CHAPTER 1

OLIVIA'S P.O.V

I woke up to the sound of my alarm. It was a Monday morning and my first day at work as the personal secretary to the CEO of Stone Construction Enterprise, Cade Stone.

I was so lucky to get this job. It means a lot to me, being the eldest of two kids and currently the breadwinner of the family. My younger sister Lyra and I lost our parents in a car accident.

I got out of bed and went to have my bath because I couldn't be late for my first day at work. I decided to wear a white shirt and pants and paired them with coffee-brown heels and a bag. I did my makeup minimal and left my shoulder-length auburn hair open with a clip at the back.

"Are you ready? Natasha, my best friend, asked me from outside. Natasha and I lived together alongside my sister, Lyra.

"Yes, " I answered after coming out of my room. Natasha was all dressed up in a black pencil skirt and red shirt with her blonde hair cascading down her shoulders. You look so beautiful Nat, I told her with a heart smile on my face.

I could see all her cheeks get red, replying with so much joy in her voice, "Thank you best friend".

Natasha and I have been best friends since high school. She was that elder sister I never had. When my parents died, Nat went all out of her way to make sure Lyra and I were okay. She took us in to live with her since the only house we had was used to pay for mummy and daddy's mortgage. Nat got me my position at Stone Enterprise and also works as the Human resource manager.

"Come on, let's leave," I said

"Wait guys, I woke up early to make breakfast since it's your first day at your new job," Lyra said with a bit of uncertainty and fear of rejection laced in her voice.

I walked to her with a smile "That's so sweet of you Lyra," I said as Nat walked out of her room in a bit of a hurry.

"Come and have breakfast first Nat, Lyra cooked."

Within 10 minutes we were both in Natasha's car heading to Stone Enterprise. I was nervous and anxious at the same time. I asked myself different questions, wondering if I was going to meet up to standard. Stone Enterprise is much higher than my former workplace. It was a small company compared with Stone Enterprise.

"Hey Nat, I was going to ask, how does Mr Stone like his coffee? Any specific?

"He prefers his coffee from the company's kitchen. He loves his coffee strongly, so two shots of espresso would do the magic and then the normal process."

"That's all? Does he prefer black or creamy coffee?" I asked Nat.

"Black most of the time but if it's gonna be creamy, just a bit."

"Alright".

" Don't worry, Mr. Stone can be rude, demanding, strict, but at the same time kind. I know you will adapt. You will work it out."

" Hopefully." I smiled.

...…

I went to Mr. Stone's office as I didn't know what to do. But I kept my bag in my office. Nat showed me the small office where the last assistant used to stay.

I arranged the table so that each file was on one side. I filled his glass with water. I kept some business newspapers on the table as Nat told me he likes to read them first thing in the morning. After arranging everything, I checked the time, seeing that he would arrive in 15 minutes, I hurriedly made my way to the company's kitchen.

I made my way to the kitchen. I took a cup and poured two shots of espresso. Then I added milk and water. I thought for a moment and added cinnamon to his coffee. My mum used to make it because it was Dad's and my favorite.

I entered his office and placed the mug on the coaster. I took one more glance around the office when a deep voice startled me.

" Early aren't we Ms. Dawen?"

I turned around, "God you scared me" I replied placing a hand on my chest.

" I didn't mean to." Mr. Stone replied, walking towards me.

As he walked towards me, my mouth opened in Ajar. He is tall and impeccably dressed, and Cade exudes an air of authority. His shaped steely gaze and well-groomed appearance mask the ruthlessness that lies beneath the surface. His tailored suit and designer accessories reflect both his wealth and his attention to detail.

" Why don't you take a picture? It lasts longer."

I could feel the rush of heat that went to my face. I'm very sure I looked like tomatoes. With embarrassment in my voice, I said " I'm sorry sir, promise it will never happen again. "

"Good morning, Mr. Stone." I greeted in a low voice

"Morning."

He took a look around the office, he was pleased with what he was seeing. The table was already set for the day, and his coffee was ready, seeing it, he smirked.

"I presume Natasha did a good job briefing you about everything." he sat in his chair

"Yes sir, she did. Here is your coffee and here are all the business newspapers you would like to have a look at."

He took one newspaper while taking a sip from his coffee. His facial expression changed immediately.

Holy Mary, Olivia what have you done? Why in God's name would you add cinnamon to his coffee on the first day of work? I was shaking and scared internally, waiting for him to lash out.

"Who made this coffee?" he asked with no form of emotion in his voice making it hard to know what was going on in his mind.

"Uh… umm. Huh?" I stuttered

"You very well heard me, Olivia." if there is one thing I hate is repeating myself, he said with his face showing no emotion.

"I made it." my hands trembling and anxiety taking over my entire being.

"There is something different."

"Yes sir. I added a pinch of cinnamon. It was the kind of coffee my mother used to make for me when I was little. It's my favorite. However, I apologize for altering your morning coffee Mr. Cade, I will go prepare another one." I replied to him with my voice filled with embarrassment and turned to leave his office.

"Olivia!!." he called in a raised tone.

" yes." I turn around.

"I like it. From now on, I want my coffee like this," he said in a very commanding but low tone.

"Really? Thank you, sir." I shrugged

"Um. Is there anything you would want me to do for you?" I asked in the most formal tone.

"Examine every file about our rivals, debtors, and creditors. You can't mug up all that, I know but keep in mind the primary ones. Secondly, Ms.Isabella Reynold a bunch of yellow roses with the note," Don't try to reach me at this, I am unavailable." The effect would be worse if this doesn't happen. Third, I'm the chief guest at the NYU post-graduation celebration. Please examine my speech again for it. It must have already been emailed by my PR. For now, that's all he said in one breath."

"Alright Mr.Stone." and I left his office to get to work.

Halfway into the task my boss gave me, my phone started to ring. I picked up my phone and it was an unsaved number calling me. Who could this be? I asked rhetorically with worry laced in my voice.

"Hello, this is Olivia Dawson. Who am I speaking to?

"Good afternoon Ms. Olivia we are calling you from New York Presbyterian Hospital and it is regarding your sister Lyra Dawson.

At the mention of Lyra's name, I became very nervous, curious, and scared. The last time I got a call from the hospital was when my parents were involved in a car accident. My heart pounded so hard in my chest, that I didn't know what to think.

"Hello, ma'am. Hello Ms. Olivia, can you hear me?

" Yes, I can hear you. Please how is Lyra? What is Lyra doing in the hospital?." I said with mixed feelings.

I felt my hands trembling as I held the phone. I could feel the tears from my eyes threatening to escape. Lyra wasn't sick when I left her at home this morning. I couldn't find my voice as memories from the last scene I saw in the hospital of my parents coming back.

"What is wrong with Lyra?" I asked with a very heavy voice and fear filled me.