Chapter 2 He Is The Man Yesterday Night!

JESSICA'S POV.

I stood in front of a large glass door with the words "CEO's Office" engraved on its surface.

My breath catches a little, not from nervousness, but from a sense of anticipation mixed with tension.

It was my first day, and I was being asked to meet the CEO directly. It feels like a big test that I have to pass.

I catch my breath once more, then knock gently on the door.

"Come in."

His voice sounded clearly behind the door, and somehow there was something familiar about the tone. But unfortunately I couldn't remember more clearly-or was it just my feelings?

I shook my head, trying to dismiss the strange thoughts. I was new here, so it was impossible for me to know the CEO.

I swallowed and pushed open the door, stepping inside with almost fake confidence. However, when I lifted my face and saw who was sitting behind the large desk, my legs felt like giving out.

It was that man.

The man from the hotel room.

He was leaning back casually in his chair, wearing an expensive suit that looked perfect on him.

His hand was clutching a pen, and his lips curved into a smile that instantly made my stomach churn.

It was the exact same smile he had shown me that morning.

I froze in place, unable to say anything. Meanwhile, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying my shock.

Oh my freaking God! Why was that man sitting in the CEO's chair-of the company I was going to work for?!

"Welcome," he said, his voice low and confident.

I gulped down saliva, my throat becoming choked. I felt like running away right now. This was so embarrassing.

I thought I would never see the strange man who woke up with me in the hotel room yesterday again. Shouldn't the world be too big for us to meet?

"I heard we have a new employee here. Oh, it's... you."

I tried to control myself, but it was hard when my whole body felt hot. I read the name on the CEO's nameplate.

Aurichard Morgan Lee.

"You're... the CEO?" I asked, though the question was clearly unnecessary.

He nodded slowly, his eyes locking on my face.

"That's right. And you're..." he paused for a moment, a small smirk appearing at the corner of his lips.

Oh my. He must still remember me very well-and it's possible that he hasn't forgotten the events of our night together.

"An employee who, I think, I've met before. In an... interesting situation, if I'm not mistaken?"

My face immediately turned red. I didn't know what to say. Was she really going to talk about this in the office?

In his room?

Now?

"I think you've got the wrong person," I replied quickly, trying to sound calm even though my voice was shaking slightly.

"Oh, I don't think so," he replies casually, placing his pen on the desk.

Then he stood up from his chair, causing my body to jerk back slightly. My heart was beating unusually fast. The longer my nervousness grew more intense.

"It's hard to forget the night that... what do you call it? An intense night?"

I bit my lip, trying hard not to explode on the spot.

"Sir, I'm here to work. Whatever happened before is irrelevant," I said, trying to emphasize my words, though I was honestly afraid of crossing the line.

He chuckled, the sound deep and full of teasing. Although it was annoying, but I couldn't deny that he sounded sexy.

"Of course. But still, it's an... interesting situation, isn't it? The world is so small."

I clenched my fists at my sides, trying to maintain professionalism even though my whole body wanted to run from the room.

"If there's nothing to discuss about work, I'll excuse myself."

He tilted his head, looking at me intensely.

"Take it easy, I'm just joking. Besides, I like my employees to stay focused," he said with a chuckle, as if his joke would ease my nerves.

I just nodded briefly, turning around quickly before he could say more. However, before I reached the door, his voice caught up with me, his tone low but clear enough to make my skin crawl.

"Welcome to the company, miss. I'm sure we'll be working... very closely."

I didn't turn my head. No way. But I could feel his smile following me even after the door closed.

This first day was going to be more complicated than I had imagined.

I walked out of the room with quick steps, almost like I was running away. My chest was tight, my breathing was heavy, and my face was still hot from the encounter.

How could that man-the man from the hotel room-be the CEO here?

Of all the companies that could take me in, why did it have to be at a place headed by him?

Once in the empty corridor, I leaned against the wall, trying to calm myself down. My hands gripped the bag tightly, as if it was the only thing that could give me a sense of security. I tried to take a deep breath, but my chest felt like it was being squeezed.

I had to leave. Right now.

I've made up my mind. There was no way I could work here, under the leadership of a man who knew that shameful secret. Especially a man who seemed to enjoy teasing me so much.

Without thinking, I took out my phone and started typing a message to HR. I'm going to resign.

I don't care what happens, I can't be in this place. My fingers moved quickly across the screen, but before I could press "send," a deep, calm voice sounded behind me.

"You've decided to give up so soon?"

I was stunned. It felt like my body was frozen. Slowly, I turned my head, and sure enough, he was standing there.

The CEO-the man from that night-was leaning casually against the doorway of his office, with a smile that was anything but friendly.

"Why are you chasing me?" I asked, trying to sound calm even though my voice was shaking.

He didn't answer directly, just stepped closer, making me even more nervous. When he was close enough to make me feel cornered, he finally spoke.

"I'm just curious. Why did the best new employee we've ever hired suddenly decide to quit before actually starting?"

I clenched my fists. "Because obviously, working here wasn't a good idea."

He nodded slowly, as if considering my words.

"Or... because you didn't want to be reminded of that night?"

I felt my blood boil. "I don't want to talk about that night. And I don't care what you think. I'm leaving."

He laughed softly, the low sound echoing in the deserted corridor.

"Sure, you can go. But you know, right? People love to talk about juicy gossip," He suddenly said with a tone implying a cunning plan, although his smile curved.

During the pause in her speech, I was getting the feeling that she was going to say something strange. I tried to restrain myself waiting for his words.

"... especially about the CEO and a mysterious woman at the hotel."

My eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

He looked at me calmly, though there was a sly glint in his eyes.

"I never said I'd tell you anything. But you know how this world works. Sometimes, misinformation can spread like wildfire."

My heart felt like it stopped beating. Did he just threaten me? Or just give a subtle warning?

"What do you want?" I asked finally, my voice almost a whisper.

He smiled again, softer this time, though it still made me uneasy.

"I just want to make sure you stay here. After all, we're already involved, aren't we?" he asked, then paused his words for a moment.

"I'm sure you'll do a great job here, and I don't want to lose a talented employee like you," he continued.

I bit my lip, trying to hold back the emotions stirring inside my chest. She was taking advantage of the situation, and I knew I had no other choice.

"Fine," I muttered finally, almost inaudibly.

He nodded, looking satisfied. And it's an annoying things I've ever seen!

"Good. Welcome back. And don't worry, I can keep anything a secret. As long as you keep everything a secret too."

I didn't reply, just looked at him hatefully. She turned around and walked back to her office, leaving me standing transfixed, with an increasingly heavy heart.