"I won't hurt you," I assured him.

Chak stood up and walked over to me, his gaze unreadable. "You're not going to work today."

"Why not?" I asked, confused.

"Because you're going to prepare lunch for the guests."

"Guests? Who's coming?" I questioned.

"You'll find out soon," he replied, adding, "Lunch should be ready by noon, and you're cooking for four people. If the guests don't like it, forget about being my friend."

I swallowed hard and nodded. "I'll do my best."

Chak turned and walked up the stairs, leaving me alone in the kitchen. I took a deep breath, trying to encourage myself. I can do this. I have to do this.

After changing into more comfortable clothes, I returned to the kitchen and saw Chak putting on his shoes near the entrance.

"See you soon," he said. "And don't destroy my kitchen."

I chuckled, though my nerves were on edge. "I'll try my best not to. Have a good day."

Just as he was about to leave, he turned back and added, "Make Thai coconut chicken soup, roasted duck with tamarind sauce, mango vegetable salad, and sticky rice with mango for dessert."

I watched him leave, then grabbed my phone to search for recipes. My hands trembled slightly as I scrolled. This had to be perfect. Not just good—perfect. 

Time passed quickly as I cooked, and before I knew it, it was 11:50. I inspected the dishes carefully—they looked decent, but was that enough? I took a deep breath, feeling my stomach twist with anxiety. *If this isn't good enough, what will he do?

After setting the table, I heard the front door open.

Chak entered first, followed by two men. The first one I recognized immediately—it was Chai, Chak's younger brother. He was slightly shorter than Chak, with softer features and a mischievous glint in his eyes. He carried himself with an air of confidence, dressed in casual yet stylish clothes. The second man, I assumed, was Chai's boyfriend. Tarn was taller than Chai but had a gentle presence, his neatly styled hair and kind smile making him seem approachable.

Chai approached me with a warm smile. "I'm Chai, Chak's brother," he said, extending his hand.

I shook it. "I'm Niran. I work at the company."

Chai raised an eyebrow. "And what are you doing here?"

"I live here," I replied simply.

Chai exchanged a glance with Tarn before smirking. "Interesting."

Tarn then extended his hand. "I'm Tarn. Chai's boyfriend."

"Nice to meet you," I said politely, my eyes briefly flicking to Chak, who remained silent, watching our exchange.

Then Chai gestured toward the food. "Did you make all this?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I hope it's edible."

"If it's not, forget our agreement," Chak stated coldly.

Chai frowned. "What agreement?"

"That's between us," Chak responded curtly.

We sat at the table and started eating. Throughout the meal, I could feel Chai's gaze on me, as if he were analyzing something. My hands felt clammy as I held my fork, trying not to show how nervous I was. What if they don't like it? What if I mess up?

Finally, Chai set his fork down and leaned on his elbow.

"You know what's strange, brother? No one who has worked for you has ever set foot in your house, let alone lived with you."

Chak placed his glass of water down, his sharp eyes locking onto Chai. "What are you implying?"

Chai didn't falter. "I just never expected you to have an employee who not only lives here but also isn't afraid of you."

A brief silence fell over the table. I glanced at Chak, but his expression remained unreadable—cold as ever. I swallowed hard, my appetite nearly gone.

Then Chai smirked playfully at me. "Niran, you really are something special."

Chak's brow twitched slightly, and he set his fork down with a small clatter. "Don't talk nonsense, Chai," he said, his tone dangerously low.

But Chai wasn't done. He turned to me. "And how is he toward you?"

I hesitated, pretending to think, though I already knew my answer. "He's… strict." I glanced at Chak, who showed no reaction. "But… I think he trusts me more than others."

Chai scoffed. "My brother doesn't trust anyone."

Tarn chuckled, looking at Chak with curiosity. "I have to admit, this is really unusual. You usually have strict boundaries. Why Niran?"

Chak shot him a cold look before returning to his plate. "Don't be nosy."

Chai rolled his eyes, grinning. "It seems like you have a soft spot for him, brother."

Chak placed his utensils down and leaned back. "He's my employee. Nothing more, nothing less."

But the way his gaze lingered on me for just a second longer told a different story.

Chai leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a victorious smile, as if he had just uncovered some great secret. "Hmm… just an employee, huh?" He twirled his fork idly before looking directly at me. "I don't know, Niran. It seems to me that my brother doesn't usually let just anyone into his personal space."  

I swallowed hard, unsure of what to say. The way Chai was watching me, like he was waiting for me to slip up, made my stomach tighten.  

Chak remained silent, his expression unreadable, but I noticed the slight clench of his fingers against the edge of his plate. That small detail made my pulse quicken. Was he annoyed with Chai? Or with me?  

Tarn tried to ease the tension with a forced smile. "Chai, don't tease him too much. It's obvious that Niran is just doing his job."  

Chai chuckled, a hint of mischief in his voice. "Oh, of course. 'Just' doing his job."  

The atmosphere grew increasingly uncomfortable. I could feel the heat creeping up my skin, even though the air conditioning was running. I lowered my gaze, focusing on my plate, hoping the conversation would shift to something else.  

Then suddenly, Chak placed his napkin on the table and stood up. "We're done here." His voice was unusually sharp, and for a split second, even Chai looked surprised.  

"Already?" Chai raised an eyebrow, his smirk unfaltering. "I thought we were just getting started."  

Chak shot him a cold look. "If you're here to waste my time, you can leave."  

Tarn quickly stepped in. "Alright, alright. Let's not turn this into an argument."  

Chai smirked and raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. But, Niran—" His gaze locked onto mine, his grin almost too satisfied. "You're definitely different."  

I wasn't sure whether to take it as a compliment or a warning.  

---------

After lunch, I was cleaning up the kitchen when Chak casually said, "When you're done, get changed. We're going to the office."  

I simply nodded, but my mind was still tangled in everything that had happened at lunch.  

Chai's words. Chak's sudden coldness. The way he had ended the conversation so abruptly.  

I shook my head, pushing those thoughts aside as I headed to my room.  

As I stepped through the door, Leo lazily lifted his head from his bed and stretched, letting out a slow yawn.  

"You really have an easy life," I muttered, scratching his fur. He purred in response, completely unbothered by my stress.  

I changed quickly, opting for something neat but comfortable, and made my way outside.  

Chak was already waiting by the black BMW. "Let's go," he said, his tone clipped and unreadable.  

The silence in the car was suffocating.  

I glanced at him a few times, trying to gauge his mood, but he was impossible to read. His fingers tapped lightly against the steering wheel at a red light, his jaw set tight.  

I opened my mouth to say something—anything—but then thought better of it and shut it again.  

------

When we arrived at the office, I had barely stepped inside when Non greeted me.  

"Niran! How's your cat?"  

I blinked in confusion. "My what?"  

"Your cat, Leo!" Non clarified, looking at me sympathetically. "Chak told us you were absent this morning because you had to take care of him. He said Leo broke his leg."  

I stared at him. "I'm sorry… what?"  

Non gave me an understanding smile. "If you need any help, let me know. My sister is a vet."  

I barely managed to keep my expression in check and forced a smile. "Thanks… I'll think about it."  

What the hell?  

Why would Chak say that?  

Leo was perfectly fine this morning. I had just petted him before leaving.  

I stole a glance toward Chak's office, my heart pounding slightly.  

At that moment, the elevator doors opened, and Chak walked in. His gaze flickered toward me for a brief second before he gave a barely noticeable nod.  

I clenched my fists.  

What is going on?  

Without a word, I turned and headed toward Chak's office, determined to get some answers.