Zee woke up the following morning with a throbbing headache, a runny nose and an itchy throat. The whole of her body felt weak and tired out. Sitting up, she looked around her, subconsciously trying to recall why she had such severe headache. If she could remembered vividly, last she had such disorientating headache was that time, when she had taken her first alcohol. Could it be that she over drunk herself again? 'Hope I didn't embarrass myself again!!" She thought, with an expression that spoke of pain and discomfort. She tried lying back on the bed, but her door opened, and two ladies walked in. At that instant, Zee began to remember everything. Her eyes grew wide open and her hands flew to her cheeks, cupping her small round face. Her face was burning red with embarrassment. She had just recalled the event of the previous day, and what embarrassed her, was the part where her boss had swirled her off her feets. She bit back the urge to blush and just cursed herself subconsciously.
lZee returned to Darien Quin's office with her iPad. Scrolling through the list of scheduled appointments, she began to read out all of his appointments for the day, and she ended up disappointed after reading."A meeting with members of the board at 9:00 AM, lunch with Mr Greg Adams, of Greger Steels at noon, and that is scheduled for an hour and thirty minutes and finally, Dinner with Mr Lin at 7:30 PM," I concluded, taking my eyes from the iPad and I saw the cold look his face held. Did I miss anything?" She thought to herself, as she carefully did a quick review of the appointments once again on the iPad, but, there was nothing she missed."Reschedule the dinner for 9:30 PM." He said with a tone that she couldn't quite fathom. And come to think about it, isn't the time he just gave, too late? why's he postponing?' "Not to be rude, Mr. Quin, but, don't you think 9:30 PM is a little too... late? In my opinion, the previous time is rather suitable for... dinner." I stuttered at the e
ZeeMr Quin walked into his office, and I followed behind. My legs were wobbling, I didn't know what my fate was.He walked into his live-in chamber which he occupied most time when he didn't leave from work, leaving me back in his office to contemplate my worries.I was so engrossed in my thoughts, that I didn't notice Mr Quin walk out of his inner chambers."Sit!" That deep voice jolted me back to reality. I didn't waste any time at all, I sat down quickly. I mean, who wouldn't? this man is so scary. I bowed my face, trying to avoid meeting his eyes."Drink!" He ordered, and only then did I realize that a cup of tea was in front of me.I took the cup with shaky hands. The tea was burning hot, I carefully brought it close to my lips, but, my eyes mistakenly met his. Those night black eyes were watching me closely, and it made me uncomfortable. I dragged my eyes away from him, and tried to concentrate on my tea, but, I couldn't. Knowing that Mr Quin was staring at me, gave me this fe
An hour after Zee left her office, Hau Lin stepped out of the elevator that connected to Mr Quin's layer. He walked in his usual calm but confident manner into Darien's office. Seeing the cold man sitting there on his desk, with his eyes fixed on his work system, Hau Lin didn't make a move. But, Darien had already noticed his presence."What do you want?" Darien's deep voice echoed in the room. His eyes not leaving his PC. Somehow, he already knew why Hau Lin was there. After all, he had rejected His father's invitation to have dinner at their family's Villa. "Dad said you called to reject the family's invitation for dinner." Hau Lin went straight to the point."I did." Came Darien's curt reply."Why?" Darien finally lifted his head to look at the person who had barged into his office."Have you come here to ask me questions?" Darien inquired coldly."I only came here to let you know that your family wants to see you."Hau Lin replied.Bang!!Darien suddenly hit his desk harshly. At
They walked into the large shady garden filled with servants all around, preparing a banquet."Wow! it's lovely and cozy in here." Zain said, admiring the serenity, and stretching her hand to pluck a few roses."You love flowers?" Grandma Quin asked, tenderly, seeing how happy Zain was as she plucked the flowers."A lot.""Mmm!! Now I see why my grandson always picks flowers before leaving the house." Granny Quin said, making Zain blush hard."Come! you two, sit here." Granny Quin said, gesturing Darien and Zain to a seat on a table a bit farther away from where the bouquet was set. "The family would join us soon.""Now, you two. Don't get all lovy-dovy and forget that this is a Family dinner, alright?""We'd try not to." Zain replied with a cute, innocent smile that reached her eyes. As Granny Quin walked away, Darien stole a glance at her, and when he was certain she wasn't so close anymore, he pulled Zain into his arms, and made her sit on his laps and without any warning, he kiss
The rest of the evening followed through with pin-drop silence. And as soon as they were done, Darien didn't hesitate even for a minute before taking Zain back home.The ride was unusually quiet, and it got Darien worried and thinking. He felt angry about how his parents treated the love of his life today. He had simply taken the girl he wanted, to meet his family. Who would have thought that they'd be so rude and harsh towards her? Thanks to his grandmother who was able to calm the situation, heaven alone knew what his reaction would have been after seeing those tears pouring from Zain's eyes. Thinking about them, he suddenly pulled over unexpectedly. The car screeched loudly to a halt. But, the loud noise wasn't able to bring Zain's attention. Her eyes were still focused outside of her window. How deep in thought was she?Darien unbuckled his seatbelt and grabbed onto Zain's waist, and only then did she turn around to face him. But, her innocent-looking beautiful face held a quizzi
Darien arrived at the office a bit later than usual. As he entered the workspace he shared with his P.A., he stopped by Zee's door to check on her. He observed the girl, her head resting on her desk, eyes closed, and lips slightly parted. Despite her innocent appearance, he couldn't help but feel remorseful. He had left her standing outside her apartment for hours in the cold, especially when she had barely recovered from a cold the day before. He couldn't determine how long she had stayed outside, but he was certain she was sleep-deprived. His assistant could be anything else, but she never slept at work. He quietly retreated and proceeded to his office, allowing her to rest.A few hours later...In Darien's office, Hau Lin walked in, holding a blue file, and placed it casually in front of Darien. Darien picked it up with a frown."What is this?" Darien's voice still carried a hint of resentment towards Hau Lin."I hope this isn't another document for a company you want me to acquire,
Zee's instantly turned red on hearing what Darien said, and she totally felt embarrassed."I will go prepare for the meeting right away." She informed, before hurrying away. As soon as Zee left, Darien looked at the direction she had been standing in, and his eyes grew slightly warm. Did his little PA actually think he'd fire her? So she'd fall into the hands of someone else? Really?He knew better ways to punish someone as her. He didn't necessarily have to let her go. He'd let her keep making more mistakes, besides, the more the mistakes, the greater the chances are of his punishment intensifying.Zee returned to her office, and hurriedly, but carefully picked the necessary files for the meeting with the company they were to meet that noon. She felt really nervous, like it was going to be her first day at work, or ... the first meeting with the boss. But, that's just how she would always feel whenever she was, or was going to be in Darien's presence. The main reason she would rather
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