To Love Irrevocably [18+]

Chapter One

A shadow casts over me and anyone who passes the large, imposing building. Right in front of me stands my new life—the place I'll be working at, hopefully for years to come. Its stature causes my legs to shake fearfully. Letting my eyes trail up, I gulp at the tower, the skyscraper. Somehow I got this job, and somehow I was able to make it all the way here.

Now it's the getting inside part that I'm faced with.

Someone bumps my shoulder, roughly pushing me from my reverie. Jutting forward with a squeak, I watch as a woman passes by me. Her dark curls bounce against her back as she walks into the establishment, not even bothering to whisper an apology. Gulping again, I straighten my shirt and make my way in with a slow stride.

Cold air smacks me in the face as soon as I walk inside. Despite the chill outside, the building is frigid as well. If I didn't know any better, I'd say this is a warning that this place isn't for me. Forcing that thought out, I carry on towards the front desk where a receptionist sits.

Her brown eyes meet mine, and she gives me a smile, leaning forward to observe me. Crossing her hands on top of the desk, she nods a greeting towards me. Her warm eyes and friendly face relax me a bit. She's such a contrast to my lanky form. Instead of frightened blue eyes, hers are a beautiful and soft chocolate color. Instead of fair skin that reddens at anything extreme or embarrassing, her tone is brown, the color of espresso.

Everything about this woman is motherly. Her black hair—that's pulled back into a bun—is littered with gray strands that scream nothing but wisdom. The smile lines around her mouth look to represent a happy life that has been full of love and laughter.

"How can I help you, honey?" the woman asks me. My eyes zero in on her name tag. 'Daisy' is printed neatly and clearly with a small heart drawn over the lowercase I.

"Uh," I start, clearing my throat, "I'm actually new here. My name is Sutton Anstein. I'm Mister Novak's new assistant."

Her eyebrows shoot up, causing her forehead to crinkle ever so slightly. "Okay, honey. Give me one moment to confirm. You just wait right there."

Daisy grabs the phone next to her and clicks a button. This gives me time to observe the interior of this building. The waiting area is quite nice. Going hand in hand with the chill, the furniture is monochromatic—black, gray, white. Cushioned chairs sit scattered in a pattern with just enough space for comfortability, but close enough to have a conversation with a stranger. A plant or two sits and I can't tell if it's livening the space or simply for decoration.

The windows remain open and I can see bystanders passing, some casual and some dressed to the nines in their business attire. Seeing their expensive and well-fitted clothing, my cheeks heat with insecurity. Before moving to the city, I made sure to stop by a few thrift shops for business attire that didn't cost an arm and a leg. Now, I just hope I don't stand out too much.

"Sutton, honey?" Daisy speaks from behind me, and I hear the phone meeting its receiver. Turning, I'm once again met with her dazzling smile. "You can head right on up, sweetheart. Top floor."