Monday morning came with a soft drizzle tapping gently against the windowpanes of the Morrison household. The sky was a quiet grey, and the sun peeked through in streaks like shy gold ribbons. Inside her small, cozy room, Elena's alarm buzzed faintly at 6:00 AM.
For once, she didn't hit snooze.
Her eyes opened with purpose, determination glinting in them. It was her first official day at Lancaster Estate. She had been dreaming about this moment — not just the job itself, but what it represented: freedom, responsibility, and a step closer to her goals.
She stretched with a soft yawn, tossing aside the blanket and slipping into her bunny slippers. A grin crossed her face as she padded into the bathroom. Twenty minutes later, she emerged, face glowing and fresh. She brushed her hair into a neat low ponytail, then reached for a sleek navy-blue blouse and matching high-waist trousers. It was smart, confident, and perfectly matched the tone she wanted to set.
She dabbed on a bit of foundation, light mascara, glossed her lips, and spritzed some deodorant and perfume. Not too much. Just enough to feel like herself.
As she stepped out of her room, the aroma hit her—warm, buttery pancakes and sizzling eggs.
"Mum?" Elena called, stunned.
Jessica Morrison, already in her hospital scrubs, turned from the stove with a proud smile. "Surprise. You didn't think I'd let you start your first day without proper breakfast, did you?"
Elena's heart swelled. "You're the best."
They both sat at the dining table, plates stacked, the morning news humming faintly from the old radio. Between mouthfuls, they laughed, shared light banter, and Jessica gave motherly advice that made Elena roll her eyes playfully.
"Don't let anyone walk over you just because you're new."
"Mum, it's a receptionist job, not a WWE ring."
Jessica chuckled. "Still. Know your worth."
They were halfway through breakfast when a honk came from outside.
"That'll be Aiden," Elena said, grabbing her bag.
Jessica leaned over to smooth her daughter's hair. "You're going to shine, baby."
Elena grinned. "I'll text you when I settle in."
Outside, Aiden was already leaning against his sleek black car, his sunglasses dramatically placed on his forehead.
He whistled as she approached. "Damn, Morrison. You clean up nice."
Elena laughed, sliding into the passenger seat. "You ready to chauffeur greatness?"
He smirked. "Always."
As they drove through the damp city roads, music played softly in the background. Aiden glanced at her from the corner of his eye.
"First-day jitters?"
"More like first-day adrenaline," Elena said, fingers nervously playing with the hem of her sleeve.
"You got this. I believe in you."
They arrived at the Lancaster Estate in twenty minutes. Aiden parked, got out, and walked around to open her door.
"For her royal majesty," he teased with a dramatic bow.
Elena giggled. "You'll never grow up."
"Never," he replied proudly.
She gave him a quick hug. "Thanks for the ride."
"Kill it in there."
With a deep breath, Elena walked into the grand glass doors of Lancaster Estate.
***
The day began smoothly. HR led her through orientation — introducing her to staff members, walking her through protocols, and assigning her desk at the reception. The office space was modern, filled with indoor plants, sleek furniture, and the subtle scent of vanilla air freshener.
Elena's workspace was situated near the main entrance, perfect for visibility. She arranged her station with care — placing her notebook to the left, her water bottle to the right, and her name badge neatly in front of her.
She dove into her tasks, answering calls, filing digital forms, and assisting visitors. Everyone seemed welcoming. A few colleagues came by to say hello, most notably Victoria Lancaster — the COO and sister to the elusive CEO.
"You must be Elena," Victoria said, eyes twinkling. "I heard about you."
Elena straightened. "All good things, I hope?"
Victoria smiled. "So far."
As the clock ticked closer to 4:00 PM, Elena checked her watch. She had an online lecture at 5:30 and needed to be home in time. She began wrapping up her tasks — shutting down her system, organizing her files, and packing her bag.
In her flurry to get going, she didn't notice the soft 'ding' of the executive elevator behind her.
The doors opened.
Sebastian Lancaster stepped out.
His suit jacket was off, shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He looked every inch the part of a powerful, commanding CEO — yet there was a coolness about him today, an edge of weariness from back-to-back meetings.
Elena, rushing to zip her bag, stepped backward at the wrong moment—and collided hard into someone.
The bag dropped. Her files scattered.
Gasps rose around the office.
"Oh no, not again—" Elena muttered, mortified.
She turned, eyes wide.
Sebastian.
Their eyes locked. Recognition flickered. Him.
Again.
"You," they both said at once.
Elena's heart stuttered. "I—oh God—I'm so sorry. Again. I didn't mean to—"
He knelt first, gathering her papers before she could. His face unreadable.
"You really do have a thing for crashing into me, don't you?" he said dryly.
Elena flushed. "I swear I'm not stalking you or anything."
"I'd hope not. That'd make you the clumsiest stalker I've ever met."
There was laughter from nearby colleagues, but Sebastian stood, handing her the last paper.
Their hands brushed briefly.
Something electric.
Elena looked away quickly, zipping her bag and avoiding his eyes.
"I was just on my way out," she said, trying to sound composed.
"I see," he said, voice neutral. "How's your first day going?"
She blinked. "Wait, you know…?"
"You're Elena Morrison. We hired you last week. Of course I know."
"Oh. Right. Of course." She mentally slapped herself.
He glanced at his wristwatch. "You're clocking out early?"
"I have an online lecture," she said, then added quickly, "But I finished everything for the day."
Sebastian tilted his head. "Efficient."
"Thanks?"
He nodded. "Well, don't let me keep you. But next time…" he leaned in slightly, voice low, "…try not to knock me over. People are starting to talk."
Elena laughed, the tension easing. "I'll try my best, sir."