Meant to Collide

3. First Day, First Shock

On a lovely New York City morning, amidst the bustling noise of traffic, a taxi pulls up playing soft, pleasant music. Out steps Jules, our protagonist, glowing with her signature style: a blue checked shirt under a pink coat, high-waisted jeans, a chic baby pink bag, and statement earrings that add flair to her free-flowing hair and subtle makeup. Despite her usual look, today something about Jules seems blossomed, her smile lighting up the city's air.

She's greeted by Ava, an office employee with an easygoing demeanor. Ava immediately comments on Jules' appearance, sharing that she was surprised when HR sent Jules' profile, thinking she didn't look fully American. Jules reveals that she's half-Thai and half-American, and Ava warmly welcomes her. However, the pleasantries shift as they approach the impressive office building of Unity Corp, a name that's both a sign of power and mystery.

As they enter, Jules catches sight of the CEO's name, Sky, displayed on a notice board. For reasons unknown, she freezes, staring at the name. Ava snaps her out of it, urging Jules forward, warning that the boss would arrive soon, and she needs to meet the team.

Inside, the office is buzzing with vibrant personalities, each desk reflecting the unique nature of its occupant. Ava raises her voice, introducing Jules to her new colleagues, all of whom greet her with open arms. Ava quickly moves on to business, informing Jules that she'll be on a three-month probation under her mentorship. Before the conversation can progress, a loud, broken attempt at Thai interrupts them.

Enter Sophia, the HR representative who hired Jules. She cheerfully introduces herself but admits to being slightly surprised that Jules, despite her Thai heritage, speaks perfect English. Jules reassures her, and Sophia, slightly embarrassed, quickly brushes it off. Ava then takes Jules on a tour, showcasing the content creation department, the printers, and the pantry. Jules asks if she should start working right away, but Ava advises her to first familiarize herself with the company.

They stop by Jules' assigned desk, which Sophia enthusiastically claims is "perfect." However, once Sophia steps away, Ava whispers to Jules that no one survives long at that desk, a cryptic warning. Just then, Jules notices a picture frame near her desk, asking who it belongs to. An eerie silence fills the air, the atmosphere thickening as eerie music plays in the background. Both Ava and Sophia go stiff, explaining that the person in the photo is Ryan... and he's dead.

Before Jules can react, Ryan suddenly leaps from under the desk, startling everyone in a well-planned prank. The eerie mood turns into laughter as Emily, from the finance department, scolds Ryan for wasting company resources (particularly the printers). Ava introduces Emily, teasing that she's the one to fear if she's unhappy with anyone's work, salary deductions are inevitable.

After more introductions, Jules bids farewell to her new colleagues and continues the office tour. It's clear that Ryan, though charming, has developed an immediate infatuation with Jules. Sophia quickly shuts him down, lightly hitting him in a friendly manner, reminding him to stay focused.

In the resting area, Jules hears loud snoring. Intrigued, she asks Ava about it, and they discover Harper, a cleaner, fast asleep on the job. Harper wakes in a panic, fumbling for her broom and offering a series of awkward excuses. Jules laughs, easing the tension, and they share a warm moment before Harper hurries off in embarrassment.

As they continue, the office suddenly quiets. Jules innocently remarks that she's heard that Sky is a kind-hearted person, something she'd read in a magazine. Ava freezes, giving Jules a serious look. "Everyone calls Sky BOSS here," Ava says ominously, hinting that this kind-hearted image is nothing but a facade. The Boss, Ava reveals, is known for being cold, emotionless, and absolutely ruthless.

Just then, a sleek black Audi pulls up outside, and the sound of a dark guitar riff fills the background. The Boss arrives, exuding an air of power and intimidation, dressed in a sharp black suit, with sunglasses masking the eyes. Every step radiates authority.

Sophia whispers dramatically, "Emotionless. Ruthless. When Boss smile, that's when you know horror is coming."

Jules, still caught in the hopeful image from the magazine, interrupts. "But Boss has a sweet smile, right?"

Ava laughs nervously. "All fake," she mutters.

The tension builds as the Boss enters the office, footsteps echoing through the hallway. Harper rushes past, yelling, "The Boss has arrived!" Everyone scrambles to their desks, except for Jules, who remains frozen in the middle of the room, unsure of what to expect.

For Jules, this is only the beginning. Something big is about to unfold, and she's about to be right in the middle of it.