CEO's Allergy

Phoebe's POV

I never win anything. That's the simple truth. If there's a line where luck is handed out, I'm always at the very end-if I'm even in it at all. So when my name was called as the last recipient of the Wellington Academic Excellence Award, my legs almost gave out beneath me.

There was a round of applause, sure, but I barely heard it. My head was spinning. My name? On the list? How? I hadn't even expected to be in the running.

"And finally, the last recipient for this year's Wellington Academic Excellence Award-Phoebe Harper."

I remember blinking. Once. Twice. Then my friend nudged me so hard in the ribs I nearly dropped my phone. Everyone turned to look at me. I could feel the weight of their stares. I stood slowly, smoothed down my wrinkled dress, and made the long, humiliating walk toward the stage.

There were cameras. Spotlights. And, apparently, a ridiculously handsome man standing center-stage with a crooked smile plastered on his face.

Wait. What?

I squinted. No. No way.

It was him.

He was the last person I expected to see here-let alone be the one handing me an award. My breath hitched as our eyes locked. He tilted his head, his smirk deepening like he knew exactly what was going through my mind.

"You," I whispered under my breath.

The CEO's smirk widened.

**Flashback.**

It was about a month ago. I had applied for an internship at a luxury hotel-just for a month. The plan was simple: stay there until Valentine's Day. I wasn't trying to build a career or rack up a paycheck. I had... another plan.

Dylan.

My childhood friend. My longtime crush. He was finally visiting the city, and I wanted to make sure he had a place to stay-comfortably. The hotel rates were way above our budget, so I figured if I could work there, I'd get staff discounts. Maybe even sneak in a free night or two. And it was a perfect excuse. Who would suspect ulterior motives from a hardworking intern?

Convincing the hotel supervisor had been a challenge. I promised I'd work hard, stay out of trouble, and leave by mid-February. He wasn't exactly thrilled, but I managed to charm my way in. Barely.

On the day everything spiraled, I was assigned to clean Room 1206. I didn't know it then, but that room would set everything in motion.

I cleaned it meticulously. Sparkling windows. Sheets ironed with military precision. Every corner scrubbed. I wanted that room perfect-because I hoped it would be Dylan's. I even left a letter. A love letter, hidden beneath the pillow. A risky move, yes, but my heart was foolishly hopeful.

Then came the panic.

"The CEO is arriving today."

That announcement sent the hotel staff into chaos. Everyone was scurrying like mice. Me? I didn't see the big deal. Until I was pulled into the madness and ordered to join the staff waiting in the lobby to welcome him and his girlfriend.

Meanwhile, Dylan and his friends were on their way to the hotel. Coincidentally, they passed the CEO's car on the road. Dylan recognized the girl in the passenger seat-Dawn Williams, a senior from school. They were shocked. None of them had ever imagined she'd end up with someone that wealthy.

Back at the hotel, things took a turn.

The CEO didn't join his PA and girlfriend in greeting the staff. Infact, no one ever saw him, he went straight up to the rooms-and chose Room 1206.

Of course.

I had no idea until my supervisor's phone rang. He answered, his face darkening with every word. The CEO was furious. Said the room was poorly cleaned. Demanded it be redone immediately.

My name was called out.

Everyone turned to me. I had been trying to call Dylan, completely unaware of the storm brewing around me. When the supervisor asked who cleaned Room 1206, I raised my hand.

"Go clean it again," he barked. "And you're in charge of everything that man wants now."

I tried to explain. "But I cleaned it well. I swear-"

"If you did," he cut me off, "he wouldn't be complaining!"

My heart sank. The letter.

I bolted upstairs.

Room 1206 was empty. I rushed to the bed and yanked up the pillow. Nothing. My stomach dropped.

The sound of water running in the bathroom snapped me back to reality.

He was here.

Panicking, I opened the closet and began rummaging through his neatly arranged clothes, hoping-praying-that my letter had somehow ended up there.

Then the bathroom door opened.

I froze.

I ducked behind the hanging clothes, pulling them around me like a makeshift shield. My feet betrayed me. A single toe stuck out.

And he saw it.

The CEO yanked the clothes aside.

There I was.

He didn't yell. Not immediately. He just looked at me, those icy eyes pinning me in place.

"What are you doing in my closet?"

"I-I left something here," I stammered. "It's important."

"There's nothing here that belongs to you," he said flatly. "Get out."

"But-"

"Out."

Wait...Let me guess, "You're my personal housekeeper"? He stopped me

I gave out a little Smile of hope, "Yes Sir"

"Good" "Stay ten meters away from me," he added. "Or lose your job." Only come around when I need you.

He practically shoved me out the door.

I wanted to cry. But I wasn't ready to give up. Not yet.

The next day, I returned while he was away. Searched the room again. Same closet. Same desperation. Only this time, I wasn't fast enough.

He caught me. Again.

"Seems like you have the habit of hiding in the closet and sniffing men's clothing"

His voice was ice. "At the count of three, if you're not gone, your salary's gone with you."

One. Two-

I bolted.

Later that afternoon, He went out with his girlfriend to have a drink by the poolside. He looked... bored. Distracted. She looked radiant and clingy, all wrapped up in herself and him. He wasn't even listening to her. As his personal bodyguard, I was behind them but still keeping my distance like he asked me to.

He pulled something out of his pocket-a necklace. Simple. Elegant.

"Do you remember this?" he asked.

Dawn blinked. "No. Why would I?"

He didn't answer. Just nodded and slipped it back into his pocket. "Sorry, wrong one" Then handed her another necklace-this one made of diamonds. She squealed. He barely reacted.

**Flashback to previous month**

One of his exes came to the club where he was keeping himself company with different ladies beside him, she created a scene, splashed the glass of wine he was drinking at his face. She said all sorts of things because Richard dumped her and so she was pained.

Later that night, Richard almost took his life by trying to jump into the river. He was already tired of the constant relationship breakups - he was only doing that just to protect himself and not blow his cover.

Just as he was about to jump, I held him from the bridge and pulled him with strong force

One thing many people don't know - though I'm simple in nature but I'm physically strong more than anyone can imagine a woman to be

Even though I didn't see the face of the man I saved, I fled immediately... But what I didn't know is that my necklace dropped while I was running but Richard picked it.

Dawn came to him, trying to save a gentleman left unconscious on the bridge.

Richard half-consciously said to her "Are you the one that saved me just now and my body didn't react"?

Dawn in a confused state "Wh...What"

He asked again "What's your name"?

Dawn still confused but said, "Dawn Williams"

**Back to the Present -Poolside**

"So She isn't the one", Richard murmured to himself

I watched all of it from a distance.

She reached for his hand. He flinched.

He didn't like being touched.

Strange.

Later, when she tried hugging him and wouldn't let go, he texted me.

Get her off me. Now.

I stared at the message, dumbfounded.

I'll pay you. Just do it.

Money talks.

I marched over, clearing my throat loudly. "Sir, your drink's getting warm."

He took the hint. Dawn, annoyed, let go and stormed back inside.

He turned to me, satisfied. "Good work."

I crossed my arms. "Pay up."

He smirked, pulled out some cash, and handed it over.

I grinned. "Pleasure doing business."

But deep down, I was still thinking about that letter.

And I still didn't know his name.

I received a call immediately, it was an unknown number but when I picked I heard Dylan's voice. I felt butterflies in my stomach but I'm just trying to keep it cool and not break the "Girls code"

"Hello Pheebs"

"Hey Dylan, what happened? Been trying to reach you but your line wasn't connecting" I said over the phone

I'm so sorry. My phone battery was flat and our car broke down, such a terrible road experience. Not to worry, we are already close to the city... Maybe we can go tonight

Uhm.. Go to where??

"To see the meteor shower"

Okay, that would be cool. I said

He hanged up. I was overwhelmed with joy and didn't even know when I started jumping. "Maybe he wants to confess his feelings to me" I thought to myself

I just remembered that I still have to find the letter. My mood changed and I caused the CEO under my breath.

This brilliant idea came to my head. The only way left now is to ask CEO's girlfriend to help me. I know it's going to be a difficult task but I still have to try my luck.

I met with her outside the hotel and explained to her how I lost the letter

"I promise you the letter and ring is not for CEO, I just want to give it to my childhood friend, I wouldn't dare stealing the CEO from you, you both are a perfect match" I smiled trying to convince Dawn.

Seems like she got convinced after hearing my last statement. "I'll help you find the letter in the room but we have to make a deal"

She came close to me and whispered into my ears

"Contraceptives?" I almost shouted but then lowered my voice immediately

"I'm asking you to do this for me because I'm at the verge of loosing my relationship". She said to me with a shaking voice almost about to cry

"Why don't you buy from the hotel" I asked.

"I checked but it's not sold in the hotel, I don't know why"

"But you can ask the CEO to get it for you, you know, he's your boyfriend" I said still trying to find an excuse.

She sighed "Can you pls do this for me. You know the type of person he is and wouldn't agree to it, He's so cold. I just want to surprise him tonight" "Don't worry I'll give you more than enough money"

"Just buy across the street. Not that far" She chipped in again.

She gave me some money, I counted it and it was even more than enough to buy the contraceptives. This was another push for me to accept this deal..

"You know I'm at duty now, what if the supervisor looks for me" I said as soon as I remembered.

"Don't worry I'll cover up for you" She uttered

Well, yea I know she can do that. I mean she has the power to.

So I rushed off immediately..

Only that I didn't know that the CEO has been watching and overheard our discussion.

Phoebe's POV

I was still thinking about what just happened with Dawn as I walked out of the hotel. I kept repeating her words in my head. Did she really mean all of that? Maybe she was just panicking.

I shook it off and focused on the errand I had to run. Buying contraceptives. It was awkward, but I had promised I'd do it. I didn't expect things to go this way when I woke up today.

As I walked downhill toward the convenience store, I talked to myself quietly.

"She's so rich, she could buy a whole factory full of them. That Wei Qing guy too-he threw his chopsticks at the dinner table. What's wrong with him? He doesn't act like someone with any decency."

I finally arrived at the store. It was small and clean, tucked near a quiet corner. A man behind the counter looked up as I came in.

"Miss, how can I help you?" he asked politely.

I looked around, unsure of how to say it. "I'm looking for... something. Usually, they're near the counter. Small boxes, kind of like add-ons..."

He raised an eyebrow. "Chewing gum?"

I blushed. "Close. They're made of rubber too. But... they're for men. You know... stretchy?" I tried to gesture without being too obvious.

His eyes lit up. "Oh! You mean that thing?"

I nodded quickly. "Yes! That thing."

The man looked a bit uncomfortable. "Someone called earlier and bought all of them. We're completely out."

"What?" I asked, shocked. "Who would buy all of them?"

"I heard that all the shops within ten miles are sold out," he added with a shrug.

I sighed loudly. "Seriously? Even I want to celebrate Valentine's Day too, you know."

As I was about to leave, the man suddenly said, "Wait! I think I saved a few, just in case."

My eyes lit up. "Really?"

He nodded. "Yes."

"I want them! Please!"

"I'll get them for you," he said and went to the back.

Just then, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen. "Chairman," it said. I picked up.

"Hello?"

"Where are you?" Richard's voice came through, cold and distant.

"I'm at a convenience store, near the hill," I replied.

"That's far. About 30 minutes by bike," he said casually. "There's no need for you to come back."

My heart dropped. "What do you mean?"

"You're still causing trouble even from far away," he said.

"What? I didn't do anything! It's your girlfriend who-"

"She's not my girlfriend anymore," he interrupted.

I paused. "Then... what are you two planning?"

"You don't need to know," he said sharply. "I'll ask someone to pack your things and send them to your college. Your salary will be paid within two working days. One month's worth, including penalty for breaking the contract."

My hands were shaking. "Wait... can you say that again? The signal's bad here. I think I heard wrong."

"You heard me. You're fired."

And then, he hung up.

I stared at my phone in disbelief. Fired? Just like that?

The shopkeeper returned and handed me a neat paper bag. "Miss, here you go."

I took it silently and walked back to the hotel, each step heavier than the last.

When I stormed into the hotel, I didn't care who saw me. "Where is Richard?" I shouted.

The hotel supervisor came out. "Why are you back? Didn't the boss already explain everything?"

I ignored him. "Where's Richard? Where's that woman? Is he still in his room?"

"Miss, you look like you're ready to kill someone. Calm down," the supervisor warned.

"Don't ask me to calm down! Look at this bag!" I held it up. "I bought all these for them! And now he wants to just throw me away? No way! I'll throw this at his face myself. Let him know I didn't spend a whole month working here just to be used!"

Two bodyguards came forward to block me, but I shoved them aside. "Don't try me today! I will fight!"

"Miss, please," the supervisor said. "You're strong. That's why we hired you. But you can't win against the boss. Go back."

"Let him fire me! I'll leave on my own terms!" I shouted, pushing past them. "Richard! Richard! You can't hide!"

Meanwhile, upstairs in the suite...

"I have to go," Richard told Dawn while buttoning his shirt.

"But the office can wait. You promised to spend Valentine's with me," she pouted.

"The suite is yours. Stay as long as you like. Invite your friends. I'll arrange a car for you."

She stared at him. "When will I see you again?"

"There's no next time," Richard said.

Her eyes widened. "What? You brought me here, spoiled me... and now you're just dumping me?"

"I'm not dumping you. I'm ending something that never started. We weren't dating," he said plainly.

Dawn was frozen. "Why? We were doing so well. You sent me gifts. We were close. What changed?"

"I realized you're not the one who saved me by the river," he said.

She flinched. "I... I can explain. I didn't mean to lie. Maybe I didn't make it clear that day, but does that really matter now?"

Richard didn't answer. He was already halfway to the back door.

Dawn noticed and ran after him. "Wait! I might not be the person from back then, but I could be that girl now! Please, don't leave!"

He turned once. "I made a mistake. I thought you were someone else. I'm upset too. Let's end this before we say things we regret."

"You're cruel! Karma will come for you!" she shouted.

"Karma?" Richard laughed. "I've dumped worse. You'll have to get in line."

I stormed through the lobby again, still boiling with anger.

But I didn't see Richard anywhere.

That's when I saw him leaving through the back. He looked tense. Dawn was running after him.

I quickly hid behind his car. My heart pounded. What was I doing? Why was I hiding?

As Richard reached for the door, I panicked and jumped into the back seat, hoping he wouldn't notice.

He got in and drove off.

I crouched low. Maybe he wouldn't see me. Maybe I could just grab my stuff and leave. But then...

My phone rang.

Shoot.

He slammed the brake. I flew forward and hit the back of the front seat.

"Hey!" I yelled. "Do you want to kill someone?"

His head snapped around. "You?! Why are you in my car?"

"Do you think I wanted this?" I said, rubbing my head.

"What are you trying to do? Are you stalking me?"

"I just want my stuff back!"

"What did you leave? Your brain?"

"Seriously. You have my things. Let me check-"

"Get out!"

"I'm not touching you! Don't be dramatic!"

"Get. Out."

"Please. I don't feel safe here alone. Just take me with you. You can give me my things later."

He looked annoyed but didn't stop me.

"Fine. You said it yourself. Sit tight."

The car sped off.

"Where are we going?" I asked nervously.

"The police station."

My stomach dropped. "What? Why?!"

"You're a stalker. That's illegal."

"Stop the car!" I begged.

"It's too late. I gave you a chance."

I felt like crying. "Is this because I walked into your room before? Is it because I saw the rashes on your body?"

"Shut up!"

"Stop! Let me out! Watch out-!"

Crash.

The car skidded just in time before hitting a tree. As soon as it stopped, I opened the door and ran.

"Stop running!" I heard him shout behind me.

Phoebe's POV

I fell hard on the muddy ground, and my hands scraped against the rough dirt. My hair was a mess, and my dress was already soaked. I winced and tried to push myself up, but my legs felt weak. Richard had caught up with me again. He fell too, just beside me, landing with a loud thud.

"Don't come near me!" I snapped, still trying to get up.

"Help me up," he groaned, reaching out.

"Faster!" he added as he struggled to his knees.

Despite everything, I sighed and leaned over. "Are you okay? You're dirty. Let me wipe your clothes."

"Don't touch me," he muttered, brushing me off.

"You're too smelly," he said, giving me a side glance.

I frowned. "But you're smelly too."

He didn't reply. Instead, he wrinkled his nose.

"Oh, right. You have that... mysophobia thing," I said awkwardly. "This is really bad for you, huh?"

He ignored me and began digging through his pockets.

"What are you looking for?" I asked.

"My phone," he said sharply. His face dropped. "I think it's missing."

He looked right at me, and I stared back. "Why are you staring at me like that? I'm just as stuck as you. If you didn't chase me in the first place, none of this would've happened. Now we're both in the same boat."

"Can you call the cops now?" he asked.

"My phone's dead," I said, feeling useless.

"You're really useless, aren't you?"

I held back my irritation. "This place is isolated. No one's around. Can't we just let it go now?"

"What do you want me to do then?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's easy," I said, squaring my shoulders. "Give me back my stuff, and I'll forgive everything."

"I already told you-I didn't take anything from you," he snapped. "Just admit you want something from me."

"Who wants anything from you?" I glared. "You know what? Fine. I want your shirt. Give me that."

"What? Why should I do anything you say?" he snapped. "If you want to survive, get away from me. Keep following me, and I won't hold back. I'll ruin your name if I have to."

"You can leave," I said, blocking his path, "but not without returning my stuff!"

Without warning, I pushed him. He slipped again and fell back into the mud with a curse. I climbed over him, grabbing at his suit.

"Are you crazy?! What are you doing?!"

"Stop struggling!" I shouted. "I used to do wrestling and weightlifting in high school. I may look slim now, but I can handle guys like you."

"This is insane!" he said, eyes wide. "Are you seriously trying to... What kind of girl does this to a guy in the middle of nowhere?!"

"Where's the stuff?!" I demanded as I pulled out an envelope from his coat, only to find it empty. "Where's the letter?!"

"I gave it away."

"What?!"

"But they returned it," he said quickly.

"And then?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"It's worthless," he muttered.

"It's not worthless!" I shouted. "Where did you put it?!"

"Why should I tell you?" he said, breathing heavily.

"I told you-it's not in my shirt. Check if you don't believe me."

"I will! And if I don't find it, you'll return it ten times over!" I warned.

"You serious?" he asked, almost laughing.

Back at the hotel, Dylan had just arrived with Max and Austin. He was holding their bags while scanning the lobby.

"What? Phoebe was fired? When did that happen?" Dylan asked the supervisor in surprise.

"A few hours ago," the man replied. "Are you Li Ming Cheng?"

"Yes, I am."

"This is your room card. It's a special offer. Phoebe arranged it for you," the supervisor said, handing him the keycard.

Dylan took the card silently and nodded. "Thanks."

The three of them walked to the elevator. Max looked around the luxurious hallway, wide-eyed. "Dylan, try calling Phoebe. Ask her what happened."

"Yeah, call her," Austin echoed.

Dylan pulled out his phone and dialed. He waited, frowning. "Her number's not available."

"Not available?" Max repeated, sounding worried.

But that worry didn't last long-at least not for Max and Austin. The moment they entered the suite, their jaws dropped.

"This place is amazing!" Max said, throwing himself onto the fancy couch. "This furniture, the size of this place!"

"We'd be stuck in a regular room if it was just the three of us," Austin added. "But because of Dylan, we're in a five-star luxury suite. This is so unfair."

"What can we say? It's true love," Max teased. "Dylan, we'll stay here for you. Look at this view!"

"Enough already," Dylan muttered, pacing near the window.

"Best place for stargazing," Austin said, leaning back.

Dylan stared out into the night. "Her number's still not available," he muttered. "It's fine if she's just working here... but why did she have to get into trouble?"

His voice trailed off, but his thoughts stayed with Phoebe.

Meanwhile, I was walking beside Richard down the road. It was already night, and the rain had started falling lightly. I tried to walk close to him, but he kept pulling away.

"I'm sorry," I said again, trying to make peace.

"That's enough!" he snapped.

I reached out to hold his arm. "At least let me apologize properly."

He turned sharply. "I'll give you five seconds to take your hands off me. If not, I'll chop them off."

I flinched and let go. "Okay..."

"What did I tell you earlier?" he said coldly.

"You said I should stay one meter away. I remember." I stepped back, three paces this time.

He shook his head. "Now you're obedient? Where was this attitude earlier? You dragged me into this mess. And now you're sorry?"

"I really am," I said, my voice softer.

"If apologies worked, there wouldn't be brands like Gucci, Armani, or Versace. Do you know what you did? You tore my clothes!"

"I... accidentally-"

"Accidentally?" His eyes narrowed. "If I slap you right now, is that a massage?"

He raised his hand slowly, and I didn't move. He looked surprised.

"You're not even avoiding it?" he asked.

"I meant what I said," I replied. "I'll work under you. I won't regret anything."

He raised an eyebrow. "Many people want to work for me. Why should I hire you? What if you get angry again and decide to search my body?"

I sighed. "I won't do that anymore. I've searched you already. I guess... my stuff really isn't with you. Maybe I lost it somewhere. I don't even know what you're thinking."

"Where did you get the guts to search me in a field? Why do you think I'd steal something from you? It's just a letter."

"You're right. It's only a letter."

Right then, heavy rain began pouring down again.

"It's raining! Run!" I shouted, grabbing his hand and trying to pull him.

But he didn't move.

"Is this for real?" he murmured, swaying slightly.

"What's wrong?" I turned back to him, concerned.

"I get weak when it rains," he said simply.

"There's a bus stop up ahead. I'll take you there."

He pulled away. "Who asked for your help? I don't need help from a little girl like you."

"You're obviously not okay," I argued.

"I'll get there on my own. Even if I have to crawl."

He started walking, slowly and unsteadily.

Back in the city, Dylan and his friends were outside now, searching.

"Phoebe! Pheebs!" Dylan shouted as they checked the nearby streets.

"How is it? Did you find her?" he asked when they regrouped.

"Nope," Max and Austin replied, soaked from the rain.

"What should we do? It's dark now. Maybe we should continue tomorrow," Austin said.

"You guys can go back first," Dylan said. "If you hear anything, let me know. But I can't just leave her out here."

"It's raining so much..." Max muttered.

"Is anyone there?" a voice called from the nearby bus stop.

"Pheebs? Phoebe!" Dylan and the others ran toward the voice.

But as they got closer, they saw a familiar face.

"Dawn Williams?" Dylan said, surprised.

"Senior Dawn?" Max and Austin added.

"Why are you here?" Dylan asked, confused.

"I was in a bad mood, so I went for a walk," Dawn said. "Then I slipped. Now it's raining, and I can't get back."

"Do you still remember me?" Dylan asked gently.

"You're from the physics class, right?"

"Yeah. I'm Dylan. We met in the student council. These guys are from the astronomy club too."

"Can you still walk?" he asked.

"What are you waiting for?" Dylan turned to Max and Austin. "Your idol is hurt. Help her up."

"We got her. Slowly, Senior," Max and Austin said, supporting her.

"You guys send her back first. I'll keep looking for Phoebe."

"Phoebe?" Dawn repeated.

"She's his junior," Max explained.

"She worked at the hotel before."

"You're not coming back with us? It's dangerous," Dawn said.

"Let's just send our senior back first," Austin said.

"Yeah, she might've gone back already," Max added.

"Fine. We'll take her back first," Dylan said. "Senior, be careful of the steps."