Bound by Fate: The Unwanted Offer

As I was lost in his intense gaze, Mom's voice pulled me back to reality. I snapped out of it, realizing the confusion written all over her face. She asked if I was okay, and I managed to reassure her with a quick nod, eager to steer away from any suspicion. We moved to the dining table, settling down for snacks and a casual chat. Throughout the whole time, I made it a point to avoid looking at him—I couldn’t shake the strange changes in his behavior. He wasn’t acting like the brat I knew in high school, the one who used to bully me until I was in tears. Instead, he seemed different, almost as if he was… flirting. No, I thought to myself, that couldn’t be it. This was the same guy who hated me, and I felt the same about him. Surely, he was just messing with me as usual.

Putting my chaotic thoughts aside, I focused on the rare quality time with my mom. Just then, Dad joined us at the table, pulling his chair beside Mom’s with a contented smile. Raj walked in after him, casually taking the seat right beside me. The memory of his earlier intense stare made me tense, so I shifted my chair slightly to put some distance between us. But before I knew it, he leaned over, subtly pulling me closer, as if daring me to react. I shot him a glare, silently questioning what game he was playing.

Meanwhile, Mom and Dad were lost in their sweet, newlywed conversation, leaving me stuck in this silent tug-of-war with Raj. Not wanting to provoke him further, I tried to focus on my snacks. Just as I was finishing up, the maid came to announce that dinner was ready. Mom, knowing I rarely eat dinner this early, kindly asked her to serve mine after 8:30. Grateful for her understanding, I relaxed, knowing I wouldn’t be forced to rush through the meal.

After finishing, I excused myself and went up to my room, eager for some solitude. Just as I reached the stairs, I heard Raj call out, “I’ll have my dinner with my little sis. She’s new to this place, and I’ll keep her company.” My jaw clenched at his words. What was he up to? Why couldn’t he just leave me in peace?

Ignoring the frustration building up inside me, I escaped to my room and decided to focus on something productive—job applications. I needed to establish myself here and gain my independence. For the next hour, I poured over job listings, meticulously searching for roles that matched my skills and qualifications. By the time I was done, I had applied to around fifteen positions, mostly in corporate finance, marketing, and sales, leveraging my strengths. I even applied for a few minor roles, hoping to broaden my options. 

Seeing the clock tick down to dinner time, I realized I had about thirty minutes before my dinner with Raj—my stepbrother and former high school tormentor. Determined to avoid any more awkward situations, I devised a plan. If I could find my mom’s room and get her talking about her novel, she’d be so engrossed that I could easily steer her to the dinner table with me. Mom loved discussing her work, and once she got started, it was hard to pull her away.

I left my room and wandered down the hall, regretting not asking where her room was beforehand. Spotting a nearby worker, I approached to ask for directions, but before I could say anything, a hand wrapped around my waist and spun me around, pinning me against the wall. The sudden movement made me stumble, and I crashed into a solid, muscular chest. Dazed, I looked up and met the familiar, smirking gaze of Raj. I should have known—it was him, of course.

I glanced around, noticing that the worker had disappeared, leaving us alone in a quiet corner of the hall. Leaning in close, he whispered into my ear, “My little kitten, what do you think you’re planning in that small head of yours?” The way he called me “kitten” and the nearness of his voice sent an unexpected flutter through me, leaving me feeling warm and unsettled. I tried to pull away, but his grip was firm.

Realizing he somehow knew I was up to something, I glared at him. “How do you even know I’m planning anything?” I demanded. But he only smirked in response, and before I knew it, he swept me up in his arms. I gasped, caught completely off guard, and started protesting. “Put me down! People might see us—what would they think?” I argued, though it was as if my words fell on deaf ears.

Ignoring my protests, he carried me to the dining hall, setting me down on a chair before sitting beside me. Irritated, I punched his shoulder, my patience wearing thin. “That’s not how you treat someone!” I scolded. His expression softened briefly, as if there was something he wanted to say, but he kept silent. I settled into my seat, and we both began eating, tension lingering in the air. I focused on my food, hoping the awkwardness would pass.

As I finished my last sip of water, he broke the silence with an unexpected announcement. “I’ve hired you as my secretary. You start tomorrow.”

His words took me so off guard that I choked, spilling water all over him. He glared at me with dark eyes, and a shiver ran down my spine. I knew from experience the consequences of angering him, but I pushed through my hesitation. “Who asked you to do that?” I retorted. “You hired me without even informing me, let alone asking for my consent!”

His voice turned cold, and he replied, “Your mom—my stepmother—asked if there was a position for you in my company. I promised her I’d take care of it, so I made you my secretary.” His gaze held mine, his words deliberate and pointed. “Tomorrow, you’ll be working under me, for me.” He emphasized the last words, almost as if he wanted me to think about them in a different way.

Feeling my frustration and disappointment swell, I sighed, realizing that Mom had been the one to arrange this with him. She must have thought she was helping me, but now I was trapped—working under the very person I once thought I’d never have to see again.