CHAPTER 3

I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I stepped into the office, my first day at work. I still couldn't believe I was actually here—working as Levi Banks' personal assistant. My life had turned upside down so quickly. From the moment I was hired after that intense interview, everything seemed like a blur. The tall glass building loomed in front of me, sleek and intimidating, almost like it was daring me to prove I belonged.

I stepped into the elevator and quickly checked my outfit, trying to keep my nerves in check. *You've got this*, I told myself. I could barely believe how quickly everything had happened, but here I was, at the heart of the action. The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, and I took another deep breath, making my way to my desk. The office was quieter than I expected, everyone focused and absorbed in their tasks, as if they were all parts of a well-oiled machine.

I took my seat at the desk, quickly getting to work. I organized the files, made some calls, and responded to emails, all while trying not to let my mind wander too much. But even though everything was moving at such a fast pace, I felt surprisingly calm. Maybe I could do this. Maybe I was meant for this. I wasn't backing down this time, I'm going to put in my absolute best. Nothing is getting in my way. The life of my dreams is already in play.

Then, out of nowhere, the door opened and I looked up, heart skipping a beat. Levi Banks walked into the room. He was even more intimidating in person, his mere presence commanding the space without him even having to say anything. I quickly looked back at my screen, trying to act normal, though my palms were suddenly sweaty.

He didn't even say a word, he just took long strides to his seat. I thought he would even acknowledge me. Well thats what i get for thinking life is a movie, he is THE LEVI BANKS, i am just good old Amelia from New Jersey. Now lets focus and get back to work. We can not have any handsome hunk distracting us.

But truth be told, I couldn't deny how much I admired him. The way he held himself, how everything around him seemed to run smoothly with just a glance. I was still new here, still getting used to the chaos, but something in me clicked. I wasn't just the girl trying to survive anymore—I was part of something bigger now. And whatever this job had in store for me, I was ready for it.

*****

It was time for lunch break and I still hadn't received even a call from Levi asking me for help or anything. Does he want me to make use of my initiative? Or should I just stick to doing as I'm told? My mind was racing. I went to the coffee table and made two cups of coffee. In movies I watched the personal assistant always gets coffee for the boss, so it seemed like a good idea at the moment right?

I placed a gentle force on the doorbell of Levi's office, It opened almost immediately, he was head buried in work when he spoke up

"Yes, Amelia how may I help you?"

It was like a lump had settled in my throat before I found my voice.

"Uhm..I figured i would bring you coffee, I don't know when exactly you like to have your coffee,so I figured I would just bring it during lunch period, I don't know if.. if its the right time but then nobody told me…

He light out a slight chuckle

"Amelia, its fine, thank you for taking initiative, i like my coffee three times daily and you make two of them, my morning coffee and my afternoon coffee, which is supposed to be made in my office but Its alright, you can go back to your office now, Just drop it on the counter there"

I looked at the counter he was referring to and I saw a coffee machine sitting there looking pretty, he looked like nothing we had at O'Neils. I was still staring at it intently when Levi let out a cough bringing me back to reality.

"Oh, I'm sorry"

I said as I did exactly as I was told and left the office in record time.

That was awkward….

I put on my headphones listening to Alex warren and time flew as fast as the trains in the subway, it was already close of business and most staff were checking out already. People really value their time. I was just getting some work done before I leave. I checked the time and it was getting late. I was contemplating texting Josh to give me a ride when i heard a voice.

"Why are you still here?"

I looked up and saw Levi standing right up front.

"Uh,I just wanted to prep for Tomorrow,I–

"You should have gone home Amelia. Stick to the close of business alright?"He said calmly.

"Yes sir, Thank you very much. I'll leave now". I replied and prepped my bag.

He went back into the office while I took my steps towards the elevator.

I signed out of the office and Called a cab. It took my cab Just 5 minutes to get to the office. I got in and we zoomed off.

I shut the door behind me with a sigh, my heels clattering against the wooden floor as I kicked them off. Today had drained every ounce of strength I had left. All I wanted was to collapse on my lumpy couch with a warm mug of tea and pretend life wasn't falling apart.

But then I saw it.

A white envelope tucked under my doorframe, fluttering slightly from the breeze that sneaked through the cracks. I picked it up, heart thudding in my chest. The handwriting was unmistakable—Mr. Miller, my ever-grumpy landlord.

I opened it and scanned the short, clipped words:

"You have 7 days to pay up or move out. No excuses."

My heart dropped. Seven days? Just a week? After everything?

I sank onto the couch, the letter trembling in my hands. "Seriously?" I whispered to no one. After all the years I'd been a quiet tenant… after all the times I'd gone out of my way to tutor his daughter, staying late after work to help her pass her music exams. I thought that counted for something.

Fighting the lump in my throat, I grabbed my bag and marched upstairs to his flat. I wasn't going down without trying.

He opened the door with his usual scowl, wearing that same faded wrapper and stained tank top.

A horrid sight i tell you.

"Amelia," he grunted. "I thought I was clear in the letter."

"I just… I was hoping we could talk," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "You know I just lost my job, and things have been tough. But I'm still tutoring Aisha, and I've never missed a session. I thought maybe you could give me a little time."

He folded his arms across his chest. "And I thought you were an adult with responsibilities. Tutoring my daughter doesn't pay your rent, Amelia."

"But—"

"Do I look like a charity?" he barked, cutting me off. "You have one week. If you can't pay, pack your bags."

The door slammed shut in my face before I could say another word.

I stood there, blinking, stunned by how quickly kindness can be snatched away when you have nothing left to offer.

I trudged back down the stairs with my pride in pieces and my heart weighed down like lead. Every step echoed the word *"failure"* in my ears. When I got back to my flat, I closed the door slowly this time — not with the same tired frustration as earlier — but with a numb quietness, like even the walls could feel my defeat.

Dejected, I sank into the couch, my body folding into itself as the weight of the day bore down. I stared at the note still clenched in my hand, crumpled now, like it deserved to feel as broken as I did.

Of all people… Mr. Millers? I didn't expect a full parade of sympathy, but I thought… I don't know — I thought maybe, just maybe, knowing I'd done everything right for his daughter would mean something.

I wiped a tear from the corner of my eye before it could fall. This wasn't the time for weakness.

Then I reached for my phone and called myra

She picked on the second ring. "Babyyyy what's up?"

I tried to sound normal. Failed.

"I just got hit with a one-week eviction notice."

"Wait, *what*?! From who?! Why?!"

I told her everything — loosing my apartment,the landlord's reaction, everything.

There was a pause. "Okay, I'm sending you something right now. Rent, food, everything. You're not doing this alone."

I shook my head even though she couldn't see me. "No, Myra. I'm fine. I'll figure it out."

"Amelia—"

"I've got this."

"You're too strong for your own good," she muttered, then sighed. "Fine. But just know I'm not letting this go.Uber eats is already getting your order ready. I got your favorite"

"Thank you. You didn't have to"I said softly, a small smile tugging at the edge of my lips. "Thanks." 

****

The soft knock on my door pulled me out of my thoughts. I shuffled over, still in my oversized tee and fluffy socks, and opened it to find the Uber Eats driver standing there with a warm bag of comfort.

"Enjoy your meal," he said with a tired smile. I managed a small one back and took the bag like it held the answers to all my problems.

Back on the couch, I pulled out the steaming takeout — spicy noodles and spring rolls. It wasn't fancy, but tonight it was therapy. I queued up a classic romcom, one of those feel-good ones with predictable endings and unrealistic kisses in the rain.

Halfway through the movie, I found myself laughing softly, mouth full of noodles, even as my heart felt heavy. For a moment, the chaos paused. No rent problems. No career panic. Just me, a dumb love story, and the comfort of food I didn't have to cook. 

Eventually, with a full belly and a quieter mind, I dragged myself to bed. It wasn't a great day, but I survived it — and sometimes, that's enough.