Elowen's POV

I carefully signed my name on the dotted lines, a sense of giddiness filling me. The last few months have been tough, and I was hoping the internship would be a source of steady income that would help me stabilise myself for a little bit.

Never did I imagine that it'll help me pay off the debt all at once. My mind wandered, thinking back to the last time I saw my step-mother. It had been almost five weeks ago, when she had come to collect the monthly instalment.

I still remember the ringing in my ears and the sting of the slap on my face, which I had been on the receiving side of, because I didn't have the full amount ready for her. I had tried my best, going hungry for two days, but I was abruptly fired from the cafe and had to pay my rent, or my landlord would've certainly kicked me out.

"Why don't you take the remaining money from Alison? I'll pay her back as soon as-"

Slap.

"How dare you drag my daughter into this? You should be grateful for all I've done for you, and the least you can do is help me pay back the debt. Ungrateful bitch."

I wanted to question her but I knew better to stay quiet. Dad had done much more for the two of them than they had done for me when he was alive.

Don't talk back, Elowen or it'll just get worse

He had left behind a savings fund for me, meant to pay for my college, only for me to discover later that it had been taken by my step-mother.

"The money has already been taken by Ms. Richardson," the bank had told me.

"Alison deserves to go to college much more than you do. Who do you think is going to accept you anyway?" was the explanation I had received from her, casting a dark shadow over my dreams.

After all of this, why was it still me who had to help her pay off the debt? Why me?

You'll get through this, Elowen. You don't have to worry anymore. The only thing you should focus on doing is your utmost best.

With that in my mind, I walked out of the room, my head help up high, with the contract clutched in my hands.

All uphill from here.

As I walked towards their secretary, Mr. Thornhill, I also noticed the brothers standing there watching me silently, their expressions unreadable. It almost looked like as if they were waiting for me.

Don't be ridiculous, they have better things to do than to wait for you.

"I'm assuming that's the signed contract?" inquired Lysander, a subtle arch in his eyebrow.

"Yes, Mr. Tenebris."

Zander pivoted toward Mr. Thornhill, issuing a crisp command, "Take that to HR immediately."

"Absolutely, Mr. Tenebris."

In what seemed like a sprint, Mr. Thornhill hurried over, snatching the contract from my hands. He navigated the office with a speed that defied human limits, disappearing into the elevator within mere seconds.

Efficiency at its finest, I suppose.

"Welcome to the family, Elowen. We're delighted to have you on board."

My gaze shifted to Zephyr, whose grey eyes harboured a stormy intensity, dark and brooding.

"Thank you for the opportunity, I promise I won't disappoint you."

"I have matters to attend to, so I'll be taking my leave," Zephyr declared, a faint hint of annoyance clouding his expression as he turned to Lysander.

"What's on your agenda at the moment?"

"I've got a meeting lined up in about 20 minutes."

Zephyr sighed, diverting his attention to Zander.

"Well, the responsibility falls on you then. Brief her on everything she needs to know, and I want her moved to the room at the end of the hallway. She won't be working where Mr. Thornhill does."

Zephyr turned, walking towards the elevator, but stopped abruptly, looking back at Zander, narrowing his eyes.

"Unless you have a problem, which I'm assuming you don't?"

Zander met Zephyr's gaze, acknowledging the directive with a nod, before shifting his attention to me, a small smirk etched on his face.

"I don't mind at all."

___

What was I thinking, getting so many plants?

I sighed, as I tried to place my plants as carefully as I could in the box. Zander had asked me to head down and pack up my stuff as he had to make a few calls to have my office set up.

I was surprised, 'Why is he doing that himself? He could just tell Mr. Thornhill and I'm sure it would be taken care of.'

Maybe he feels bad about what happened, and this is his way of making up for it. Besides, it's not really your place to question any of the brothers-

My thoughts were quickly interrupted as I almost dropped my little cactus. My heart was beating faster than ever, as I checked the tiny pot, looking for any cracks.

Satisfied that my tiny plant was unharmed, I placed it back on the desk, stealing a moment to admire the vibrant green against the sterile office backdrop.

As I immersed myself in this small sanctuary, a faint rustle nearby broke my concentration. I glanced up to find Mrs. Simmons standing near my tiny cubicle, her presence oozing arrogance and self-satisfaction as she looked at the boxes around me. A chill ran down my spine as her eyes locked onto mine, a malicious smirk playing on her lips.

What does she want now?

"Well, well, well, Elowen Nocturne," she sneered, a venomous edge in her tone. "Did you honestly think you deserved to be a part of Tenebris & Co.?" Her tone dripped with condescension as she continued, "Your little stint here was nothing more than beginner's luck."

I felt a knot forming in my stomach as she continued her verbal assault. Mrs. Simmons, reveling in her perceived triumph, unleashed a barrage of condescending remarks. "Rachel was right about you, you know," she taunted, a cruel smile playing on her lips. "You're just a stupid little girl who got lucky. Rachel knew you wouldn't last here and I made sure of that."

She looked at me, like I was scum under her shoe, as she continued speaking, "Now, hurry up and get out of here. I don't want to see you here for another second."

Tears welled up, not in response to Mrs. Simmons' venomous words, but as I unearthed the true source of her disdain. It had nothing to do with my actions but everything to do with my step-mother. Clearly, they were friends, and it appeared my step-mother didn't restrain herself from talking about me with Mrs. Simmons.

I worked my ass off, nailing every interview to get this internship, and she still tried to sabotage me? Even after I've been working day and night to help her pay off her stupid debt that I have nothing to do with?

Frustration welled up through me, but before I could speak, I saw Zander walking towards us, a storm of anger brewing in his intense gaze.

His eyes met mine, registering the unshed tears, and a fiery rage ignited within him. Zander's steps quickened, each one resonating with barely contained wrath. The air grew tense as he approached, a tempest on the verge of eruption.

He looks like he's going to kill someone.

Mrs. Simmons, oblivious to the approaching storm, prepared to deliver another cutting remark. "Are you dumb? Didn't you hear what I said? Leave."

But before she could complete her sentence, Zander unleashed his storm. His voice, a low growl, cut through the air, reducing Mrs. Simmons to a trembling mess. "You think you have the right to speak to her that way?" Zander's words were venomous, each syllable laced with contempt.

I shivered, hearing his rage-filled voice.

At least I'm not the one who's on the receiving end.

Mr.s Simmons stared at Zander in shock, her eyes shining bright with fear. Her mouth opened and closed, as if she wanted to say something but didn't know what.

"Who the fuck do you think you are, to decide who gets to stay and who gets to leave? I own this goddamn building, and I certainly want her here. So how dare you tell her to leave?"

His towering presence and unyielding tone reduced her to tears, her arrogance crumbling in the face of his wrath. The room echoed with the harsh reality of her defeat, a stark reminder that even the powerful could be brought to their knees.

Zander's tirade continued, his voice a whip cracking through the air. "You're pathetic, and your fucking presence here is a stain on this company. Consider yourself lucky you were even given a chance. Don't overestimate your worth."

He looked at me, his gaze still burning, before continuing. "If it isn't obvious enough, you're fired, so get the fuck out of here. I'm not going to tolerate your presence in this building for another second."

His voice dropped, a menacing rumble underscoring his threat. "And let me promise you this, I'll use every fucking ounce of influence I have to ensure you won't find another job. I've got connections scattered throughout the entire country."

Mrs. Simmons looked at him, tears streaming down her face before looking at me, hatred shining in her eyes.

You did this to yourself.

"What the fuck are you still waiting for?"

Mrs. Simmons ran out of the corridor, the sound of her sobs drifting away. Looking at her disappear around the corner, I turned to look at Zander, who had his gaze fixed on me.

Zander's piercing gaze held mine. "Are you done packing?"

I nodded, my eyes briefly darting towards the neatly packed box filled with my cherished plants and a few essential papers. I reached for it, struggling with the weight, but determined to manage.

He spoke again, his tone indifferent. "Leave it. I'll take care of it."

"But I can manage, Mr. Tenebris," I insisted, though his unyielding expression hinted at the futility of my protest.

His eyes narrowed slightly. "Don't argue with me, Ms. Nocturne. I said, leave it."

I reluctantly let go of the box, my fingers lingering in the air before falling to my sides. It felt like a small defeat, but I didn't want to push my luck on my first day in this new role. A subtle hint of amusement playing on his face as he observed my plants. I felt myself get offended for them.

What's so funny about them?

Zander turned away, holding the box with ease. "Let's go," he commanded, leading the way out of the office. I followed, feeling a mixture of frustration and curiosity.

Is this some kind of power play?

He doesn't seem like the kind of person who has the time to help his personal assistant with mundane tasks such as this. I felt a feeling of guilt go through me, as I thought about wasting his time.

Wait, isn't that my job? To help him with his mundane tasks?

'I get that he feels bad because of what happened earlier but I understand. There's no need for actions like these,' I thought.

As we walked down the hallway, I couldn't help but glance at his strong profile. His demeanor was enigmatic, and the air around him crackled with a palpable intensity. The weight of his silence pressed on me, urging me to speak but also warning me to tread carefully.

"You're pouting. What is it?" His voice cut through the silence, and I found his gaze fixed on me, an eyebrow arched

I hesitated, not sure how exactly I should approach his matter.

"I thought Zephyr was clear enough getting the message across about hiding things from any of us. Obviously, he didn't do a good enough job."

"I'm sorry, I wasn't planning on l-lying. I was just curious why you insisted on carrying the box?" I bit my lip, my eyes meeting his dark gaze as I awaited his answer.

He glanced at my lips, before looking in my eyes again, his gaze unreadable. "Because I don't want you burdened with unnecessary things. Focus on your work, Ms. Nocturne, and let us handle the rest."

His cryptic words left me puzzled, searching for the meaning beneath the surface.

What in the world is that supposed to mean-

"Well, get in. We need to get you settled in before Zephyr gets here. I don't have the patience to deal with Zephyr's shit today."

I looked up to see him standing in the doorway of the elevator, holding it open with his body. I rushed in, not wanting to keep him waiting any longer. The confined space of the elevator seemed to amplify the enigma that surrounded Zander Tenebris, leaving me with more questions than answers.

As the elevator ascended, I couldn't help but be lost in my thoughts. I couldn't predict what lay ahead, but I hoped the metaphor of the rising elevator mirrored my life's trajectory. Just like the ascending floors, it seemed my journey was on an uphill path. My new role and the enigmatic personalities surrounding me left me with a myriad of emotions, yet the upward movement echoed a subtle promise of change and opportunity.

To new beginnings.