''I got the job.'' Zee announced with so much excitement.''Yeyy!! Yippy!!'' Irene and Mia exclaimed in celebration.Three weeks had passed since Zee got the job as a marketer in 'ELHIZ'. It was a great relief to her and her friends that she finally got herself a job and that, too, in a renowned company. So, she put in so much effort into doing her job of marketing the company's products. Although she wasn't so experienced at it, she was getting better by the day.Zee left for work on time as usual. And as normal, her day in 'ELHIZ' was going just fine until Hau Lin said to introduce her to the GM and C.E.O of the company.''C.E.O?'' she blurted before she could control herself.HAU LIN halted, and then turned to the girl behind him and upon seeing her face, and that expression, his expression turned questioning. Although, subconsciously, he had a smirk lingering on his face.''Did I startle you, Ms. Ling.'' Hau Lin inquired.Zee's eyes traveled immediately to the man's face and upon
Darien frowned when he noticed her acting all naive. He knew why she was like this, she had embarrassed him once. Seeing her this shy, in a way, calmed his throbbing heart, so he strolled back to the wall and leaned on it. His eyes never left her.Zee stood there like a statue, thinking of the right thing to do or say to this man.' You should probably apologize. Besides, you had embarrassed him that night.' her mind spoke to her, reminding her that she had promised herself to apologize to him. Although she had never thought she would see him again, and that too at her place of work? and as her boss? How did she not know this man owned this place?' she scolded herself.''Boss!'' she called, taking a step forward. She couldn't somehow get accustomed to the truth that this man was the real boss. She saw the man raise a questioning brow.''I think I owe you an apology. About that night at the party...'' She reminded him. Her face was so innocent, but it still affected Darien as he went n
"Declare the marketer's position vacant. Find someone to fill her former role. She's under my wing now," Darien declared, surprising both himself and Hau Lin.Darien froze as he realized what he had just said. Why did his tone come out like that? How could he sound so possessive?Hau Lin was left speechless by Darien's sudden proclamation. While he had sensed a change in Darien since that night he first met the lady who now worked as his assistant, he never expected the man to display possessiveness so quickly."You may go," Darien said, his voice devoid of emotion.************* **************""Guess who the CEO of ELHIZ is," Zee asked as soon as she opened the door to their apartment and found Irene and Mia seated in the parlor."How did you know that?" Zee asked, surprised."I'm only teasing you," Mia said."Wait! Am I right? Is he your boss?" When she saw the faint expression on Zee's face, she hurried towards her, reeling with curiosity."Darien Quin is your boss now? How?" The
Darien sat in his office on the swivel chair with his back to the office door, lost in thought as he twirled the seat to face the window."Really, Ms. Ling? An angry bird, that's your impression of me?" A tiny smile crept onto his lips, faintly reflected in his eyes. However, when he recalled how tense she had been, that smirk quickly faded. Is she afraid of me? Why did she wear that expression on her face?That night at his hotel when they first met and she did all those unforgettable things to him, he had considered her brave. But after meeting her again, he understood differently.Lunch HourAs the men exited, Darien remained behind, prompting Zee to wonder if another meeting was in the works. Her disappointment didn't escape his notice, nearly prompting him to laugh. He couldn't help but speculate about her thoughts during the prolonged meeting."Join me, Ms. Ling!" Darien beckoned to the girl standing at the far end of the table. Zee turned and walked toward him, her head held lo
Zee's heart lightened with relief. Throughout the ride, she remained motionless, carefully avoiding any actions that might draw Darien's attention. The very idea of being alone in the car with him was enough unsettlement for her, and she couldn't imagine what might happen if he were to glance her way. As the car disappeared into the distance, she sighed and made her way toward the four-story apartment building. Climbing the flights of stairs, she reached her apartment. Upon opening the door, she was greeted by Mia and Irene, both wearing wide grins. Baffled by their peculiar behavior, Zee furrowed her brows."What's going on with you two?" she asked, searching for an explanation. But, rather than responding, the duo hurried over, their grins suggesting a shared secret. They took Zee's hands, and led her to the sofa, ensuring that she was comfortable. Zee studied their faces, puzzled by their odd behavior."Your dream car brought you home today! That's an excellent sign," Mia declared
Zee stared with rapt attention at Darien, her eyes meticulously taking in every single detail of him. Neatly combed dark hair, broad shoulders, and a strong frame. A man of strength, her personal favorite. She swallowed hard at her whimsical thoughts, debating whether the fault lay with her for thinking this way. After all, he was just so captivating. Lost in admiration, she failed to notice his turn. His piercing gaze met her, snapping her back to reality."Oh my," she thought, her embarrassment evident as her eyes locked onto his. Had he caught her staring? A thousand questions raced through her mind.In Darien's perspective, he remained engaged in a phone conversation, a sense of unease slowly creeping in. Nevertheless, the call demanded his attention. When it concluded, he pivoted, only to discover a figure glaring at him. A peculiar feeling settled within him – unfamiliar and disconcerting. No one had ever looked at him quite this way, save for that night. "Is this the cause of m
"We didn't plan to swim." Zee complained."Well, we didn't, but the pool looks quite inviting, and it'll be difficult to not incline to the invitation." Mia replied.Zee just frowned her disapproval. Turning to the other girl, she hoped Irene could help talk Mia out of the idea, but, she too was undressing."Are you also in on this, Irene?" She asked, bewildered."I'm sorry Zee, but, the pool is really calling after me, and I have to go find it." Irene replied sympathetically."Seriously!! So what am I supposed to do with myself while you girls are having the time of your lives?" Zee queried, wearing her sad puppy look."Come on Zee, jump in the pool with us." Mia coaxed."I can't, and you know it. The last time I did...""The last time you did was many years ago. You might have out grown that." Mia cut her off."What if I haven't?" Zee said with a deep sense of worry."Nothing would happen to you Zee." Irene chipped in, assuring her. Zee hesitated a bit before finally, reluctantly a
Her smell and body frame said so. Other than that, all he could see was a small face wearing large glasses. He frowned at her stature and then took off the glasses from her eyes. When he saw that innocent, pretty face, his body reacted instantly. He saw the quizzical look on her face, he removed his sunshades and her eyes popped out of their sockets.Zee's eyes widened in shock when she saw the arms of whom she was in. Her boss was wearing a white tee shirt and plain black pants. But, just like the last time, her surprise was soon replaced with some other expression."Atchmm!" she sneezed, subconsciously burying her face into his chest. Her wet hair dampened his shirt from the reaction. Realizing what she had done, she looked up at the man, her big hazel eyes depicting innocence, but as usual, his face was expressionless. Looking away from her face, he looked at the now wet part of his shirt.'not again.' he muttered inwardly."Ms. Ling, do you derive some sort of pleasure in ruining
It was only a moment after take-off when Zee fell asleep. It was her first time flying and she was as scared as a poor little kitten she didn't want to make it obvious, especially not with Darien sitting just a few inches away in the opposite direction. Therefore, she mentally lulled herself to sleep.Darien who had after the collision with his assistant put all of his attention into a fashion magazine he had picked up from his seat, suddenly glanced at the little woman in front of him, and in an instant, his lower lip dropped perfectly in surprise. She was sleeping already, in less than two hours? He watched her delicate body closely, his heart melting each time she heaved a long sigh. She was so fragile and so beautiful like a delicate flower he needed to protect.Protect? As soon as the thought crossed his mind, he gnashed his teeth, muttering a curse at himself. He wasn't feeling this way again, was he now? It was the exact same way he had felt a few years ago over a certain some
A Lexus sedan was parked in Zee's apartment and a blonde man stood just in front of the car. Once he sighted Zee approaching the car, carrying two traveling bags, he offered his help at once."Hello, Ms! Let me help you with those" Saying that, he took the bags from Zee.Zee simply smiled gratefully and followed behind him as he walked over to the car. Once he opened the door for her, he proceeded in loading the truck. And in no time, the car was hitting the road at a leisurely pace. The drive was calm and with the aid of the soothing music playing in the background, Zee for a moment was relieved of the bother of travelling with Darien. She had been worrying about that all week since the preparations for their travel commenced. Darien was a difficult person and she could only pray she wouldn't be spending the majority of her time by his side, even though she knew it was impossible.....If only she had an idea of what the man had in store for her.Well thankfully, her friends, understa
Zee stared with uncertainty at the underwear in the section that Tang ming brought her."Shouldn't we be shopping for corporate wears it's a business trip we're going on, not a picnic." Zee reminded, earning a laugh from Tang Ming. It seems she had absolutely no idea of the plans Darien had in stock for her."It's summer in California and while over there, you might get tempted to dive into the pool, or even get wet on the beach. So when that craving comes in, you'd be needing this." Tang Min said."In that case, I'm sure I won't be tempted to do any of that," Zee said dryly.Seeing that she couldn't convince Zee, Tang Ming racked her brain quickly for another idea."What if you're to finalize a deal with Mr Quin at the beachside, do you wear a business suit?" She asked, and that was all it took to convince Zee."Fine! I'll pick this one." Zee pointed at a diver's suit.Tang Ming refused outrightly."That's too masculine. You're female, you should go for something that exudes feminity
"She's not my girlfriend, she's just my assistant, nothing more." ...Why did he sound so irritated saying it? Couldn't he have used a rather friendly tone? Did he have to sound like it was some sort of abomination to be paired with her?.... Embarrassed by his tone, Zee could only feel shame as she kept her head bowed. She felt the urge to get up and get out. She didn't belong there, amongst these people. The appetite to eat disappeared along with her heart... But why did it hurt, that tone? Like the pain of being rejected by a lover.....He had simply told his family the truth. She was nothing more than an employee to him, right? So why did it hurt?Biting so hard on the walls of her lower lip, she held back the urge to.......Wait! what is this stupid feeling going on in her tiny heart?She sat straight and gently pushed the plate of barely touched food away. In the process, her eyes met with Mrs. Quin's. Zee tried smiling at the older woman, but the dangerous look her night-
Watching her laugh at the silly jokes being told her by his two silly cousins, Darien couldn't help getting irritated. How could she smile and laugh so hard around strangers, but act all uptight with him each time? He was certain he had never seen a real smile on her face before tonight.'Have I been too strict with her?' he inquired of himself with a trace of guilt.'No! You're just being her boss. She's way too silly and makes a lot of mistakes, therefore, she deserves to be strict with. To justify his actions and just to feel less guilt, Darian told himself. But, deep down, he knew the truth. He glanced at her again, and seeing that beautiful smile on her face, it irritated him that she was giving it to others.'what the heck is this feeling of irritation?'"Zee.' Darien's authoritative voice filled the dining, drawing everyone's attention. "Come here." He ordered, and just like that, Zee hurriedly stood up, all embarrassed, and went to him.How had she forgotten that he was her
The minute they stepped foot into the house, Darien's expression turned intimidatingly cold. Whereas Zee couldn't help but be awed by the magnificence and the amount of wealth on display. From top to bottom, everything screamed wealth. There was still that feeling of deja Vu, but she silenced it."Oh, my dearest grandson! You finally came to see Grandma." An aging voice pulled Zee back to Earth. Her eyes traveled to the palatial style grand stairs where a frail elderly woman stood slightly hunched. With grey hairs and a wrinkled face which although had already aged, told of a beautiful youth. One could most correctly guess her age. Behind her stood a graceful, dark-haired milf and an elderly man who had a striking resemblance to Darien. 'Are those his parents?" Zee couldn't help but ask herself..."Good evening Grandma." Darien bowed slightly at the elderly woman approaching him."Good evening my dear. How is my favorite Grandson doing?" Grandmother Quin inquired as she cupped Darien
The rest of the day went on with work.Finally, It was a few hours past closing time, yet Zee was just beginning to clear up her desk. It had really been a busy day, she looked forward to a refreshing hot bath and long hours of rest. She stretched herself and breathed in freely for the first time in many hours. It felt great to finally be away from the authoritative eyes of a boss...... Was she really away from his eyes?She finished packing up her stuff, locked her door, and turned to leave but flinched instead with fear at the presence of a person."Mr Quin?" What was he doing standing there?"Let's go." He said, and before she could ask any questions, he was already close to the elevator. ... Advantages of having long legs ...Zee hurried after him.Arriving on the first floor, the entire office looked and felt deserted, one could literally hear their heartbeats."Goodnight Mr Quin," Zee said with a discharging tone, but who was she to discharge her boss?"Get in the car," Darien
"I'm not going to accompany you this time around. I'll be very busy attending to my personal affairs. Besides, you now have an Assistant whose responsibility it is to accompany you to things like this. Am I right Ms. Ling?" Hau Lin asked, turning to Zee."Uhmm.. Yes, Mr. Lin," Zee answered. "Hau Lin!!" Darien tried to speak, but Hau Lin interrupted."I'm trying to get myself a girlfriend. You know, winning someone's heart isn't easy, especially when this person in question is quite stubborn." Hau Lin said. "I came to let you in on this. And also... Grandma would like to see you, and please do not turn her down this time around." Hau Lin strolled out afterward with a smile of victory. This was just the right opportunity to set his plans going. He was getting tired of seeing the boring, grumpy Darien. He wanted that happy cousin he used to know ten years back. This wasn't for the rewards, at least, not mainly."Start making preparations for our travel, you're coming along." Darien sou
"Go use the restroom," Darien told Zee the moment the elevator dinged open in their layer. Zee who was still confused didn't understand why she needed to use the restroom, but, recalling how everyone had acted weird upon her arrival, she immediately obliged, and dashed into the female restroom."Ben, hurry down to the pharmacy, get some sanitary pads and painkillers." Darien put a call across to his driver as soon as he entered his office. Ben nodded and rushed out, thankfully, he knew about these things since he had a wife. Darien thought about the scene earlier. It S seemed his little PA was quite careless. She didn't even know when it was her time of the month. Zain used to forget hers as well. He sighed, why did they have to be so similar? Thinking of the dead, Darien could only pinch the skin in between his brows. He claimed his workspace, and then put a call across to Hau Lin's office."I want ten percent income deducted from the salaries of all the staff on the ground floor o