Chapter 1 A New Beginning

Ava Morales stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her dress for what felt like the hundredth time. She couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness as she prepared for her first day at Ryan Industries. She had dreamed of this moment for years, and it was finally here.

As she smoothed out her hair, Ava's mind wandered to the events that had led her to this moment. She had worked tirelessly to land this job, and she was ready to prove herself. She thought about her family, who had always believed in her, and her friends, who had supported her through late-night study sessions and endless cups of coffee.

Ava's excitement grew as she thought about the opportunities that lay ahead. She was about to join one of the most prestigious companies in the industry, working alongside some of the brightest minds in the business. She felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that she had earned her place among them.

But as she glanced at her watch, Ava's heart sank. She was running late! She had overslept by 15 minutes, and she knew she had to rush to make it to the office on time. She grabbed her bag and hurried out the door, her heels clicking on the pavement as she rushed down the street.

As she turned the corner, Ava's attention was focused on her watch, willing the minutes to pass faster. She didn't notice the car speeding down the street until it was almost too late. With a gasp, she leaped out of the way just in time, her heart racing with fear. But as she landed, her feet flew out from under her, and she fell hard onto the pavement. Her dress got dirty, and her stockings tore.

Ava groaned, getting to her feet. She couldn't believe her luck – almost getting hit by a car and now she was covered in dirt and dust! She looked up to see the driver of the car, a rude-looking man, glaring at her.

"Watch where you're going, lady!" he shouted.

Ava's temper flared. "You're the one who almost hit me! You should be more careful!"

The driver sneered. "You're just a clumsy pedestrian. You're lucky I didn't run you over!"

Ava's eyes flashed with anger, but before she could respond, a luxurious car drove by, slowing down as it passed them. The driver, a handsome man with piercing blue eyes, gazed at Ava for a brief moment before driving off.

Ava felt a strange flutter in her chest, but she pushed it aside and refocused on the argument.

"You're a terrible driver!" she shouted at the other driver.

The man snorted and drove off, leaving Ava standing in the street, fuming. She took a deep breath, composed herself, and continued on her way to Ryan Industries.

Ava groaned, getting to her feet. She couldn't believe her luck – almost getting hit by a car and now she was covered in dirt and dust! She looked at her watch and realized she had to hurry even more. She couldn't show up to her first day looking like a mess.

With a sigh, Ava turned around and headed back home. She quickly changed into a new dress, washed her face, and reapplied her makeup. She grabbed her bag and rushed out the door once again.

As she approached the sleek glass building that housed Ryan Industries, Ava's heart raced with excitement once again. She felt like a kid on Christmas morning, eager to unwrap the presents that awaited her. She imagined herself succeeding, growing, and learning alongside her new colleagues. She pictured herself making a difference, contributing to the company's success, and earning the respect of her peers.

Ava's mind was racing with possibilities, her imagination running wild with scenarios and outcomes. She felt like a puzzle piece, finally finding her place in the grand scheme of things. She knew that this was where she was meant to be, and she was ready to make the most of it.

With a smile on her face and a spring in her step, Ava pushed through the doors of Ryan Industries, ready to start her new journey.

Ava took a deep breath as she walked into the lobby of Ryan Industries. She was determined to make a good impression on her first day. She approached the reception desk, where a friendly receptionist greeted her.

"Hi, you must be Ava Morales. Welcome to Ryan Industries! I'm Karen, the receptionist."

Ava smiled and shook Karen's hand. "Thanks, Karen. It's great to be here."

Karen handed her a badge and a folder filled with paperwork. "Here's your ID and some information about the company. Mr. Ryan is waiting for you in his office."

Ava's heart skipped a beat at the mention of her new boss. She had heard rumors about Caleb Ryan's tough exterior and high expectations, but she was determined to prove herself.

With a nod, Ava made her way to the elevator, her heels clicking on the marble floor. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for what lay ahead.

As the elevator doors opened on the top floor, Ava stepped out into a spacious office with a stunning view of the city. The room was elegantly furnished, with a large desk at the far end. Caleb Ryan standing behind his desk, his piercing blue eyes fixed on her. Suddenly, she felt a jolt of recognition. She knew that face, those eyes... And then it hit her - he was the man who had driven past her earlier, the one who had made eye contact with her during her argument with the other driver.

Ava's heart skipped a beat as she felt a flush rise to her cheeks. She couldn't look straight into his eyes anymore, afraid of what he might say or think. She felt shy and intimidated, her palms growing sweaty.

Caleb Ryan's expression didn't change, but Ava sensed a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Did he remember her too?

"Good morning, Ava," he said, his deep voice breaking the silence. "Welcome to Ryan Industries."

She couldn't help but keep mute. She felt a mix of emotions - sad about what happened earlier and embarrassed that her boss saw her arguing with the other driver.

Caleb seemed to sense her gaze and caught her eye, his expression softening. "Hey, are you okay? That was a close call earlier."

Ava nodded, feeling a flush rise to her cheeks. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit shaken up."

Caleb nodded sympathetically. "Understandable. But I'm glad you're okay. That was a reckless driver. You should be careful out there."

Ava smiled weakly, feeling a bit better. "I will, thanks. And thanks for stopping to help earlier. That meant a lot to me."

Caleb smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "No problem, Ava.

Ava nodded, her voice caught in her throat. She couldn't believe what she was experiencing

She took a deep breath and tried to compose herself, but her eyes kept darting away from Caleb's, afraid of what she might see there.

Caleb extended his hand to Ava..., She tried to pull off a fake smile

Caleb Ryan's handshake was firm, his eyes never leaving hers. Ava nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "Thank you, sir.

Caleb gestured to a chair in front of his desk. "Have a seat, Ava. We have a lot to discuss."

Ava sat down, her eyes scanning the office. It was sleek and modern, with a stunning view of the city skyline. She could see the Empire State Building from where she sat.

Caleb took his seat behind his desk, his eyes fixed on her. "So, Ava, tell me about yourself. What makes you think you're the right fit for Ryan Industries?"

Ava took a deep breath and summoned the courage to speak, launching into her prepared speech. She told him about her background, her skills, and her experience. She highlighted her achievements and her passion for the industry.

Caleb listened intently, his eyes never leaving hers. He nodded occasionally, his expression unreadable.

When she finished, he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "Impressive, Ava. Very impressive. But let me tell you, this isn't a cushy job. We work hard here. Long hours, high pressure. Are you up for the challenge?"

Ava nodded, her heart racing with excitement. "Sir. I'm ready for whatever comes my way."

Caleb smiled a small, enigmatic smile. "We'll see about that.