Su Jin never imagined that Luo Xian would actually carry her all the way to his office. Along the journey, she kept her gaze down, too embarrassed to meet the curious stares of onlookers. It was clear that she had become the center of attention solely because of the man carrying her, whose presence alone commanded respect and intrigue.
When they arrived at the office, Luo Xian instructed his secretary, Annie, with a tone that brooked no argument: "Watch her. No phones, no internet, no contact with anyone except me or you. She's not to leave this office, nor does she need anything unnecessary. Whatever she asks for, give it to her. But if I find you neglecting your duties, I'll ensure this company has no place for you. Understood?"
Annie nodded briskly, her heart racing. Working for Luo Xian was like walking a tightrope; his ruthlessness and perfectionism were legendary. Yet, the prestige and generous compensation of the Luo Corporation made the job irresistible to many.
"Yes, Mr. Luo. The board meeting starts in ten minutes. The directors are already waiting," Annie reminded him, her voice steady despite the tension.
Luo Xian turned back to Su Jin, his gaze sharp. He lifted her chin with a firm yet measured hand, forcing her to meet his eyes. "Don't do anything I don't like. Be obedient. Understood?"
Su Jin avoided his gaze and muttered under her breath, "Arrogant tyrant." Her voice was barely audible, but both Luo Xian and Annie caught her words. Luo Xian's expression didn't change, while Annie wisely pretended not to hear.
Satisfied for now, Luo Xian left for his meeting, leaving Annie alone with Su Jin. As soon as the door clicked shut, Su Jin finally exhaled, her body relaxing for the first time. Annie took the opportunity to study the woman her formidable boss had brought into his domain. Despite Su Jin's casual demeanor, her manners were graceful and polite. She rose slightly and gave Annie a small bow.
"Hello, I'm Su Jin. Thank you for taking care of me."
Annie blinked in surprise. The woman's demeanor was nothing like what she had expected. "Ms. Su, there's no need to be so formal. Please let me know if you need anything. Mr. Luo was very clear in his instructions."
Su Jin hesitated, her fingers gripping the hem of her borrowed shirt. Despite her embarrassment, she mustered the courage to speak. "Actually, I do need something. Can you help me?"
"Of course," Annie replied. "Just tell me what you need."
Su Jin's cheeks flushed. She glanced at her oversized shirt and jacket, both unmistakably Luo Xian's, and lowered her voice. "Can you… buy me emergency contraception?"
Annie froze, processing the unexpected request. The shock was apparent on her face, but Su Jin quickly added, "I'm sure Mr. Luo would prefer it this way. Please, just get it when you arrange breakfast."
Annie nodded, though her mind reeled. Most women would cling to a man like Luo Xian, hoping for a permanent bond. Yet, here was Su Jin, determined to avoid that very outcome.
Breakfast arrived a short while later, along with a small, inconspicuous box of pills. Su Jin stared at the box, her emotions swirling. Taking a deep breath, she prepared to swallow the pill. But just as she raised it to her lips, a cold, commanding voice startled her.
"What are you doing?"
The pill slipped from her fingers, landing on the desk with a soft clink. Su Jin's head snapped up to find Luo Xian standing in the doorway, his expression darker than a storm cloud. He strode forward, his imposing figure exuding barely restrained fury. Grabbing her wrist, he demanded, "You're taking this?"
"I…" Su Jin stammered, guilt and panic tightening her throat.
Luo Xian's sharp eyes fell on the discarded pill box. His jaw clenched as he crushed the box in his hand. "Answer me. Did you take it?"
"No," she whispered, flinching under his intense scrutiny. "Not yet."
Annie, frozen in place, wished she could disappear. The temperature in the room seemed to plummet as Luo Xian's anger intensified. He tilted Su Jin's chin upward, forcing her to meet his icy glare.
"Do you even know what you were about to take?"
"It's… it's emergency contraception," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Luo Xian's lips curled into a cold smile that sent shivers down her spine. "You didn't want my child," he stated, his tone laced with accusation.
Su Jin's resolve wavered under his gaze, but she pushed through. "I assumed you wouldn't want one either. Someone like you doesn't need an unplanned child complicating things."
His laugh was low and dangerous. "So you decided this on your own?"
"Even if you allowed me to have it," Su Jin said, her voice trembling but defiant, "I refuse to let my child be a bastard. It wouldn't be fair to them. Someone like you will have legitimate heirs someday, with a proper wife."
Luo Xian's expression shifted, though his icy demeanor remained. He leaned closer, his voice dangerously soft. "If you have my child, then we'll make it legitimate. Marry me."
Su Jin's mind went blank. "What?"
"You heard me. If you're worried about legitimacy, then I'll take care of it. Marry me, and our child will be recognized," Luo Xian declared with an unyielding finality.
Su Jin stared at him, speechless. Even Annie, who had been trying to blend into the background, nearly dropped her clipboard in shock.
"You can't be serious," Su Jin finally managed to say, her voice cracking.
Luo Xian's expression didn't waver. "I don't repeat myself. If there's a child, you'll keep it. And you'll be my wife."
Before Su Jin could respond, Luo Xian turned to Annie. "Pack your things. You're fired."
Annie's eyes widened in horror. "Mr. Luo, I—"
Su Jin cut in, grabbing Luo Xian's arm. "Wait! Why?"
"She disobeyed me by getting you that," Luo Xian said, nodding toward the crumpled pill box.
"It was my request," Su Jin argued. "Don't punish her for my actions."
Luo Xian's gaze bore into her. "You're taking responsibility?"
"Yes," Su Jin said firmly.
He regarded her for a moment, then nodded. "Annie, you get one more chance. Don't waste it."
Annie fled the room, grateful for her reprieve. Su Jin, however, was left to face the man whose unpredictable actions had thrown her world into chaos.