Chapter 5 A game I didn't sign up for

Trisha's POV

The morning light streamed through the large glass windows on the top floor, and though the office hummed with muted efficiency, my nerves were anything but calm. I clutched my notebook like a lifeline, silently rehearsing every professional mantra I'd ever memorized.

Breathe. Stay composed. Focus.

Welp, The first day in my new position

I had spent the night reminding myself that I didn't need this job to define me. It was just a job. My connection to him didn't matter. Not the fleeting memory of his intense eyes. Not the unfamiliar warmth I felt whenever I replayed those fragments of that night.

But it wasn't that simple.

The moment I entered his office this morning and saw him leaning against his desk, perfectly at ease, his sharp gaze pinning me to the spot, I knew I couldn't just pretend that he didn't exist.

"Good morning, Ms. Scott," he had said, his deep voice resonating in the office, like it was daring me to flinch

"Good morning, Sir," I replied, forcing a neutral tone.

He gestured for me to sit, and I obeyed. It was like being back in school and facing the teacher you didn't want to disappoint-but worse. Because this man wasn't just my boss. He was the one person who could unravel everything if he chose to.

And I couldn't let him.

The morning passed in a blur of instructions, meetings, and near-silent conversations where I struggled to balance between professionalism and not overthinking every word he said.

If he remembered me from that night, he wasn't showing. But there was something in the way he looked at me, something too knowing, that made me feel like he was silently laughing at a joke I wasn't in on.

During one of our meetings, he handed me a stack of papers, brushing his fingers against mine. It was so brief, that I hated how aware I was of it.

I told myself it didn't matter. He was just my boss

But deep down, I knew better.

Lunch was another battle.

"Join me," he said, more of a command than a suggestion.

I hesitated for half a second before nodding. "Of course."

Atleast, this boss was considerate of my eating time.

The private elevator ride was suffocating, the silence heavier than the glass walls around us. I focused on my reflection, on making sure my face didn't betray any of the turmoil swirling inside me.

We entered the lunch hall, filled with a lot of employees and I wondered why he didn't just order food.

I have heard that the CEO never came in for lunch.

People started at us as we walked. It was like he was a magnet of attention and me being at his side made me part of people's interests for that day.

I could see them whispering to themselves, while trying to make the place as quiet as possible.

The kitchen staffs all rushed to take his orders and everyone looked so uncomfortable.

Well, his rumours proceeded him.

"You've done well so far," he said, his voice smooth when we finally settled to eat.

"Thank you, Sir," I replied and continued eating, not raising my head up.

Who knew that the cafe food tasted this nice or maybe, I just didn't want to have any awkward conversation.

" Are you nervous" He asked me.

Memories of that night flooded me. The same way he asked the question and what we were doing at that point.

Our eyes locked at that moment.

"Why did you choose to work in this company" He asked me, his eyes still on mine, as if searching for something

"The opportunity to work under someone with your reputation, Sir. I thought it would be a valuable learning experience."

It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the full truth, either because I definitely had no plans on working directly as his secretary.

He smirked, clearly unimpressed. "A diplomatic answer. But I'm not interested in rehearsed responses, Ms. Scott. What's the real reason?"

My heart raced as I debated what to say. He wanted honesty? Fine.

"I wanted a challenge," I said, meeting his gaze. "And this seemed like the right place to find one ."

For a moment, he looked taken aback, like he hadn't expected me to say that. Then his smirk deepened, and I could tell he was pleased.

"Careful what you wish for," he said, his tone teasing but sharp.

I didn't reply. I wouldn't give him that satisfaction.

The rest of the afternoon felt like I was in a marathon. He moved through tasks and meetings with a precision that left no room for error, and I was determined not to fall behind.

By the end of the day, I was exhausted, but I refused to show it.

"Good job," he suddenly said.

"Thank you, Sir," I replied, keeping my tone polite.

Was he actually praising me?

"But this is just the beginning," he added, his voice dropping slightly. "Let's see if you can keep it up."

Or maybe, it was a warning.

"I intend to," I said firmly, meeting his gaze.

His eyes narrowed slightly, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of surprise. But then his expression changed, and he nodded, dismissing me with a wave of his hand.

When I finally got back to the hostel, I laid on my bed, my mind racing.

What was he playing at? Did he remember me, or was I just imagining it? And why did it feel like every word he said had a hidden meaning?

The electricity that sizzled when our eyes locked was definitely not ordinary.

My roommates were not back yet and I was actually glad. I didn't have the energy to answer their questions and to give them a full answer, that means I would have to tell them about that night.

A night I had zero memory about.

Whatever this was, whatever game he thought we were playing, I would win.