Chained To His Breathing

The Elevator Incident

The summer sun filtered softly through the blinds of their small apartment in downtown Seoul. Emma Blake stood in front of the cracked bathroom mirror, brushing her thick brown hair into a low ponytail. Her father, Michael Blake, was already up trying to fix the old coffee machine that had given up the night before.

"You sure about this, Emmy? That part of town is full of wolves," he said without turning around, his voice rough but full of care.

She smiled faintly, tying her ponytail tight. "I have to do this, Dad. We need the money."

Michael paused. His eyes held that familiar sorrow the same one he'd carried since her mother walked out years ago. But he nodded. "Just be careful."

Emma had applied to over twenty jobs in the last three months. Nothing had worked. Rent was late, her phone bill overdue, and her father's meds were running low. So when she got an unexpected acceptance email from Sterling Corporation, one of the top firms in Seoul, it felt like a miracle.

Her best friend, Lana, had screamed when she heard the news. "Girl, Sterling?! That's elite-level hot men and power suits!"

Emma had laughed it off, even though she was nervous as hell. Her boyfriend, Ryan, was the calm in her storm a photography student with kind eyes and soft kisses. He supported her fully, even if she worried deep down how this job might change things.

---

Emma arrived at the sleek, silver Sterling building a little before 8 a.m. Her knees were practically shaking. The receptionist handed her a badge and directed her to the 27th floor. The elevator doors dinged open, and she stepped inside, her heart pounding.

She wasn't alone.

A tall man in a tailored black suit stood in the corner. His back was to her, head slightly tilted as if lost in thought. As the elevator closed, he turned.

💥 Their eyes locked.

Sharp, electric-blue eyes met hers. For a moment, Emma forgot how to breathe.

He was beautiful no, dangerous. Jet-black hair, sculpted jawline, a slight scar on his right eyebrow. His gaze was intense, like he was reading her entire life.

"New here?" he asked, voice deep like velvet.

"Y-Yeah. First day," she stammered.

He didn't smile. But his eyes softened a little.

The elevator jerked slightly. Emma stumbled, and before she could regain balance, his hand was around her waist-firm, commanding.

🔥 Their bodies were closer than they should've been.

"Careful," he whispered.

"Thanks," she murmured, pulling away, cheeks burning.

The doors opened. He stepped out without a word, but not before turning his head.

"Welcome to Sterling, Ms. Blake."

Wait... how did he know her name?

---

The day rushed by. Emma was introduced to her department team:

Ashley, the sassy assistant who instantly liked her.

David, the nerdy IT guy with awkward jokes.

Mina, a sweet girl with big glasses who became Emma's lunch buddy.

The office buzzed with tension, and everyone whispered about the CEO: Mr. Aiden Cross. Rumors said he was cold, ruthless, never smiled, and never dated employees.

But Emma had seen something else.

At lunchtime, she messaged Ryan: "First day going okay. Miss you ❤️"

He replied instantly: "Proud of you, babe. We'll celebrate tonight?"

She smiled. But her mind kept flashing back to Aiden Cross.

---

By 5 p.m., she was exhausted. As she stepped into the elevator to go home, her phone buzzed.

Unknown Number: "You should wear flats tomorrow. You walk like the heels are punishing you."

Her heart skipped.

She looked up.

Mr. Cross was standing in the hallway, watching her through the glass.

👀 How did he get her number? 💓 Why was her heart racing?

As the elevator doors closed, she leaned against the wall, hand over her chest.

She had a boyfriend. A loving one. And yet... why did she want the elevator to stop again?

---

End of Chapter One.

👉 Next: Emma receives a shocking phone call-from the mother she hasn't heard from in 12 years...