Chapter 1 Collision

Rain hammered the streets like bullets. Selene Harts cursed under her breath as her umbrella flipped inside out for the third time that night. Another late shift at BrewBucks, another coworker who "forgot" to show up. Her boots splashed through puddles on Layton Street, her shortcut home, a bad decision.

Headlights cut through the downpour.

A man staggered into the road-dark coat, head down, moving like he wanted to die. Tires screeched.

"Hey!" Selene shouted, already running before her brain caught up.

She slammed into him, shoving hard. The car whooshed past, missing them by inches. They crashed to the wet pavement in a tangle of limbs and rain-soaked clothes.

Selene's heart slammed against her ribs. "Are you insane? Who walks into traffic like that?"

The man didn't answer. Blood trickled from his temple, mixing with rainwater. Sharp jaw, dark lashes, lips parted-he looked like trouble wrapped in expensive fabric. Handsome. Reckless. And now unconscious.

"Shit." She checked his pulse-strong. Thank God. She fumbled for her phone, called an ambulance, and gave clipped answers. "Male, mid-thirties, hit by a car? No, he walked into it. Layton Street. Hurry."

Paramedics arrived fast. They lifted him onto the stretcher. One glanced at her. "You're family?"

"No." Selene stepped back. "Just... passing by."

She turned to leave before the questions started.

A wallet had fallen from his coat pocket during the crash. She hesitated, then picked it up. Inside: cash, cards-and a name.

Austin Blake.

She froze. The name rang a distant bell-something from news headlines? Billionaire? She shoved the wallet into her jacket. Return it later. Or not. She needed the money more than he did.

She walked away, rain hiding the tremor in her hands.

She didn't know Austin Blake was already waking up in the ambulance, eyes snapping open, demanding: "The woman who saved me. Find her."

Two days later, Selene's world cracked wider.

Her manager called her into the back office. "Budget cuts. Sorry, kid. Nothing personal."

"Of course." Her voice was flat. "Never personal."

She packed her apron, walked out into the blinding sun, feeling numb. Savings? Two months, maybe. Then what?

That night, her phone buzzed-an email.

"" Subject: Immediate Position – Personal Assistant""

"We came across your resume via private referral. Selected for the executive assistant role. Competitive salary. Start tomorrow, 9 a.m. Interview at Blake Enterprises."

Selene stared. She hadn't applied anywhere. No referral. No resume sent.

Was this Fate? Or Scam?

Well, Desperation won.

She showed up anyway.

At the location, the building towered-made of glass and steel, looked like money screaming from every angle.

When she got in the receptionist barely looked up. "Selene Harts?" She said and pointed to the elevator.

She nodded and moved to the elevator.

The Elevator ride to the top floor. Smelled like power and cologne. Once she got out.

A stern man-Adam-met her. "Mr. Cole values absolute discretion above all else. You'll assist him closely. Sign the NDA first."

She skimmed it. Non-disclosure, high pay, immediate start. Weird clauses about "personal security" and "confidentiality regarding identity."

Then the door opened.

A man stood there-bandage on his temple, suit impeccable, eyes locking on hers like a predator spotting prey.

He recognized her instantly.

She didn't recognize him.

Yet.

"Miss Harts." His voice was low, commanding. "You're hired."

Selene's stomach dropped. Something in his stare felt... familiar. Dangerous.

He stepped closer. "We have unfinished business."

The door clicked shut behind her.