could’ve waited,” she mutters.

He shrugs. “Could’ve, yeah.”

“Would it kill you to be a little less annoying?” 

He casts her a sideways glance before looking away with a smirk. “I apologize.”

She clenches her jaw, willing herself to clamp her mouth shut. In a bid to stop herself from looking at his irritatingly handsome face, she forces her attention to her wristwatch, counting down to his exit. 

The man rocks back on his heels, humming a soft tune and drumming his fingers against the steel railing. She closes her eyes, the rhythmic taps grating on her nerves.

She snaps. “Would you consider that there’s someone else in the elevator?”

He lifts his hands in mock surrender. “Didn’t know elevator etiquette was this strict.” His smirk widens. “You should loosen up a little.”

The glare she sends his way is lethal. 

The elevator slows and the moment the doors part, he steps out but turns at the last second. “Didn’t catch your name.”

Alara rolls her eyes so far back into her head and jabs the button. With satisfaction, she watches as the doors slide shut between them. He remains where he is, blue eyes dancing with mischief and a grin on his lips.

The door shuts completely and she fights off the tremors of the encounter as the elevator resumes its ascent to the top floor. The moment it stops, she steps out and heads straight for the CEO’s office. 

Ignoring the sleek look and casting a fleeting gaze to the floor-to-ceiling windows framing the city skyline. She takes a seat with her back straight.

Minutes pass before the door opens.

An older man steps in, his deep blue eyes—almost gray—sharp with intelligence.

Alara rises immediately. “Mr. Jericho,” she greets.

“Miss Alara.” His handshake is firm and hints at strict business. He gestures for her to sit as he takes his own seat. “Let’s get to it, shall we?”

She nods. “Straight to business. I like that.”

He chuckles, rubbing his temple. “Time is money.” Then, he checks his watch, frowning. “Speaking of time, my son was supposed to be here less than an hour ago.” His voice turns gruff. “I specifically told him that for the first day as CEO, punctuality is everything. He was supposed to meet the employees and the new lawyer.”

Alara offers him a tight-lipped smile even though displeasure manages to find its way to her face. “Work ethics demand that all employees resume early. The CEO included.”

His lips twitch, amused. “You’re not wrong.”

Before they can say more, the door swings open and someone saunters in. Alara turns and her mouth dries up. 

Those thighs. Those eyes. There he is standing in the doorway, charcoal suit still perfectly in place and that same infuriating smirk on his lips when their eyes lock.

No. it can’t be. But it is. 

The lousy employee from the elevator. She is unable to drag her face away from his long legs as he eats up the distance in long strides. 

Admiration blurs into irritation and her temper flares sharp even though she does a great job at masking her emotions.

“Sorry to have kept you both waiting.” he extends a hand toward Alara. “I’m Xavier. Xavier Jericho. Pleased to meet you.”

But she doesn’t look pleased to meet him. Is this the new CEO she is expected to work with?