His Assistant

Chapter 29

Kiara

I felt the coffee mug tremble slightly in my hand as Brandon cleared his throat behind me. Why was I always so jumpy around him lately? It wasn’t fear exactly—not anymore. It was something deeper, something I couldn’t quite name. 

When he asked to talk, my stomach tightened. His tone wasn’t his usual authoritative one; it was softer, almost... vulnerable. I didn’t know how to feel about that. This was Brandon—my boss, my arrogant, sometimes infuriating boss. And yet, lately, he’d been different. The walls he’d kept firmly in place seemed to be cracking, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to peek inside or run away. 

I followed him to the couch, sitting stiffly and keeping as much distance as I could. I hated the tension in the air, the way my chest felt tight as though something big was about to happen. 

When he apologized, I almost couldn’t believe it. Brandon never apologized. Not for the late nights, the impossible deadlines, or even his occasional sharp words. Hearing it now made my defenses falter. 

And then he said it. 

“You’re not just my assistant, Kiara. You’re so much more than that to me.” 

The words hung in the air, heavy and unexpected. My breath caught as I processed what he was saying. Brandon, my demanding, larger-than-life, playboy boss—had feelings for me? Real feelings? 

Part of me wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it. Was this some kind of power move? A way to mess with my already frazzled emotions? But when I looked into his eyes, I saw no trace of the arrogant man who used to bark orders at me. Instead, I saw sincerity, vulnerability... and something that terrified me: hope. 

As he spoke, confessing his feelings and apologizing for his past behavior, I felt torn. For years, I’d kept him at arm’s length, shielding myself from his mood swings and the chaos he seemed to bring into my life. But now, he was breaking down those barriers, and I didn’t know how to feel. 

I’d spent so long resenting him that I didn’t know how to handle this softer side of him. The part that seemed to care about me, not just as an assistant but as a person. 

“I’m scared,” I admitted. The words tasted bitter on my tongue, but they were the truth. 

Brandon promised it wouldn’t go wrong. He promised we could figure it out. But promises had a way of being broken, and the risks felt overwhelming. If things fell apart, I could lose my job, my reputation, everything I’d worked so hard for. 

Yet there was a part of me, deep down, that wanted to believe him. That wanted to give him a chance. 

When I left the living room, retreating to the safety of my bedroom, my mind swirled with emotions. I paced back and forth, my heart racing as I replayed his words over and over. He said I was worth the wait. No one had ever said that to me before. 

I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my hands. Could I trust him? I know that my makeover is a major factor for this huge change, but I want to be loved because of who I am inside. I don't know if he actually loves the real me, although he has seen me at my lowest in Colorado.

I know Brandon isn't perfect, but I have seen big changes in him. I’d seen it in the way he softened his tone lately, in the way he listened more than I spoke. He was trying to be better, for me. And that scared me even more because it meant he saw something in me that I wasn’t sure I saw in myself. 

I need time to think, to process. But deep down, I knew the decision I’d have to make. Brandon wasn’t just asking for a chance; he was asking me to take a leap of faith. But I don't know if I even like him romantically, our relationship has always been professional. I really don't know what to do, so I decided to call my aunt. She picked up immediately,

"Hi baby, how are you doing?", she asked.

"Hi aunt Maggie, I am doing well. I just wanted to hear your voice"

"Awwn baby, spill it, I can tell you are worried about something. What's on your mind"

I smile knowingly, she always know when I need her advice.

"I just, Umm....... Oksoaguysaidhelikesmeandidon'tknowwhattodo", I rushed out.

"Oh no Kiara try again, I didn't hear a thing you said right now". She's so sassy.

"Fine, I said, a guy told me that he likes me and I don't know what to do". I said calmly this time.

"Ooh, you mean that boy you brought over to the house last week. Finally he told you"

"YOU KNEW", to say I was shocked is an understatement. I was beyond surprised.

"Of course I knew, he was looking at you with those googly eyes and he told me"

"Oh, he did?" I can't believe he told my aunt, does that mean he is serious about it.

"Look Kiara I can hear the uncertainty in your voice, and I know you are scared. You've never done these things before and you can never know what will happen in the future. So, just follow your heart, look deep within yourself and think of what you really want. Then you will find your answer, you hear me baby"

"I hear you auntie, thank you. I love you"

"Love you plenty. Now I have to get back to my movie. Bye sweetie", she hung up.

"Bye auntie", I whispered to my phone.

I spread out on my bed and sighed deeply, well I guess I just have to listen to my heart.

I will give him a chance, but I will take it slow and I will be extremely careful because I definitely don't want to get hurt.
_________________________________________________Hi my lovelies, new update.
And just so you know, we are almost at the end of the book. So stay tuned ❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️🥰