It was the first day of work. The employees who had received offers arrived at the office, their faces glowing with excitement. For those who had switched jobs, this was a fresh start, a new chapter in their lives. Everyone seemed eager to prove themselves.
For the recent graduates stepping into the workforce for the first time, their hearts were filled with hope and anticipation. Ian and a few of his friends, dressed in suits and ties, had shed their carefree college personas.
“We’re really starting work here today. It still feels like a dream,” one of them remarked.
“Yeah, and no more skipping class or sleeping in. Nobody’s going to cover for you now,” another teased.
“Ugh, back in school, I couldn’t wait to get out of that cage. But now that I’m free, I kind of miss it,” someone else added with a sigh.
“Joining the workforce is just entering another type of cage. How many people truly escape it? Unless you become your own boss,” a friend replied, shrugging.
Their conversation grew reflective as they realized how much life had changed. School had been full of carefree moments-skipping classes, ordering takeout, staying up all night gaming. But the workplace was a different world. Success here required strategy, focus, and a willingness to fight for one’s interests.
“Ian, you’ve been acting distracted lately. Don’t tell me you’re not excited to start work?” one of them asked, noticing Ian staring off into space.
“No, of course I am,” Ian replied hastily, snapping out of his thoughts. He had been thinking about Aurora. This was her company. Did that mean he would get to see her often?
“You’ve been zoning out a lot lately. First happy, then dazed. Don’t tell me you’re lovesick?” Leonard teased.
“Shut up! What nonsense are you spouting?” Ian retorted, glaring at him.
“Wow, touchy, aren’t we? Come on, tell us. If you’re not into Gemma, who’s caught your eye now?” the group prodded, their curiosity piqued.
Before Ian could respond, Gemma appeared. She was wearing a white, ultra-short dress that showcased her long legs, her hair cascading down her back. Her makeup was flawlessly applied, striking the perfect balance between sweet and seductive.
Her outfit exuded a mix of innocence and allure, designed to appeal to someone like Ian, whom she knew had always been drawn to her. After all, it was a white dress that had first captured his heart back in college.
Gemma was still bitter about how Ian had dismissed her previously. She couldn’t believe he had dared to look down on her when she had been willing to give him another chance.
Sometimes, both men and women shared a certain stubbornness. When something is easily within reach, it’s taken for granted. But once it’s out of reach, it becomes the one thing they desperately want.
Now that her job situation was secure, Gemma’s next goal was to find a stable boyfriend. She knew Ian’s capabilities well. Back in school, she had overlooked him because his family background couldn’t satisfy her materialistic cravings. But now that they were entering the workforce, Ian seemed like a promising prospect-a potential “good investment” for a stable future.
Besides, Ian’s recent coldness only fueled her desire to win him back. She was convinced he was just throwing a tantrum and that with a little effort, he’d come running back to her.
“Ian, what a coincidence! We went to the same university, and now we’re working at the same company. Please take care of me,” Gemma said sweetly, sticking out her tongue and extending her hand for a handshake.
To the unknowing bystanders, her playfulness came across as cute and pure.
But Ian, who knew her true nature, found her behavior insincere and cloying. Her gestures, once endearing, now seemed calculated and repulsive to him. Without a word, he glanced away, refusing to even look at her.
“I can’t believe you got in too. But work isn’t like school-there’s nobody here to do your assignments for you,” Ian said coldly.
“Ian, do you have some sort of grudge against me? Why do you always speak so harshly?” Gemma feigned hurt, her voice tinged with mock innocence. She genuinely couldn’t understand why Ian disliked her so much. Aside from leading him on in the past, she hadn’t done anything that terrible.
Sensing the tension, the others quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation.
“We really are lucky to all be here together. Let’s not ruin the vibe-today’s a fresh start for everyone!” one of them said cheerfully.
“Exactly. We’re colleagues now. Let’s all work together and help each other out. Ian’s just been in a weird mood lately. Don’t mind him,” Leonard added with a laugh, though he hid a secret of his own. He had always harbored a quiet crush on Gemma but had kept it to himself out of respect for Ian.
Just then, Aurora entered the room. Ian’s eyes lit up the moment he saw her, his expression instantly changing.
Gemma noticed the shift immediately. She recognized that look-it was the same way Ian used to look at her, with admiration and longing. But now, that gaze was directed at someone else.
Following Ian’s line of sight, Gemma turned her head.
It was her.
Aurora was dressed in a sleek black lace knee-length dress, paired with a tailored trench coat. She wore no stockings, only a pair of elegant black stiletto heels. Her sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, giving her an air of effortless confidence and professionalism.
Unlike Gemma, Aurora’s style wasn’t overtly seductive. Instead, it was poised and commanding, exuding a natural elegance that drew everyone’s attention.
As soon as Aurora entered, the room seemed to shift. Gemma, who had been the center of attention moments ago, suddenly felt overshadowed.
Aurora’s designer handbag, the sparkling luxury ring on her finger, and her overall demeanor painted a picture of sophistication. Her outfit alone probably cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Gemma’s chest tightened with jealousy. How could someone she despised so much live the life she had always dreamed of?
She remembered how Aurora had humiliated her during her Montgomery Group interview. The bitterness she felt then bubbled back to the surface.
Though she didn’t know why Aurora was here, Gemma decided she wouldn’t let her have the upper hand.
Raising her head high, Gemma strutted toward Aurora with exaggerated confidence, like a peacock flaunting its feathers. Her posture was so pronounced it was almost comical.
“What’s she doing now?” one of the others whispered.
“Who knows,” Ian muttered, rolling his eyes.
Aurora noticed Gemma approaching and was slightly surprised. She hadn’t been part of the final interviews and hadn’t expected to see Gemma here.
“Gemma,” Aurora greeted calmly.
“Miss Montgomery, we meet again,” Gemma said, forcing a bright smile.