Prologue:"In front of everyone, he chose her…and that changed something!!
The welcoming ceremony for the new CEO was organized the very next day. Early in the morning, Mr. James, his wife, Zaden's cousins, Jeylin, and their families arrived as VIP guests. The entire place was crowded, filled with important people attending the celebration. That same day, Lara arrived to join work. She only knew the manager, some lobby staff, and Zaden. Standing outside, she noticed a long queue where everyone was showing invitations to enter, she didn't have one. Confused, she hesitated, she had Zaden's number—but still didn't call him. The manager was busy running around, handling arrangements, Lara tried calling him multiple times, but he didn't respond, inside, Zaden was preparing for his speech as the new CEO.
The manager approached Jeylin and politely informed her that Lara, the girl she had asked about, was coming to join that day and he would introduce them if he saw her.
Jeylin's expression changed instantly, irritation flashing across her face, she replied arrogantly that she had no reason to introduce herself to a nobody, adding that she only asked because Zaden troubled himself for someone like her. The manager was taken aback, quietly nodding before walking away.
Outside, Sam noticed Lara, she wore a simple formal outfit—pants and a shirt, her hair loose, light pink lipstick, nothing extravagant yet she stood out effortlessly. He informed the manager, who told him to bring her in assuming she didn't have an invitation, he thought about informing Jeylin but decided against it after her behavior. Instead, he informed Zaden that Lara was outside and asked if she had an invitation,
Zaden replied that she didn't and told him to inform the guards she was a new employee. The manager rushed but got stopped by Mr. James on the way, who began introducing him to others and praising his work, the distraction caused him to forget informing the guards.
The ceremony began, speeches were delivered one by one until it was Zaden's turn, he stood on stage confidently, his presence drawing admiration from the entire hall while whispers spread about his rumored marriage with Jeylin, she felt proud hearing it.
Outside, Lara was still waiting, the crowd had already entered leaving her alone, a guard approached and rudely told her to leave instead of standing like a homeless person. Lara explained that she was joining the company that day and didn't receive an invitation, requesting entry politely, the guards refused and began pulling her away. Lara got angry and argued back, more guards joined, the situation escalated, their voices echoing inside the hall.
Zaden, in the middle of his speech, got irritated by the disturbance, he paused and signaled the guards. The manager rushed outside and froze seeing Lara being dragged, panic filled him as he realized his mistake, inside, everyone turned toward the commotion, Mr. James noticed the manager's fear and grew concerned.
Zaden heard Lara's voice, stopped, turned off the mic, and stepped down from the stage; the entire hall fell silent in curiosity and tension.
Zaden stepped onto the red carpet, his eyes landing on Lara, his gaze darkened instantly, without hesitation he walked forward, forcefully removing the guards' hands from her. Before anyone could react," he grabbed her hand firmly, the grip strong and commanding yet strangely protective, Lara froze at his touch, he pulled her toward him and walked inside without acknowledging anyone, as if nothing else mattered".
Everyone stood shocked.
Zaden guided her to the front row and politely asked her to sit, then returned to the stage, turning on the mic and apologizing calmly before continuing. The hall remained stunned, his parents and cousins stared,
Jeylin's face filled with jealousy, her parents looked displeased, she demanded to know who Lara was, but no one answered.
Zaden continued his speech and shifted to recruitment, mentioning that he had selected an extraordinary candidate, he announced the name Lara and invited her onto the stage. Applause filled the hall; Mr. James was surprised yet impressed seeing his son appreciate someone publicly for the first time.
Lara stood up confused and walked onto the stage, as they crossed paths Zaden leaned slightly and whispered that she should stay calm, assuring she could handle it before stepping down.
Lara began speaking, handling the sudden moment gracefully, she explained how she got the job while subtly describing Zaden as kind and supportive.
Zaden stood below watching her, unable to take his eyes off her, she looked extraordinary, confident and composed without preparation, Jeylin noticed everything and her jealousy deepened.
After finishing, Lara thanked Zaden and stepped down but walked out of the hall instead of returning to her seat, Zaden noticed immediately and followed her, Jeylin saw this and followed him.
Lara asked a guard for the canteen and went to get water, as she drank, she heard her name being called, she turned to see Zaden, behind him Jeylin approached though Lara didn't know her. Zaden appreciated her performance, then sarcastically asked how she was so good at lying, Lara replied sharply asking how he was so good at pretending to be nice, Zaden was surprised again.
Jeylin stepped forward calling him Zaddy and questioned why he was there with someone like her on such an important day.
Zaden got irritated and replied arrogantly as, no one asked her to give opinions and introduced Lara as his new personal assistant and stating, "she was extraordinary unlike her".
Jeylin was stunned and felt insulted!
Lara stood confused, unable to understand him,
one moment he was arrogant and harsh,
the next he was supportive and praising,
she didn't know which version of Zaden was real.