At the lobby of our office building, I spot our general manager, Mr. Parker, waiting for me. His presence is both reassuring and intimidating.
My father has arranged for him to introduce me to the team and to give me a tour of the office, a gesture that feels both generous and overwhelming.
As I step into the office, a mix of excitement and happiness swells within me. I inspect every department, absorbing the atmosphere and the energy of the place.
I engage in conversations with department heads and other core personnel, feeling a sense of amazement as I discuss our previous big projects in detail.
It takes me just one day to familiarize myself with the company, and I can't help but feel a rush of accomplishment.
As an angel who is hardworking and specializes in paperwork, this is nothing to me. In our heaven, each day counts as this world's 72 hours, so just 24 hours aren't enough to tire me out.
Yet, I notice the surprised expressions on the faces of the upper echelons of our company, their astonishment at my abilities igniting a spark of determination within me.
I wonder what expression my father will wear when he learns about my progress.
At lunchtime, Xavier enters my office, carrying a lunch box. I feel a wave of gratitude wash over me; he's always been a dependable companion.
Just as I'm about to dig in, a knock interrupts my moment of peace.
"Excuse me, may I come in?" a melodious voice calls out, breaking the silence.
"Come in," I reply, my curiosity piqued.
A tall, handsome man in a black suit strides into the room, exuding confidence.
"Who are you?" I ask, maintaining my composure.
"I'm Eric Jones. We will collaborate on a big project soon. I come here today about that project. Mr. Parker tells me that you want to supervise it. I at least have to see who will be my partner." His tone is playful, and I can't help but feel a flutter of annoyance at his casual demeanor.
"If you want, you can have a brief meeting with me after lunch. But I won't give you more than one hour," I respond, trying to assert my boundaries.
"You know the extent of this project. It's huge. How can we discuss it in such a short time?" he challenges, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
"One hour is more than enough for me. Now, if you excuse me, I haven't had my lunch yet," I say, feeling a bit irritated.
"You won't invite me?" he asks, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"You can see there isn't enough food for two people," I retort, crossing my arms.
"You can tell your people to bring some for me," he suggests, his confidence unwavering.
"I prefer to eat alone. And I have to remind you, you're engaged to my younger sister. So don't try to flirt with me," I say, my voice firm.
"How straightforward! When my engagement was decided by my family, I didn't know about you. If I had known, I would have considered it more," he replies, his tone shifting to something more serious, and I feel a pang of discomfort.
"As it's decided already, you'll be my brother-in-law in the future. So be aware of your manners," I warn.
"Cathy said you're so ugly that no man will be interested in you. How could she know you have a pure but unyielding charm that is contradictory, but exactly this sense lures people in like moths to a flame?" he counters, his words both flattering and infuriating.
"You're so good at flirting; you deserve your playboy title. Is your sadistic title also true?" I shoot back with sarcasm.
"Yeah, I'm sadistic, but just in the case of my enemies. Don't worry, I can't imagine you as my enemy," he replies, his gaze steady, and I feel a strange mix of admiration and annoyance.
"Who will worry about your preference? That's my sister's matter. You can go now," I say, glaring at him, my patience wearing thin.
He chuckles, a sound that both irritates and intrigues me.
Xavier, who has been quietly observing, escorts him out, and I can't help but wonder what was Xavi thinking when Eric flirted with me openly.
As the door closes behind Eric, I feel a whirlwind of emotions—confusion, irritation, annoyance. Whatever, I'm busy today. I don't have time to waste on these silly matters.
On our way back home, I turn to Xavier and say, "Tomorrow, my darling arrives at 9 am. You must drive me to the airport on time."
The words hang in the air, filled with anticipation and a hint of excitement to meet my best friend again.
He shoots back with an angry tone, "Who is he? Why is he coming here? What is your relationship, actually?" His eyes narrow, and I can feel the tension crackling between us.
I can't help but respond sharply, "How dare you question your master's private life? Your father was a butler. You should know the rules best." I can see the fire in his eyes, but I refuse to back down.
He retorts, "You know I broke them many years ago." There's a defiance in his voice that makes my heart race.
I counter, "I should fire you at that time." The words slip out before I can think them through, but I'm not ready to show any weakness.
"You would never," he replies, a smirk creeping onto his face, as if he knows something I don't.
"Really? How can you be so confident?" I challenge, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.
"I looked after you from your birth," he says, his tone softening slightly. "I am your only friend from childhood. I watched you grow up from a brat to a lady. Only I have the right to be with you."
His words hang in the air, heavy with emotion, and I'm taken aback. What the hell is this logic!
"You know our society never allows a girl in my position to be with my caretaker. It's so absurd," I reply, trying to reason with him, but my voice wavers.
"I never live my life according to the preferences of society," he states firmly, as if that's the end of the discussion.
"What a big mouth," I mutter, frustration bubbling up inside me. "Okay, forget about society. Just tell me, are you even qualified to be with me?"
He takes a deep breath, as if preparing for a grand revelation. "I completed my MBA when you weren't in the country. I started an IT company with my friends that is doing fairly well. In your absence, I went to live in B city. My company is there. I came back one day prior to your return."
His words flow out, each one more surprising than the last. "I always monitor your social media; I even planted a spy around you abroad to protect you from any harm. I know you are upset with me. I shouldn't have taken advantage of your drugged state. But what could I do? I love you from the start. In this life and all the lives that'll come next, you can only be mine."
His declaration hangs in the air, and I feel my heart race. What is he saying?
My mind goes blank, overwhelmed by the weight of his words and the intensity of his gaze.
I'm caught in a whirlwind of emotions, struggling to process everything he just revealed....