A couple of months had passed since Derek had taken charge of Stevenson enterprises as the CEO. The company's shares and stocks were touching the sky in the stock market. All was going good. His employees were quite happy working under him. He was a kind-hearted boss, unlike typical billionaire bosses who had arrogance in their blood. He was down to earth and that was the thing his employees loved about him.

He rode in the same elevator as his employees and wished them good morning. He was never rude to his staff and treated them with equal respect. He preferred to keep things professional in every possible way.

Derek had shifted to his new house. The dream home he always longed to have. Secure and private. Away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi. It was a beautiful apartment with a little driveway and a garden at the back where he planted his favorite flowers. He loved nature.

Derek preferred doing his work on his own. He cleaned his house every two days since there was never anyone who made a mess of it after he was gone to work. He loved cooking. It was simple. Life was simple and easy for him. He was enjoying being single. Freedom. Ah, just how much he loved being independent.

One day as usual Derek arrived in his vicinity and saw a new car parked right next to his driveway.  He was curious as he didn't see anyone except boxes lining the front of his gate. Derek was getting irked by the minute as he saw more boxes piled near the car.

He got out of his car, took his jacket and draped his bag over his shoulder as he walked towards his drive way when suddenly he bumped into someone.

"Ouch! Be careful there!" a voice called out as the person scrambled to gather back the fallen boxes.

Derek looked over to see a girl in a black T-shirt with a huge smiley face printed on it. It looked cute. Not that he was a fan of childish things.

"Oh, I am so sorry. I apologize. I should have been more careful." he said as he apologized.

"No, it's alright. Don't worry," she said as she gave him a slight smile.

" By the way, it's my drive way you're blocking with your luggage," he stated coolly.

"Oh, I didn't know someone lived in it. I thought it was just renovated recently or something like that because it looks almost brand new. No wonder it's your house." she said.

"Anyway, it's okay. You should let me help you. After all the trouble of gathering boxes, I put you through." He said as he started helping her gather her boxes.

"Okay but I think first you should drop your things inside." She suggested.

"Umm yeah. I will be back in a minute,"  he said as he sped off to drop his things inside.

"So.." he let the sentence trail.

"So?" She repeated.

"Are you new here? Because I'm sure I haven't seen you around anytime before. " He said as he picked up the boxes.

"Yeah, I am new here." She spoke softly.

" I guess welcome then." He said with a smile.

"Thank you!" She said as she flashed one of her brightest smiles. Seeing her smile brought some weird feelings to his mind.

"We don't know each other's names. Do you mind telling me your name?" She asked

"Oh yeah. I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Derek. Derek Stevenson. " He said as he put his hand forward for a handshake.

"I'm Emily. Emily Brookes. You can call me Em." she said as she accepted his hand.

"I don't like calling nicknames to people. Emily is fine. I like it." He said dismissing her suggestion.