[KRISTEN]
It never crossed my mind that I would be working as someone's personal assistant, particularly under a man. Yet, I later realized that I had already accepted the job because I desperately wanted to keep myself busy and prove that I can stand up for myself without anyone's help."It seems you're lost in deep thoughts," I heard her approach as she sat on a chair beside me."Actually, yes," I responded with a nod."I knew it. Don't worry; he'll be a nice boss. I guarantee that," she assured me. "Though he's strict, his bipolar attitude is quite tolerable.""Does he have that condition?" I wondered. At some point, I felt nervous about how our partnership would work.Mira laughed and said, "No, but it can be compared to that. Anyway, congratulations on your first day in hell, I mean, heaven, or somewhere in between?"I found her words funny rather than scary, maybe because I used to live as if I were in hell for a couple of years? So, being in that situation is not a new thing to me.Mira went home due to an emergency. As far as I can remember, she mentioned that her cousin is going to have an engagement party, and she also mentioned something about a family dinner. I wonder how Marcus, I mean, our CEO, let her do undertime work, given his strict attitude. Well, that's not my business anymore.Honestly, I'm not sure if I would like to be his personal assistant. I mean, I applied for a job to have some distractions from my tragic past, but since I got here, not a single task was given to me. It's almost 3 PM, and four more hours to go, and I'll be leaving work."Oh, running out of coffee," I sighed.I stood up to get some coffee and decided to stop by his office to ask if he has something for me to work on, but he's not there. So, I just went straight to the pantry area to get myself a coffee, so that I wouldn't fall asleep."This is crazy," I uttered to myself. "Why did I even accept this job? What for? To stare at the computer and wait for it to explode?" I didn't know why, but I started laughing when I realized what I just said."Are you well?" someone asked me.I turned around to see a man fixing his watch, staring at me seriously. Honestly, I'm not sure how to react at that moment; I felt shy being caught up laughing by myself."Yeah," I responded out of the blue. "I mean, yes, sir. I'm good." I said, correcting my response."Well, if you say so," he nodded."Do you want some coffee, sir?" I asked him. He stared at me blankly for a few seconds before responding, "No, I don't drink coffee. Just hand me a glass of water."So, he doesn't drink coffee? He's like someone I knew back then.I quickly responded to his request and handed him the water as soon as I got it. Then I bowed my head as a goodbye, since I can't stand staying inside a room with just a man alone. I took a few steps and was nearing the door when he suddenly grabbed my arm; it was sudden but gentle enough.I threw him a curious look, "Why, sir? Do you need something?"He quickly let go of my arm and then cleared his throat before saying, "Starting from tomorrow, your office would be the vacant office next to mine.""You mean, the one that's locked?" I wondered."Was there any other room you've seen?" He sarcastically responded, which made me feel a bit annoyed."I was just clarifying it, sir." I seriously responded to him."You don't let anyone have the last words, do you?" He started wondering. Well, that's a fact. "Anyway," he continued even before I got to respond. "We have somewhere to go at 7 PM. For now, you need to go home and get changed to something, simple but elegant clothes." He added, as he scanned me from head to toe.He left after that.What's wrong with my clothes? What's wrong with dressing conservatively? And why should I dress elegantly just to work?So, yeah, I had those questions running through my mind while I'm on my way home. I'm glad my place isn't that far from my work. It didn't even take me too many hours to get home. I quickly headed to my room, towards the closet, and scanned every bit of clothes I had in it, but everything was just the same style, long sleeves, trousers, everything seemed so corporate.I called Lynn and asked for her help. She said she couldn't be here early and just told me to check the luggage under my bed, so I did. I carried the heavy luggage to my bed and opened it. A few nice dresses, though short ones, welcomed me.Actually, these are all mine, back when I was still free to do anything I wanted without hesitating. But I honestly don't know if I could wear any of these.While trying to finish scanning the clothes inside the luggage, I suddenly received a text saying, "A silk dress would look good on you, a beige one, if you don't mind."This is weird.I actually have that kind of dress, but getting it from an unknown number? I mean, how come this person knew?I shrugged the thought and uttered to myself, "Maybe it's Lynn."So, following the advice I received, I wore it. Actually, it is my favorite dress; I even wore it at one of the biggest auctions I've hosted, which happens to be the most successful one.Getting ready isn't something I put too much time into. I mean, I was never into heavy makeup, so I decided to go for the light one. Then, after that, I went out to see a car waiting outside. Unsure of whether it's safe to go near it, I decided to just ignore it and quickly hop on my scooter. But then a familiar man suddenly came out."Hey, what do you think you're doing?" He wondered.I wanted to talk back sarcastically, but then I realized that he's my boss, and I should be polite. "Sir," I greeted him.He stepped out of the car and then opened the door, as if he's waiting for me to get in."Go in," he uttered.I didn't know why, but I found myself doing what he said. I got in the car, and then the whole time we're in it, believe me or not, none of us even tried to break the silence until we got to the venue.We both stepped out from the car, and there were so many unfamiliar faces greeting him and seeking his attention. So I decided to go for a walk myself. Since the guard saw me coming out of his car, they didn't even stop me from heading inside.The venue is really wide, and the decorations, as well as the center stage, give me the idea that maybe it's an engagement party.Not long after a few minutes, I suddenly saw Mira walking somewhere."Why is she here?" I wondered to myself.I tried to catch up with her, but she started walking towards someone. I stopped and followed her with my eyes, and then I saw who she's rushing towards.Seeing that person almost made me freeze.[KRISTEN]Never did I imagine encountering him again. In the aftermath of that incident, I was convinced he had landed himself in jail. Yet, upon reflection, he struck me as the kind of man who'd defy such circumstances.His parting words that night echoed in my memory: "You will never be happy, not while I'm still alive."The fleeting respite from my struggles to forget that incident crumbled as he flashed before my eyes, reigniting the pain and resentment."Calm down, Kristen. You don't need to panic." I convinced myself with those words, but then, nothing changes and it wouldn't stop me from trembling in fear.Attempting to leave, I felt an unsettling heaviness on my feet, stopping my escape, and despite the urge to run home, I found myself unable to go far.On the brink of stumbling, caught by the edge of the pathway, I was suddenly caught by someone."Hey, are you alright?" he asked.His presence raised questions in my mind. How did we end up here? Does he hold any knowledge? Is h
[KRISTEN]While on the way home, riding in Marcus' car, I can't help but stare out the window, somewhere far, as I think about what happened earlier at the party. Believe me, I try not to, but I keep thinking, how did this happen?Why, of all people, would my ex-boyfriend marry my best friend? How did Lynn agree to this, knowing the horrible things he did to me?In between those thoughts, I give Marcus a quick gaze, wondering if he knows something, but I shake my head and forget it. Even Marcus doesn't speak up or ask anything until we finally reach my place."Thanks for the ride. I really appreciate it," I say before stepping out of the car.Just when I think he's about to leave, he opens the window and says, "If you need me, just let me know."I nod and flash a slight smile, remaining standing there as I watch him drive away before heading back inside to rest.The next morning, as I'm about to go to work, Lynn runs towards me."What are you doing here?" I fret."Kristen, can you plea
[KRISTEN]As Lynn's words echoed in the hallway, I felt a mix of emotions—anger, betrayal, and sadness. But in that moment, I also felt a newfound resolve surged forth, compelling me to confront my past head-on, refusing to flee any longer.With determination fueling my steps, I made my way back to work. Instead of heading straight to my office, I veered towards the CEO's office, only to find a woman perched on his lap. Interrupting their intimate moment, I knocked twice before barging in."What brings you here, Ms. Kristen?" he inquired, rising abruptly and causing the woman to teeter on the edge of his lap."Uh-hm, maybe I'll catch you some other time, sir," I uttered, feeling a twinge of awkwardness in the air.The woman with a blondie hair scrutinized me from head to toe, her arms crossed in a defensive stance. "Who's this woman? Actually, uhm, you look familiar," she remarked, her voice tinged with suspicion.Eager to escape the uncomfortable situation, I excused myself. "If you'l
[KRISTEN]"Are you serious?" My eyes widened as I sought clarity from him. This request was beyond wild—why would he even ask? It felt like he was playing a dangerous game, one I wasn't sure I wanted to be a part of. Memories flooded back, reminding me of the suspicious ease with which I was hired. How did I miss the signs?"Yes, Ms. Kristen. It's non-negotiable. Once settled, we can discuss the rest," he replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. As he drew closer, his presence felt suffocating, like a predator closing in. I wanted to move, to escape, but my body betrayed me, rooted in place as if by invisible chains."So, are you in, or not?" His question hung in the air, demanding an answer.Think, Kristen. Isn't this what you've been waiting for? The chance to reclaim your peace, to rewrite the narrative they imposed on you? You've faced worse.I took a deep breath, steeling myself against the fear. It sounded insane, but if it meant reclaiming what they stole from me, I was
MARCUS"Marcus, what is she doing here? I want her out of our sight. Fire her now!" The scene was chaotic, with Rihanna's anger boiling over at the sight of Kristen. But amidst the turmoil, one word stood out to me: crazy. Rihanna's reaction seemed over-the-top, especially considering what had transpired between her and Kristen."Why should I?" I asked, maintaining a façade of concern, though Rihanna's presence meant little to me.I observed Rihanna take a deep breath before shooting a quick glare at Kristen, who sat calmly in her office chair, unruffled by the confrontation.Damn, she looked effortlessly attractive."She's the reason my 'baby' got hurt," Rihanna spat, referring to her car. "And, I've been away for days. We were supposed to get married a day ago, remember?"Originally, Rihanna had been my pawn in a game to unsettle Ashton. But plans had shifted, and I found myself relieved by the change."Well, I think we should call it off now. I'm not going to marry you," I declared
KRISTEN"Wait, is this for real?" Mira's disbelief mirrored my own thoughts as she tried to wrap her head around Marcus's bombshell revelation. I nodded, confirming what she'd heard. She let out a deep sigh, her expression a mix of concern and uncertainty. "I see.""Hey, it's okay. We've discussed this, and it's a decision we both made. I've thought it through, too, and...""Kristen, I know you've been through a lot, but are you sure about this?" Mira's words were laced with concern, her eyes reflecting the worry of a true friend. Yes, I'd confided in Mira about my past, trusting her with the pain I'd carried for so long. And strangely, I felt like she understood. "I just hope this won't bring you more hurt. Marcus's anger towards Ashton is intense, to say the least."Intense? What did she mean by that?Ashton and I had been together for years before tragedy tore us apart, but I knew little about his family. He lived with his mother, and that was about it. No siblings, no fortune – at
KRISTENThe proposition hung heavy in the air, Marcus's gaze unwavering as he awaited my response. It was clear he wouldn't take no for an answer, and the weight of the contract I'd signed, binding me to him for a year, loomed large in my mind.Living with him meant relinquishing what little independence I had left, yet in light of recent events, it seemed like the only logical choice. Besides, I reasoned, if I'd agreed to be his for a year, then surely living with him was just part of the deal."Alright," I conceded, the words leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.Marcus's expression softened, relief evident in his features. "Good choice."I offered him a tight-lipped smile, the weight of my decision settling heavily on my shoulders. As we drove on into the night, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was stepping into the unknown – and that once again, my fate was no longer entirely my own.As we pulled up to Marcus's house, the weight of my decision bore down on me like a heavy burden.
KRISTEN"Kristen," he murmured against my ear, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine. "Please, let me have you."His words hung in the air, heavy with desire and longing. Despite the intensity of our kiss, his request caught me off guard, stirring a tumult of conflicting emotions within me."I've already signed the papers, why ask?" I whispered back, my voice barely above a breathless murmur.But even as the words left my lips, I couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that gnawed at the edges of my consciousness. It was as if, in that moment, the boundaries between us blurred and I found myself teetering on the edge of something unknown yet undeniably intoxicating.As his fingers continued their dance inside me, I felt a surge of desire coursing through my veins, a hunger that begged to be sated. His voice, dripping with husky desire, sent shivers down my spine as he whispered sweet promises of ecstasy."Do you want more, Kristen?" Marcus's voice was a seductive whisper aga