Chapter Text
The shrill sound of the alarm clock invaded the silent room, and Love woke with a start, her heart pounding like a drum. The dream that had haunted her for nights was repeating itself: the first day of work, full of judgmental looks and suffocating expectations. She took a deep breath, trying to silence the anxiety that seemed to run through her veins like an uncontrolled river.
Still in the dim light of the room, she got up and headed to the wardrobe, carefully choosing an elegant outfit that exuded confidence — even though she wasn't so sure she had any. Love had just graduated from Bangkok's prestigious Asian University and had landed the job that many would dream of: being an executive secretary at the city's largest investment firm. However, the achievement came with a burden. Milk Vosbein, the feared CEO, was famous for her ruthless coldness and perfectionism that, it is said, bordered on cruelty.
As she walked toward the subway, the rising sun warming the concrete buildings as the city woke up, Love fought the knot in her stomach. Excitement and fear dueled inside her like gladiators, but she forced herself to focus on what had brought her here: her effort, dedication and the desire for something greater. She wouldn't let stories about her boss's tyranny shake her. Not today.
Upon arriving at the building that looked more like a fortress of glass and steel, Love swallowed hard. The hallways were filled with people with hurried steps, impeccably dressed and expressionless faces. A silent frenzy hung in the air, making her feel like an intruder. Still, she took a deep breath and walked forward, to the door where her heart told her nothing would ever be the same again.
With a hesitation he didn't want to admit, Love raised his hand and knocked on the imposing dark wooden door.
“Come in.” The husky voice came from inside, making her nearly jump in her seat. With one last adjustment to her blazer, she turned the doorknob and stepped inside.
Milk Vosbein was exactly as the rumors suggested. Sitting behind a luxurious desk, a neat stack of folders in front of her, the CEO exuded authority. His eyes, sharp as steel, scanned Love from head to toe. The silence hung like a suspended blade, until Milk finally spoke:
“Love Pattranite.” His tone wasn’t exactly a greeting; the name sounded like a fact check. “You’re the prodigy recommended by the Asian University of Bangkok. I hope the compliment isn’t overdone.”
Love swallowed hard, but forced a smile. "I am honored by the opportunity, Miss Vosbein. I am ready to give it my all."
Milk tilted his head slightly, his gaze even more analytical. "I hope so. This job is not for the faint of heart. I need someone who will not just follow orders, but ANTICIPATE needs. Are you willing to deal with pressure and unrelenting expectations?"
The question was more of a challenge than a curiosity. Love felt her face heat up, but her determination was stronger. "Yes, ma'am. I'm willing to work hard and I won't let you down."
Milk kept his gaze fixed on her for a few more seconds that seemed like an eternity. When he finally nodded, Love almost sighed in relief.
"Let's get started, then! I'll have a black coffee, no sugar. Then, organize my schedule and prepare me for the round of meetings. That is... if it's not too much to ask," she said, dropping the words as a warning that she would not tolerate failure.
Love nodded, hiding her frustration. She hadn’t studied tirelessly just to serve coffee, but she also knew that every step mattered. There was a lot to prove—and she would do it, even if her boss brought all the ice from Siberia.
As she walked out of the office, she felt a mixture of relief and heaviness. This was going to be the beginning of something transformative. She just hoped she was ready for the challenges that were clearly just beginning.