Yuki’s POV"Are you sure you're going to be okay?" Lily asked, grabbing her bag, her brows furrowed with concern.It was my fourth day working with Creed, and I officially couldn't feel my body.He had me organizing and reorganizing files, scheduling meetings, rescheduling them, preparing documents, answering emails, fetching coffee, booking flights, running errands that had nothing to do with work, sitting through his ridiculously long meetings, and—oh yeah—taking notes at the twelve meetings we had attended in the past four days.I just wanted to code. Was that really too much to ask?"Get some rest," Lily said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "I'll come check on you tomorrow. It's Saturday, so you actually get to sleep in."I mumbled something incoherent, too exhausted to form actual words. My body sank deeper into the couch, and sleep claimed me within seconds.---The next time I opened my eyes, sunlight was trickling through the window.Morning.Shit.I jerked up so fast my
Creed’s POVI ran a hand through my hair as I watched her scan the living room. I had hired one of the best home decorators in New York—someone who worked with A-list celebrities—and yet, under Yuki’s scrutiny, I felt... judged.“Oh, all your billionaire houses, I might just pee my pants,” she said, tilting her head dramatically.I shoved my hands into my pockets and turned toward her. “Don’t you like it, Miss Roman?”She glanced at me before letting her gaze roam again.“Not like it? How could I not like it? This place is...” She trailed off, sighing before finishing, “...everything.”I barely resisted the smirk threatening to form. Of course, she would think that. This place looked like everything—sleek, modern, pristine. But to me, it was a prison. Empty. Lonely. A constant reminder of how broken I truly was.“Let’s get to work,” I said, pushing away the thoughts. “Do you want coffee?”“Oh, yes, please,” she answered instantly, dropping onto the sofa in the least graceful way possi
Creed’s POVI sent off the final email for Evan Tech and leaned back in my chair. That should wrap up my work for today.I glanced up from my screen and froze.Yuyu was asleep.Her head had fallen back against the couch, her lips slightly parted. One arm dangled loosely over the side, while the other was curled up near her chest. Her laptop had slid dangerously close to the edge of the coffee table, threatening to fall.I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck.I should wake her up.Instead, I found myself just… looking, admiring her features.she was not the basic Betty I'd tell you that,she looked feminine and yet masculine like a thin line waiting for one to cross over the other but now in her sleep she looked like a goddess that dropped from the sky She was usually so animated—smirking, arguing, rolling her eyes dramatically. But right now? She looked peaceful. Not annoying. Not stubborn. Just soft.I exhaled and moved closer, carefully reaching for her laptop. I saved her work and
Yuki’s POVThe second I stepped through the door, I stormed straight into my bedroom, kicking off my heels and ripping the wig off my head.My heart was still hammering. My pulse had barely settled, and yet—I groaned loudly, running both hands through my hair before making a beeline for the bathroom.Hot. I needed a hot shower. Now.The water was scalding as it ran down my skin, but it still wasn’t enough to wash away the mortifying memory of what just happened.Creed had a boner.A very, very big boner.And it was my fault.Fuck.My fingers dug into my scalp as I scrubbed at my hair, trying to erase the image burned into my brain.The thick outline pressing against his sweatpants. The sheer size of it. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fucking fair.I clenched my jaw, leaning forward to press my forehead against the cold tiles.Why did he have to be that big? What was he feeding that thing? Steroids? Black magic? It was almost the length of an arm—who the fuck walks around packing something
Creed’s POVBy the time I checked the time, it was already past three. I didn’t want to be late. Zara’s mother wasn’t the most patient woman, and I preferred to keep things smooth when it came to her.I slipped on my black button-down, pairing it with brown pants and a matching suit jacket. Simple, clean, respectable. Before heading out, I stopped by a florist and picked up a bouquet of roses. Mrs. Olive had a thing for flowers, and if I was going to sit through a dinner filled with her passive-aggressive comments, I might as well earn some points first.Zara had left early in the morning, probably to get ready. That woman could spend an entire day preparing for a dinner that would last barely two hours. It made me think back to the first time we met—there had barely been a proper introduction, just a passing glance, yet we had been tangled up in each other’s lives for over eight years now.When I arrived, I pushed open the huge white door. I had a key to this house—after all, I was t
Yuki’s POVI stormed into the office, my black pants hugging my legs comfortably and my oversized yellow sweater adding a pop of color. A little bumblebee pin gleamed near my collar. My outfit screamed I am a ray of sunshine, even though my mood was anything but.Today was my last day working with Creed, and honestly, I was dreading it. The last time we saw each other, things got… complicated.Memories flashed through my mind. I had confided in Lily about it, hoping for some deep, life-changing wisdom. Instead, she laughed until she had to clutch her stomach. Horrible girl pal.Still, I wasn’t about to let anything shake me. I straightened my back, put on my signature smile, and stepped inside."Good morning, boss!" I greeted, voice bright as always.Creed barely looked up from his computer. "Step out of that hideous yellow accident and get started on these folders."I blinked. "Excuse me?"He finally lifted his head, his sharp gaze locking onto mine with the intensity of a firing squ
Yuki’s POVI was determined to win.Jason and I were locked in a fierce battle—a high-stakes gaming bet where the loser had to go beg Madam Olive for a brand-new operating system.There was no way I was losing.The million-dollar system we had was slow as hell and could barely handle the million-dollar projects we worked on. My colleagues had spent the entire morning whining about it, and honestly, I wasn’t ready for another round of their endless complaints buzzing in my ear.Besides, I really didn’t have the energy to deal with Madam Olive, aka The Bull of Budgets.—I strutted into the office that morning, my outfit surprisingly toned down from my usual flashy Yuki style. Last night, I barely got any sleep.Creed was on my mind.What the hell had happened yesterday?What was so bad that it had ruined his mood for the entire day?I shook my head, focusing on the game in front of me. Jason was already grinning like a smug little gremlin.“You ready to lose, Yuyu?” he teased, cracking
Yuki’s POVThe moment I got home, I stretched, letting out a small groan as my muscles loosened up. Work had been exhausting, mostly because my dear colleagues were the loudest bunch of nerds I’d ever met, and Jason had cheated at our game. But whatever. I changed into something more comfortable—an oversized shirt and sweatpants—before my eyes landed on Creed’s suit jacket draped over my chair.I picked it up, fingers grazing the smooth fabric before bringing it closer to my face. I inhaled, and—oh my god.What a handsome-smelling and handsome-looking man. If only his attitude wasn’t so goddamn annoying.I shook my head, gripping the jacket tighter. I had already made up my mind—I was going to check on him. I hadn’t seen him all day, and he had been acting weird since yesterday. Maybe I was overthinking it, but something felt off.Before leaving, I kissed Grandpa on the forehead. He barely reacted, mumbling something about his tea. Jasmine tea, to be exact. Lily had done a great job t
Yuki's pov I sighed, leaning back. "Fine. But if you get worse, I'm not giving you a choice."He didn't say anything, just breathed shallowly.By the time we reached his oversized penthouse, the driver helped me get him out of the car."Good luck," he muttered as I struggled to support Creed.Thanks, old guy. Fantastic assistance.I pulled Creed in, the door man nowhere in sight closing the door behind me. The apartment was familiar—contemporary, tidy, too pristine, luxurious.I guided him to his bedroom, barely managing to get him onto the bed before he slumped.He let out a low grunt."You're—" He blinked slowly. "—really strong."I rolled my eyes, removing his shoes. "Yeah, and you're really heavy."He hummed, eyes half-closed. "You're… staying?"I paused.Only until you're settled, I thought.But there was something in the way he looked—**weak, tired, utterly unguarded—**that stopped me.".Yeah," I whispered. God save me from the clutches of this man and keep my identity a fuckin
Yuki’s POVMy chest felt tight when I saw Zara clinging to Creed.Engaged or not, they were destined to be.At least, that's what it appeared.They moved like two people who had already spent a lifetime together. Whether it was toxic, whether it was a mess, there was a sense of destiny in the way she clung to him.And I hated that I was there, seeing it.I wanted to leave.I wanted to disappear before I saw something that would ruin whatever was left of my night.So I turned, heading towards the door, holding my head up high—like nobody else in that ballroom mattered.It was stupid, but it made me sick.Entitled bitch.I fought with my clutch, gripping it harder as I moved forward, angry that Creed was still standing there, looking at me."Let me take you home," his voice cut through the cold in the air, harsh and unyielding.I hesitated."I think we've had enough of a jumpscare tonight," he went on, his voice almost playful, as if he was trying to make it sound less like a command.I
Zara's POVThe wind slapped me in the face, but it wasn't as icy as the rage burning inside of me.I didn't know how long I'd been unconscious. Five minutes? Ten? Long enough for my toes to go numb in these ridiculous heels.Snow was falling, silent and soft, blanketing the sidewalk in a thin layer of white.I barely registered it.Because all I could see in my mind was him.Creed. And that pestering, silly, fake, peacock-hair girl.Yuyu.Of course it would have to be her. The one person who somehow succeeded in getting me like this.She wasn't even supposed to be here. Why was she here?And why was he looking at her like that?It was stupid. They were stupid.This was not jealousy. I was not jealous. I just—I wanted revenge.I hadn't even known what that was yet, but I was going to learn.Maybe I'd dance with the next fellow who emerged out here. Maybe I'd kiss someone just to defy him. Maybe—Gunfire.I froze.The sound ripped through the air like thunder, echoing from inside the g
Zara's POVI had trouble keeping my gaze on the glass of champagne in front of me, much less the mindless chatter of the people around me. My gaze kept drifting—no, burning—toward them.Creed and Yuki.Sitting together, talking, their bodies inclined toward one another in that close, comfortable way. Creed had that lost look in his eyes, the same one that made people want to reach out and touch him, to repair whatever was broken inside. And Yuki—grr, she looked fabulous, as always, in that ridiculous peacock dress.I should have guessed she'd show up looking like a painting.I clenched my jaw.I wasn't jealous. Not of Yuki, at least.I was only. infuriated.I had been avoiding Creed all evening, and that he hadn't bothered to get up and seek me out? Livid."Zara, sweetheart, are you even hearing me?"I snapped back to reality, my rage sharpening into something deadly as I focused on Todd. Ew. Todd.One of the dozens of CreedX Technologies board members, someone I hadn't even known ab
Creed's POVThe CreedX Technologies Gala was, not surprisingly, a lavish event.It was held in the city's most luxurious ballroom, and the entire production was dripping with excess. Crystal chandeliers swooped from the ceiling like water icicles, spilling shattered light across the crowd of stylishly attired upper crust. The marble floors glimmered, polished to such a high shine that they reflected the tall flower arrangements and extravagant golden centerpieces on each table. Black- and white-clad waiters navigated the crowd with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres—small caviar canapés, smoked salmon tartlets, and small filet mignon.The air was heavy with costly perfume and the muted buzz of polite talk, punctuated every now and then by the clinking of glasses and eruptions of laughter.I was bored to tears.I had already danced with three women, each one as replaceable as the champagne flutes being replenished. The first, a brunette in an emerald gown, prattled on about her fami
Yuki's POVThe rain had ceased, and all that remained was the cold wetness of the air and the sound of our silence.I had stepped over a line.This shouldn't have occurred.We shouldn't have been so absorbed with one another like this—anything that dissolved the lines between us was dangerous. Worse, it could cost me my job."So… you and that restless employee?" Creed's voice came out of nowhere, shattering the silence.I blinked. "Who? Jacob?" A smile tugged at my lips."Yeah. Something's up."I feigned a gasp, placing my hand on my chest dramatically. "What are you suggesting, Mr. Malcolm? That I'm playing both of you?"He chuckled, but there was a sharp glint in his eyes."Jacob is cute," I admitted, crossing my legs. "But unfortunately, he isn't my type."A vibration rocked the truck.And then Creed was closer.Too close.My breath stuck in my throat, my heart pounding in my ear."So, Miss Roman." His voice was low, the heat of his breath on me. ".tell me, what's your type?"My th
Creeds pov The words spilled out so fast, so quietly, that I nearly missed them.I frowned. "Why?"She was quiet for a very long time, and I thought maybe she wouldn't answer. But then her voice was there, even and soft."Because it feels like he's all I have."Her words fell into my chest, heavy and sharp.I sort of leaned in, my elbows on my knees. "Don't you have someone else?"She gave a hard, bittersweet laugh. "People around me? Sure. But it's different, isn't it?"Yes. I certainly understood that. The ability to be a crowd of people but still being the only person alone in the room. "Yuyu" I spoke softly.Her head jerked up a bit, and I could barely catch a glint of her eyes in the blackness."People tell you family is the people who are supposed to love you no matter what," I continued, softer. "But sometimes, they're just the ones who hurt you the most."She didn't say anything, but I could feel her looking at me.I swung around, running a hand through my dripping hair."M
Creed's POVI have no clue how I ended up here in this park, but it was… peaceful. I sat on a rock under a massive tree, its branches shielding me from the brunt of the rain. Cold drops still hit my skin, but it was better than wandering the streets blindly, drowning in my own thoughts.I had to think. I had to start over.And yet, the moment I closed my eyes, she was there in my head.Yu Yu Roman.That girl.I didn't know when or how, but something had changed. Something inside of me. I couldn't help it anymore. She wasn't just a passing thought—she was consuming me. The way she moved, the way she talked, the way she always seemed to be running from something, even when she was standing still.Was she the reason I called off the engagement? Was she the reason I couldn't move forward with Zara? Was she the reason I was so fucking frustrated, like my entire life had been a series of choices that led me straight to her?I exhaled a sigh, running a hand through my wet hair.This was a di
Creed's POVZara's lips trembled, her breath catching as she shook her head."You're a precious gem," I whispered. "And gems are supposed to be adored, not neglected by someone who doesn't know their value."For a second, I thought she'd break. That she'd cry. That she'd say she knew.Instead, she laughed. A cold, empty sound."It's you, isn't it?" she whispered, her voice biting and accusing.I frowned. "Zara—""Don't fucking lie to me, Creed," she spat, fists knotting at her sides. "It's him, isn't it?!"My brows furrowed. "No, this is about us—""It's him! Roman!" Her voice rose, shrill and cracking with emotion. "I knew that bitch was going to get in my way!""Zara, stop." I reached out to catch her, but she shoved me off, eyes blazing with hurt."All this time," she seethed. "You never loved me, did you? You never wanted this! After everything we've been through, I—" Her voice broke, and she swallowed. "We deserve to be together! You deserve to be with me!""Zara—"She slapped me