The next morning, I took my time getting ready in front of the mirror. My reflection stared back at me as I adjusted the delicate neckline of my blouse and smoothed the creases in my blazer. The outfit was stunning, fitting for a first day impression.
As I posed in front of the mirror admiring myself, a smile crept up my lift and an inexplicable feeling of joy filled my heart. Today I was going back to the company, after three years. Today was the start of reclaiming what was mine and getting back at Kevin.
For years, I believed his lack of support for my career came from his care about me. I thought he wanted me to relax, to live comfortably. But now, I understand the truth. He wasn’t protecting me, he was afraid all this time. Afraid that I'll take over the company.
He’d always been afraid. Afraid of my potential, my ambition, and what I could achieve if I stepped into the spotlight. And now, I was going to make him feel that fear tenfold. I was going to make him feel more on edge before I completely ruin his everything.
I went to check on Kevin in his bedroom and when I opened the door and peeled in, Kevin was lying on his bed still fast asleep.
Without a word, I turned on my heel and left the room, leaving him to sleep. Although I had always tasked myself with waking him up in the mornings. I wasn't going to wake him up.
*****
As the car sped toward the company, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. It had been three years!
Three long years since I’d last stepped into that building, the place where I once considered home. I gave it all up for him—my career, my dreams, my future. And what did I get in return? Betrayal.
But today, everything was about to change. I clenched my fists, determination coursing through me. This wasn’t just about getting even. It was about going back to who I really am.
The skyline came into view, and my heart raced—not with nerves, but with anticipation. “Let’s see how you handle this, Kevin,” I thought, a smirk tugging at my lips.
As I approached the company building, I barely had time to take in the sight of it when a tall man in a sharp suit stepped in front of me. "Mrs. Theia," he said, his tone professional but cold. "Mr. Kaden has requested your presence. Please come with me."
I didn’t need to guess who this was—Dean, Kaden’s assistant. I had expected this, and honestly, it was the perfect opportunity I could ask for and without hesitation, I followed him to the sleek black car waiting at the curb.
Sliding into the seat, I came face-to-face with Kaden. He didn’t speak right away, his piercing gaze silently assessing me. Ignoring the piercing gaze, I extended my hand confidently, offering him a firm handshake.
"Good morning, Mr. Kaden," I said, flashing a polite smile. "Theia Bennett. Your new secretary. I look forward to learning from you and giving my best to support your work."
“You seem very confident in yourself,” Mr Kaden said, his voice calm yet laced with curiosity.
“I believe in making an impression, Mr. Kaden,” I replied, maintaining my polite smile.
Kaden’s lips quirked slightly, almost like he was amused. “You speak like someone used to getting what they want.”
“I speak like someone who knows her worth,” I countered with a simple smile on my face.
Before Kaden could respond, Dean his assistant snorted from the front seat. “As long as you’re not here to mess things up or act as a spy for Kevin, we’ll be fine.”
I turned my head to him, my smile unwavering. “Spy?” I echoed lightly. “Well, if qualifications mean anything to you, let me make it clear.”
"Let’s hear it," he finally said, his deep voice breaking the silence.
I leaned back, meeting Dean’s skeptical gaze head-on. “Harvard graduate, passed with honors. Two-time ACX competition winner. Five national debate championships. And, oh, two years as a director at Harmony Designs. So, if I were you, I’d be careful with the assumptions.”
Dean went quiet, his smugness dissolving into awkward silence.
I couldn’t resist letting a victorious smirk curl on my lips as I turned back to Kaden.
Kaden’s lips twitched, not quite a smile, but enough to tell me he was intrigued.
I met his gaze, looking into his eyes with confidence.
