Rei8

At twenty-nine, Callie Morgan had everything she thought she wanted—a steady career, a devoted fiancé, and a perfectly planned future. She and Kyle had spent nearly a decade building their love story, with their upcoming wedding meant to be the grand finale. But just as she prepared to step into forever, an unexpected event shatters everything, leaving Callie to pick up the pieces of a future that no longer exists.

Desperate for a fresh start, she escapes to a quiet town, hoping to find clarity in a life far removed from the one she left behind. What she doesn’t expect is to cross paths with an arrogant, frustratingly handsome stranger who challenges her at every turn. Their undeniable chemistry is as maddening as it is electric—until she discovers the twist. The man who’s been getting under her skin? He’s her new boss.

Callie begins to question everything she once believed about love and happiness. Sometimes, the most unexpected detours lead exactly where we’re meant to be.

Will Callie find the courage to embrace the unknown, or will she cling to the familiar, even when it no longer fits?

My Stranger Boss

Callie sat stiffly at her desk, trying to process the shock that had just unfolded in front of her. Attorney Dave Howard. Their new boss.

The same man who had stolen her seat at the café.

The same man who had sat beside her in the park with an air of quiet arrogance.

The same man who had moved in next door.

And now, the man who would be running her office.

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to remain composed as Dave stepped forward, hands in the pockets of his tailored suit. The room was silent, every employee waiting for him to speak.

"Good morning," he began, his tone cool and commanding. "I don't believe in long introductions, so let's keep this brief. I expect efficiency, professionalism, and results. Those who work hard will find me reasonable. Those who don't… won't."

A ripple of unease spread through the room. Callie bit the inside of her cheek. Of course, he was exactly the type of boss people would both fear and admire.

He continued, "I will be meeting with each department individually over the next few weeks. In the meantime, my office door is open—within reason. That's all for now."

Just like that, the meeting was over. No niceties, no attempts to charm his new employees.

Callie dared to glance up, only to find his gaze skimming the room indifferently. And then, for the briefest moment, his eyes locked onto hers.

But there was nothing. No recognition. No flicker of familiarity. No acknowledgment that they had crossed paths more than once.

To him, she was just another employee.

And somehow, that irritated her more than anything else.

Chapter 12 - No Recognition