Over dinner, Emily introduced Anya to her cousin, Vivan, who worked in the software development department in Ryder Industries.
Vivan's warm smile and easygoing nature put Anya at ease.
As they chatted, Anya discovered Vivan's passion for coding and innovation.
The evening unfolded with laughter, stories, and fun conversations.
Anya felt grateful for Emily's friendship and delighted to connect with Vivan.
As the night drew to a close, Emily turned serious.
"Anya, I have some bad news. My landlord is selling the house, and I need to vacate."
Anya's eyes widened in concern.
"Oh no, Emily! What will you do?"
Emily hesitated.
"I was thinking... maybe we could find a new place together?"Anya pondered over the idea.
"Really? You want to be roommates?"Emily nodded enthusiastically.
"Wouldn't it be awesome? We could split costs and have each other's backs."Vivan chimed in.
"That's a great idea! I know some affordable areas. I can help you guys find a place."Anya's mind whirled with excitement.
"Let's do it!" She exclaimed.Emily squealed, and they shared a celebratory hug.
Vivan grinned.
I'll start searching online. We'll find the perfect spot "Next day as Mr. Ryder walked past the cafeteria, his gaze swept the room, halting the trio laughing together.
Anya, Emily, and Vivan were engrossed in their conversation, oblivious to Ryder's attention.
Ryder's expression turned inscrutable, his eyes narrowing slightly.
For a moment, he stood there, observing them.
Anya, sensing someone's gaze, turned around. Her eyes met Ryder's, and she felt a jolt.
Ryder's expression softened, but only for an instant. He nodded curtly and continued toward his office.
The trio exchanged curious glances."Guess we caught Mr. Boss's attention," Vivan said with a chuckle.
Emily leaned in.
"Wonder what's going on in that mind of his."Anya shrugged, trying to brush off the encounter.
"Probably just ensuring we're not slacking off."Vivan grinned.
"Nah, I think he's just jealous of our fun."Their laughter drew Ryder's attention once more.
Through his office window, he watched them, his expression unreadable.Anya couldn't shake the feeling:
Had Ryder's interest in them piqued for a reason?Anya's heart skipped a beat as her phone buzzed with an email notification.
"Meet me in my office.- Mr. Ryder"Her mind racing, Anya wondered:
"What did I do this time?"She glanced at Emily and Vivan, who were engrossed in their work.
"Guess I'm summoned," Anya whispered, showing them the email.Emily's eyebrows rose.
"Good luck!"Vivan nodded.
"Be yourself, Anya, you've done nothing wrong."Anya took a deep breath, stood up, and smoothed her dress. As she walked to Ryder's office, her palms grew sweaty.
What did he want?
Was it about her work or something else?
Anya knocked on the door."Enter," Ryder's deep voice called out.
She stepped inside, closing the door behind her.
Ryder looked up from his papers, his eyes piercing.
"Anya, have a seat."
Anya sat, her heart pounding.
" What can I do for you, sir?"
Ryder leaned back, steepling his fingers. His expression turned serious.
"Anya, I have an urgent matter to discuss. I'm attending a crucial business meeting abroad, for which I need to depart tomorrow and I need an assistant to accompany me."
Anya with confusion.
"Yes, Sir?Ryder continued.
" My current assistant's son has been hospitalized, and I require someone to fill in . You'll be representing our company alongside me."Anya's mind raced.
"Abroad? Tomorrow?"Ryder nodded.
"Yes. The meeting is scheduled for a week. You'll need to pack immediately and take the rest of the day off."Anya's thoughts swirled.
"A week? But, sir, I - "Ryder's tone brooked no arguments.
It's settled, Anya, you're the best candidate for this task. Emily will handle your current projects."Anya nodded, still processing.
"Yes, sir. I'll prepare immediately."Ryder handed her a folder.
" Flight details, itinerary, and meeting briefs are inside. Study them thoroughly."
As Anya took the folder, Ryder's gaze lingered on hers.
"Be ready for an early departure tomorrow. We'll discuss further details on the flight."
Anya left Ryder's office, her mind whirling.
A week abroad with Ryder? What challenges lay ahead?
YOU ARE READING
Crash into love
General Fiction"When feisty Anya joins Ryder's industries, her first day takes an explosive turn. A rear-end collision sparks a heated confrontation with CEO Julian Ryder, notorious for his ruthlessness and secretive personal life. Despite their combustible introd...