Love Unplanned: An Assistant's Guide to Romance

Chapter 1: A Dating Dilemma (Emma)

The clock was ticking, and I could feel the weight of urgency bearing down on my shoulders. I sat nervously at my desk in the bustling office of Blackwood Industries, a prestigious firm in the heart of New York City. As Ethan Blackwood's assistant, I was used to handling demanding tasks and solving complex problems. However, there was one issue that seemed to elude me - my own romantic life.

"Emma, I need you to schedule a meeting with the Johnsons for tomorrow morning," Ethan's deep voice resonated through the open office space, interrupting my thoughts.

"Yes, right away," I replied, my mind briefly shifting to work before my dating woes consumed me once more.

My love life had hit a dead-end, and I felt like I was running out of time. With every wedding invitation that arrived in the mail, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy, wondering when I would find my own happily ever after.

As the day wore on, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I needed to do something urgently. That's when I made a decision - I would seek guidance from the one person who seemed to have it all together, my friend and mentor, Ethan.

Once the workday was over, I found myself standing outside Ethan's opulent office. It was a place I had visited countless times for work-related matters, but today, it carried a different significance. With a deep breath, I knocked on the door.

"Come in," Ethan called from inside.

I stepped inside, finding him behind his polished mahogany desk, reviewing documents. His piercing blue eyes met mine as he smiled warmly. At that moment, I couldn't help but marvel at how handsome Ethan looked, the soft glow of the office lights accentuating his chiseled features. I admired the way his neatly trimmed dark hair framed his face, and the subtle crinkles around his eyes when he smiled, revealing the years of shared laughter and camaraderie between us.

I remember that day, 10 years ago like it was yesterday - the moment our paths crossed, forever changing the course of our lives. It was a sunny afternoon on the sprawling campus of our college, and I was two years younger than Ethan, who had a reputation as a charming playboy. Little did I know that our encounter would lead to a bond that would last a lifetime.

I was walking with my best friend, Sarah, through the college courtyard, our laughter and chatter filling the air. As we approached the main building, I spotted a group of guys huddled together, their confidence evident in their carefree demeanor. My eyes fell on Ethan, who stood at the center of the group, his magnetic presence drawing attention from everyone around him.

"He's Ethan Blackwood," Sarah whispered, her eyes wide with admiration and curiosity. "The campus heartthrob."

I had heard rumors about him - his irresistible charm, the trail of broken hearts in his wake. Yet, despite his reputation, something was captivating about him that I couldn't deny.

As we continued walking, Sarah nudged me playfully. "Hey, Emma, you should introduce yourself. You never know where a simple 'hello' could lead."

I rolled my eyes, not wanting to entertain the idea of getting involved with a notorious playboy. "Oh, please. I don't have time for games. Besides, he's probably not interested in someone like me."

Sarah chuckled, seeing right through my attempt to brush off the idea. "You're selling yourself short, Em. You're smart, beautiful, and genuine. Anyone would be lucky to have you."

Blushing, I tried to change the subject, but fate had other plans. As we passed by Ethan and his friends, a gust of wind blew my papers out of my hands, scattering them all over the ground. Mortified, I quickly bent down to pick them up, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.