Chapter 3 Their first breakfast

Rachel stretched her arms as she sat up, still wearing the nightgown that clung softly to her figure. Her tousled brown hair did nothing to diminish her beauty. She reached for a glass of water on the nightstand and drank it all in one go. Then, her eyes fell on the clock-it was 7 a.m.

Taking a deep breath, Rachel exhaled slowly before finally stepping out of bed. Today was her first day at the office, where she would be taking over the position her father, David, once held. The thought alone made her feel nervous and unsure of herself. Could she truly fill David's shoes, someone so trusted by the company's board? Of course, it wouldn't be easy. Surely, there would be those who doubted her, especially with her limited experience.

"Think positive, Rachel," she murmured, trying to calm her nerves.

She made her way to the bathroom, determined to prepare herself as best as she could for this important day that would shape her future within the company.

They say first impressions matter-Rachel believed that. She wanted to leave a strong impression on the board of directors, even if some of them might already be against her. Her preparation took longer than expected, not because of vanity, but because of the anxiety that continued to weigh her down.

Standing in front of the full-length mirror, Rachel saw her reflection-neatly dressed in business attire, her makeup subtle yet enhancing. She looked perfect in her tailored blazer, but inside, her heart remained restless. Doubts clouded her thoughts until a knock on the door snapped her out of her daze.

"Come in," she called, prompting a maid to enter with her head bowed slightly.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. Sir has been waiting for over an hour," the maid informed her, causing Rachel to frown. The next second, she slapped her forehead.

She had completely forgotten-she wasn't just the new head of Carson Corporation. She was also the wife of the man her father had trusted the most.

"He's been waiting that long?" Rachel asked, and the maid nodded.

"Alright, tell him I'll be down in five minutes," she replied quickly. The maid exited quietly.

Rachel grabbed her phone, scanned through a few messages, then gave her reflection one last look. Satisfied, she stepped out of the room.

Her steps slowed when she saw Lucian already seated at the dining table, a tablet in his hands-a scene that had begun to feel strangely familiar in the mornings. He was dressed in his usual crisp office attire, his serious expression framed by the glasses he always wore.

Rachel's footsteps drew Lucian's attention away from the tablet. He placed it down on the table and looked at her as she took the seat across from him.

"Next time, you don't have to wait for me this long. If I'm late, you can start breakfast without me," Rachel said, reaching for a slice of toast and spreading peanut butter on it.

"Perhaps I came to the table too early. Going forward, I'll adjust to your wake-up time," Lucian replied in his usual formal tone.

Rachel glanced at him briefly before taking a bite of the toast she had prepared. Breakfast passed in silence. Every now and then, she stole glances at Lucian, who seemed to be deliberately matching the pace of his eating to hers. Feeling awkward, Rachel quickened her movements, finishing her toast and downing the orange juice beside her plate. As if understanding, Lucian followed suit, finishing his breakfast shortly after-like a subordinate adjusting to the rhythm of his superior.

After that, Lucian walked behind Rachel and opened the car door for her before taking the driver's seat. Lucian now wore many hats at once: secretary, chauffeur, and personal bodyguard to Rachel Carson. Yet he never complained. He carried out all his roles with quiet acceptance, as though God had assigned this path for him, and he had chosen to walk it without question. God had given him a stable job-and now, even a wife. To him, it was a blessing worth cherishing.

"What's on my schedule today?" Rachel asked suddenly, causing Lucian to glance at her through the rearview mirror.

Their eyes met briefly before Lucian returned his gaze to the road.

"You were scheduled to attend your first board meeting five minutes ago. At ten, you have two client meetings back to back until just before lunch. After that, there are a number of important documents left by Mr. David that you need to review-which will likely take up the rest of the workday," Lucian explained smoothly, without needing to look at any notes. Rachel's schedule was clearly embedded in his mind.

Rachel fell silent, processing the information. A few seconds later, she burst out, "What?"

"Shall I repeat your schedule for today?" Lucian asked calmly, prompting a quick nod from her.

"At 8:30 a.m., you were scheduled to attend your first board meeting. Then, at ten-"

"I'm already almost ten minutes late! Why didn't you tell me earlier?!" Rachel cut him off, her voice rising as her eyes widened in shock. Lucian immediately looked at her through the mirror, his expression tinged with panic.

"There's no need to worry too much. A superior arriving slightly late is often acceptable," Lucian replied, trying to remain composed. But his words only made Rachel more anxious. She shifted in her seat, her whole body tense.

"How can I not worry? It's my first day on the job! I wanted to make a good first impression, and now everything is ruined because you didn't tell me the meeting started this early!" she snapped, her voice shaking between panic and frustration. Her face flushed red, and her jaw clenched as she fought to keep her emotions in check.

Her original plan to appear professional in front of the board was quickly falling apart.

"I'm sorry. I'll be more careful about managing and reminding you of your schedule in the future," Lucian said sincerely, his tone filled with remorse.

"Forget it," Rachel muttered sharply. "Just drive faster. I don't want to be even later than I already am."

"Yes, Ma'am." Lucian nodded and gently pressed harder on the gas pedal, quickening the car's speed.

"And from now on, tell me my schedule for the next day the night before. I want to manage it myself," Rachel added, her tone calmer now, but firm.

Lucian only gave a small nod, fully aware of how important this day was for her.