Betrayal To Bliss

||Territorial||

Sanem's POV

I gazed out of the car window, the memory of that disastrous date with Jan still fresh in my mind. Despite the evening being a failure, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment at his genuine efforts. The image of the ice cream incident played like a movie reel in my mind.

(Flashback)

As I stepped into the office on my first day, the murmurings about the impending arrival of the new boss, Jan Divit, filled the air. Inquisitive, I probed Guilen, my colleague, during lunchtime as I indulged in my ice cream. "Why does everyone seem so on edge about Jan Divit?" I asked.

"He has a way of intimidating people," Guilen replied, his tone carrying a subtle caution. I brushed off his warning, carrying my dessert tray towards the upper floors until a sudden collision interrupted my path. Ice cream stained his shirt, yet his gaze was piercing and handsome despite his casual attire.

"Apologies," I offered, reaching for my handkerchief. His grip on my hand tightened as he accused me, "Don't play innocent. You're just trying to get attention, aren't you?"

His assumption triggered a fire within me. With a deep sigh to quell my rising anger, I impulsively emptied the remainder of my ice cream onto his head. Gasps rose from the onlookers as I boldly declared, "Men like you who assume every woman desires you should know that some of us have bigger responsibilities. My aim here is to provide for my family; not to seek your attention or approval!"

As his gaze turned inscrutable, the revelation that he was the boss struck me like lightning. Deren, our manager, rushed to his aid, attempting to defuse the situation. Puzzled, I couldn't comprehend how this man, clad in a jacket and ripped jeans, with an intimidating air akin to a hitman, could hold such a position of authority.

Realization dawned upon me – I had jeopardized my job on the very first day. I had taken a substantial advance from Emre for this task, only to botch it entirely.

I was fortunate that Jan didn't dismiss me. His unexpected forgiveness astounded me as he instructed me to return to work. The shift in events began when I found myself accompanying him to Paris for a crucial business trip. Out of 13 individuals chosen, I was among them.

While in Paris, I vividly recall the carefree manner in which the other girls strolled along the beaches in their bikinis, contrasting sharply with my own discomfort. Feeling out of place, I awkwardly draped myself with a towel, attempting to shield my self-consciousness. Deren and Guilen, exuding confidence in their bikinis, playfully teased me and stripped away my cover, exposing my swimwear-clad body. Glancing over, I noticed Jan watching me with a smile, an acknowledgment of my insecurity.

That particular day was a revelation for me, witnessing my formidable boss, Jan Divit, come to the defense of Deren against a harasser, engaging in a physical altercation. His gallant act instantly earned him admiration amongst the girls. Jan further endeared himself by generously distributing ice creams and coconuts to underprivileged children in the vicinity. It was from that moment onward that I began to glimpse a different, more compassionate side of him. I noticed the regal purple bruise on his knuckles, a testament to the confrontation Jan faced with the assailant. Reluctant to intrude in front of the others, fearing his reaction, I waited until the night draped its comforting veil over the weary bodies of my companions from the long business trip. Taking a bowl of ice cubes, I made my way to Jan's secluded room at the far end of the hallway. His door was ajar, inviting me inside.

"Mr. Jan...?" My voice echoed softly.

Suddenly, I found myself pinned against the wall as he towered over me, an unexpected intensity sparking in his eyes.