You Broke Me First Volume 1 — Chapter 1: New Beginnings
.....Hidden Shadows
The morning sun filtered softly through the glass walls of MacTech's sleek headquarters, casting long beams across the bustling office floor. It was the first day of Shayne Broklin's internship in the Information Technology department, and his heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nerves. At twenty-two, fresh out of university, Shayne was eager to prove himself in the fast-paced world of information systems.
Shayne was tall and lean, with unruly chestnut hair and bright, curious eyes that missed little. His passion for coding and problem-solving had earned him this coveted spot at MacTech, a leading company known for its cutting-edge software solutions. The IT department was a hive of activity, with screens flickering, keyboards clacking, and the hum of innovation in the air.
As Shayne settled at his desk, he noticed a woman walking briskly through the corridor — Hagar Mills, head of Human Resources. Hagar was striking, with an aura that commanded attention without demanding it. Her dark hair framed a face marked by both strength and a subtle sadness, and her eyes held stories she never shared. She was a single mother, known around the office as professional and reserved, but there was something about her that made people pause and wonder.
Shayne's first encounter with Hagar was brief but unforgettable. She stopped by the IT department to welcome the new interns, her voice warm but measured. "Welcome to MacTech," she said, offering a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Over the next few days, Shayne found himself crossing paths with Hagar more often than expected. Whether it was a casual coffee break in the cafeteria or a chance meeting by the elevator, their conversations grew from polite greetings to something more personal. Shayne was drawn to her kindness and the quiet strength she exuded, unaware of the guarded walls she had built around herself.
The office buzzed with the usual mix of personalities: Marcus, the jovial IT team leader who took Shayne under his wing; Lisa, the sharp-witted marketing assistant who often teased Shayne about his shy demeanor; and Jenna, Hagar's close friend and confidante in HR, who noticed the subtle changes in Hagar's demeanor whenever Shayne was near.
Yet beneath the surface of this new beginning, shadows lingered. Hagar's past was a carefully locked chapter, one marked by a painful marriage and the weight of lost love. Shayne, in his youthful optimism, saw only the woman before him — kind, beautiful, and seemingly in need of someone to believe in her.
Little did he know, this internship would be the start of a journey that would test the limits of his heart and shatter the illusions of love he held so dearly.
Characters Introduced:
Shayne Broklin: A bright, eager intern in the IT department, passionate about technology and new to the corporate world.
Hagar Mills: The enigmatic head of Human Resources, a single mother with a hidden past and guarded heart.
Marcus: IT team leader, mentor to Shayne, friendly and supportive.
Lisa: Marketing assistant, witty and observant, adds lightness to the office atmosphere.
Jenna: Hagar's close friend and HR colleague, perceptive and caring.
As the days unfold at MacTech, the lines between professional and personal begin to blur, setting the stage for a story of love, deception, and heartbreak that neither Shayne nor Hagar could have anticipated.
I