Ava Sterling

Chapter 15: Stuck With Him

(Ava's POV )

I wanted a job.

I wanted independence.

What I didn't want?

To end up as Damien Sterling's assistant.

But of course, because the universe hates me, that's exactly where I landed.

---

The Offer I Should Have Rejected

Eleanor was the one who helped me find the job.

I had been prepared to work anywhere. A small firm, a bookstore, a coffee shop—anything that would let me feel like I had control over my own life.

But no.

Instead, I found myself sitting across from Eleanor in the estate's sunroom, staring at the Sterling Corporation employment contract.

"For an assistant?" I asked, already suspicious.

Eleanor smiled warmly. "Yes. It's a great position for you, dear. You'll learn a lot, and you'll have some flexibility."

I narrowed my eyes. Too good to be true. "And… whose assistant, exactly?"

Eleanor's smile didn't waver.

But I knew.

Oh, I knew.

"Damien's," she said sweetly.

I almost choked on my tea.

"What?"

Eleanor set her cup down gracefully. "You wanted a job, dear. Now you have one."

I stared at her. "This isn't a job. This is torture disguised as employment."

She tilted her head slightly. "Do you not think you can handle it?"

Oh, she was challenging me.

I clenched my jaw. "I can handle anything."

Eleanor just smiled. Like she knew she had already won.

---

By the time I arrived at Sterling Corporation's headquarters, I had mentally prepared myself.

I would be professional.

I would be composed.

I would not let Damien get under my skin.

That lasted about three minutes.

Because the moment I stepped into his office, he looked up from his desk—**smirked—**and said,

"You've got to be kidding me."

I dropped my bag on the chair across from him, crossing my arms. "Trust me, Sterling, I wouldn't be here if I had a choice."

He leaned back in his chair, watching me. "So, what? My mother forced you?"

I exhaled sharply. "I wanted a job. She found me one. Unfortunately, that job is here."

Damien tapped his fingers against his desk, amusement flickering in his gray eyes. "You really think working for me is a good idea?"

"Probably not," I admitted. "But I don't see you firing me."

His smirk widened. "Tempting."

I rolled my eyes. "Are you always this insufferable, or is it just a Monday thing?"

Damien chuckled. "You tell me, sweetheart. You'll be spending a lot of time with me now."

I clenched my fists. I already regretted this.

---

It didn't take long for me to realize something.

Damien was the worst boss in existence.

For the next few hours, he sent me on completely unnecessary errands.

— "Get me coffee."

— "Wrong temperature. Try again."

— "Ava, check my schedule."

— "Actually, cancel everything. I don't want to work today."

By noon, I was one sarcastic remark away from throwing a stapler at his head.

Finally, I snapped.

I stormed into his office, slamming my notebook onto his desk. "Do you even know how to do your own job?"

Damien raised a brow. "Excuse me?"

"You're literally giving me useless tasks to annoy me."

He smirked. "That's what assistants are for."

I exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of my nose. "You are impossible."

"And you're adorable when you're mad."

I froze.

His voice was too low, too teasing.

My stomach tightened.

No. Nope. Not happening.

I grabbed my notebook and pointed at him. "I am here to work, Sterling. Not to play whatever mind games you enjoy."

He tilted his head slightly, studying me. "We'll see about that."

I clenched my jaw, spinning on my heel and storming out.

This was going to be a nightmare.

And worst of all?

A tiny, infuriating part of me was enjoying it.

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