After work, I let loose, going out with my best friend for food, drinks, dancing, and karaoke.
But when I woke up the next morning, my throat was killing me, my body ached, and I felt completely weak and cold.
I regretted it all, tears streaming down my face, blaming the charming guy at the bar for my poor choices.
How could I get so drunk and lose my coat? Wearing just a tank dress in this cold weather – talk about bold!
I grabbed my phone and texted my boss.
[I’m not coming in. Don’t look for me.]
[Taking a sick day. Contact Assistant Bryce for anything urgent.]
I sent the message and tossed my phone aside, not realizing the next message hadn’t gone through before my phone shut off.
Once I managed to drag myself up, I rummaged through the medicine cabinet and took my temperature. Great, almost hitting 104!
Thank goodness I woke up; otherwise, I might have burned my brain out.
After taking some medicine, I lay back in bed, feeling groggy.
In a haze, I vaguely heard a knocking sound.
Irritated, I sat up to listen more closely.
Seriously? Someone was knocking at my door?
Who comes over during the day when everyone’s at work?
“Coming!” I shouted, but my sore throat only let out a hoarse whisper.
The knocking grew more frantic, making me anxious as I wobbled toward the door.
As I reached the living room, I bumped a cup off the table, shattering it on the floor.
Looking at the glass and water everywhere only added to my irritation.
At that moment, the knocking suddenly stopped, replaced by an intense thumping, like the person outside wanted to break in.
Frustrated, I ran my fingers through my hair and stormed to the door, flinging it open.
A dark figure lunged at me – my landlord and boss, Julian Ward, the man I had a crush on.
Too bad he already had someone he considered ‘the one that got away.’
Just when I thought he might have feelings for me, I learned that his dream girl was returning home, and he grew cold towards me.
What a jerk, leading me on while still being hung up on someone else!
If it weren’t for the times he shielded me from alcohol during company dinners, waited for me to finish late shifts, and took me to his friend’s restaurant while flirting, I might not have gotten my hopes up.
It felt like my sincerity was wasted…
“Eliza, you finally opened the door! Why did it take so long? Do you know how long I’ve been knocking?
“What happened? Are you hurt? I heard a cup crash and thought you passed out…” His voice wavered, eyes glistening, as if he might cry.
His barrage of questions only made my head spin. I pushed him back a couple of steps and covered my mouth.
“What are you doing here? I told you not to look for me. I’m not your possession! Can’t I take a sick day in peace?”
“I came to take care of you. I couldn’t just leave you home alone,” Julian said, pointing to the pile of food at the door, sounding almost pitiful as he stepped closer…
Chapter 2 The Boss Kisses Me“Stay right there!”
I yelled in surprise, coughing hard from the effort.
“Eliza, don’t talk – just drink some water,” Julian said, darting to the dining table to pour me a glass.
“Julian, I told you not to come near me! Can’t you understand simple words?” My cough only aggravated my sore throat, making my tone more irritable.
“You need to drink water right now. We can talk later.” He paused, tightening his grip on the glass, then stubbornly took a step closer.
Why couldn’t he just take a hint?
He had his dream girl already. Did he think I was a consolation prize because I hadn’t been bothering him lately?
What a jerk. Why come to me when he could be with her? Was it true that what you couldn’t have was always more desirable?
“I don’t want any! Get out! I don’t need your care! This is my home! Even if you’re my landlord and boss, you have no right to be here!”
I rasped out the words, feeling like my throat was about to give up on me.
“No right? Then who does? Your underclassman, Wyatt? Or your upperclassman, Evan?” Julian’s eyes were red with frustration, veins popping in his hands.
What did they have to do with anything? I was sick and just wanted to rest at home!
Seeing me with my hand over my mouth, pale and weak, he was furious. How could I say such hurtful things while looking so vulnerable? It made him want to shut me up.
And he did just that…
Julian took a big gulp of water and stepped right up to me. He pulled my hand away from my mouth, grasped my chin, and suddenly his handsome face loomed large in front of me.
I widened my eyes, noticing his long lashes quiver, and I could see my stunned face reflected in his pupils.
The soft sensation on my lips hit me with a shocking realization.
Julian… actually kissed me!
Before I could process what was happening and push him away, I felt his grip on my cheeks, and my mouth involuntarily opened. Something warm flowed into my mouth. He was sharing his water with me!
I stood there, frozen, my mind blank.
Julian chuckled softly, leaning in closer, his warm breath brushing against my ear.
I shivered, feeling my face flush, heat creeping to my ears. “Do you want to drink on your own, or do you want me to feed you?”
His words snapped me back to reality, and I instinctively swung my hand, the slap echoing sharply. Tears spilled down my cheeks.
“How dare you kiss me… Get out! Just get out…”
What kind of jerk was he, getting all cozy with his dream girl while trying to seduce me? No way!
I, Eliza Campbell, would never play the role of a mistress.
That was my first kiss! The more I thought about it, the sadder I felt, and the tears flowed uncontrollably.
Julian touched his cheek where I slapped him, but he just smiled. “One slap for one kiss – worth it! Want to try the other cheek?”
“Julian, you’re fucking insane!”
Crying made me feel worse all over. Ignoring him, I turned and went back to my room, slamming the door shut behind me.
I climbed into bed, wiped my tears, and lay down.
The medicine kicked in, and I felt so exhausted that I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.
In a daze, I felt something cool pressed against my forehead, easing my restless mind. It was soothing and refreshing…
Chapter 3 The Boss Feels UpsetI woke up at some point, desperately needing to use the bathroom.
After returning, I noticed a glass of water and a plate of peeled grapefruit waiting at the door, but Julian was nowhere in sight.
Looking around, I saw the room had been cleaned up – clothes, shoes, and bags that were carelessly tossed about were all neatly arranged.
I stood at the door, staring at the plate of grapefruit, perfectly peeled without a single blemish.
It was clearly his work. He could do everything so well and was attentive to me. He remembered I loved grapefruit but couldn’t stand it when it had any blemishes.
Every time we ate together, he’d peel it for me, handing it over with a smile. I used to think it was a sign he liked me too. But maybe the grapefruit wasn’t just for me.
A dull ache settled in my heart. After a moment’s hesitation, I sighed. He was gone, and I couldn’t let food go to waste. I picked up the grapefruit just as the door swung open.
Julian came in carrying two large grocery bags, looking at me with a mischievous smile.
“Oh, you’re awake? How are you feeling? Still running a fever?
“You really don’t know how to take care of yourself. I leave for one day, and you make yourself sick. See? You can’t function without me…”
I stared at the chattering Julian, feeling a sense of disconnection wash over me.
If only I hadn’t discovered his dream girl, I could’ve deceived myself into believing we were both interested in each other – just one confession away from being together.
The injustice bubbled up inside me, and my eyes stung with tears that spilled over.
He set down the grocery bags and quickly pulled out a tissue, hurrying over to wipe my tears.
“Stop crying, are you really that miserable? You’re such a crybaby.”
I turned my head, stepping back to avoid his hand. “Julian, don’t be so nice to me. I’ll get the wrong idea.”
He paused, looking at me in shock for a couple of seconds. Then, without warning, he grabbed my hand and pushed me against the door.
His scent enveloped me, and his icy fingers sent a shiver down my spine.
I jumped, instinctively kicking at him, but he quickly caught my ankle.
The coldness made me shudder even more, and as I struggled, he leaned in closer, his voice tinged with an odd vulnerability. “Hold on, let’s talk this out, okay?”
Hearing his tone softened my heart, melting away some of my defenses, but I forced myself to maintain a glare, tilting my chin up defiantly. “Is this really how you want to talk?”
He lifted his head, his eyes glistening. “If I let you go, you can’t run away. Let’s go to the sofa.”
His words felt strangely off, like a kidnapper dealing with a hostage.
I rolled my eyes but reluctantly agreed. “Fine, let go.”
We moved to the sofa, sitting opposite each other. The plate of grapefruit was right there, serving as a barrier. If it weren’t for that, I’d have trouble holding my own against this man!
Julian glanced at the grapefruit. “You can eat while we talk.”
I put on a stern face, grabbing a piece of the fruit. If it was there, I might as well eat it. He watched me, a gentle smile on his lips, his eyes glimmering with affection.
What a pair of flirtatious eyes he had! I could almost imagine them filled with love even for stray dogs on the street.
How could I have been so blind? Even with 20/20 vision, I couldn’t see through his tangled web of charm.
“Julian, I’ll be handing in my resignation tomorrow. I’ll also make sure to pass on all related matters to the new secretary. As for the deposit on this apartment, just transfer it to my account. You don’t have to return the remaining rent for the next few months since I’m breaking the contract. I’ll move out within a week.”
He truly was a good person, especially when it came to being kind to others. All these years of falling for him hadn’t been a waste; I worked hard to get closer to him, pushing myself to improve.
Thinking back to the past, I remembered my first days at the company…
Chapter 4 Joining the Boss’s CompanyAs an ordinary university graduate, I sent my resume to countless companies and faced rejection after rejection. With a glimmer of hope, I submitted my application to The Ward Group, the largest publicly listed company in the city.
To my surprise, I got an interview opportunity.
The candidates alongside me were impressive – graduates from prestigious universities, both domestic and abroad.
One girl sneered when she saw my resume. “You, from a common university, think you can interview at The Ward Group? Must be a mistake by HR. You’re brave to come here, though. If you actually get the job, I’ll drink water upside down.”
I stood there, clutching my resume, feeling utterly out of place among this crowd of elites.
My cheeks burned as whispers circulated around me.
“Are you questioning the competency of The Ward Group’s HR?” I shot back, surprising even myself.
She hadn’t expected me to retaliate and quickly looked at the staff nearby, backpedaling. “I didn’t mean that.”
“Your words are laced with discrimination against common universities. While my school might not be the best, it has a reputable program. There are graduates from excellent universities here. And just because you studied there, it doesn’t mean The Ward Group would discriminate against us common graduates.
“Even if I don’t succeed today, it’s not a reflection of my school but of my personal abilities. I received an invitation from The Ward Group’s HR to interview, and I came prepared. No matter the outcome, I’m treating this interview with the seriousness it deserves.”
My words made the crowd look at her with disdain. She turned pale and opened her mouth to protest…
“Well said. The Ward Group never judges employees by their educational background; we value capability and personal qualities.”
A clear, pleasant voice came from down the hallway as a handsome man in a sharp suit approached, exuding an icy aura. Several well-dressed people followed him, indicating his high status.
“Good morning, Mr. Ward…” the staff greeted him hurriedly.
Julian Ward walked up to me, fixing his gaze on the girl. “Miss, I believe you don’t align with our company’s values. You’re not suitable for us; please seek opportunities elsewhere.”
“Who are you to send me away? My uncle is Manager Hank Walter from Marketing. You think I’ll just leave? You’ll need to consult him first.”
She was clearly furious, threatening to leverage connections as if it would intimidate him. If only she realized how high above her he was.
Julian frowned slightly. “Call Mr. Walter and have him pick up his niece. Inform HR to process her termination.”
“Understood, Mr. Ward.”
With that, the group left without a backward glance, leaving the girl pale and bewildered. A staff member gently led her away, explaining, “He’s our president and the chairman’s son. Please wait here for your uncle and don’t disrupt others’ interviews…”
Later, the interview went surprisingly smoothly for me.
Chapter 5 Blocking Alcohol for the BossTo my surprise, I received a call from HR after getting home. I had successfully joined The Ward Group as a new member of the secretarial office.
Later, I asked Assistant Bryce why I got hired. He said it was probably because Mr. Ward appreciated my communication skills.
I thought to myself, Julian truly was both gentle and formidable.
However, I soon realized that he hired me purely because his sharp tongue left no one else standing. Was the legendary loneliness of the unbeatable true?
Initially, I was overly respectful towards Julian at work, but as time passed and he continued to be difficult, I pushed back. Instead of getting angry, he seemed pleased. Perhaps this was the peculiar trait of a CEO?
Thus began our verbal sparring and physical tussles… but don’t get the wrong idea – it was just him getting drunk while I tried to manage him, with him bumping into things.
On my first day in the secretarial office, my colleagues informed me that helping the CEO block alcohol was part of my duties.
I never expected my first outing with him would end up being a disaster.
During a collaboration dinner with an overseas company, their president kept toasting Julian. After he had a few drinks, Julian’s face was getting a bit strained. So, when the opposing president raised another glass, I stepped in to block it.
“We’ve had such a pleasant discussion today and truly appreciate the opportunity to work together. In the spirit of sincerity, I’ll toast you three times.”
I raised my glass and downed my wine. Just as I was pouring another glass, Julian covered mine with his hand. Confused, I looked up at him, but he stood and pushed me gently back into my seat.
“Miss Campbell is right; we’re thrilled about this collaboration and hope for more opportunities ahead. I’ll toast you, Mr. Philips.”
After the toast, Julian maintained his composure, but I sensed a hint of displeasure. I couldn’t understand why.
Once in the car, his expression darkened.
I was seeing him angry for the first time after working together for so long.
I didn’t dare speak, but he kept staring at me until I finally broke the silence.
“Mr. Ward, are you feeling unwell? Do you need me to get some hangover medicine from the pharmacy?”
“Eliza, who told you to block alcohol for me?”
“Huh? Isn’t that expected? As your secretary, it’s my duty.”
He frowned, rubbing his temples. “Forget who told you; just know I don’t need you to block drinks. I don’t want to see that happen again, understood?”
“But other secretaries have done it for you! Are you worried about my tolerance? Don’t worry; I can handle my liquor.”
“Other secretaries are men. Are you a man?”
He interrupted me, and I was left staring blankly.
“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to disrespect women. But you should know that women are more vulnerable when drinking, and if something happens, the consequences are dire. So, when you’re with me, no drinking. I do not allow women to block drinks for me.”
Chapter 6 Keeping My Distance from the Boss“However, if you really want to drink, we can have a little privately. But wine needs to be savored slowly; you can’t just down it like you did just now. Tomorrow, I’ll bring you a bottle of my collected red wine. Take your time to enjoy it.”
After he said this, he turned his gaze to the street outside, a hint of awkwardness in his demeanor.
I couldn’t help but steal glances at his profile, my heart racing uncontrollably, and I turned back to the car window, a smile creeping onto my face.
As time went on, I gradually transformed from a novice into a top-notch secretary who could handle responsibilities independently.
Coincidentally, my new apartment turned out to be directly above his, in a building that belonged entirely to him.
This meant we spent even more time together. Not only did I follow him closely during work hours, but he often took me to dinner at his friends’ restaurants after work, claiming he needed a free designated driver.
He also often mooched off the breakfast I made, accompanying me to and from work. The colleagues in the company didn’t misinterpret our relationship; rather, they seemed to pity me, thinking I was enslaved by the president both at work and at home.
Assistant Bryce was also pleased. Since I had moved into Julian’s building, he found fewer reasons to seek Julian after hours, giving him time to focus on his own love life.
Despite the general belief that Julian Ward wouldn’t develop feelings for anyone – man or woman – I still sensed a hint of ambiguous chemistry between us.
But all of that changed yesterday, shattering like a bubble.
“Eliza! What do you mean by resigning? What do you mean by moving? I don’t agree! It’s just a cold! You…” Julian exploded, slamming his hand on the table. He paused mid-sentence, his expression suddenly shifting.
He got up and moved to sit beside me, speaking carefully. “Eliza, do you have some terminal illness? Don’t be scared; I’ll take you to the hospital right now. Don’t worry, I can arrange for top doctors to treat you. I’ll be with you every step of the way…”
I swatted his head away. Are you cursing me?
“Julian, I’m not sick! I just have a cold! I want to resign and move because I want to distance myself from you. Do you understand?
“I told you before, don’t be too nice to me; I’ll get the wrong idea. I might think you like me.
“Yes, I liked you before, but no matter how much I like someone, I won’t become a mistress. Since you have a girlfriend, stop messing with me!”
“What are you talking about? What girlfriend? I don’t have a girlfriend! Eliza, what’s going on in that little head of yours? I was afraid of scaring you, so I didn’t want to overdo it, and you actually suspected I have a girlfriend? If I had one, it would be you!”
Julian’s brow furrowed, his expression a mix of seriousness and helplessness. He sighed, covering his eyes.
Maybe he was just too good at acting; I couldn’t see any signs of deceit in him.
But the truth was right in front of me; anything he said felt like classic gaslighting.
“Julian! There’s no point in denying it. I know everything. I heard it and I saw it.
“If you admit it now, I can talk to you calmly. Don’t think about trying to deceive me again. You definitely don’t want to know what I’m capable of doing!”
Chapter 7 The Boss Calls His ‘Dream Girl’I gazed deeply at Julian, rubbing my temples to ease the headache that had settled in. The events of yesterday haunted me – after receiving his drunken call and driving him home, I had accidentally caught a glimpse of his messages.
There was a girl’s avatar, stunningly beautiful, with the name Kelly followed by a heart emoji. The messages read:
Julian: [What time is your flight back tomorrow afternoon? I’ll pick you up.]
Kelly ♡: [It’s at 3:30 PM. Julian, you’re so sweet for picking me up yourself. Love you.]
Thinking back to the phone call that led me to his private room, I had overheard snippets of conversation with his friends.
“Julian, are you still not a man? You’ve kept her waiting for so many years. If you don’t make a move soon, someone else will take her away, and you’ll regret it.”
“Yeah, you fell for her at first sight. We asked you about it, and you kept it a secret…”
“Shut up! You old perverts don’t understand…”
Seeing those messages now left no room for doubt: Julian had been in love with this girl for years, and her return was making him drunk with emotions.
“Eliza, you need to clarify. You can’t condemn me over some baseless assumptions. Even a condemned man has the right to appeal!”
Julian’s eyes were bloodshot, veins bulging in his hands, his voice low and fierce.
I was taken aback; it was the first time I’d seen him like this. His red eyes made my heart ache.
“Julian, that day when I went to pick you up from the restaurant, I heard your conversation outside the door. I heard you say you had a girl you’ve liked for years. And on the way back, I saw your messages with Kelly… Do you want me to continue?”
Julian froze for a moment after hearing this, then unexpectedly laughed.
“Is that all?”
“Isn’t that enough? Your long-time crush is back, and the very next day you start avoiding me. What else do you expect me to think?”
His dismissive tone irritated me to the point where I grabbed the fruit fork next to me and slammed it to the floor, producing a loud clatter.
“Eliza, calm down. Don’t get angry. Let me explain everything.”
“Kelly is not the girl I’ve liked for years. I’ll call her right now to prove it.”
Seeing me getting more agitated, Julian softened his tone. He unlocked his phone and was about to call Kelly.
After a few rings, an annoyed voice came through.
“Julian, I was sleeping! You’d better have something important to say, or I swear I’ll kill you!”
Julian’s face scrunched up in disgust, moving the phone away slightly, as if he expected this reaction.
I widened my eyes in disbelief. Was this dream girl of his really so hot-tempered?
“Kelly, you mother has just called me. Should I tell her that her precious daughter is back but hasn’t informed her?”
The air grew thick with tension, and then there was a sweet yet grinding voice from the other end.