Elena's POV

Finally, the weekend has ended, and now, it's Monday. My first day of working with Mr Alexander Donovan.

Of course, I would be nervous. Sk industry was like the den of the lions, and I knew one wrong step could mean a disaster. I couldn't afford to mess this up, not one bit.

Alex hadn't come back to the room after that day, leaving me with a mix of relief and uneasiness. It was better this way. I didn't have to face his piercing gaze or hear his sharp words.

Yet, a part of me couldn't deny the fact that I wanted him here nonetheless.

I stood in front of the mirror. I adjusted my blazer for the third time. It was perfect and brought out that confident and professional look I was striving for.

I stepped into the black car Alex had prepared to pick me up and tried calming myself down.

“Hey,” I looked up to the driver

“Nick?” I said, my eyes widening just a fraction. “ What are you doing here, and why are you the one picking me up?”

“ Alex insisted I take up to the office” he reported “So here I am”

I frowned slightly, although I was grateful that he sent Nick to pick me up but I didn't need this much protection.

“Right,” I murmured, leaning back in the chair “Seems a bit too much, don't you think? I could have managed on my own”

Nick chuckled, his tone light but knowing, “ Trust me, Elena, Alex doesn't leave things to chance, especially when it comes to you.” he looked at me through the rearview mirror to reflect on me.

“ He wants you in one piece when you get to the office. I guess you will soon get used to his way of doing things.” He said, smiling.

I scoffed softly, crossing my arms “ Yeah, right, you mean his control freak tendencies? I think I've got that picture quite right”

“ Just know that nothing is as it seems, Elena” Nick gave a small smile, but his eyes flicked with something I couldn't quite place. Was it amusement or was it pity? Either way, I didn't want to overthink it.

I looked out the window in silence as he drove me to the industry. When we finally pulled up in front of the glass skyscraper, my nerves flared again. I could feel my palm getting slippery even though the AC was on.

Nick glanced at me through the rearview mirror, his expression softening. “ You'll do great, Elena,” he said reassuringly. I think he had seen my nervousness.

I managed to smile, nodding at him “Thanks, Nick”, before getting out of the car.

“ Elena” he shouted from behind, just as I was about to get into the building, waving at me “Good luck,”

I smiled at him before stepping into the bustling chaos of the city's most prestigious cooperation. The lobby of the SK industry was more intimidating. The marble floor glittered under the reflection of the sunlight. The air was thick with power and purpose.

I approached the reception desk, where a stern-looking lady raised an eyebrow at me.

“ Elena..” I hesitated; should I use his surname or my surname instead?

“ Oh, Mrs Elena” she looked up from the computer. I knew she recognised me as his wife since our engagement was around the corner. “ You can take the private elevator to the 25th floor, Mr Donovan’s assistant will meet you there.” She smiled.

Private elevator? Of course, Alexander Donovan would have his elevator. I suppressed my sigh and made my way to the elevator. As the door closed and the elevator began its smooth ascent, I felt my heart pounding in my chest.

A ping from the elevator notified me that I had reached the 25th floor and the door opened to reveal a young lady with auburn hair and a friendly smile.

“ Mrs Elena?” she asked, extending a hand. “ I am Grace, Mr Alex's assistant. Welcome to the SK industry”

“ Thank you” I replied, shaking her hands and smiling back at her.

“ Mr Alex is in a meeting right now,” she continued as she led me down the hallway “ but he asked me to give you a perfect tour of the place and get you settled in your workspace”

The tour was brief but overwhelming.

The floor was filled with sharp-dressed professionals, each seemingly engrossed in their work. She led me to my office, which was beside Alex's office.

As Grace explained and showed me how to navigate the company's system, I couldn't help but glance at the closed door of Alex's office. What kind of boss would he be? Strict? Demanding? Or would he be the same arrogant and controlling freak?

" Mrs Elena" she called me, cutting me off from my thoughts " Just Elena," I responded

Just as she was about to continue, the door to Alex's office opened. He stepped out, his gaze immediately locking with mine.

" Elena," he called, his voice smooth yet authoritative. " Into my office, we need to talk"

My stomach twisted, but I forced a little smile as I followed him inside.

The door clicked shut behind me, and Alex turned, his grey eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made me hitch.

" Let's get one thing straight" he began, his voice low and measured " I don't tolerate tardiness or mediocrity, and I expect nothing less than perfection from you. Do you understand?"

I nodded, my chin lifting slightly " understood."

He smirked faintly, leaning against his desk. " Good, the files you'll need to work on are already on your desk in your office. I need those files prepared before the end of today."

" Okay, sir. Anything else, Mr Donovan" I asked, my voice steady despite the uneasiness knotting in my stomach.

He stared at me for a brief moment, his expression unreadable, and then he turned, moving to sit on his chair.

" Welcome to SK Industries," he said leaning back against the chair