Chapter 15: Kiss me, I'll give you what you want

At Flying Star Corporation.

"What?! I'm responsible for this ad shoot?"

Katherine stood before Louis's desk, hands clutching a thick sheaf of papers, her platinum blonde hair neatly tied back, epitomizing elegance. Louis his usual air of authority, put down the glossy pen he had been using moments earlier. He leaned forward, the dim light catching the hint of a smirk playing on his lips, "Yes, you are."

Katherine felt a whirlwind of emotions. As Louis's secretary, she was accustomed to orchestrating his daily schedule and attending to his every demand. This naturally put her in touch with the company's major clients, particularly giving her insights into Hologram Corporation's recent undertakings. However, entrusting her with overseeing a crucial project was an unexpected testament to Louis's trust in her.

"You're not just overseeing the shoot, but also our grand opening of the new shopping complex," Louis continued, leaning in just a tad closer, his eyes never leaving hers.

Louis's gaze was unwavering, almost drilling into Katherine's very soul, observing her every reaction. He gently took the papers from her grasp and laid them on the desk, patiently awaiting her response.

Katherine, attempting to reclaim the papers and leave, was halted by Louis. She frowned slightly, "This isn't a secretary's job. You mentioned Matthew had someone else do that."

"Complete this project successfully, and I'll hand over Hologram Corporation's recent bribery report to you."

What?

Katherine's eyes widened. Her shock was unmistakable. She parted her lips, wordlessly, before regaining her composure with a confident smile. "Alright then, I'll do it."

Just as she was about to pick up the documents and leave, Louis held her back. A rare, genuine smile spread across his face. "Aren't you going to thank me?"

Louis's genuine smiles were scarce. Katherine had grown accustomed to Louis's emotional walls. But every now and then, glimpses of the old Louis would shine through, reminding her of the bond they once shared. Those were the moments she cherished the most, fleeting as they were. Since their reunion, he'd either been indifferent or harbored a derisive smirk towards Katherine.

"Thank you," Her voice dripping with gratitude and just a touch of happiness.

Louis raised an eyebrow, a devilish grin spreading across his face. "Just a thank you?" he drawled, his deep voice teasing every word as if he were challenging her to a game of chess.

Katherine chuckled heartily, giving him a playful wink in response, "What else do you want? For me to be your girlfriend as repayment?"

"Not a bad idea…” He mused, the corner of his mouth twitching upward, “Kiss me, and I'll give you what you want."

Louis leaned in, his imposing figure seemingly dwarfing Katherine's petite frame. Their faces were so close she could feel the warmth of his breath and the familiar scent emanating from him. Everything became a distant blur. All that remained was Louis's magnetic presence, his tall frame leaning into her space, casting a shadow that made her feel both protected and trapped.

Whether from excitement or trepidation, she couldn't tell. It had been seven years, yet Louis still wore the same Tobacco Vanille perfume. Memories flooded back, causing Katherine's heart to race. She used the stack of documents to push him back, taking a few steps backward and inhaling deeply to regain her composure.

Why was it that she, who once had the upper hand in their games, was now so easily flustered by Louis's teasing? Katherine chided herself internally.

Lifting her head proudly, she met Louis's gaze, her eyes steady and her smile gentle, "We've kissed more than once, haven't we? Do you want to settle our debts now, or shall we wait until after I've completed the task?"

Louis gently stroked Katherine's hair, his gesture tender beyond words. "What if I want it now?"

"Okay."

Placing the stack of documents on his desk, Katherine gently pushed him to sit at the edge, "After the kiss, I get those bribery reports, right?"

"They'll be yours, of course." Louis's nonchalant smile, leaning backward with his arms supporting him on the desk, was all the more alluring.

How many other women had he looked at this way? And heard his gentle voice? A pang of jealousy surged within Katherine, for reasons she couldn't fathom.

Grabbing his tie, she tiptoed toward him, slightly leaning in. Louis cooperatively wrapped an arm around her petite waist.

However, the moment their lips were about to meet, the door to Louis's office swung open. Matthew, dapper in a sleek black suit, walked in holding a pen and an urgent contract. So engrossed, he'd forgotten the daily etiquette of knocking.

"Boss, this contract needs your signature."

Katherine, startled by the interruption, withdrew immediately. She quickly smoothed her slightly rumpled dress, her face betraying embarrassment.

Engrossed in the contract, it took a moment for Matthew to take in the scene before him. But when he did, he met Louis's icy stare. He hesitated, taking a step back, a sense of foreboding building within him, "Boss... Could you sign this for me, please?"

Louis straightened up, smoothed his suit, and sat down at his desk. His face betrayed his vexation, particularly when he caught Katherine giggling. His frown deepened.

One second more, and he could have kissed her.

Matthew Thompson, you have to work overtime tonight! Louis thought.

Katherine, beaming, clutched her documents and swished her hair as she made her exit. Before leaving, she teasingly winked at Louis, "Don't forget our deal."

The next day, 3 PM at JW Marginatte Mall.

Katherine was the primary overseer of the day's ad shoot. She'd arrived early to familiarize herself with the crew and greeted the director and other staff members. Everything was ready, awaiting the day's star - Catherine Watson.

Promptly at 3 PM, a stunning woman in dark shades confidently approached. Her high heels echoed and attracted many people's attention.

Katherine quickly recognized her and greeted her with a warm smile, "Miss Catherine, you've arrived."

"Hello, Secretary K. It's a pleasure to work with you..."

Since their names sounded alike, they'd decided to refer to Katherine as 'K' in their text exchanges. Katherine had no comments about this name.

"It's lovely working with you too. By the way, where's your manager? I need to discuss your schedule with her."

Catherine turned her head back, her eyes sparkling along with a bright smile on her lips. Louis William walked over leisurely, a car key in his hand, indicating he had just arrived from the parking lot.

"Today, Louis brought me here. I'll ask Selena to send you my schedule later in the evening."

As soon as Louis appeared, gasps of astonishment swept through the entire crew. Followed by cheers infused with admiration:

"CEO Louis personally drove Miss Catherine to the ad shoot. Are they dating?"