002

I walked into the break room at Haven Enterprises, my sanity was messed up with the thoughts of Elias and Sylvia. The hurt from last night still clung to me, making it hard to think straight.

My best friend, Sylvia, who I’d trusted for years, had betrayed me. Elias, my fiancé, had cheated on me with her. I was heartbroken, and no matter how hard I tried, the thought of them together wouldn’t leave my mind.

“Hey, Trace, you okay?” Brenda asked as I sat down across from her. Brenda was my colleague and a good friend, someone who always knew when I was upset.

I looked at her, trying to smile but failing. “Not really,” I sighed. “I… I caught Elias cheating on me with Sylvia last night. They were… having sex. I don’t know what to do now.”

Brenda’s eyes widened, her hand immediately going to mine. “Oh no, that’s awful. I’m so sorry.” Her grip tightened on mine, and she seemed genuinely hurt for me. “You don’t deserve that at all. He’s an idiot, and Sylvia, I can’t believe she’d do that to you.”

I wiped my eyes, trying to hold back the tears. “I don’t know what hurt more, seeing them together or realizing that I didn’t even know who either of them really was and that I’ve been a fool all these while.” I sniffed, pulling myself together. “I just don’t understand it.”

Brenda leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. “It’s okay to feel that way, Trace. It’s not your fault.”

I nodded, trying to believe her words. “I hope so.”

A moment of silence passed between us as I tried to calm my breathing.

After a few minutes, Brenda spoke up again, clearly eager to change the subject and hopefully lighten my mood a little.

“Guess what, though? We’ve got a new CEO here at Haven Enterprises,” Brenda said, excitedly. “I just heard about it this morning. They say he’s really impressive, and I think he’s already made a big impression on the higher-ups.”

I blinked, my mind still clouded with the events from the night before. “A new CEO? Wow, that’s….” I paused for a moment. “Do you know anything about him?”

Brenda raised an eyebrow, clearly excited to talk about this new CEO. “Well, I haven’t met him yet, but I heard he’s young, super smart, and he’s done amazing things at other companies. They say he’s got the looks, too, and is one of those guys who knows how to get things done. I’m telling you, Trace, he’s the kind of guy you just have to see to believe.”

I laughed, even if it was a small laugh. “Yeah, I’m sure.”

She gave me a knowing look. “You should definitely keep an eye out for him. Who knows, maybe you’ll be working closely with him.” Brenda gagged.

The mention of a new CEO scintillated something in me, but I quickly shoved it aside. I wasn’t interested in anyone right now, especially not after what had happened with Elias and Sylvia.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I replied, not wanting to seem rude, but not ready to think about another man either.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I glanced at it, noticing a text from the head of my department, Mr. Lawrence.

‘Ms. Bennett, please come to my office. We need to discuss something important.’

I swallowed hard, the usual nerves creeping up my spine. Mr. Lawrence was always so serious, and I never knew what to expect when he called me into his office.

“Looks like I’ve got to run,” I said to Brenda, standing up and grabbing my bag. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Take care of yourself, okay?” Brenda said softly. “And remember, I’m always here for you.”

I nodded, feeling a little comforted by her words, though my mind was already beating so hard.

I walked to Mr. Lawrence’s office, I tried not to think about the new CEO and how strange it felt that things at the company were changing so quickly. But then again, everything had been changing lately, nothing felt the same after all.

When I arrived at Mr. Lawrence’s office, I knocked lightly before entering.

“Come in,” he called from behind his desk.

I pushed open the door and stepped inside. Mr. Lawrence was sitting at his usual place, papers scattered across the desk. He looked up when he noticed my presence.

“Ms. Bennett, I trust you’re doing well?” he asked, his tone somewhat formal.

“Yes, sir,” I replied, trying to sound polite. “You asked to see me?”

He nodded while tapping his fingers lightly on the desk. “I wanted to inform you of a few changes in the company. As you may have heard, we have a new CEO here at Haven Enterprises. I’d like you to meet him and get to know him. It’s important we all adjust quickly.”

“A new CEO?” I blinked, acting a little too surprised. “I haven't heard about that.”

“Yes,” he continued, avoiding my last statement. “In light of these changes, I need you to take these files to his office. They contain important details about the company. Give them to him directly. Can you do that?”

I hesitated for a moment, still processing everything. “Of course, sir. I’ll take them right away.”

“Good,” he replied, handing me a stack of neatly organized files. “You can find his office on the top floor. He should be in there. Just drop these off and introduce yourself.”

I nodded, taking the files from his hands. I left his office and made my way to the elevator

The elevator ride to the top floor was painfully slow, each floor creaking as it passed. My stomach twisted with nervous energy, and I wondered if I would even like this new CEO. What would he be like? Would he be different from the others?

When the elevator finally dinged, I stepped out, scanning the hallway. His office was at the end of the corridor, and he should be in there.

This was important. I had to make a good impression.

I knocked on the door lightly, but there was no response. I knocked again, this time a little louder, but still, nothing. I stood there for a moment, feeling a little awkward. Maybe he wasn’t in? I thought about turning around and leaving, but I was so close.

Finally, with a small breath, I opened the door slightly, intending to drop the files on his desk and leave quickly.

But then, I saw him, seated at the desk, completely engrossed in the papers spread out before him.

I stepped further into the room, and as if sensing my presence, he lifted his head.

Our eyes met, and my breath hitched.

It was him.

The same handsome man I had met last night at the hotel. The one who had offered to buy me a drink or give me a ride.

“Did I say you could come in?”