Zara's mother was surprised to walk in on her daughter with a man and not just any man, her boss. Zara watched her mother's face and was scared when she caught the surprised look on her face but then became when her mother smiled and further walked into the house, she became quite confused.
Later that day after Devon's departure, she told her mother everything: about how she had fallen in love with her boss and can't seem to stop herself despite her hatred for playboys and she also told her about Devon's past and how she feels sorry for him.
"My dear, I am aware that falling in love can be both thrilling and heartbreaking, especially when it is with a person with that young man's character. I've been there before and I know how hurtful it can be. I'm not going to tell you to throw away your feelings for him because all men aren't the same but I'll tell you to guard your heart, set boundaries, value yourself and be ready to walk away when you notice him going back to his old ways," her mother said.
"Love is beautiful, you'll see if that man is truly yours."
Zara felt better after speaking to her mother. She had a kind of assurance that Devon wasn't going to hurt her; he looked really sincere with her when he was at her home. Zara decided she was going to take things slowly and see where it takes them.
Zara returned to work the next day, her pulse pumping with a mixture of excitement and fear. Her chat with her mother, as well as her belief that people might evolve, had impacted her choice to continue her employment. She couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement as she strolled through the familiar halls, anticipating seeing Devon again.
Devon was overjoyed to see Zara again. He missed her presence more than he wanted to admit. Their covert talk at her residence had shown a part of him he hadn't previously explored. He was eager to show Zara that he was sincere and capable of becoming the guy she deserved.
The first couple days were full of sneaky stares, hidden smiles, and delicate touches. Devon would always find excuses to call Zara into his office s, whether it was to address work-related issues or simply to spend some additional time together during breaks to steal a few kisses and cuddle. Zara's heart beat faster whenever she was near Devon, and she felt comfort in his embrace.
Their coworkers began to notice the shift in their dynamic. There was sudden warmth between them that had not before existed. Whispers and inquisitive stares followed them, but Zara and Devon kept their burgeoning feelings private. They didn't want to draw unwanted attention or endanger their budding connection.
Their secret office affair intensified as the days stretched into weeks. They began to share more personal experiences, as well as their hopes and worries. Devon continued to delight Zara with modest tokens of devotion, such as a single red rose placed on her desk, a charming note concealed in her work files, and unexpected coffee breaks so they could spend time alone.
Zara found herself alone in the break room one evening as the workplace began to empty. Devon emerged, seemingly from nowhere, with a malicious twinkle in his eyes.
"Miss Smith, would you honor me with a dance?" he requested, reaching out his hand to her.
Zara quietly giggled; her pulse racing at the proposition. She put her hand in his and they swayed softly to the music.
"You know, Mr. Kings, I hadn't imagined I'd find myself in a work-related romance," Zara jokingly said.
Devon grinned, his eyes on her.
"Doesn't life have a way of surprising us? But I must admit I never expected that I would fall for my secretary."
Zara's gaze softened as she met his.
"You've really changed, haven't you?"
Devon nodded; his face solemn.
"I did, Zara. And it's all because to you."
Despite the inevitable difficulties, their secret connection flourished. They experienced times of uneasiness and doubt, but their mutual understanding and dedication kept them anchored. Zara was drawn to Devon's fragility and his aspirations to be a better person, whilst Devon admired Zara's strength and unshakable loyalty.
Aaron paid an unannounced visit to the workplace one day, and by chance, he happened to stroll in on a moment he wasn't intended to see. Zara sat on Devon's laps, their faces close together, engrossed in a hushed and personal dialogue. Their eyes widened as they discovered Aaron standing at the doorway, his expression filled with astonishment.
Zara scurried away from Devon's laps, her cheeks flushed with humiliation. Devon stood up right away in an effort to calm himself down.
"It's not what you think it is, Aaron. I promise," a shaken Zara murmured as she fixed her gaze on her feet.
Aaron's brow furrowed, and a smirk appeared on his lips.
"Oh, I've seen enough, I guess," Aaron said.
"Miss Smith, you may now leave," Devon stated, adopting a more formal tone this time.
Devon received a desperate glance from Zara and responded with a reassuring nod before leaving the office. She turned and walked away, and Devon looked at his best friend.
"Let me explain," He said, his voice grave.
But Aaron interrupted him, grinning widely.
"There's no need to explain, my buddy. You won! Congratulations."
Devon struggled to understand what Aaron was saying and his perplexity grew.
"What do you mean, I won?" he asked
Aaron laughed, the mirth in his eyes flickering.
"Is it not clear? You succeeded in your little office romance quest by making Zara fall for your little tricks. Bravo!"
Devon's mouth fell open. He had completely forgotten about the bet he had made with Aaron. Before he could say anything, Aaron spoke.
"I'll give you the 30% shares of my company that I promised you as your reward for winning the bet," Aaron, who was a little infuriated because he lost the argument, remarked as he made his way towards.
"I'll take my leave now."
Devon placed his head on his palm feeling really bad about everything from the beginning. He wished he could turn back the hands of time.
"What bet is he talking about?" Zara asked, opening the door.