The subway platform was crowded with evening commuters. Aria found a spot against a pillar and waited for her train, her mind numb with exhaustion.
Her phone buzzed. Marcus.
How was day one? You alive?
She typed back: Barely. Completely exhausted. Failed spectacularly in a board meeting. Had to stay late to fix it. But I survived.
His response came immediately: That's my girl. Knew you could handle it. Get some rest. Tomorrow will be easier.
She hoped he was right.
The train arrived and Aria found a seat, grateful to finally sit down without a computer in front of her. She leaned her head against the window and watched the city blur past.
Her reflection stared back at her. Pale. Hollow-eyed. Exhausted.
But there was something else there too. Determination. Pride, even.
She'd survived her first day at Blackwood Enterprises. She'd made mistakes, but she'd corrected them. She'd been humiliated, but she'd endured it. She'd been pushed to her limit, but she hadn't broken.
