Before pushing the massive door to Jerrick's office, Irene puffed out a deep breath and composed herself before going inside the lion's den.
Jerrick is standing tall with his hands on his pocket while looking on the giant buildings in front of him. His office is located on the 15th floor of the Lotus Entertainment building so there is a lot to see up here. He can even see a panoramic view of the famous Yan river from above.
Irene saw his prominent back. As usual, Jerrick is wearing a customized black tuxedo which screams dominance and authority even from behind.
Jerrick is a full-figured tall man in his 20s. A strand of dark hair lay stylishly on his forehead just like how most male idols wear their hair. Overall, he is the epitome of a handsome company CEO.
He seems to be unaware of Irene's presence which is why Irene faked a cough to get his attention. Instantly, Jerrick snapped out from his deep thought and faced Irene.
"Were you there for a long time already?" Jerrick asks while leading Irene to his coffee table as they sit down in front of each other.
His secretary knocked lightly and entered the office as she poured him a coffee while tea for Irene. The prim and proper secretary bowed before leaving the office.
Jerrick is the typical monster boss. He is a workaholic and expects the artists under his established entertainment company to do the same. For years, he has worked so hard to remain on top despite numerous competitors popping up like mushroom. Proving his father that he made the right decision to let him take over their company is his primary goal.
There is a lump forming in Irene's throat which makes her breathing shallow and calculated. Jerrick's aura is so strong and domineering that her knees are trembling.
"No, Sir." Was all she replied. Irene is using honorifics event though they are just around the same age.
The corner of Jerrick's mouth rose amusingly, "Come on, Irene. When will you stop calling me 'Sir'? You are making me feel like I am too old," He chuckled and took a sip of dark coffee in a white cup and then placed it back on a saucer.
Waving her hands in protest, "No, Sir. Uhm- I didn't mean it that way," Irene pursed her lips as she was also about to say 'Sir' just like she always do.
Rumors circulating around the company about how standoffish and wicked he is somehow contributed to Irene fearing Jerrick the moment he replaced his father after the company was given to him to lead.
It has not been a year since Jerrick assumed the highest position in this huge entertainment company so Irene has not known him as much as she does know his benevolent father.
His eyes glistened, "You can call me Jerrick," He casually said and briefly looked at Irene but moved his face away. His necktie is loose and the first two buttons of his button down shirt is undone.
Irene is fidgeting her fingers, uneasy. "But you are my boss," She spoke softly to him.
"Irene," Jerrick leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees and continued, "You bring the most revenue in this company. By that, I won't even get mad if you call me a jerk!" He laughed so hard which made Irene burst in laughter.
'He is not so evil after all.' Irene thought to herself.
Jerrick leaned back, "There, you're laughing." He said. Unlike most of the time where he wears a grim expression, a permanent smile is etched on his painfully attractive face right now.
He cleared his throat, "I didn't know you have a new bodyguard. Is he trustworthy? Where did you find him?"
Irene put down the teacup back on the saucer and cautiously replied, "Ye-… yes. His name is Amiel," She paused to think for a good excuse. "He is good and reliable. Valerie found him and thought he fits the role of being my bodyguard," She avoided his shrewd gaze and played with the curls of her bleach blond hair.
Jerrick exhaled as he noticed Irene's nervousness around him. "I want you to be safe, Irene." He said in a stern manner, trying to catch her gaze to show his sincerity.
For a moment, Irene's heart started beating unusually faster as she stared into Jerrick's thoughtful gaze. She looked away and shrugged it away. Jerrick looked down to hide the smile on his face noticing Irene's face turn crimson.
"Do you have plans for tonight?" Jerrick clasped his hands together as he asked.
Irene almost spat the tea on her mouth, her eyes widened. 'Is he asking me for a date?'
-
"What?!" Valerie's eyes grew wide after listening to Irene regarding to what happened earlier in Jerrick's office. "I thought he is a jerk,"
Irene pierced the meat on her plate with a fork, "Looks like he isn't, " And then shoved the meat in her mouth.
The two of them are having their lunch in a private room of a restaurant to avoid unnecessary attention from fans and getting to eat in peace.
Amiel left after they finished work saying he has somewhere to go to which made Irene extremely curious. It's not like he has some friends or family here in the mortal world.
"So what did you say?" Valerie asks while wiping her mouth with a napkin.
Irene smiled mischievously, "What do you think?" She continued eating.
"Ouch!" Irene caressed her forehead after Valerie threw a chunk of broccoli on her. "What was that for!" She exclaimed.
Valerie raised her eyebrows, "Woman, let me remind you that you have a very hot boyfriend!"
Irene froze in her seat. "Right. I totally forgot about him," She thought to herself but not realizing she spoke it out loud.
"Seriously?! Wow, I didn't know you're a player," Valerie stared at her cousin in disbelief.
"It's not like that!" Irene waved her hand in protest after realizing that she sounds like a cheating girlfriend.