His Obsession

Third person POVChapter 1: The Ruthless CEOAlexander Anderson, walks into his grand office and the atmosphere changes with an air of authority that sent shivers down the spines of his employees. His reputation preceded him, and the mere mention of his name invoked fear and trepidation among those who worked under his iron-fisted rule.As he strode through the sleek, modern workspace, the sounds of hushed whispers and nervous shuffling followed in his wake. Alexander's piercing gaze swept across the room, his eyes scanning for any sign of incompetence or weakness.His secretary, Lisa, trembled as he approached her desk. She had been with the company for years, faithfully executing her duties, but even the smallest mistake could have dire consequences when it came to pleasing Alexander. Today, she inadvertently poured too much sugar into his coffee, a minor mishap that would prove costly.Alexander sits and Lisa walks right after with his hot coffee. She stands with her hands folded behind her, she takes a gulp as heavy as a stone forming in her throat as he takes a sip from the cup, his reaction decides  her fate. He looks up and glared at Lisa, his voice laced with a chilling tone. "You're fired," he declared, his words cutting through the silence like a sharpened blade. The fear in Lisa's eyes was palpable as she walks out shedding silent tears and gathering her belongings, her hands trembling with each item she placed into the box.Unfazed by the impact of his decision, Alexander called upon the office manager, instructing him to find a replacement immediately. The manager, well aware of Alexander's reputation, nodded hastily, eager to comply and avoid incurring his wrath.Meanwhile, Zach and Stephan, Alexander's closest friends and colleagues, watched the scene unfold with amusement from their own nearby offices. The two shared a mischievous grin, secretly hoping that this new secretary would be the one to captivate and challenge their seemingly invincible friend.Zach, with his charismatic charm, leaned against the doorway of Alexander's office. "Looks like Lisa won't be making any more coffee blunders," he remarked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. Stephan, known for his quick wit, chimed in, "I can't wait to see if our formidable CEO finally meets his match this time."The friends chuckled, reveling in the opportunity to witness Alexander's icy demeanor thaw in the presence of a new and intriguing secretary. They knew that deep down, their friend craved a connection that went beyond the cold and calculated world of business.Little did they know that fate had a plan of its own, ready to entangle Alexander in a web of unexpected emotions. As the office manager searched for a new secretary, unaware of the impact this choice would have on the dynamics within the company, destiny prepared to introduce someone who would challenge Alexander's ruthless facade and perhaps even unlock the dormant depths of his heart.----------------------------------------------------------AVAAva stood frozen, her hand still stinging from the force of the slap she had just delivered to her boss, Jack. It was a long time coming—a culmination of months enduring his inappropriate advances and unwelcome touches. The pent-up frustration and anger had finally erupted, but the consequences were immediate. Jack's seething anger was palpable as he pointed a finger towards the door, uttering the words that confirmed her worst fear—she was fired.As she gathered her belongings and walked out of the office, her mind buzzed with a mixture of relief and uncertainty. She had stood up for herself, reclaiming her dignity, but now she faced an uncertain future. Rent was due soon, and the weight of financial responsibilities loomed over her like a dark cloud.Lost in her thoughts, Ava received a message on her phone. It was from Martha, an older friend who owned "The Golden Cafe," a cozy establishment just a few blocks away. Martha's warm-hearted nature had made her a pillar of support for Ava, and she often sought solace within the comforting walls of the cafe.The message read: "Hey Ava, heard there's an opening at 'The Veil,' Alexander Anderson's company. It's a long shot, but I thought you might be interested. Give it a try. You never know what might happen."Ava's heart skipped a beat. The mention of Alexander Anderson's company sent a surge of mixed emotions through her veins. She had heard rumors of his intimidating nature and the aura of fear that surrounded him, but she also knew that desperate times called for desperate measures. With a deep breath, she made up her mind to take a chance and apply for the job, even if the odds seemed against her.The next day, Ava found herself standing outside the towering glass doors of "The Veil." Her heart raced with a combination of nervousness and determination as she stepped into the sleek and polished lobby. The atmosphere exuded professionalism and a sense of controlled efficiency, a stark contrast to the chaos of her previous workplace.As she approached the reception desk, she couldn't help but notice the apprehension in the eyes of the receptionist, who seemed accustomed to the fear that pervaded the company. Ava introduced herself, her voice steady despite the slight tremor in her hands. The receptionist nodded, informing her that there would be an interview shortly.Minutes turned into an hour, and Ava found herself sitting in the waiting area, her mind a whirlwind of anxious thoughts. Doubt crept in, whispering that her chances were slim, that she didn't belong in this world of power and control. But she refused to let the fear consume her. She had come this far, and she owed it to herself to see it through.Finally, the interview began. Alexander Anderson himself, the enigmatic figure who commanded both respect and fear, sat across from her. His piercing gaze bore into her, assessing her every move and word. Despite the intensity of the situation, Ava summoned her courage, speaking from the depths of her resilience and determination.As she left the interview room, she couldn't shake the feeling that the encounter had been a turning point. Whether or not she would secure the job remained uncertain, but Ava had found a newfound strength within herself—a resilience that refused to be silenced. She vowed to keep moving forward, embracing whatever challenges and opportunities lay ahead, even in the face of formidable odds.

AVA'S POVAva's anxiety about her job application at The Veil continued to weigh heavily on her mind. Determined to stay occupied while she waited, she found solace in volunteering at The Golden Cafe. Little did she know that her decision would lead to a series of unexpected events.One evening, as Ava was working her shift, a man with malicious intent entered the cafe. He made unwelcome advances towards her, causing her heart to race with fear. In that distressing moment, Alexander walked in, coincidentally in search of a cup of coffee.Recognizing the danger Ava was in, Alexander swiftly stepped in to protect her. He confronted the man, ensuring Ava's safety and driving the perpetrator away. However, just as abruptly as he had appeared, Alexander walked away without saying a word, leaving Ava feeling confused and hurt.Feeling a mix of gratitude and disappointment, Ava closed up the cafe and headed home. The encounter with Alexand