➥𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 (𝟏𝟖+)

- ELEVEN -

" Like that by Babymonster "

Suman's POV:

I got up from my chair and walked toward the door, ready to leave, when the ringing of my phone made me pause. Fishing it out of my purse, I glanced at the caller ID and couldn't stop the warm smile that stretched across my face.

Tina.

"WHERE the hell are you? And how's your day going?" her voice practically screamed through the receiver.

"My day isn't over yet," I sighed dramatically. "I'm still here, enjoying this wonderful day filled with endless orders."

"Oh, come on, Sumi. You're his personal assistant. It's your job to follow his orders, babe." She chuckled, clearly amused by my frustration.

"Yeah, I know. But wait till I get home and tell you everything. Tab tujhe samajh aayega." (Then you'll understand.)

"By the way, how does he look? Is he handsome? I've heard so much about him and his so-called charm. You're so lucky, spending the whole day with our hot CEO-"

"Tina, shut up! "I cut her off, groaning. But then, almost hesitantly, I added, "I think he's the same guy we saw at the club."

The line went silent for a second before she hissed, "What the fuck? Not that jerk!"

"Calm down, Tinu. He didn't do anything wrong to me, so we can't just assume the worst," I said, trying to defuse her temper.

"If that bastard ever tries something with you, I swear I'll smash his face in. I don't care if I lose my job or whatever." Her protective anger almost made me smile.

"Let's leave it, okay? I'll tell you everything later," I replied, glancing at the clock. "You can go home; I'll stay until he's done with his endless tasks."

"Fine. Just be careful. Bye."

"Bye, you too."

Ending the call, I sat back down and stared at the clock on the wall. Time felt like it was mocking me, ticking along at a snail's pace. How could someone possibly be this grumpy and demanding?

Eight cups of coffee in one day? Really? He must have a caffeine reservoir instead of a stomach. And now, after all that work, he wanted me to sit here and do nothing.

Trying to focus on my tasks, I went through emails, but my thoughts kept drifting to him. Every time I saw his intimidating figure, fragments of that night at the club came flooding back.

There was something magnetic about him, something that made me feel inexplicably drawn to his presence. But at the same time, his indifference toward me was maddening. It made me question if I'd even recognized him correctly. Maybe I was just overthinking. Maybe that night was nothing to him-a fleeting moment lost in the sea of countless other encounters he must have had.

After all, look at him. Who would say no to a guy like that? Inner voice: Exactly. Like you wouldn't.

Shut up.

Feeling like a complete idiot, I tried to shake off the intrusive thoughts. I was here for work, not to daydream about my boss. He was just a man-an arrogant, caffeine-fueled tyrant-and I wouldn't let him get under my skin.

Resolving to focus, I turned back to my laptop, only to freeze when I saw him walking toward my cabin. His hand reached for the door handle, and he pushed it open, stepping inside.

The wall clock read 9:00 p.m. Finally! Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived.

"We should leave now; it's nine-" I started to say, grabbing my purse.

"My words aren't finished, Ms. Suman," he interrupted coldly, making me stop in my tracks.

Patience, patience, I reminded myself. Don't lose it now.

"Hmm? Lost in your thoughts again, Ms. Suman?" he asked, a mocking edge to his tone.

"No, sir," I replied quickly. "Please continue."

His lips quirked into something resembling a smirk as he said, "Let me remind you of something you seem to have forgotten. What about the seven minutes and thirty-eight seconds you owe me?"

I blinked, unable to process what he'd just said. Is this man serious?

"And," he added, his next words making my jw drop, "come down to the parking lot. But don't use the elevator. Take the stairs."

No way.

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