Collision of Hearts

Chapter - 7

A few days had gone by, and Ella was finding it increasingly difficult to navigate her new workplace. Her colleagues seemed determined to undermine her at every turn. Despite her best efforts to interact with them, she often found herself isolated and difficult to Communicate With them. Being a reserved person, it was challenging for her to break through the barriers they had erected around themselves.

During lunch breaks, Ella usually sat alone. One particular day, she was quietly eating her meal when a colleague, Jessica Moore, approached her. Jessica was known for her sociable nature and friendly demeanor, and Ella hoped this might be a chance to make a friend.

"Mind if I join you?" Jessica asked with a smile.

Ella smiled back, relieved. "Not at all. Please, have a seat."

They exchanged pleasantries, and for a moment, Ella felt a sense of normalcy. But the conversation soon took a turn.

"So, Ella," Jessica began, her tone casual, "I've been hearing some rumors. They say new employees sometimes get ahead by... well, you know, getting close to some of the higher-ups. Are you one of those girls?"

"what does that means" Ella asked confused at the Question directed at her on which Jessica answers "well there is not easy ways to interact with but.... to warm their bed at times." are you also doing that  

Ella's face flushed with shock and anger. "What? No! I would never do something like that. I'm here to work hard and prove myself, not to compromise my dignity."

Jessica shrugged, a smirk playing on her lips. "Just thought I'd ask. It's happened before, you know. Some girls cozy up to the director's son, have their ways with them by coming here as an employee ,do nothing,  bad mouth that the department they are in is shit and try to be freaking opportunist ,and leave with a nice pile of money."

"I'm not like that," Ella said firmly. "I respect myself and my profession too much. I've dreamed of working in the corporate world, and I won't let anyone think otherwise."

Jessica's expression remained unchanged, but she nodded. "Sure, if you say so. Just thought I'd give you a heads-up."

With that, Jessica got up and left, leaving Ella feeling more isolated than ever. As the lunch break ended, Ella decided she needed to change her approach. She would push her boundaries and try to engage with her colleagues more actively.

Ella's Efforts:

Determined to improve her standing, Ella began making small gestures to connect with her team. She brought homemade treats—cookies even with her tight financial conditions—and offered them to her colleagues. She also started helping others with their tasks, even though it meant taking on extra work.

"Need any help with that?" she asked one of her colleagues, Mark, who had a stack of files on his desk.

Mark eyed her skeptically but handed her some files. "Sure, if you can handle it."

Ella took the files and diligently worked through them, hoping her efforts would eventually be appreciated. However, instead of earning their respect, her colleagues began to take advantage of her willingness to help. They piled their tasks onto her desk, and she never refused, even as the workload became overwhelming.

Despite her struggles, she remained unaware of two keen eyes that watched her every move like a hawk.

Lucas's Observation:

From his office, Lucas Harrison observed Ella's interactions with her colleagues. He saw her efforts to fit in, her attempts to be helpful, and the way others took advantage of her. Though he had initially dismissed her as just another inexperienced employee, something about her persistence and resilience caught his attention.

"Interesting," he murmured to himself. "Let's see how long she can keep this up."