I know it was an evil thought, but I couldn't stop myself from thinking about it. If Ivor could see the surveillance footage, he might fire me. But I didn't believe in the plan I just came up with by chance.I looked at Ivor's desk. A lot of material was placed on it. However, documents of Ivor's plans were kept in iron cabinets, which were placed inside desk drawers.Those lockers were equipped with modern electronic locks. But for me, it was never a worry, because I was one of those people who knew the code.I approached the desk drawer, sitting on my hunkers, opening the drawer. I saw the cabinets stacked neatly inside. In order, the company's latest plan document was in the top cabinet.I could feel my heart beating very fast. My hands were sweaty too. I reached out towards the cabinet. But just before I could touch it, an alarm sounded in my mind. I remembered the reason I knew the code to open these iron cabinets. Because Ivor trusted me.I was startled and pulled my hand back.
Ivor's kiss was a sugar-coated bullet. I felt sweet but also anxious, as I had not yet got an answer from Ivor about his action and about our relationship. But those thoughts couldn't stop me from going to the company the next day. Ivor still couldn't solve the trouble that Mark was causing him, so Lola was still busy and I made a cup of coffee for Ivor. I wondered what would happen if I met him. "Lia, is something happy going on?" Coco's voice startled me. As soon as I saw her, I smiled shyly, "Why are you here?" “I just wanted to find you, we haven't talked in two days,” Coco said. “And look at you, what has always made you keep a sweet smile on your lips?” "What?" I was amazed, answering instinctively. “Have I always smiled?” “That's right,” Coco nodded, as she approached me, I stepped back. "What happened? Can you tell me?” I was confused, not knowing how to avoid her question. But Coco had always been a trusted friend of mine, and she had proven it by making a smile and sa
Of course, I still wanted to make coffee for Ivor. This job gave me more time to meet him, although when he was no longer busy and we would have more time to meet.It took me 5 minutes to convince Lola to let me continue making coffee for Ivor. I brought him coffee.“Lia? Is that you again?" He asked when he saw me walk in with a hot cup of coffee, then he focused on his work.What did he mean? He seemed cold to me. Maybe he was busy.Oh God, I felt jealous of his work. Sometimes he made me feel like I wasn't as important as it was.Well, I didn't mind waiting for him to change his habits.I put the coffee down on the desk but didn't leave immediately. I'd like to have lunch with him. It had been two days since I had had lunch alone.“Ivor,” I called and expected him to look at me.“Go ahead,” Ivor said, but still focused on his work.I bit my lip, “Ivor, can we have lunch together today?”Ivor was paused for a few seconds, and then he said, "Sorry, I can't, I'm leaving the company be
He kept his brown eyes glued to me for a few minutes. I also looked into those brown eyes and suddenly realized they were incredibly beautiful. The way he looked at me was as if he were judging me and thinking about something.“It's my pleasure,” he said and laughed.My face blushed, and I felt sweet. His every move and the way he influenced me proved to me that he was more special than any man. No one can make me shy with just one look.I bit my lip, looked away, “Mm, I'll send you the address of the restaurant and the appointment time by text.”“Ok,” Ivor nodded.“So, I have work to do, see you later,” I said and then left Ivor's office. Although I wanted to spend more time with him, I was not used to such a sweet and shy feeling.Man, I hadn't been on a date in a while. But how could I date another man who's not Ivor?Wait, was this our first date tonight? We had lunch together, but those lunches didn't look like a date, at least to me.I couldn't help myself and kept a smile on my
I didn't think he was going to ask me about that screenshot. Before that, I was so focused on Ivor that I didn't care about other things, including it. I saw Ivor's suspicious gaze glued on me. He was still waiting for an answer from me. The atmosphere between the two of us suddenly became serious. It wasn't suitable for a romantic evening and made me uncomfortable. But what happened was a long story, and it was hard to tell without preparation. And I didn't want to have to explain everything this evening. The atmosphere was serious enough. My silence caused Ivor to misunderstand. He didn't look at me and ate. I felt the pressure. "It's a long story. I'll tell you later,” I said. “I understand. Write a report and submit it to me,” Ivor said. “by next Wednesday.” I felt like I was talking to my boss, not a lover. I looked at Ivor and felt confused when the atmosphere was more serious. Ivor's phone screen lit up several times. He couldn't ignore it. “Sorry,” Ivor said and picke
I gave Bruce back a nice cake at the coffee shop I used to stop by. Bruce said he was happy about my gift.Ivor was still busy, I hadn't even seen him in the company.I and Bruce texted more. Often Bruce actively texted me, his sense of humor and courtesy made me willing to be friends with him.On the fourth day we met, Bruce invited me to dinner with him. Of course I agreed, because I thought he wanted to thank me as he said.Our dinner took place in the private room of a luxury restaurant, which was in the heart of New York. It was on a next level than the restaurants I usually visited.I walked into my room, Bruce welcoming me friendly. We were eating and chatting about topics we often see in our conversations. I had a feeling Bruce's like a new friend of mine. Of course Coco was still my best friend.I went to the bathroom in the middle of the meal because my eyebrows were going down.I stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom and corrected my eyebrows. I saw my grimace in the
Ivor frowned, “What do you mean?”“Answer my question,” Ivor urged. He was impatient. He didn't want to talk to me?I clenched my hand, “What am I to you?”Ivor said coldly, “You're my assistant. Isn't it obvious?”Immediately, I felt a drop of water running through my cheeks. Then I could feel the salt at the tip of my tongue.I reached up and touched my hand, and I realized I was crying.I looked at Ivor, who was also giving me a surprised look. I said sadly, “I don't think you're my boss. Ivor, why? You kissed me. I thought you were my boyfriend.”Ivor was round-eyed. Then he smirked, “Really? Is it because of a kiss that I became your boyfriend?”“But I told you that only my boyfriend can kiss me. You didn't object," I said."Really?" Ivor asked. I was surprise. Ivor sighed, “As you say, what about Mark? Is he also your boyfriend?”I was surprised and said, “But I was drunk and I didn't kiss him.”Ivor smirked and said, “If I hadn't gone to the bar in time and stopped you two, he
I turned my head, looking at the sound of the voice. I was drunk and the lights in the club weren't bright enough for me to see the man clearly.I squinted, staring at the man.I heard him laugh, “It's me, Bruce.”I smirked, “Why are you here? To see my weak and self-indulgent appearance?”"Of course not. I'm here to have a drink with you, and of course, you'll have someone to talk to,” Bruce said and ordered a cocktail.“So that?” I said and continued to sip my drink.My brain was invaded by alcohol, and I suddenly heard Ivor's voice. I suddenly turned up, leaning around to look for him. But then I didn't hear his voice anymore. Maybe I hallucinated, I smiled, stopped drinking so I could be a little more conscious.“I'm crazy,” I said.I heard Bruce's voice, “What made you so upset? For work or relationships or anything else?”“What are you asking for,” I laughed and said.“I want to help you and maybe I can do that,” Bruce said."So that? Should I feel lucky that you're willing to h
I approached him. Ivor was sleeping drunk, his eyebrows squinting as if he still couldn't get rid of his thoughts.I give him a massage to loosen his eyebrows. I sat there, watching his sleeping face for a few minutes. As the time for me to leave was approaching, I felt even more confused, the emotions in me conflicted like the sea when the storm was approaching.I touched his cheek and stroked Ivor's hair. After that, I helped him into my room even though he was heavy compared to me. It took me a while to tie him to the bed. Fortunately, he was drunk enough not to wake up in the process.I found on him his phones, taken from my sim card drawer and put them on the bedside table. I took from the closet the backpack that I had prepared before, inside were the necessary things for my trip.After making sure I could leave at any moment, I was beside him, leaning on him, feeling the warmth of his body.It was the most peaceful time I've ever felt.Not long after, Ivor woke up.He must still
Discovering the secret road was not enough. I had to plan meticulously. Anna seemed to be used to me being cold to her, so I could spend an afternoon with Joy in my room without anyone suspecting me.After crossing the forest, I could only walk to the nearby residential area, however the road was very long, and I needed to be in good physical shape.There was no guard at the helipad or nearby area when I arrived but I could not be subjective.At the same time, I need to get in touch with Bruce as soon as I get to the residential area, otherwise they will quickly take me back to the mansion.And Ivor, I have a plan for him, too.“Lia, it's nice to have your palate back,” Ivor looked at me, his voice cheerful as we were having lunch together.That's the thing, of course, if I need to have the energy to walk a long distance.“Because I've been having so much fun lately,” I said.He laughed, “I should have finished my work sooner and spent more time with you. You must have had a hard time
“Sorry I couldn't always be by your side,” Ivor said, looking at the puppy. “I hope he helps you feel comfortable living here.”My eyes widened in surprise. I looked at the naughty puppy in his arms, happy. I pat his head, he wags his tail vigorously."What is his name?" I looked at Ivor.“Ah, oh,” Ivor faltered a little, avoiding my gaze. "He still doesn't have a name. I hope you can name him.”I pursed my lips, thinking for a moment, “Joy. What was it like?"“Great,” he laughs, dropping the puppy, now Joy, to the ground and patting its head. “Puppy, we will call you Joy from now on.”Joy barked happily. What are we talking about?From the day Joy appeared, life in this mansion became easier for me. At least the other people, whom Ivor sent to monitor me, including Anna, didn't try to talk to me anymore.I spend more time with Joy than Ivor. My emotions were in intense conflict, so I didn't want to meet Ivor, who was the cause of that problem.Joy is extremely naughty. He usually spe
Every time I look at Lia's peaceful face, I don't want her to be sad or miserable.I won't allow anyone to hurt her, even if that person is her biological mother.I stroked Lia's cheek. I don't want to lose a soulmate like her, who has been with me for many years.I get annoyed thinking about the damn man who got her pregnant but so far he hasn't come to see her once. Then he'd better never see her and her baby again.That's why Lia needs to stay in this mansion, live under my protection.I got up, left her room without making any noise and went back to my room.…Lately, Lia often sits alone outside in the garden and reads books, she always seems sad when I'm not with her. She also became difficult to get along with everyone else except me.The proof is that she rarely talks to Anna. After a few unsuccessful attempts to initiate a conversation, Anna could only give up.“She seems to be wary of me,” Anna said after entering my office. “She was very upset knowing she was being controll
I frowned, very hesitant.But at last I sighed, closed my eyes, took a sip of pea blossom tea.“Not bad,” I said, surprised. “But not good either.”Lia chuckled, “So you can still drink it, right? Drink this cup of tea.”I could only do what she said, drink the whole cup of tea. Lia, who was carrying an empty cup, went outside. Before closing the door, she looked at me and said, “Good night. It's already a new day in Vietnam, so let's go to sleep“Good night,” I smile back at her and after Lia closes the door, I sit down and continue my work.I was tired, leaning back on my chair. It was late, and I had done some work. I needed a few minutes to relax, so I got up, poured a glass of wine, walked over to the window and took in the view.The taste of the wine that I love seems to be different from the previous times. I suddenly remembered the taste of the tea Lia had brought me earlier. The cool aroma of pea tea seemed to be hanging around on the tip of my tongue.The phone rang unexpecte
I smiled and pulled out a chair for her, “Sorry to be so busy with my work.”I could see the surprise in her eyes.I'm happy with that show. I always wanted to get closer to Lia, but I didn't know how to keep her and make peace with her, and my work at the company dominated me.I looked at Lia, who was having fun when the maid brought the plates up for us. I will not wait until I find a way to make peace with her, I will take care of her from now on.We had a nice dinner. During the process, I had to use my serious brain to talk in a funny way. Although some of my jokes seemed bland, at least Lia laughed a lot.“Oh, Ivor, look, you didn't leave any food on your plate,” I heard Lia's surprised voice."Yeah. I'm surprised, I still don't understand what's going on.Lia smiled, “You've been very picky, this is the first time I haven't seen leftovers on your plate.”I was even more surprised, looked down at the plate and then at Lia, and laughed. I didn't expect that one day my picky eating
Ivor's POVI came home before dawn. Upon entering the hallway, I heard Anna's voice, “She asked to play the piano this morning, but we needed time to prepare the piano room so she joined me in listening to music in the morning. In the afternoon, after taking a nap, she learned to play the piano. She's in the piano room now.”i raised an eyebrow. Is Lia playing the piano?Cool I opened wider because I was surprised and interested in Lia's request. Before that, she only made simple and basic requests, this is the first time she made a “complicated” request.Anna seemed to want to say something more, but I didn't care, and went quickly to the piano room.Outside, I could hear the piano. Unequivocal misaligned sounds denounced the skill of the pianist.I turned the doorknob gently and opened the door. The sound coming from the piano needs to become a lot clearer. Then I saw Lia, in her wide white set, frowning, her soft fingers resting on the keys, she was pressing down on the keys clumsi
I pursed my lips.I felt Ivor's hand moving slightly over my cheek.I tilted my body slightly to the side to avoid his touch.His hand stopped and he pulled his hand back.I said, “As always.”Then I added, “Not bad.”“You're six months pregnant-”Ivor hadn't finished interrupting, “I know.”He was silent for a moment and then said, “Don't be too active.”He reminded me of this afternoon, didn't he?I puckered my lips, reminding myself to be more careful.Ivor tried to talk to me afterwards, but I was so tired of walking all afternoon that I just wanted to rest. So the conversation between us became like an interrogation. Ivor always asked me some open-ended questions, but I always answered them through the speaker.He quickly realized the situation, helped me up to my room to rest, then went to his office.In the evening, although my legs were still tired, I tried to go down to the dining room to eat my meal.If Anna had to bring my meal to my room, there was a good chance that I would
I went back to my room, Anna helped me turn off the light. The room was covered with darkness, I still clutched my sim card in my hand, sobering up more calmly than ever.I know what I want. I wanted to see my mother, I was really worried about her condition because she was behaving in a strange way compared to before.I need to find a way to get out of this mansion, but first I need to sleep.I tried closing my eyes and falling asleep, but it didn't work. I sighed, sat up, and put my SIM card deep in the closet.Fortunately, I was able to sleep afterwards.The next day Ivor went down to the dining room to have breakfast later than usual. When I got there, I almost ate my breakfast.I looked at him, seeing the awkwardness in his eyes when he saw me, but very quickly he readjusted his emotions.Ivor ate breakfast, then went to work, as usual. He didn't say anything about what happened last night.He didn't ask for anything after he woke up, did he?I did not think so...I smiled, deftl