As Hazel stepped into the main branch of Chris's company, she was immediately struck by the sight that awaited her. She had rushed, thinking she was late, but what she saw made her pause in awe. The entire office was elegantly decorated with fresh flowers in every shade, their fragrance filling the air and creating an atmosphere of celebration and warmth. The employees, many of whom she recognized from company functions and meetings, stood in a perfectly formed line, each holding bouquets and smiling brightly in anticipation of her arrival.

The moment she crossed the threshold, applause erupted. One by one, people came forward, presenting her with flowers and offering warm congratulations. She accepted each bouquet, nodding and smiling, feeling both touched and overwhelmed by the welcome.

"Congratulations, Hazel! It’s incredible to see a junior talent like you take on such a top-tier project," one of them said warmly, clapping her on the shoulder.

Another added, "Not only are you working on one of the company’s most prestigious projects, but you’re also directly collaborating with the CEO himself! That’s a huge achievement."

Then, as she made her way further into the office, she spotted him—Chris, standing casually with a smirk playing on his lips, watching her intently.

“Welcome, Hazel,” he said, his voice carrying a playful edge that only she could notice.

Hazel approached him, accepting the bouquet he offered, though she couldn’t quite mask the irritation simmering beneath her polite smile.

"Thank you," she replied, her voice cool.

“I hope you’ll enjoy working here,” he continued smoothly, his eyes never leaving hers. “And that you get along with everyone, just like you did at your previous company.”

“Of course,” she replied, her lips curving into a practiced, if slightly forced, smile.

It was a grand welcome, indeed—but Hazel couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions as she stood there, surrounded by flowers and familiar faces, wondering what else Chris had in store for her.

.......

"Let me show you to your desk," Chris said with a smirk, gesturing for Hazel to follow him.

“Sure,” Hazel replied, though she eyed him cautiously.

Chris turned to the remaining employees, "Alright, everyone, back to work." Obediently, they dispersed, leaving Hazel and Chris alone in the hallway. As they walked, she could see the glint of amusement in his eyes, and she had a feeling he was holding back another surprise.

Unable to keep her curiosity contained, Hazel leaned closer, lowering her voice so only he could hear. “What is all this, Chris? The decorations, the bouquets… don’t you think it’s a bit much?”

He turned to her with an innocent expression. "What? You don’t think you deserve it?"

“This grand welcome—it's too much for a mere employee,” she insisted, frowning.

Chris chuckled, shaking his head. "As if you don’t know you’re anything but a ‘mere employee,’ Hazel.”

She sighed, growing more exasperated. “Now everyone will be talking about me. They’ll wonder why I got this much attention.”

“Relax,” he said smoothly. “You think too much. I’ve already handled it.”

She stopped, raising an eyebrow at him. "Handled it? How?"

He grinned, leaning a bit closer. "I may have told them we’re… connected."

“Connected?” she repeated, eyes narrowing. "What did you tell them?”

Chris’s smirk widened as he pretended to be deep in thought. “Oh, just that you’re my fiancée," he said, teasing. "Seemed like a good enough reason for a grand welcome, don’t you think?"

Hazel’s jaw dropped. “What the hell, Chris?”

He laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Relax, relax! I was only joking. I just said we’re… somewhat connected, so the welcome had to be special.”

“Still,” she muttered, trying to suppress her irritation, “you didn’t have to go this far.”

He shrugged, looking unbothered. "How could I not?”

She shook her head, finding it hard to stay annoyed as he led her forward. “Alright, let’s just get to my desk.”

They continued down the hall until they stopped outside a door. She noticed the nameplate, her eyes widening as she read it: Chris Evans, CEO.

“This… this is your office,” she said, turning to him.

“And now it’s yours too.” He opened the door with a flourish, revealing a second desk perfectly set up beside his.

Hazel blinked in surprise, realizing this wasn’t just a welcome—it was the start of something far more challenging than she’d expected.

......

Hazel stepped inside Chris’s office, taking in the spacious, modern design. As the door clicked shut behind her, she turned, finding him standing there with an infuriatingly calm expression as he locked the door.

“What is this?” she demanded, crossing her arms.

“What is what?” he replied, feigning innocence.

“Why is my desk in your office?” She raised an eyebrow, her irritation unmistakable.

He smirked, leaning against his desk casually. “You’re still questioning it?”

She glared in response, not giving him the satisfaction of an answer.

With a shrug, he continued, “Well, we both know the reason, but if you need a ‘professional’ explanation…” He straightened up, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Since you’ll be working closely with me, reporting every single detail, getting my approval on everything… wouldn’t it be better if you stayed near me? Convenient, isn’t it?”

Hazel rolled her eyes, her annoyance growing. “Whatever games you’re playing, Chris, they won’t work for long.”

He took a step closer, his voice dropping to a low, teasing tone. “Are you challenging me?” he asked, leaning down to her level, his gaze intense. His hands stayed behind his back, but he studied her face with that same determined smile, his eyes locked onto hers.

Before he could say more, a knock interrupted them, and Hazel quickly took a step back. Chris’s gaze flickered with amusement as he straightened up, his expression unreadable.

His secretary entered, holding a bouquet. “Hazel, this just arrived for you,” he said, handing her the flowers.

“Thank you,” Hazel replied, accepting the bouquet and reading the note attached. Her face softened as she recognized the familiar handwriting.

Chris’s expression darkened as he watched her, jealousy flaring as she smiled over a simple bouquet. She hadn’t looked this pleased at any of the extravagant gestures he’d prepared, but this tiny, unassuming gift had her glowing.

“You can go,” Chris said sharply to his secretary, who left immediately.

Hazel focused on the note, her smile widening as she read Vincent’s words: “Many, many congratulations, Hazel. I’m sad to see you leave but so proud of your progress. I know you’ll do amazing here. Just don’t forget me…"

Before she could finish, Chris’s hand shot out, grabbing the note and bouquet from her grasp. In one swift motion, he tossed them into the trash.

“What the hell was that, Chris?” Hazel exclaimed, shocked.

“Your boss never misses a chance to get on my nerves,” he muttered, his jaw clenched. "You ignored all of this—” he gestured to the lavishly decorated office, the flowers, the grand welcome—“and you’re smiling at some cheap bouquet and a sappy note?”

Hazel’s eyes flashed. “Maybe because he deserves it! He didn’t force his decisions on me like you do. He didn’t push me around.”

Before she could continue, Chris grabbed her arms, pulling her close. His eyes darkened, flickering with a mix of anger and something deeper, rawer. “Don’t tell me you’re in love with him.” His voice was tense, laced with jealousy and a barely controlled fear.

Hazel hesitated, caught off-guard by the question.

“I—” she began, but before she could finish, his grip tightened, pulling her even closer.

“Don’t you dare. You’re mine, Hazel. Only mine,” he hissed, his voice almost a growl, possessiveness radiating from him.

“Chris!” she protested, struggling against his hold, but he didn’t let go, his gaze blazing as he held her tightly, his heart pounding.

What’s wrong with this man? she thought, her own heart racing as she tried to process the intensity in his eyes, the grip of his hands on her arms, and the tension hanging between them.

Author’s Note: I’ll be honest—I’m feeling the least invested in this story right now. When I first started writing, I had a completely different plot in mind. It wasn’t supposed to be an office romance, but somehow, it’s taken this turn, and now I’m seeing it from a new perspective. I’m not sure if I can go back to my original vision, or if this new direction will carry the story forward. 

What do you think? Are you enjoying it so far? I’ll admit, I’m pleased with how the writing is coming along, but beyond that, I’m just as unsure about where it’s headed! It's a bit like trying to navigate through fog—I can’t see the future, but I’m excited .