“Hon,” his voice cut through the crinkling sound of the papers I was holding. I stopped what I was doing, and before I could respond, I felt his arms wrap gently around my waist from behind. We were in my condo. “Why didn’t you answer my call earlier?” he asked, his voice laced with concern as he rested his chin on my shoulder. “Do you know how much I missed you?”

His sweet words made me smile, but as I turned to face him, I couldn’t shake the lingering thoughts of Ms. Alexis. Her cold gaze, her sharp words—it all left me confused and, honestly, a little rattled. What was that all about? I felt like she was testing me of some sort, and I had no idea if I passed or failed.

But then Evan's warm eyes met mine, and just like that, the world outside faded away. I didn’t want to think about work or my strange new boss—I just wanted to be here, with him.

“I missed you too,” I whispered, letting the tension from earlier slip away as I leaned in closer to him. Without another word, his lips claimed mine in a soft, lingering kiss. His arms tightened around me as if he never wanted to let go, and I found myself melting into the warmth of his embrace.

I responded to his kiss, wrapping my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. His kiss was gentle, yet it carried the weight of all his affection. I could feel the respect in every movement, the way he never pushed too far, always making sure I felt cherished.

We kissed for what felt like an eternity, but it was the kind of eternity where time stood still. The world around us faded, leaving just the two of us, lost in the moment.

We finally pulled away, breathless, our foreheads resting against each other. I giggled softly, catching my breath. “I love you,” I whispered, my heart swelling with affection.

He smiled, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. “I love you more,” he replied, his voice tender, like it was a promise he would keep forever.

His fingers lightly traced my cheek, and I leaned into his touch, feeling safe and loved in his arms. How did I get so lucky? I thought to myself, gazing into his eyes. There was a quiet intensity in the way he looked at me, as if I were the only person in his world.

“I’m so grateful for you,” he said softly, and the sincerity in his voice made my chest tighten with emotion. How could I ever doubt how much he loves me?

The next day, I practically flew to the bathroom. I had to hurry because, in just a few minutes, I was sure to be late again. While I was rushing through my shower, I could already feel the stress weighing on my chest. Why am I always rushing in the morning? I went to bed early last night, but somehow, I still overslept even though I had set an alarm on my phone. I quickly grabbed my towel and dried off.

After getting dressed, I immediately looked for my car keys. My car was parked on the lower deck of the condo building’s parking lot. I hope there’s no traffic, I muttered to myself as I hurried down the building. As I walked, I couldn’t help but think about what happened yesterday, knowing that I’d be seeing my boss again today.

When I entered the office, I almost threw my things onto my desk. Rushing again. I quickly knocked on Ms. Alexis’s office door. But before I could even fully step inside, her cold voice greeted me, “Summer, you're late.”

I hung my head as she scolded me. “I never thought I’d be the one to arrive at the office before you. You act like you’re the boss,” she said with an edge to her voice. I could feel the weight of her words, and I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed, even though I knew she had a point.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. It won’t happen again,” I quickly apologized, hoping the scolding would end.

She massaged her temples, like she was trying to calm herself down but couldn’t. Even though she’s mad, I can’t help but notice how beautiful she looks today. Her beauty stood out even more, especially with her pink lipstick that looked so natural on her lips. So, captivating.

“You're late, and now you’re a pervert too,” she said, clearly irritated.

Wait, what? Did she just call me a pervert? As in someone who peeks or spies. Me?! “I don’t want this to happen again. You may go.”

I was about to apologize, and explain that I was not a pervert, yet my gaze fell on her body. Who wouldn’t be mesmerized by her beauty? And why does she have to dress like that? She was wearing a white polo shirt tucked into a black mini skirt. She’s also fond of red heels—she wore them yesterday too.

“Are you done staring at me?” I swallowed hard and coughed at her question. “Next time, just look at my face, not lower.” Wait, why does it feel like that is a double meaning?

“I said you may go,” she said coldly, so I quickly left her office.

That woman is so annoying. So arrogant! It’s like she was born bitter. And why doesn’t she ever smile? She’d be even more beautiful if she smiled—she’d look more like an angel.

“Really?” I snapped back to reality when I heard Ms. June speak. Wait, did I say that out loud again?

“You know, it’s becoming obvious,” she said, raising an eyebrow at me. I frowned. “Ms. Jung told me that you have a crush on your boss. And she’s probably right.”

What kind of nonsense is Ms. Jung spreading now?

“Good luck with that. I heard Ms. Alexis is engaged,” Ms. June added before leaving. She stopped for a moment and said, “And you have a boyfriend too. That’s complicated.”

What is she talking about? And why do they keep emphasizing that Ms. Alexis is engaged? I’m not trying to steal anyone!

Even though you know it was love at first sight.

Come on, conscience, stop it! Or I’ll punch you.

I have a feeling you’ve been hit hard.

Hit by what? I love Evan! And besides, I just think she’s beautiful!

Okay, if you say so.

Since when did I start arguing with my own conscience? I must be going crazy. Maybe I need to get checked.

xx

Later that day, it was finally lunch break. I smiled as I met Evan at the bubble tea shop near my office. I got a text from him earlier saying he wanted us to have lunch together. I needed a break from the office anyway—I was about to lose my mind with everything that was running through my head.

“Hi, hon,” I greeted him, kissing him on the cheek before sitting down next to him.

“Hon, there’s something I want to tell you,” He suddenly said, his tone different than usual. I smiled, but I couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. Something feels off today. I wasn’t used to Evan talking like this.

“We’ve been together for a long time, and our relationship has lasted for quite a while now,” he said as I swallowed hard. “Hon, you don’t need to answer right away, but I just want you to know—you’re the only woman I’ll ever love, and I want to marry you.”

I couldn’t help but feel giddy at his words. Especially when he mentioned that he wanted to marry me. “Hon, what’s going on? Did you win the lottery or something?” I teased, even though I knew I was already blushing in front of him.

Evan just smiled. “I just wanted to remind you,” he said, taking my hand that was resting on the table.

“Hon, I love you too,” I said softly, without hesitation. I smiled at him slowly, feeling the warmth of our love between us.

xx

I’ve been resting my chin on the back of my hand for a while now. The office is quiet again, but every time something important happens, I’m always the last to know. I’m constantly checking the company website or the employee chatroom to stay updated, but no news ever reaches me. And it seems like Ma'am Alexis' sole mission in life is to be cold and rude to me since we met yesterday. Angel in disguise, that woman.

“Food for your thoughts?” I raised my eyebrow at Ms. June, who suddenly appeared. “You know, you're slow sometimes,” she said with a grin. Slow? Am I a slow cooker?

“Your boyfriend’s been looking for you. He’s in the lobby,” she added before walking away.

I hurried to the lobby, confused. Evan? What was he doing here? We had just seen each other during lunch. And why did he seem to have so much free time today? As I approached, I saw him sitting on a metal bench, staring at the floor, deep in thought.

“Hon, what’s going on? Why are you here? Aren’t you busy at the office? Did you forget to tell me something?” I asked, sitting down beside him. But he didn’t respond right away. His eyes met mine, filled with something I couldn’t quite read, and he gently took my hand. His fingers intertwined with mine, but the way he held on felt heavier than usual.

“Is something wrong?” I asked, worry creeping into my voice.

“I love you, Summer. So much,” he said, his voice softer than usual. I could feel the weight of his words, like he was trying to hold something back.

“I love you too,” I replied, smiling a little, though the tightness in my chest grew. Something wasn’t right.

“Let’s get married,” he said suddenly.

The world seemed to stop. Married? Now? “Hon, you don’t have to—”

“Isn’t it a little soon?” I asked, my voice shaky. “It’s not that I don’t want to, but… why now? Why so suddenly?”

He looked down at our intertwined hands, his grip tightening just a bit, like he needed the extra strength. Seconds passed like hours, and I could almost hear my heartbeat echo in the silence between us.

“Hon… she’s back,” he said quietly.

“Who’s back?” I asked, my mind scrambling to make sense of what he was saying.

“Alexis,” he finally said, his voice barely a whisper. “She’s back—my ex.”

My heart plummeted. Alexis? As in… Ma’am Alexis? My boss? The one who’s been cold and distant since the moment we met? The one who looks like she’s stepped straight out of a dream?

His ex is… my boss?