Chapter 90: Chapter 89: First Day At Work
ARIA’S POV
The alarm went off at 5 AM, shattering what little sleep Aria had managed.
She’d been awake most of the night, staring at the ceiling, her mind spinning with anxiety about today. Her first day at Blackwood Enterprises. Her first day as Damien’s personal assistant. Her first day of proving she was worth the risk he was taking.
Her first day of complete submission.
She dragged herself out of bed, every muscle protesting. The past month of overwork at the hospital combined with barely eating had left her weak, hollowed out. She caught sight of herself in the bathroom mirror and winced.
Dark circles under her eyes. Cheekbones too prominent. Collarbones jutting out. She’d lost at least fifteen pounds in the past month...weight she couldn’t afford to lose.
He’s going to notice. He already noticed yesterday.
The thought made her chest tight. She didn’t want his pity. Didn’t want him to see how thoroughly she’d been destroying herself. She wanted him to see strength, competence, someone worthy of a second chance.
She showered carefully, taking time with her hair, making sure every strand was in place. Applied makeup with precision...enough to look professional and polished, not so much that it looked like she was trying too hard. Concealer for the dark circles. A touch of blush to combat the pallor. Mascara to make her eyes look bigger, more alert.
Then came the outfit.
She stood in front of her small closet, staring at the limited options. She’d never needed professional office attire before. As a doctor, she’d worn scrubs. As a maid, she’d worn a uniform. As herself....well, she’d never had money for expensive work clothes.
She’d gone shopping yesterday after leaving the estate, spending money she didn’t have on a credit card she couldn’t afford. But she needed to look the part. Needed to fit into his world.
First attempt: black slacks and a cream blouse. She put them on, looked in the mirror, took them off. Too casual. This wasn’t a casual office.
Second attempt: navy dress with a modest neckline. Too plain. Too forgettable. She’d disappear in a room full of polished professionals.
Third attempt: black pencil skirt that hit just below the knee, white silk blouse, black blazer. She slipped on heels...not too high, but enough to make her legs look longer, make her feel more confident.
She looked at herself in the mirror.
Professional. Polished. Like someone who belonged in a billionaire’s office.
The lie was getting easier.
"Aria?" Her mother’s voice came from the other room. "Are you awake?"
"Yes, Mama. I’m getting ready."
Mei appeared in the doorway, already dressed despite the early hour. She’d been an early riser her whole life....a habit that hadn’t changed even after recovering from her near-death experience.
She took one look at Aria and her expression shifted to concern. "You look beautiful. But baby girl, you look so thin."
"I’m fine, Mama."
"You’re not fine. You’ve barely eaten in a month." Mei moved closer, her hands going to Aria’s face. "Promise me you’ll eat today. Real food. Not just coffee."
"I promise."
"And promise me you’ll be careful. This man....Damien—he has a lot of power over you right now. Don’t let him abuse it."
"He won’t. He’s not..." Aria stopped. "He’s giving me a chance. That’s more than I deserve."
"You deserve everything, Aria Chen. Don’t ever forget that." Mei kissed her forehead. "Now go. Don’t be late. And call me at lunch. I want to know you’re okay."
"I will."
Aria grabbed her bag....new, black, professional....and headed out into the cold February morning.
The subway ride into Manhattan was crowded even at 6:30 AM. Aria stood pressed against a pole, surrounded by other commuters, all of them looking half-asleep and resigned to another day of work.
This was her life now. This commute. This job. This daily submission to a man who owned her professionally and personally.
The thought should terrify her. Instead, it made her feel....alive. For the first time in a month, she had purpose beyond just surviving. She had a goal: earn his trust back. Prove she was worth loving.
The train emerged from underground as it crossed into Manhattan, and Aria caught sight of the skyline....all glass and steel and impossible height.
Somewhere in that forest of skyscrapers was Blackwood Enterprises. And Damien. Waiting for her.
Her heart raced.
She arrived at the building at 7:30 AM....fifteen minutes early, just to be safe.
The lobby of Blackwood Enterprises was everything she’d expected and more. Soaring ceilings. Marble floors so polished she could see her reflection. Massive glass walls letting in the early morning light. A security desk staffed by stern-looking guards in suits.
Everything screamed money and power.
Aria approached the security desk, her heels clicking on the marble, feeling like everyone was watching her even though the lobby was nearly empty this early.
"Aria Chen," she said to the guard. "I’m here to see Jennifer on the 47th floor. I’m Mr. Blackwood’s new assistant."
The guard’s expression didn’t change, but something flickered in his eyes. Pity? Amusement?
"ID please."
She handed over her driver’s license. He scanned it, typed something into his computer, then handed her a temporary access badge.
"Elevator bank C. 47th floor. Your permanent credentials will be ready by end of day."
"Thank you."
The elevator ride felt endless. Aria watched the numbers climb....20, 30, 40...her anxiety building with each floor. The higher she went, the more exclusive it became. By the time she reached 47, she was the only person left in the elevator.
The doors opened onto a reception area that made the lobby look modest.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Plush carpeting in deep charcoal. Sleek modern furniture. Original artwork on the walls....not prints, originals. A massive reception desk made of dark wood and glass, staffed by a woman in her thirties with perfect hair and a designer suit.
"Can I help you?" The receptionist’s smile was professional but assessing.
"I’m Aria Chen. I’m here to see Jennifer. I’m Mr. Blackwood’s new personal assistant."
The smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "Of course. One moment."
She picked up the phone, spoke quietly, then hung up. "Jennifer will be right out. Please have a seat."
Aria perched on the edge of a leather chair, her hands folded in her lap, trying not to look as terrified as she felt.
The office was already coming to life around her. Well-dressed men and women moving with purpose, carrying tablets and coffee, speaking in low, urgent tones. Everyone looked expensive. Competent. Like they belonged here.
Aria had never felt more like an imposter.
"Aria Chen?"
She looked up to find a woman in her early forties approaching....perfectly styled blonde hair, sharp features, designer suit in navy, an expression that gave nothing away.
"Yes. You must be Jennifer."
"I am. Follow me, please."
