Lily followed the Human Resources officer through the polished hallways of Wayne Corporation, trying not to stare at the luxurious surroundings.
Everything looked expensive.
The marble floors reflected the crystal lights overhead.
Employees walked briskly with tablets and files in hand, greeting one another in hushed voices.
It felt less like an office and more like a world where every second counted.
“You’ll be working on the executive floor,” the HR officer, Mrs. Evelyn Brooks, said with a warm smile.
Lily blinked in surprise.
“The executive floor?”
“Yes. We were impressed with your interview. The board believes you have great potential.”
Lily’s heart skipped a beat.
She had expected to start in a junior administrative department, not among the company’s top executives.
“I… I won’t disappoint you.”
Mrs. Brooks smiled.
“I hope not.”
They stopped outside a sleek glass office.
“This is your workspace.”
Lily stepped inside.
A modern desk, a laptop, neatly arranged files, and a large window overlooking the city awaited her.
She ran her fingers across the desk.
This is real…
Before she could admire it any longer, a young woman walked in wearing a fitted navy dress and designer heels.
She looked Lily up and down.
“So, you’re the new girl.”
Lily smiled politely.
“Yes.
I’m Lily.”
“I’m Sophia Bennett.”
She extended her hand, though her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“I’ve been Mr. Wayne’s executive assistant for three years.”
Lily shook her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you.”
Sophia tilted her head.
“I hope you don’t get attached.”
“I’m sorry?”
“No one lasts long around Damian Wayne.”
She laughed lightly before turning away.
“The longest replacement lasted six weeks.”
Lily swallowed.
“Why?”
Sophia looked back over her shoulder.
“He doesn’t tolerate mistakes.”
With that, she walked away, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.
Lily let out a slow breath.
“Well… that’s encouraging.”
A few minutes later…
“Attention, everyone!”
The voice echoed across the executive floor.
Employees immediately stood straighter.
Conversations stopped.
The atmosphere changed in an instant.
Lily frowned.
“What happened?”
A nearby employee whispered, “The CEO is coming.”
Lily looked toward the elevator.
The polished doors slid open.
Out stepped a tall man dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit.
He walked with quiet confidence, surrounded by two executives.
Every employee greeted him.
“Good morning, Mr. Wayne.”
He acknowledged them with the slightest nod without slowing down.
Lily had never seen anyone command a room without speaking.
His dark hair was neatly styled.
His expression was unreadable.
His presence alone seemed to silence the entire floor.
“That’s Damian Wayne?” she thought.
He looked even more intimidating than the stories suggested.
As she watched him disappear into the corridor, she whispered to herself,
“He looks like he hasn’t smiled in years.”
The employee beside her gasped.
“What?”
“You said that out loud.”
Lily’s eyes widened.
“I… did?”
Before anyone could answer, Mrs. Brooks handed Lily a stack of files.
“Please take these to the CEO’s office immediately.”
Lily nodded eagerly.
“I can do that.”
She balanced the heavy files in her arms and hurried toward the large office at the end of the hallway.
Her nerves were beginning to settle.
Maybe this day won’t be so bad after all…
Just as she reached the corner—
Bang!
She collided with someone.
The files flew into the air like scattered leaves.
Papers drifted across the polished floor.
The hallway fell completely silent.
Lily quickly bent down.
“Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry!”
She reached for the papers, not even looking up.
A pair of polished black shoes stopped inches from her hands.
Then came a deep, calm voice.
“Look at me.”
Lily froze.
Slowly, she lifted her head.
Standing before her was Damian Wayne.
His jaw was tight.
His sharp eyes locked onto hers.
Neither of them spoke for a moment.
The entire executive floor watched in stunned silence.
No one had ever crashed into Damian Wayne.
And no one had ever survived it without consequences.
Lily’s heartbeat thundered in her ears.
“I’m… I’m very sorry, Mr. Wayne.”
Damian looked at the papers scattered around them.
Then back at Lily.
His expression remained impossible to read.
“You’ve been here less than an hour…”
He paused.
“…and you’ve already made a memorable first impression.”
The hallway stayed silent.
Lily wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole.
To be continued…