Deal With The Arrogant Billionaire

Lilac’s POV The rumors flying around Bayview City about Ryke Kolynsky, the CEO of Silvercrest Corporations were very… unpleasant. “He’s a rude, arrogant bastard.” “I used to work with him and yeah it’s true. He treats people coldly, like trash.” “What a Grade-A asshole.” My excitement about the chance to work in such a prestigious company faded with each rumor I read on the internet. They were tearing at him just as viciously in the magazine tabloids as well. But even amidst all the criticisms, there was one thing in common between both—The same people talking shit about Ryke couldn’t seem to stop themselves from praising him for his appearances, spinning articles upon articles about Bayview’s youngest yet richest billionaire and most sought after bachelor. Now, the thing about these rumors was, it wasn’t enough to stop me from applying for the position. A month ago, it was announced that Ryke Kolynsky was searching for a personal assistant. It came as a surprise to everyone and the news spread like wildfire because such a thing was never usually this big of a deal. It certainly wasn’t the first time Silvercrest Corp. was hiring, so why was it being heavily publicized all of a sudden? I recalled my conversation I had with my friend and co-worker in the cafe I worked part-time. Millie was even the one who let me know about the recent frenzy surrounding Ryke and Silvercrest. “Wait…” She had said, distracting me from my task of wiping the serving counter. “This just reminded me of that rumor Jayce was telling me the other day! He heard from someone that Ryke's personal assistants always quit working with him within a month because they were unable to stand his arrogance.” “It’s true!’ Jayce piped up from the kitchen and I rolled my eyes fondly. “Oh, wow.” I replied dryly but that didn’t stop Millie. “Yeah! It makes sense why they’re willing to pay this much for such a meager position. The salary used to be crazy high but what they’re offering now is up to three times that. That’s insane.” Now, I’m not going to lie, my interest perked up at that. “They’re desperate.” Jayce said as he popped out of the kitchen holding a tray of freshly washed glass cups. “They need to find a new hire as soon as possible but Ryke’s reputation is so bad, no one will want to work with him unless they pull something like this. So, Silvercrest is simply making sure whoever they hire will stay for the money.” “You’re right. They’re publicizing it so much, there can’t be any other reason.” Millie scrolled on her phone some more. “Has he considered, I don’t know, changing his behavior toward people?” “We don’t know if these rumors are actually true. That’s all they are, Millie. Rumors.” I interjected. “Awwwn,” Millie cooed, setting her phone down where I just freaking wiped and pinched my cheeks. “My baby, Lilac. Always trying to see the good in everyone. Hey, why don’t you try applying?” I snorted and moved to respond to a new customer. Once they left to wait for their order, I responded to Millie. “No. Are you kidding? Do you know how many people will be applying as well? Here’s a hint: At least the entire city’s female working class population. I won’t have a chance in hell of getting picked.” All of this was two weeks ago but after my shift was over, as soon as I got home, I booted up my old room computer, navigated to Silvercrest’s website and applied for the job. I know I said I wasn’t going to and what I told Millie was true. Too many people would also be applying for me to have any good chance, but I wouldn’t have been able to sleep properly knowing that I let that ridiculously tiny chance of being the one hired amongst thousands go without at least trying. The salary being offered was so much. If I had that kind of money, God, my life would change so much. I’d be able to afford three square meals a day for myself and my brother and our mom would be home with us instead of spending her days on a hospital bed. I’ve never been lucky in my life. Yes, I applied for the role, but it was a half-hearted endeavor. I didn’t believe anything would come of it. But it seemed the universe had decided to let up on tormenting me because three days ago, I got an email informing me that I’d been shortlisted for the position and was scheduled to come for an interview today. As I stood in front of the massive corporate building that was Silvercest Headquarters, head pounding and groggy, I was disappointed in myself for going clubbing with Millie on the eve of my interview. To be more specific, I was annoyed that I was so easily bribed with the promise of covering all the expenses. According to her, I’d been looking a lot more dead recently. Although I wouldn’t use those exact words to describe myself, she was right. I’d been getting more and more depressed recently. It was so bad that I could feel myself nearing rock bottom, so as much as I hated to admit it, I needed the outing. I actually had fun last night. I let loose. Never in my innocent twenty-one years of life had I taken more than a few sips of alcohol but yesterday, I chugged on it. It felt so good, so exhilarating to not have to think of everything wrong in my life, every burden I had to carry. It felt even better when I found myself in that man’s lap. Tall and ruthless in beauty, he captured and held my attention from the moment I sat down at the bar and ordered my first drink. I felt on top of the world when he called me over to meet him in the private VIP section. It was… admittedly the best part of last night. Booze got me drunk enough to not think twice about making out with a complete stranger, but that complete stranger had my heart pounding like it wanted to give out, had me releasing sounds that even just thinking about now made my face heat up. It was so perfect. He was perfect. Unfortunately, like everything life placed in my hands, I ruined it by throwing up all over him because I’d drank too much. The shame I felt yesterday came rushing through me again and I took a deep breath to expel the crippling embarrassment. My consolation was simple—I was never going to be reminded of the embarrassment because I was never going to see him again. That sort of luck didn’t fall into the hands of people like me twice. Jolting out of my deep thoughts, I remembered where I was. The walkway, blocking several people from passing easily. Steeling myself, I clutched the styrofoam cup of coffee I bought to ease my hangover tighter and readjusted the tote bag straps on my shoulder. Then I walked into the building. The interior was expensively and tastefully decorated, but I was too anxious this morning to properly observe everything. I walked up to the front desk. “Good morning!” I greeted with a kind smile. The receptionist was an older lady chewing gum with a bored expression on her face. “Mornin’.” She greeted me back. “I’m here for the job interview. To be specific, for the role of personal assistant to Mr. Ryke Kolynsky.” “You’re late.” The woman remarked and I grimaced. How could I explain that I woke up late due to sleeping late because I went clubbing and while I still managed to arrive in time, the few minutes I had were wasted thinking about my terrible life choices? No way. That sounded like a shitty excuse. “Sorry,” I opted for simply apologizing, not really knowing what else to say. “Interview’s that way. Take the elevator to the fifth floor, there’s a large conference room. It’s very easy to find.” “Thanks.” I followed the lady’s direction and found myself facing two elevators. Immediately, I turned around, intending to return to ask which to pick but I didn’t want to waste more time than I already had. And so I picked the elevator that looked fancier. They both probably led to the same floor anyway. I didn't have to wait long for it to arrive and the inside was empty, so I simply stepped in. As I went up, I took a sip from coffee and ran my fingers through my brown hair in an attempt to calm my nerves. I was only a little late. It was fine, really. What wasn't fine was how my hair was already a damn mess because I couldn't stop fidgeting. Ding! The doors slid open and I stepped out into a sparsely decorated corridor. According to the receptionist, the conference room where the interview was being held was easy to find, but I didn’t immediately see any room like that. Looking ahead, I did see a corner so maybe it was on the other side. I walked down the corridor and once I came to the corner, I made a sharp turn but as soon as I did, my entire body slammed clumsily into a hard wall and I gasped. What the hell? I thought. My cup of coffee didn’t make it. It was compressed, spilling all over my clothes and the clothes of the man in front of me. Wait. Man??? Holy shit. My jaw dropped as I took in the person I thought was a wall, gaze landing on a pristine gray suit terribly ruined by brown stains. Just behind that suit I caught a glimpse of tight abs hidden behind a clingy white shirt. Glancing lower, matching gray pants were added to my field of view followed by shoes that looked like they could pay my rent. Only when a deep voice started growling did I realize I’d been staring too long and with a gasp, my eyes snapped up to the person’s face. As soon as I took in who it was, my heart dropped to my stomach. The CEO. I had run into and spilled coffee on Ryke fucking Kolynksy. “I- I’m sor—” I started to apologize but he cut me off. “Are you blind or insane enough to not watch where you’re going?” Ryke snapped and I stumbled backwards. “I am so, so sorry.” I said, already beginning to tremble and blush in humiliation. As I watched him inspect the wet stains on his suit, I remembered I had a napkin in my tote bag and pulled it out. “Here, let me…” I said and hurried forward again to help him wipe it. But he stepped back away from my reach, leveling me with a cool look of disgust. Oh, right. He probably didn’t want some random, weird lady touching him. I dropped my hand and felt myself start to shake uncontrollably. I had only just arrived, yet I’d managed to fuck up my chances of getting hired by monumentally pissing off the CEO himself. In my moment of self-pity, I noticed Ryke had been quiet for too many seconds. I looked up at him and the expression on his face had me pausing in my movement. Ryke was staring at me. His face held shock, like he couldn’t believe who was standing in front of him and I squirmed uncomfortably under his scrutiny. Why was he looking at me like that? Not daring to say anything, I tried to meet his gaze. Within green irises swirled so many emotions—surprise, confusion, something else I couldn’t name, soft and strange. It was so weird. But while taking in the sexiest eyes I’d ever had the pleasure of looking at, I felt something shift around in my mind. These eyes were so familiar, like I’d seen them before. “I’m sorry…” I offered again pitifully. That seemed to jolt Ryke out of his silence and he blinked down at me. “You.” He said gruffly and I tilted my head in confusion. Me? “Do you know this is a restricted area? No one is allowed in here without official permission.” Ryke’s deep voice was exponentially calmer. Strangely, it no longer held the coldness and anger it was laced with just minutes ago. “I had no idea, I swear!” I scrambled to explain myself. “I’m only here for the job interview and I wasn’t sure which elevator to pick downstairs so I chose at random.” “Diana didn’t tell you which to pick?” I assumed who he was referring to was the receptionist. “That woman…” Ryke continued and shook his head. “Go down again and take the other elevator. Fifth floor, don’t forget.” I nodded. “I really am sorry.” I murmured again referring to his suit and not waiting for a reply, I turned around and left. Upon getting back in the elevator, I noticed that there wasn’t even a control panel to input which floor I wanted to get to, meaning this really was a reserved elevator that only led to one floor. If I’d been observant enough the first time I was on it, I would have noticed and saved myself the embarrassment of the last few minutes. “Ugh,” I groaned in annoyance. If I wasn’t going to be reprimanded for being late before, I definitely was going to be now. But there was no need to worry about that. After what I did to Ryke, I was definitely kissing my chances of working for him goodbye. Once I reached downstairs again, I took the right elevator this time and found the conference room Rita was referring to. To my utter relief, right outside the room, there was a sitting queue of people waiting. Interview candidates, I discovered upon asking. So, I wasn’t late after all. Sinking down into the empty chair beside the last person on the queue, I finally had an opportunity to catch my breath. My coffee was mostly gone so I had nothing to manage the lingering hangover I was still experiencing. But that would fade away in time. The real issue was the coffee stains on my clothes. I was going to appear before the hiring manager looking like a mess. Tears nearly sprang to my eyes at the thought. Pulling out my phone, I quickly texted Millie. Me: Hey Millie: Hey, babe. What’s up? She had no idea I ended up applying for the job. Deciding I would tell her about it later, I decided to just complain vaguely. Me: Shitty morning. Millie: Well, yeah you drank so much last night. Have you taken painkillers? She was assuming it was because of my hangover. I sighed and replied. Me: Yep Millie: Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you and your Mr. Charming yesterday Me: Who? I knew who she was talking about but I didn’t want to think about him. Green eyes flashed in my mind, intense and heated. Millie had no idea the disgusting way our make out ended. I was too embarrassed to tell her when I ran away to meet her and made us leave. Millie: Don’t play dumb Millie: I’m wiggling my eyebrows rn btw At this, I laughed. She always knew how to make me laugh when my mood was down, something I was grateful for. Me: I’ll tell you the details later Satisfied with this, Millie let up on her poking and I shut off my phone. The line had been moving along rather slowly but it was to be expected. After over an hour of waiting, it was finally my turn. My heart beat heavily in my chest. The moment had come. The figures of the proposed salary flashed in my mind and I took a deep breath in and out. Sure, I most definitely wasn’t going to be hired at this point. All the women I’d seen on the queue looked so good, like tall confident queens. They looked experienced, like people Silvercrest would be proud to have as their CEO’s personal assistant. Not someone like me with zero experience, zero confidence, and a coffee stain on my shirt. But even then, I walked into that conference room with my head held high, ready to give it my best shot. I pushed open the doors to the conference room and stepped in, immediately hit by a blast of cool air. Once the doors were shut behind me and I faced forward, I was met with the interviewers sitting on one side of a long meeting table and smiling warmly at me. Their calm, positive demeanor did a lot to calm my nerves and I felt myself starting to smile in return. Except when I shifted my gaze to the head of the table, my body seized first in terror, then shock. Sitting there, separate from the rest of the interviewers was Ryke Kolynsky, wearing a new, different suit than the one I stained earlier before and staring at me with a distant, closed off look in his eyes. “Good morning.”

Lilac’s POV “Good morning.” Ryke’s deep voice sounded through the room and I stared with wide eyes. What the hell was he doing here? And how had he entered the room without seeing him pass by while I sat outside? Unless… I moved my gaze to the far end of the room opposite me, and as I suspected, there was a door. He’d come in through another entrance. I shifted my gaze back to the man whose presence dominated the room oppressively. “Good morning.” I greeted in return with a tight smile, making sure to maintain composure. “Please, have a seat.” One of the female interviewers gestured kindly to the seats opposite their side of the conference table and I moved to sit, gently arranging my tattered bag in my lap. “Miss. Evans, is it?” “Yes, that’s me.” “Thank you so much for honoring our invitation to interview.” The woman continued. “I am Helen Woods.” The other two interviewers introduced themselves and then Miss. Helen continued with a nervous laugh, “Joining us for the first time is our CEO, Ryke Kolynsky, who I’m sure you’ve heard of.” ‘Heard of’??? What a joke. I poured my drink on him almost an hour ago. My gaze flitted to Ryke where he sat at the head of the table, watching us quietly and I jumped when I found his eyes already on me. Trembling a little, I immediately averted mine. According to Helen, Ryke was joining the interview for the first time. This meant he’d decided to show up for just my time here, huh? My chances were well and truly ruined then because he could only be here to make sure no matter my performance, I wasn’t going to get picked. The interview kicked off. Even with reason to be discouraged, I still put in my best. Even with the cold feeling of Ryke’s gaze never leaving the side of my face, I didn’t fumble. Soon, the end came and at that point, I just wanted to leave. “Thank you for coming, Miss. Evans. We’ll get back to you on our decision in a week.” One of the other men said. “Thank you. I look forward to it.” I picked my bag and stood up to leave but before I took a step, Ryke of course had other plans. “Wait.” He called. I swallowed nervously. What could he possibly want? “Yes, Mr. Kolynsky?” “Why do you want to work for this company? What is your motive?” “My motive?” I asked in confusion. Using such a word, it sounded almost accusatory, like I wanted to be his personal assistant for an ulterior reason which was absurd. “Yes, Lilac. Your motive.” We stared at each other, his face expressionless and mine probably looking bewildered. An answer swirled around in my mind and for a moment, I hesitated to say it out, but then I decided—what the hell did I have to lose? “To be honest, I’m here for the money like literally everyone else.” A look of surprise came over Ryke’s face at my shocking honesty, and in the next second, he burst into laughter. Ryke’s laugh was a deep and rich sound, akin to something beautifully dangerous like the man himself. I found myself craving more the deeper I listened to it. The others too started laughing and it all sounded awkward, but I understood they dared not act as though nothing was funny, even though nothing really was. Smiling just to conform to the mood, I tucked my hair behind my ear. “Can I leave now?” Ryke sobered up at my request, green eyes still crinkled with mirth. “Sure. We’ll meet yet again, if my interviewers decide you’re good enough.” And with those same eyes trailing me, I left the conference room. As I walked down the lobby where the other candidates waited for their turn, something very odd struck me—Back there, Ryke referred to me as Lilac, not Miss. Evans. Throughout the entire interview, those people had only ever referred to me as Miss. Evans, never Lilac. So how the hell did he know my first name? *** A wolf whistle greeted me as I walked into the kitchen entrance of GoldenSpoon Cafe. “Damn, girl!” Millie called as she lifted sizzling hot fries from the deep fryer. “You’re all dressed up. What’s the occasion?” Laughing, I dropped my bag, took off my jacket and responded, “Nothing. Can’t I come in for a shift looking nice for once?” “Don’t get me wrong, babe. You always look hot, but today is special, you can’t deny that. Did you go on a date?” Millie gasped and her eyes went wide as saucers. “Was it the rich dude from last night?” “How the hell do you know if he was rich?” I laughed. An apron similar to the one Millie had on hung off the back of the kitchen door so I picked it and tied it on. “Are you kidding me? He was sitting in the VIP section of the club. Hell, he dropped off one thousand dollars, in cash, just to get you a drink. Do you think just anyone has that sort of money just laying around in their back pocket?” “Fine.” I sighed in mock seriousness and sat on a stool, waiting out the few minutes till my shift actually started. “I guess Mr. Rich Dude was actually rich. But no, it wasn’t him.” “Aha!” Millie exclaimed as she submerged another batch of raw fries into the fryer and closed it. “So it was a date! Just not with him.” “No, it wasn’t a date.” I avoided Millie’s eyes. Now was the time to come clean. “Actually, Millie… I took your advice and applied for the job opening as Ryke Kolynsky’s personal assistant.” “Oh, really?” Millie wiped her hands on her apron and came to sit next to me. “I didn’t think you’d actually do it.” “Yeah, because I don’t usually follow your bad suggestions.” She laughed and smacked my arm gently, “I’m not the bad influence you make me out to be. But, I’m so happy to hear this! You took a leap for once and if you get picked, so much in your life will change for the better.” “Please, don’t get my hopes up. It’ll make the disappointment hurt far more than it should. Besides, I really don’t think I’ll be getting picked because I might have fucked my chances up… monumentally…” “Huh? What do you mean?” Blushing in embarrassment as I recalled the memory, I shared my encounter with Ryke before my actual interview and Millie is watching me with her jaw hanging. “Oh. Shit.” I grimaced. “Yup.” “It was an honest accident, though… Surely, he wouldn’t try to punish you for that?” Millie soothed. But almost immediately, she frowned at her own words. It was Ryke Kolynsky we were talking about—alleged asshole. To cement this in her mind, I told her about how he came in to sit through no one else’s interview, at least no one before me. “Yikes. That couldn’t have been for any good reason.” I sighed. “It was all worth a try right?” My shift ended right at that moment and I hopped off my stool to go in front and take over from my co-worker. The time dragged on and on, but Millie was good company. Soon, she left and Jayce came in to take over her kitchen duties. Rarely did we three ever have a shift that aligned but I loved the times we did. It made working here much less boring. Soon, my shift was over and I rushed to my next destination for the day. The hospital. I would’ve visited my mother every day of the week if it was possible, but the patient ward only allowed visits four times a week including weekends. Once I got to the floor of my mother’s ward room, I made a stop first at one of the rooms of a patient I’d gotten to know in the past year. “Hi, Berk!” I greeted the old man cheerfully, eagerly awaiting the joyful expression that usually came across his face whenever he got to see me. “Lilac! Come in, come in. I have something for you today.” “Oh?” I responded and entered his room as he requested with a knowing smile on my face. “Is it the thing you’ve been working on and hiding from me for the past two weeks?” Berk laughed heartily as always. “You got me.” He pulled something out from beside his pillow he sat against and I moved closer to see what it was. A small gasp left my lips at the sight of the beautiful, warm-looking, knitted scarf. “Oh, Berk. This is lovely.” The older man moved a little so I could perch on the edge of his bed to look at the scarf closely. It was a lovely shade of purple that just spoke to me and I couldn’t help but fall in love with it. “You did say you were learning how to knit.” I continued. “I’m so happy, thank you.” “Meh, it’s nothing. I don’t want to take up anymore of your precious visiting time so run along now. Say hi to mom for me, would you?” After a small hug, I left Berk’s room and moved down the hallway a couple of doors till I got to my mother’s. I knocked softly and at the sound of a muffled ‘Come in’, I grinned and pushed open the door. “Hi, mom.” I rushed into her wide open and waiting arms and she hugged me immediately. “My baby, how have you been?” “I’m okay. Benjamin’s alright as well.” Benjamin was my younger brother who couldn’t visit as much because he was busy with his first year in college. “I know, love. He called yesterday.” I climbed very carefully into bed beside her and held up my newly acquired blanket. “Look at this beautiful scarf Berk knitted me.” Soon, just like always, we were chattering away. All two hours of my visiting time were well spent. I carefully avoided bringing up the most recent events in my life regarding Silvercrest Corporation and unlike Millie, she didn’t ask about my unusually elaborate dressing. For this, I was grateful. Leaving my mom behind once again was hard. I wished more than anything we lived together like we used to but she needed constant medical attention as long as she hadn’t had surgery to fix her broken ribs and fractured hip. I worked myself to the bone all day everyday only to afford just the bills of keeping her in this hospital’s care. The cost of the surgery she desperately needed was a whole other topic that gave me anxiety just thinking about it. Everything my mother had to suffer was courtesy of the most unfortunate being I had the curse of knowing, of being a spawn of. My father. In just one day, he ruined our lives, separating us in the process and leaving us to deal with the aftermath. I would never forgive him for it. My thoughts about him were vicious and borderline violent as I walked home but at least they kept me company. I got to the apartment I lived in with my brother, made dinner and kept his share aside for when he got home, then tucked myself into bed. Not even the joy from seeing my mother earlier could have kept the tears from falling from my eyes like it did every night. I felt so shitty. Everything was too much; could it possibly get any worse? These were the dark thoughts I had that night before I succumbed to the day’s fatigue and fell asleep. One week later, an email came in. *** Dear Lilac Evans, We regret to inform you that you have not been chosen for the role of Personal Assistant to Ryke Kolynsky.

Ryke’s POV So one thing was clear to me. Lilac Evans, the woman who just left the conference room, was the same Lilac from the club last night. Because of the dim lighting in that club, I was never able to get a proper look at her face for the entire time we were together. Consequently, back then on my private office floor, when Lilac crashed into me and messed my clothes up, that scene could have ended so much worse because I didn’t recognise her immediately. Eventually, I did. Not even in my dreams could I mistake those baby blue eyes, and that voice that sounded like a siren’s. But it wasn’t before I’d already lashed out at her. Of course, I wasn’t completely sure it was Lilac. I made the decision to attend her interview, something I’d never done in my history of heading this company, just for another chance to get close to her to confirm my suspicions. Hell, even my employees were shocked when I showed up. That’s exactly the sort of irrational thing this woman I’d only known for barely a day had me doing. But Lilac did not recognise me. Not for one moment did her eyes light up with familiarity every time they lay on me and I struggled to come to terms with the feeling of disappointment in my gut. “Mr. Kolynsky?” The lead interviewer questioned in confusion as I stood up. “Handle the rest. I have a meeting right now.” I did not have a meeting, of course, but I had no intentions of sitting through boring as fuck interviews. I was only here for Lilac and she’d basically confirmed it was her when I called her by her first name I should have had no way of knowing and she responded. The rest of my long week was filled with thoughts of Lilac. The woman had consumed every of my waking moment to the point that it was torture not seeing her. Even distracting me as I spoke to my mother on the phone. “Ryke. Ryke, are you listening?” Blinking rapidly, I snapped out of my thoughts. “Uh… Yes, ma’am.” My mom sighed. “Okay. Spill.” “What?” I replied, confused. “Spill. There’s clearly something on your mind, enough to zone out like your own mother is too unimportant to listen to.” “It’s nothing, don’t worry about it. I’ve been so stressed these days, it causes me to zone out sometimes.” The older woman was silent on the other side of the phone for a moment. If not for the sound of her breathing, I’d have thought she hung up. Soon she spoke, “Do you need a break? I could have Reece visit again to take over while you do so.” I growled at her suggestion and prayed my father wasn’t anywhere around her. I didn’t need to hear him point out how apparently incompetent I was. I worked so hard to convince him to let Silvercrest’s Bayview branch become the headquarters and I wasn’t going to let anyone take that from me, not even the founder himself. “I’m fine, I can handle it. You take care of yourself, mom.” “Whatever you wish, son. You’ve always been so stubborn, I don’t expect you to start listening to me now. The annual company gala is coming up in a few months so we can see then and maybe I’ll be able to convince you to rest then.” I chuckled at her words. “I’m looking forward to it.” *** As the CEO, I usually kept from interfering in the affairs of other departments. I wasn’t controlling in any sense of the word and preferred to let them have their autonomy. This precisely was why I didn’t explicitly demand that my hiring team choose Lilac to become my assistant. I assumed they’d pick her, the obvious candidate who probably outshone every other. At the very least, I’d shown my satisfaction and approval for her when I left the conference room that day. So imagine the look I had on my face when I arrived at work the Monday of the next week to a strange face. “We’d like to introduce you to your new assistant, sir.” Helen, my hiring manager had said. “This is Dallas, the successful candidate after we concluded our hiring process.” I was so speechless I could only level the two women with an icy glare. “Get out of my office.” I growled. Ever since then, Daria, or Deana, or whatever her name was had been walking on eggshells around me. But I didn’t give a fuck. That same morning, I asked her to make me a coffee. Simple task, right? But once I took a sip, I knew immediately that she’d fucked it up. “I told you,” I ground out with barely contained irritation, “One cream and two sugars only. This is at least three creams. Throw it out.” I shoved the coffee mug back into her hands and sank ungracefully into my office chair while the woman scurried out of the office with tears in her eyes. Fuck. What was she crying for? She was being paid an obscene amount of money for doing the least work. She should be carrying out every task with a smile! Besides, it’s not as though she had no idea the type of person she’d be working with. I had no sympathy to give. I picked up my phone and made a call. The contact name ‘Helen’ lit up my screen for a few seconds before the woman picked. “Hello, sir? Is anything the-” “Did you sit through the same interview session with Ms. Evans that I did?” “I- Huh? Who?” Lord, give me strength, I muttered to myself and drew on a deep well of patience I stored in my heart for moments like this. “Ms. Evans, the woman’s whose interview I attended last week. If I remember well, she performed exceptionally. Her responses to your questions showed her amazing capabilities and a willingness to dedicate a lot of effort to Silvercrest. Don’t you think so?” “Yes, I do! She was an outstanding candidate, I remember her interview well!” “Great! So why did you make the decision to send some bumbling fool to be my assistant?” “Sir?” “Fire her so I don’t have to do it myself. She’d probably burst into tears if I said so much as one more word to her.” I murmured the last part more to myself. “I want Ms. Evans here by tomorrow, latest the day after.” “Yes, Mr Kolynsky.” Helen sighed and I cut the call. Now, all I had to do was wait for my angel to come to me.

Lilac’s POV As I stood in the tiny kitchen of the rundown apartment I shared with my brother, I avoided his gaze and poured some scrambled eggs into two plates already containing flimsy pieces of bacon. “Aren’t you late for work?” Benjamin asked. “You don’t look like you’ve showered.” I sighed and slid his food across the table to him. “I’m not going in today. You’re finishing classes early today, right? Wanna go with me to go see mom?” Benjamin’s eyes lit up at the idea and my heart ached for him. He wasn’t as lucky as me to get the opportunity so often. In fact, it had been up to two weeks since he last saw her, only able to communicate via phone calls. “Yes!” Sebastian grinned. “I’m so lucky my professor fell sick— Uh… Not that I’m happy or anything, I hope he gets better soon…” I snickered at his attempts to resolve his statement. “But it’s so nice to finally get the chance to see her.” “I know, Seb.” My phone on the table rang with a notification and I picked it as I chewed. It was Millie. Millie: Not coming today? Me: Nah. I’m a bit drained. Well, to be honest, it was more of mental fatigue. I would be able to function fully if I went in for my shift, no issue. But I just didn’t want to deal with anyone today. Millie: Alright. Jayce needed an extra shift anyway so I’ll let him know he can come in. Millie: What about your application to Silvercrest. Any word? Me: I was rejected. Millie: Oh. Millie: I’m sorry, babe. I hope you’re not too disappointed. Me: No. Yes, I was. But I wasn’t going to admit that. It was weird and pathetic that I was getting this butt hurt over a job rejection. Even weirder because I’d anticipated it. I guess disappointments just hit me a lot harder than I’d thought. After my brother left for school, I didn’t bother doing anything actually useful. I just crept into my bed and slept off for the rest of the morning. My sleep was not as fitful as I thought it would be. I guess I really needed the rest. Rest was not something I could afford ever since I found myself plunged into the constant need for money. But just this once, I let myself go. That afternoon when I woke, I decided to go for a walk. I thought the fresh air would do me a lot of good and it really did. I managed to take my mind off everything I’d been handling lately. I didn’t realize I’d gotten to the city park until the sound of dogs barking and birds chirping pierced through my thick bubble of relaxation. It really was such a nice noon, evident by the number of people who decided to come out today. I found a nice bench and sat on it. Usually, my phone would be in my hands immediately, tapping and scrolling away, but today, I decided to be a functioning member of society instead of a phone addict and immerse myself in nature’s environment. I had no idea how long I spent watching people come and go, and children and their beloved pets play, but when I finally picked my phone again, the time told me it was nearly an hour. As I unlocked it to check if I had any texts, a notification caught my eye—an email notification. It was weird because I only got emails for professional reasons and wasn't expecting anything of that sort. Still, I went to check it, but just as my finger was going to tap on the email when the sound of commotion halted my movement. My head whipped up in the direction of the sound and the cause was immediately identified. A small crowd had gathered around something, or maybe someone. I couldn’t really see anything around the tight crowd but also I wasn’t particularly interested in finding out what was going on. It didn’t seem like a threat anyway so, back to my business. Except I hadn’t even gotten the chance to continue what I was doing when a voice reached my ears. A voice I couldn’t forget even in my dreams, a voice that was deeply familiar in ways there wasn’t any reason to be. I looked up again and there he was, standing in the midst where I could see him through where the crowd had parted. Ryke Kolynsky. My traitorous heart fluttered as I took in his appearance across the distance. Tall and imposing, the man stood out starkly from the bland crowd in an attractive designer suit that covered his body like it was second skin. He drew all eyes and attention to him as if he owned this damn place, blonde hair beautiful in the sun in the way that matched his ruthlessly handsome face. What the hell was Ryke doing here? The city park didn’t seem like a place someone like him would visit casually given his status. I should have noticed that the crowd surrounding him consisted mostly of paparazzi photographers and fan women. And three burly, suspicious looking men who were probably his bodyguards. The bodyguards, I scoffed at because I get it, he’s a CEO, super important man, basically a celebrity. But really? Three bodyguards? I snorted to myself at how absurd it was. I hadn’t realized I was still staring till a pair of irritated green eyes snagged on mine and I jolted in my seat. Ryke caught me staring. Blushing, I ducked my head into my phone and tried my hardest to shrink my body to become as unnoticeable as possible. But it was too late. Ryke had seen me. Amidst the noise, a screech pierced through the air, shrill and damn near hurting my ears. A voice followed immediately after, “Ryke, you bastard!” Looking to see who it was, I spotted a woman I hadn’t noticed before. Big red locks spilled elegantly over pale shoulders and a jewelry-adorned neck. She too, I noted, was dressed as expensively as the man beside her. I couldn’t hear Ryke’s response because while whoever the woman was screamed for the entire place to hear, Ryke still had the decorum to speak in a calm, lowered tone. He could only be heard by the people near them. A shame. I really wanted to be in on the drama. The two continued arguing heatedly and I was only able to gleam bits and pieces of what it was about. Ryke looked really annoyed, perhaps because the woman was making whatever this was a big deal and a public affair. They went on for a little longer until the woman yelled, “Show me then! If the so-called woman is here, freaking show her to me else everyone here will know the real Ryke. Nothing but a dirty liar!” Immediately, Ryke’s eyes snapped to mine again and I frowned in confusion. Why was he looking at me? I wanted to move out of that fierce gaze but it felt like I was pinned by it. Ryke’s expression changed from vexation to something smoother, calmer, as if he’d come to a decision about something in his mind without voicing it. The man moved, marching through the grass till he got to me and, shocking me, stretched out a hand. Everywhere was quiet as it had been since the moment he got here except now, all the attention was on me as well. Uncomfortably so. “I’ve been waiting for you. Come on, let’s go.” Ryke said, his deep voice sending butterflies through my stomach. “What…?” I managed to croak, still in shock. “The business meeting? At the cafe down the road, don’t tell me you forgot. Come on, let’s go.” Green eyes stared unmoving at me but in the depths of them, I could see desperation. He needed me to play along with whatever this was. “O-Okay.” I took his hand that was still stretched out and he pulled me up. He let go immediately and I found myself missing the warmth of his grip, but I forced myself not to dwell on that and joined Ryke as he started to leave. The crowd and paparazzi immediately began to follow but Ryke’s bodyguards took their places around us and Ryke called out, “No one follow me or I will be pressing charges.” Without even looking back, he adds, “That includes you too, Samantha.” *** As I stood in front of the cafe Ryke led me to, which coincidentally was GoldenSpoon, the cafe I worked at, I couldn’t help but feel like this was some sort of strange dream. About a week ago, I had never met this man. Ryke Kolynsky was an untouchable piece of the world I lived in, someone so apparently perfect he was out of the reach of ordinary people like me. So the fact that I was here, standing with him in front of my workplace … yeah that sounded like something my mind made up and fed to me as a dream. Maybe I was still at home sleeping. “Are you alright?” I asked softly, despite my inclination to not care and hold a grudge about my interview he botched. Ryke, who I realized had been staring at me with a strange look in his eyes, snapped out of his daze and nodded. “Yeah. Sorry for dragging you into all of this. I just…” He dragged a hand down his face. “I had to get away from her.” I bit down the urge to ask for context and nodded solemnly like I completely understood and sympathized with him. Distantly, I registered the feeling of warmth around a part of my body. My attention was so caught up in Ryke that I’d completely forgotten—we were still holding hands. Red flushed in my cheeks at the realization. I froze, stuck between wanting to yank mine out and not doing anything about it. I didn’t want to see his disgusted reaction. The way he flinched away from me a week ago in that empty hallway as I tried to clean his clothes replayed humiliatingly in my mind, so yeah. But unfortunately for me, I couldn’t stop my fingers from twitching and the taller man looked down, finally noticing our conjoined hands. Ryke immediately let go and my heart sank a little at the speed with which he did. He really couldn’t wait a moment to get away from me, huh? Still, I couldn’t help but notice he’d squeezed before doing so. It was such a miniscule movement that I frowned, unsure if I’d imagined it. But no, he’d squeezed my hand before dropping it. I was sure of that. The sound of Ryke’s deep voice clearing his throat caused me to look up at him. “Sorry again, and thanks. And uh, you should check your email.” “What?” Check my email? That was such a random statement, I stared dumbly for a while, trying to grab the sudden change in topic. “Your email?” Ryke chuckled, his green eyes soft as he watched me. Weird. “You should check it soon.” “Oh. Right. Yeah, I will.” Jesus Christ, this is so awkward. I thought. Then I remembered something. “How do you know my name?” I asked. That wasn’t all but I didn’t have the courage. I wanted to ask why the way he said it felt so familiar. I wanted him to explain to me why a feeling so hot and right ran down my body and tugged at something deep in my memory at the sound of it falling from his lips. Ryke smiled, something undecipherable with a strange hint of sadness. “Do you really not remember?” A frown etched itself into my features. “Remember what?” “Nevermind. I’ll see you tomorrow, Lilac.” Ryke left me standing in front of the cafe watching Millie who long since noticed our presence and had been watching us with a shocked look on her face. I didn’t get why she was shocked, just like how I didn’t get what Ryke meant by he’ll see me tomorrow. Nothing had made sense in the past few minutes. But I remembered Ryke’s words to check my email, something that coincided with what I was about to do those moments in the park before he brought his drama over. And when I did, there sat an email from Silvercrest waiting for me.

Dear Lilac, After careful consideration, the hiring team has decided to extend an offer to you for the position of “Personal Assistant” to Mr. Ryke Kolynsky. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the candidate originally selected has had to part ways with the company, and we believe you are a great fit for our team. Will you be available to start tomorrow? *** At first, I couldn’t believe my eyes. What sort of unimaginable luck is this? Is it supposed to be a prank? These were the thoughts that ran through my mind as I stared at the email back at home that afternoon. I’d read it over and over again, unable to believe that somehow this entire thing had ended up in my favor. It made no sense. Somehow, magically, the person they hired had to be let go the very first day on the job and I was apparently the next best candidate? Hell no. But, the very next day, I was walking through Silvercrest’s bustling departments as Helen, the hiring manager, took me on an orientation tour round the offices. Yep. I’d replied to the email that I was available to start, texted my boss at Golden Spoon cafe that I was quitting, and showed up at Silvercrest as was required of me. Whether it made sense or not, I was going to be a fool to let this opportunity pass me by. My life was strange but slowly and surely, I was getting used to the fast-paced style the universe was adapting for me. “And finally, here is the big boss’ office,” Helen said as we finally came to a stop in front of a huge door. Of course, we were on the private floor and hallway I’d accidentally been on that fateful day last week. Helen opened the door and I held my breath as it swung wider and wider, expecting to see the man on the other side. But it was empty, merely a well-decorated office space most likely for an assistant. Which was me. So this was my office. My eyes glittered as I took the space in. My own office. Seriously, how was my life real? There was another door which I guessed led to Ryke’s actual office, and sure enough, as we entered, there Ryke Kolynsky was, bent over his desk writing something. My heart rate picked up at the sight of him which was weird and annoying, but I ignored it. “Good morning, sir,” Helen greeted, and I followed suit. “Good morning, Mr. Kolynsky.” Ryke kept writing for a moment and when it seemed like he was done, he finally deemed us worthy of his time and looked up. His expression was bored as it took the both of us in, barely changing when he saw me. It was as if our meeting yesterday never happened. But really, what did I expect? Just because we’d met, he should treat me familiarly? I rolled my eyes at myself in my head. “Good morning.” Ryke greeted in return. “This is your new assistant, Miss. Evans.” Ryke nodded. His eyes met mine and held, undecipherable. “Welcome. I take it you’re starting today?” “Yes, Mr. Kolynsky,” I nodded. And that was it. Just like that, my life had turned around. *** I was finally allowed to settle into my space in the lobby outside Ryke’s office. I had a computer to myself. God, I’d never even owned so much as a laptop, but now, I could get one million of them if I so wished because goddamn my pay was obscenely high. I still couldn’t believe ten thousand dollars was going to be sitting in my empty account by the end of the month. Not until I saw it with my own eyes. Snapping back to attention, I quickly turned on the computer, wondering what my tasks were supposed to be for that morning. I hadn’t been told anything by Helen and so I planned to just focus on organizing Ryke’s own tasks for the day. Maybe I should go into his office to ask if there was anything he wanted me to do… I snapped my eyes shut at that, heart pounding stupidly from just the thought of being alone with him in his office. When I opened them again, my computer had booted up completely. Just as I went to pull up the browser so I could log in to my email, I heard Ryke call, “Miss. Evans,” from within his closed office. Okay. Here we go. I got up, tugging my pencil skirt that had ridden up my thigh down. It was so short, almost tiny and toeing the lines of inappropriate, but it was the only one I owned. My small collection of clothes consisted of casual outfits and even though I had nothing else, I didn’t intend to wear this every single day. But at least for my first day, I had to show up in the dress code — business attire. I hovered outside Ryke’s door, unsure of whether I was to knock. Eventually, I did, and after a muffled ‘Come in.’, I pushed open the door and stepped inside, closing it behind me. “You called, sir?” Ryke leaned back in his chair, frame highlighted by the floor to ceiling windows right behind him. The aura this man exuded in that simple position was so powerful, it was insane. His gaze was intense and I felt the urge to look away, but given what I knew about him, I wasn’t going to give him the chance to perceive me as weak. “I’ve been waiting for my morning coffee for thirty minutes since you arrived. Did Helen not inform you of your duties?” My eyes widened. Shit. She did, I’d completely forgotten. Only an hour here and I was already slipping up. “She did. I-I’m sorry. I’ll get on that right away.” Ryke frowned, replying, “I expect you to stay on top of your responsibilities, especially as a new hire. There’s no room for mistakes in this office.” I grimaced. “Understood, sir. How do you like your coffee?” Ryke’s eyes held mine for a moment, then slowly, purposefully, they dragged down my face to my neck, my body, lingering for seconds too long so I felt my face begin to burn. Then, those green eyes flitted back up to mine and he leaned forward and propped his head up on his hand. “I like it sweet, Miss. Evans.” Nodding hard, I swung on my heels and left the office as fast as possible, unable to stay there one second longer. To make matters worse, even as I had my back turned to him as I fled, I could still feel those eyes burning a trail across the back of my body. The air conditioning on my side of the office was on full blast, but my body still felt overheated from his actions, sweating as I searched for a mug. That’s how insane I felt, how I was coming to realize that Ryke could unravel me with just a few words. At least, by the time I found where Ryke’s mugs and cups were kept, I had cooled down. Still, red remained in my cheeks. How unlike myself I was acting, just because a man decided to look me up and down. Maybe I needed to get laid. It’s been too long, I was basically a virgin once again. I’d set the coffee beans into the machine before I went searching for a mug, so I didn’t have to wait long for it to finish processing. My years of working as a barrister at GoldenSpoon kicked into gear and soon, I had a fully made cup of coffee on the tabletop. I grabbed a saucer and set the mug in it, then made my way back into Ryke’s office. Ryke stopped what he was doing as soon as I walked in, focusing that laser attention of his back on me again. I moved closer to him, leaning over the table to place the drink in front of him. As I pulled back to stand properly again, Ryke’s eyes jerked up to mine, guilty, like they’d been looking at something they shouldn’t have. Confused, I blinked at him, but he didn’t say anything. He picked up his mug and took a sip. For whatever reason, I felt nervous about him tasting my coffee. Ryke wasn’t the first person I’d made coffee for. It used to be my job till literally just yesterday and I didn’t give a shit about my taste as long as it met GoldenSpoon’s standards. Yet here I was, watching every one of Ryke's reactions to the drink. “Hm,” he hummed. “This is good; really well made. The taste is almost familiar, though,” Ryke raised an eyebrow at me. I smiled bashfully. “If you’ve ever frequented Golden Spoon, that might be the reason why. I used the cafe’s techniques because I used to work there.” Bringing up GoldenSpoon reminded me unnecessarily of that moment between us yesterday in front of it. “Really?” Ryke’s eyes lit up at this information. But, his expression shifted into a confused frown. “Wait. How come I never saw you?” “I worked in the kitchen. It’s the cashier who handles the customers most of the time unless I needed to serve a table, and… no offense, but I’m assuming you wouldn’t eat in a public place like that. There was no way you could have seen me.” Ryke chuckled and shook his head. “I suppose.” Now that he’d approved the drink, I guessed there was no need for me to wait around in there any longer. I could come back later to pick the mug and saucer. But before I could leave, Ryke spoke again. “I’m glad I was safe this time.” I blinked. “Sorry?” “I’m not in the habit of repeating myself, Miss. Evans. But I said, I’m glad I was safe this time. You seem to have a frightful habit of spilling… liquids all over me.” I blushed in embarrassment. He was right, but did he have to bring it up? But, frowning, I realized something. “Habit?” Wasn’t that a stretch? As far as I was concerned, I’d only ever poured something on him once because before that day, I’d literally never even met him. Ryke stood up from his chair and circled around his table, walking slowly, closer and closer toward me. I wasn’t sure of what was happening, but I knew one thing. My heart skipped several beats, the poor thing pounding away in my chest and I felt very much like a prey being stalked by a predator, hungry. Gearing to devour. “Yes, Miss. Evans. Habit.” My confusion must have shown all over my face because Ryke continued, now in front of and looking down at me, “You don’t remember? Say you don’t remember it, Angel.” Angel? I jolted, almost stumbling back. As I stood there, shocked out of my mind, memories made blurry and forgotten by the alcohol that night came sharply into focus at the sound of that nickname. Angel. Angel. Angel. My eyes widened as I took in the beautiful face in front of me. The face that had been so distantly familiar for reasons I couldn’t make sense of. Except I knew why now. -------------------- I swayed over the man. He was so sexy I could feel my panties dampen just looking at him. “Hi, Miss…” Fuck, even his voice was just as sexy. “Lilac.” I supplied, the word slurred on my lips. “Just Lilac. And you?” He grinned, “Ryke.” --------------------- A club—dim lights, inescapable noise. The stench of booze and hot, sensual movements. Lips sliding. Green eyes. ‘Angel’ groaned hotly into my ear. As if he could see where my thoughts had been, Ryke’s eyes burned with satisfaction and relief. And I swallowed hard as the reality settled deep into my bones. I made out, quick and dirty, with Ryke fucking Kolynsky in a club. I remembered, with humiliation, that I threw up all over him. And now, he was my boss.

Lilac’s POV ‘Oh my God. Ryke?!” I gasped. “Wait, no, shit. I mean, Mr. Kolynsky. Shit, I am so, so sorry.” I was scrambling to gather myself and my thoughts. As I stared into Ryke’s amused but intense forest gaze, I could not believe it. What. The. Fuck. What the hell do you mean I'd kissed and basically grinded all over to near oblivion was Bayview City’s hottest and richest bachelor? Like I knew the man was definitely one of the upperclass wealthy men, Millie and I had already established that. But of all people, it was Ryke Kolynsky?! What sort of god did I please to have landed myself in such a situation, the situation being his lap? This man had pulled ungodly sounds out of my lips. His hands, fuck, his mouth had been all over my body, and distinctly, all over my chest. I knew what his… what his… dick… felt like. And now he was standing in front of me. Heat crept into my cheeks. “Angel…” Ryke's voice was teasing and he stepped even closer now, fresh coffee breath alerting my senses. “Where did your mind go?” “N-n-nowhere!” I had to tilt my head up to look at him. That's how close he was. “Let me guess. You're thinking about how you…” He couldn't possibly know I'd been thinking about his dick… “Threw up all over me.” Oh. My eyes screwed shut and I groaned. How could I forget that? “Fuck. Ry- Mr. Kolynsky, I am so sorry. Were you okay? I hope I didn't ruin your clothes…” “Not anymore than the coffee you poured the other day ruined my suit.” Wow, there was no coming back from this. He was never going to let these two things go. I flung my eyes open to apologize again, grovel if need be, but my movements were halted when I saw his green eyes twinkle in the light. He was just teasing me. Of course. I huffed and looked away, not sure if I was pouting but not really wanting to fix my face. Ryke laughed, something beautiful and melodious that I had no choice but to look at him again. Our eyes met and a silence fell between us. But one thought lingered in my mind. Was he going to fire me now? I recalled Silvercrest’s employee manual and remembered its content clear as day because it had only been this morning since I read it. According to the book, it was a rule that employer and employee relationships were strictly forbidden. I knew what we'd done was before I got hired, but I couldn't be sure. The possibility of me losing this job before I'd even started, my plans for a ten thousand dollar account balance, both flashed before my eyes and immediately, I would have done anything to resolve the issue before it became too big of a problem. “I understand what we did that night…” I blushed again, “...that was very unprofessional of me, Mr. Kolynsky, but I swear it won't happen again.” I don't know what happened, but as soon as those words left my mouth, it was as if cold water had been doused over a fire. Ryke’s nose flared and his expression shifted, mouth tense and brows drawing tight. The sparkle in his eyes extinguished. “Really. Ever again?” Ryke gritted his jaw. “Wow, Lilac, I really thought we, I mean, I was hoping…” He trailed off. Hoping what? Ryke pulled away completely, putting some distance between us so it felt like I could breathe away. But the next second, I missed his presence sorely. He didn't seem to have the right words and I couldn't shake the feeling in my bones that there was something I was missing. But Ryke didn't say anything else, merely leveling me with his now distant and cold gaze. I guess it was back to normal now. “Sir, I fully understand Silvercrest's employer-employee policies regarding sexual- Uh… romantic relationships. You can rest assured, I'm only interested in maintaining a completely professional relationship.” As though something just clicked in his head, Ryke stared at me, unblinking. The look of cool nonchalance was completely wiped away, replaced now by confusion. “Policies?” “Yes? The one written in the employee manual. Miss. Helen shared it with me this morning and I'd have brought up this entire issue, but I swear I didn't remember and—” Ryke sighed, cutting me off. “It's fine, Miss. Evans.” It was back to Miss. Evans once again. No more Lilac. No more Angel. Something disappointed sank in my chest, missing the way my name sounded on his lips. “It happened before you joined Silvercrest so we can put that all behind us, can't we?” “Y-yes, sir!” I nodded frantically. So I wasn't going to get fired. Thank the fucking heavens! “Good. And one more thing. Not a word of this to anyone. Not to any coworkers and certainly not to Helen. Let's just pretend it never happened.” “What never happened?” I asked, following along and blinking innocently. Ryke smirked, “Exactly.” I smiled at him but he didn't reciprocate, instead turning around to move back to his chair and start typing away on his computer. The strange atmosphere that lingered in the chilled office seemed to clear up immediately after this. “What's on my schedule this morning?” Ryke asked. Snapping to attention, I took out my phone and pulled up the calendar that was shared with me. “You have a meeting in twenty seven minutes with Delhouse Electricity Providers regarding the finalization of the power supply contract.” “Move it an hour forward. Something's come up right now.” I did as Ryke requested and promptly left his office. *** The meeting was interesting as much as it was a learning experience. I sat at the head of the table beside Ryke and made notes on decisions as well as scheduling further meetings. “Mr. Rodrigo, I'd like to assume you're joking.” Ryke sniped, cutting off the other man who'd been speaking. “Nowhere in this contract was such a term outlined and you expect us to make plans to accommodate this request in the future. Yes, you must be joking. A clown who thinks this is a circus.” “M-Mr. Kolynsky, I assure you this is only t-to be expected. It's implied by the language used—” “Follow standard procedures when writing contracts or don't bother working with us at all. Redraft this and incorporate this particular clause. We'll readjust our compensation offer and look through it again. Meeting dismissed.” The way he handled these meetings, yeah I could definitely see why everyone thought he was an asshole. But the authority and confidence he exuded, I couldn't help but think it was sexy. Considering our history, I probably shouldn't have been having such thoughts about him, daydreaming throughout the entire meeting as he pushed and pulled terms and conditions with the other party, but it was just a fact. Ryke was hot and there was nothing I could do about it. Once we were back in the office again, Ryke called me into his side of it. A stack of sheets sat on his desk. No, stack wasn't the right word. A tower of sheets. I felt sweat break out on my temples. He wasn't going to do what I was thinking, was he? “These are the feedbacks we got from an ad campaign run by the marketing team last month. Create an Excel sheet and enter all this information correctly. I want no mistakes whatsoever.” Ah, hell. He did. Here's the thing about my interview. I lied on my resume. In the ‘Skills’ section, I listed Microsoft Office proficiency because according to my research, it was one of the requirements for being a personal assistant. I was desperate, and to be fair, I didn't even think I would ever be here. But now, my dishonesty had come back to nip me in the ass. I had no idea how to use Microsoft Excel for data entry, but no way in hell was I telling Ryke that. “Yes, Mr. Kolynsky. And when do you need it by?” I asked, smiling like nothing was wrong as I gently picked up one of the stacks of sheets. “In two days.” My smile faltered. Two days? Those were three entire stacks he was giving me, there was no way I could complete them in two days. But I dared not complain. “Okay, sir.” I came back for the remaining stacks one by one and returned to my side of the office with them. A YouTube video helped me out on how to use the software for data entry and immediately, I got to work. Really, this task wasn't so hard, but the sheer amount of papers I had to work through was insane. If this was just my first day, what was my future going to be like? Whatever. Anything for that paycheck, I guess. Even with this mountain of work, Ryke did not relent in delegating other tasks to me throughout the rest of the day. “Miss. Evans, deliver this to the Human Resources department.” “Miss. Evans, make three photocopies of this. Black and white, color isn't necessary.” “Miss. Evans, I need coffee right now.” “There's a meeting slated for tomorrow, isn't there? Move it till today so my schedule is free then. I have other things to put on there.” This one irked me the most. I had to attend yet another meeting that day and pause the data entry task for four good hours. Fucking hell. By the end of the day, I was wrecked. I sat in my chair with my head buried in my hands and I willed myself not to burst into tears. I would have, I was an easy crier, but I couldn't risk Ryke finding me in such a state. It was six PM and everyone was going home already. Even Ryke had stepped out of his office, phone in hand and suit jacket resting on his arm. His face held a smug smile as his gaze went from me, to the undented stack beside me, back to me again. And he smiled. The fucker smiled. I thought we were on amicable terms, I'd certainly never experienced any of the things his past assistants used to complain about. But this, this was certainly something very evil to do to someone. “See you tomorrow, Miss. Evans.” I smiled sweetly, plotting his death in my heart. “Goodbye, Mr. Kolynsky.” As soon as he left, I collapsed back on my desk again. Okay. I had a few things to do before I continued working for at least an hour longer and then I could leave. Me: Millie!!! Millie: Sup, babe Me: My life is a FUCKING lie Millie: Whoa Millie: It's not like you to curse so hard. What's the matter?? Me: The man that I met and made out with at the club Me: You won't believe who it was Millie: LOL Millie: Is it Ryke Kolynsky? Knowing Millie, she definitely mentioned him as a joke because she knew he was my boss. I just had to see her reaction when I let her know that indeed, it was Ryke. Me: Yes Millie: Haha, very funny. Millie: Like Ryke would ever be at such a dingy club made for poor people like us Me: I'm not joking, Millie I narrated everything from how I found out to how we decided to agree it never happened for the sake of my job security and Millie's responses ranged from ‘WHAT??’ to ‘OH MY FUCKING GOD’.. Basically, what I'd expected. Me: Well, now you've finally got your update on Mr. Charming Millie: This is so crazy Millie: Genuinely like what are the odds? Millie: I expect updates on what's going on between you two EVERY HOURS Me: What're you talking about? Me: There's nothing between us. I don't think he's attracted to me or interested anymore Me: He didn't hesitate to ask that we pretend it never happened :( Millie: Oh sweetie Me: It's okay, really Me: I'm content with watching from afar. Like literally every other girl out there Millie: Except the difference is you get the chance to seduce him ;))) Me: Haha stop, I don't have the skills for that We rounded off our conversation, promising to meet soon and talk. Next, I texted my mother and let her know I wouldn't be able to visit. That broke my heart so much and I couldn't help but feel a little bit of resentment towards Ryke. But ultimately, the money from this job would pay for her surgery bills if I could hang on for a few months, enough to say every paycheck. It was all for the greater good. So Ryke could throw whatever impossible task he wanted at me. I wasn't going to quit. Not when I'd gotten the chance to be here in the first place.

Lilac’s POV By the end of my second day of work and entering the feedbacks into the computer, I knew I made a mistake — I should have completed at least one stack of sheets the day before, even if it would’ve meant staying at Silvercrest late into the night. I came into work that morning, already having forgotten the task I left incomplete but was promptly reminded and horrified at the sight of white sheets waiting for me on my desk. And so the torture went on. This time, when evening came around, I didn’t make the same mistake again. I worked and worked till I literally could not hold my head up and eventually, against my gut feeling, took the papers home with me to continue them. Tonight was one of the few times Benjamin made dinner down for me because I wasn’t home to do it for him. He was already asleep so I couldn’t thank him. But gratefully, I scarfed down the porridge and went to work on the old, nearly outdated computer in the living room that I had to clean because it had become dusty overtime from a lack of use. I was a morning person, always asleep by at least nine PM because I loved being up to see the sunrise every day, but not tonight. It was three AM and I was still hunched over the last remaining half pile of papers, entering them diligently. Five AM. Six… Once seven AM came around, I cracked my fingers and my neck. I was finally done. I didn’t dare to sleep. I was required to be at work by seven thirty AM sharp before Ryke clocked in and so I really could not risk even the tiniest nap to ward off the fatigue that made my bones feel like lead. Shoving all the documents back into my work bag, I rushed to take a shower, brushed my teeth and sped out of the house, barely managing a ‘Good morning!’ to my brother. “Good morning, Mr. Kolynsky,” I greeted when I walked into his office late, just a few minutes past eight o’ clock and he nodded at me from where he stood by his window. I dropped one of the stacks of paper I’d picked up on my way in on his desk, feeling accomplished and hoping it would take his mind off my lateness. “Morning, Miss. Evans…” He trailed off just looking weirdly at me. Did I have something on my face? I mean, I had some coffee and a small piece of donut I got before coming in. Surely there weren’t any crumbs on my face, right…? “Are you okay?” Ryke asked in a murmur that broke me out of my thoughts. I hadn’t noticed how close he’d come and I gasped at the sudden proximity, the sandalwood and spice smell of his perfume clouding my senses and making my heart do a weird flip. “S-sir?” I whispered. His green eyes seemed to search mine and a hand came up to my face, nearly touching my cheeks when it halted mid-air, almost as if he didn’t even know when he made the action and had caught himself just in time. “You look really tired. Did you not rest well?” Huh? I frowned. Since when did he care about my health? He didn’t have the right to ask me that when he was the one who gave me such an evil, impossible task. Gritting my teeth so I wouldn’t say my thoughts, I smiled tightly and responded, “I did, sir. There’s nothing to worry about.” Ryke didn’t look like he believed me, but he couldn’t press me further. “Alright.” Sighing, he dropped his hand that had still been hanging. As he did so, I felt something brush my hip and upon looking down, it was his fingers. It was obviously by accident and I would have thought I imagined it, but I looked down just in time to see it happen with my own eyes. I couldn’t suppress the shiver that ran down my spine after those soft fingers accidentally trailed down my hip bone, soft but still firm enough that I felt it through the fabric of my skirt. Something hot and deep shifted in my gut causing me to swallow in an attempt to muffle the sound that nearly left my lips. And Ryke, as if what I was feeling was infectious, breathed harshly through his nose. The attraction of that night weeks ago clearly still lingered, but I couldn’t be sure I wasn’t the only one feeling it. Besides, now that he knew I wasn’t in his class regarding wealth or social status, I would be a fool to think he still wanted anything to do with me. Him looking affected by me right now was just my eyes playing tricks on me. That had to be it. “S-sir…?” Ryke cleared his throat, stepping back hastily and avoiding my eyes. A pang of disappointment went through me at the moment dissipating into thin air. But how could I mourn it? “There’s a meeting this morning. Remind me a few minutes before.” I didn’t respond for a few seconds, straightening an invisible rumple in my old shirt and trying to collect myself. Eventually, I breathed out a tiny breath and responded. “Yes, Mr. Kolynsky.” The meeting started well. I was doing my job of taking important notes and marking things down, focusing as hard as I could. And then, I wasn’t anymore, because I started dozing off. My sleepless night was catching up to me, the coffee I had already worn off too soon. For God’s sake, it wasn’t even afternoon yet. The quality of caffeine in this country was getting ridiculous. This was the silly thing that was my last thought as I promptly fell asleep.. I don’t know how long I was out, but the sound of someone raising their voice angrily startled me out of my sleep, nearly making me jump. Beside me, Ryke’s eyes narrowed into slits, directing a heated glare at the woman who dared raise her voice at him. “Who do you think you’re speaking to like that?” “S-sorry. I didn’t mean to raise my voice at you. But that request is absolutely impossible, sir. The entire department worked their asses off under my…” I didn’t hear the rest of that woman’s sentence because once again, I’d dozed off, head leaning softly against the back of my chair. The position was comfortable till it was not and I started to feel my neck cramping up even in my dream. “Lilac,” My mother called. She was making orange juice for me and my baby brother who’d only just learned how to talk. Everything was perfect. “Miss. Evans?” She said again and I hummed in response. Was it me she was referring to? She was Miss. Evans, not me, and even then, it was Mrs., not Miss. “Miss. Evans!” I jolted from my sleep at my mother’s suddenly masculine voice calling me forcefully from somewhere beyond closed eyelids. Wait. Closed eyelids? Fuck. I pried my eyes open, unable to widen them in the glare of the light that filled the room. Sure enough, Ryke was staring at me from where he sat, face devoid of emotions and eyes filled with fury in a way that had my pulse pounding in fear. Shit, I thought. “Answer me, Miss. Evans.” I furrowed my brows. “I… Uh… I’m sorry, I-” I shook my head, “I didn’t catch the question.” “I didn’t realize I was paying you to catch up on sleep during important meetings. Perhaps you’d like to explain why my time—and the entire team’s—is so unimportant to you?” My eyes widened at his lash out, not expecting it. “If you can’t stay awake and do your job, maybe we should revisit your responsibilities. I expect full attention next time—or I’ll find someone who can manage it. Am I clear?” “Yes, Mr. Kolynsky. I’m sorry,” I whispered out, cheeks burning in shame. It’s safe to say I didn’t fall asleep again after that, too terrified of Ryke to even blink. I’d gotten too used to him, too familiar, forgetting the strict boss he was known to be. It was a side he’d never shown to me for some reason, and I’d begun to take it for granted. The rest of the meeting went by in a blur and once we were done, I bolted from my seat, not wanting to stay in the conference room that was beginning to feel choked up any longer. I needed a fucking break. I needed to sleep, my head was pounding like crazy. But these things were out of the question. I was just going to have to suck it up till it was time to go home. Fuck, it was only my third day here and everything already sucked. Ryke walked into the private elevator with me, a tense silence filling the space as we rode up together. I could tell he wanted to say something, but I didn’t want another scolding from him. I just wanted space between us as soon as possible. As soon as the elevator dinged and slid open, I hurried out of it, gripping my notepad tightly in my hand. “Miss. Evans, wait.” The urge to keep walking like I hadn’t heard him was strong. Too strong, really. But I didn’t want to piss him off again. So I slowed down till he was walking beside me. “You stayed up all night, didn’t you?” Ah. So that’s what he wanted to talk about. Well, I couldn’t deny it anymore, I guess. I nodded my head, not trusting myself to speak. “Was it the data entry?” Now, I know I said I didn’t want to piss him off, but I couldn’t stop the deadpan, borderline annoyed stare I swung his way at that question. Really? He was going to pretend like he didn’t give me that task with that stupid deadline, knowing I was going to damn near exhaust myself to meet it? “Yes, sir. I took the sheets home.” “Was it really necessary? I gave you two whole days, you couldn’t complete it without pulling an all-nighter? Miss. Evans, I must have given you the impression that I’m a sloppy boss. Just because I didn’t say anything about your unpunctuality this morning doesn’t mean you can slack off.” I frowned, controlling my rising anger. “I’m sorry sir, but two days would have been an impossible deadline to meet without doing what I did.” Ryke’s eyes darkened, “Seriously, why did you even apply to be a personal assistant if you don’t know how to do the damn job?” My eyes widened at his condescending tone. That was an insult. I felt tears well in my eyes. If it had been anyone else speaking to me like this, perhaps I could have taken it. But this was Ryke. Ryke who I thought… Frankly, I don’t know what I’d thought. He’d treated me in a way I’d admittedly thought was special. I really thought those rumors about him were untrue. I’d believed him to be something he was not. And now I was getting hit with the reality. Ryke continued, “I do not expect incompetence from my employees.” In a much softer tone, he added, “Keep up, so I don’t have to fire you.” As we walked, I thanked whatever God was listening silently in my heart that he moved forward, because then he couldn’t see the tears finally fall down my cheeks.

It had been over a week since Lilac started working with Ryke, six days since she started giving him a cold shoulder. The blue in his angel’s eyes were icy, almost lifeless every morning she came in to drop off his coffee, like right now, and their fingers brushed as he took it from her, sending sparks flying through them. Ryke would have sold his soul to see those orbs light up again whenever she looked at him. “It’s good,” Ryke remarked after taking a sip of the hot drink, rushing to get the words out before Lilac could speed out like always. He didn’t expect a response, this was always the case since she started subtly ignoring him. So Ryke was very shocked when Lilac let out a soft “Hm”. ‘Hm’? That was progress, he supposed. Anyway, Ryke couldn’t stop his eyes from dropping, trailing down her form to her thighs in that skirt. Fuck. That sexy fucking skirt… It sent flashbacks of that night at the club flying through his head, something precious he was never going to get because of their new professional, work relationship. Or maybe he even had a chance, the opportunity for something secret to kindle between them. But he’d fucked it up. Still, how was it his fault for doing his job as a superior? Ryke decided he wasn’t going to let this keep going on. “Okay, don’t you think it’s a little immature? This attitude you’re giving me.” “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.” Lilac was right. As long as she did her job as she should, she didn’t have to relate closely or amicably with him. But she knew what exactly Ryke was referring to, and Ryke was going to push because of that. “You’re really mad at me because I scolded you.” “That’s a very wild claim, sir.” Lilac replied stubbornly and Ryke sighed. He stared at her until she could avoid his gaze no longer, then spoke, “Do you know what I hate most in the world?” Lilac didn’t respond, but Ryke was having none of that. “Answer me, Miss. Evans.” “No, sir.” “Liars. I hate liars, even more than I hate people who cheat. I asked you if you had rested well because you looked visibly tired, and you lied to me that you had, that you’d stayed up all night.” “So it wasn’t even about my ‘incompetence’, huh?” Lilac’s eyes flared up, full of emotion like it used to before she shut down on Ryke and yes, it was filled with anger directed at him, but it was something. He reveled in it. She continued, “And why do you even care about my wellbeing?” Lilac was right. Why did he care so much about her wellbeing? Why did he find himself behaving differently towards her than everyone else? It wasn’t far from the truth to say that he was still heavily attracted to her, that he still felt undeniably romantic emotions towards her. But Lilac didn’t feel the same in any way, judging by how quickly she promised to keep things professional. She swore that nothing would happen between them again, and so Ryke should have no reason to care about her. Yet just because she wasn’t interested didn’t mean his feelings were going to disappear just like that. Even then, Ryke respected her. He was neither a creep nor a man who couldn’t take no for an answer. She wanted ‘professional’, he’d give her ‘professional’. “Miss. Evans, it’s not that I care about your wellbeing, but when you don’t rest well, during the day when you’re supposed to be most efficient, you’re dragged down by tiredness as it was that day during the meeting.” Lilac’s pretty lips downturned, like something he said didn’t sit right with her. But she didn’t say anything. So he continued, “I believe you understand where my anger came from that day, but I’ll be more respectful when correcting you next time. Is that okay?” Lilac sighed, “Yes, Mr. Kolynsky. And I’m sorry for the attitude.” Ryke grinned, “So you admit you were giving me an attitude.” Lilac frowned cutely, blushing and rolling her eyes. They were back to normal. Thank heavens, Ryke thought. As Lilac was leaving the office, hand already on the door handle, Ryke spoke again, “Oh, and by the way, if you don’t know how to use Microsoft Excel, just say so. Or if you think you won’t be able to meet a deadline, tell me next time, and ask for an extension. Honestly will get you everywhere.” Lilac nodded meekly and shut the door behind her. As she did, there it was once again, the feeling of eyes on her body. Every time she left Ryke’s office, she could feel the heat of it, but she never dared to turn back to check if he was looking. And it puzzled her so much. That was nothing important though. Ryke’s words played over and over again in her head. ‘It’s not that I care about your wellbeing’. Lilac sighed. She wished she didn’t have these feelings for him because if it were anyone else, she truly would not give a fuck. But hearing Ryke say that to her, it really felt like a knife in her heart. *** The rest of the day, work went on smoothly as usual. The tension between employer and employee had dissipated, except that one lingering, heated tension that would draw tight with certain interactions. When Lilac was handing off a file, the moments when Ryke’s eyes would flit uncontrollably to Lilac’s neck, waist, other parts of her body. The tone he took when speaking with her, almost as if he was… flirting. But, Lilac was probably just reading too much into these small actions. She would only gain a world of hurt from indulging her wishful thinking. The work day had drawn to a close but Lilac stayed a little later to finish up something. Ryke had already gone much earlier, leaving her to close up the place. But she was surprised when just as she finished and was shutting down the computer, the door opened and there Ryke was again. It seemed he didn’t expect Lilac to still be there because he looked surprised. “You’re still around?” He asked with a frown. “I hope you’re aware that overtime isn’t compensated for.” “Yep. But don’t worry, I wasn’t intending on staying very late. I just finished as you can see.” Lilac was indeed already packing my things into her tote bag. “Alright. I left a file I need behind so I’m just going to pick it up.” By the time Ryke was ready to leave again, so was Lilac. Because of this, walking through the hallway together to the elevator was inevitable. As the two rode down, a sound growled in the quiet space. It was Lilac’s stomach! Lilac’s face bled into a violent red and she blushed in embarrassment. She tried to maintain her facial expression, acting as though she hadn’t heard the sound. But Ryke chuckled, multiplying her humiliation even further. “Miss. Evans, are you hungry?” Lilac’s first instinct was to lie. But Ryke hated lies, and doing so when it would be obvious would be the best way to piss him off again. So Lilac just nodded stiffly, “Yes, Mr. Kolynsky. But that’s why I’m hurrying home to make dinner.” “You’re leaving later than usual today, meaning you’ll have to be hungry for longer if you do that. Why don’t you come with me? We can grab some food and I’ll drop you off at home.” “Oh. I… Uh…” How could she say she was too poor to get whatever type of expensive food Ryke was probably thinking of getting, or eat out in general. “I can’t really afford…” Lilac trailed off, hoping Ryke would get the gist of it without her having to complete the sentence. “That’s okay. I’ll handle it.” Lilac looked up, watching the side of Ryke’s face gently. Before she could say anything, the door to the elevator opened and both of them stepped off. As they walked through the almost empty officescape, Lilac murmured, “I don’t mean to impose, sir. I’ll be fine, my food at home’s already been prepared, I just need to—” Ryke didn’t break stride, casting her a sidelong glance with a smirk. “Impose? Don’t flatter yourself, Evans. I’m doing this because I can’t have my assistant collapsing from fatigue on the job because instead of resting once she got home, she spent hours cooking. If you’re useless tomorrow because you’re lightheaded, that’s on me.” Lilac, not wanting a repeat of the week-long issue they resolved only just today, snapped her mouth shut and nodded. “Alright.” Ryke led the way to his car which was parked just outside and helped Lilac in the passenger’s side before getting in the driver’s seat. As Lilac was entering, she could’ve sworn she heard a sharp click, like the sound of a camera going off. But when she looked around, she couldn’t see anyone. Shrugging it off, she got in and soon they were on their way. “Where to?” Ryke asked, giving her free rein of where they could get dinner. Lilac panicked. Should she suggest somewhere expensive? No, that might give Ryke the wrong idea that she was trying to freeload, but she also didn’t want to suggest anything below his caliber. Wait! “GoldenSpoon Cafe.” Lilac suggested, recalling that he’d mentioned having patronized my former place of work. “I expected that. Alright, let’s go.” And that was how Ryke and Lilac found themselves looking forward to spending an evening together. In Lilac's mind, she remembered her friend’s suggestion to try to seduce Ryke. Maybe this was a good opportunity. Even as ridiculous as it sounded. Still, she wasn’t going to let this evening go without trying something.

Lilac’s POV Once Ryke and I arrived at GoldenSpoon and he’d parked the car, he pulled out a pair of sunglasses from a compartment and slid it on. He saw me watching him with a puzzled expression on my face and smirked. “I’m not exactly the kind of person who can walk around in public without a care in the world.” Ryke said. “Ah, I forgot.” As soon as we opened the doors, I remembered something immediately. My ex-coworkers. I’d completely forgotten that I might see them. It wasn’t really a problem if I were just at risk of seeing Millie and Jayce. They’d just tease me from afar without ever really approaching. But the thought of seeing the others I used to work with, or even worse, my ex-boss . I never officially resigned when I quit. I just told Millie to pass on the message I was never coming back, but of course, hilariously, here I was. I looked at Ryke and his sunglasses sadly, wishing I had one of my own. I guided him to a seat in the far corner and sat with my back facing the rest of the cafe. “What would you like to eat?” Ryke asked once we were settled and I shrugged. “Whatever you’re having is okay. Thank you,” I smiled, truly grateful. Ryke signaled for a waiter and I ducked as inconspicuously as I could. He raised a brow at my actions but I simply acted as if I couldn’t see him and kept my head down. The sound of heels clacking drew near and dread filled me. No, it couldn’t be her. Surely, my luck wasn’t this bad. But the sound of that bored, high-pitched voice asking us for our order reached my ears and I grimaced. It was Rita, the co-worker I was avoiding the most. “Good evening, what can I get for you?” She greeted as she set down appetizer drinks from her tray. “We’ll have two potato soups with garlic bread on the side. Is that okay, Miss. Evans?” Shit. I cleared my throat in an effort to disguise my voice. “Yes, sir.” I heard Rita’s confused hum at my weird behavior, but she eventually walked away. For the first time, that lady knew how to mind her business. “Miss. Evans,” I jumped at the sound of my name in Ryke’s deep voice pulling me from my nervous thoughts. Looking at him once again, I met his concerned green gaze and smiled awkwardly. “Is everything alright?” “Huh? Oh, yes, Mr. Kolynsky. Everything is perfect.” Ryke’s lips twisted into a smirk as he leaned back, eyes glinting with amusement. “Miss Evans, hiding from someone, are we?” He gave a slow shake of his head. “How very unlike you to let anyone get under your skin.” Shit. This man was too observant. But he was wrong. Rita was someone who got under my skin a lot for the months I worked with her. That was precisely why I was avoiding her. I sighed. “I don’t want my former co-workers to see me, especially that waitress. She’s a headache.” Ryke raised an eyebrow, a glint of curiosity flashing in his eyes as he took a sip of his drink. This action prompted me to reach for mine unconsciously. “It can’t be that serious that you would feel the need to hide… Or maybe, Miss Evans, you’re hiding more than you’re letting on?” Shame filled me as my cheeks colored and I hung my head in embarrassment. He’d figured something was up. I didn’t want to tell him why exactly I was hiding from Rita but I didn’t have to. It seemed he saw my anxious demeanor and took the hint, not pressing further. Now that that was over, I remembered my quest to seduce Ryke. I texted Millie beneath the table as we waited for Ryke to return with my food asking if she was currently handling a shift at the cafe and she responded positively. Great. Some quick tips from her were absolutely necessary. I let her know she should meet me in the restroom. “Mr. Kolynsky, I’m going to use the restroom. I’d like to avoid Rita when she returns with our food.” Ryke raised an eyebrow, “We’re not at work, you don’t need to take permission from me. Anyone listening would think you’re my servant or something.” I nodded, not bothering to reply to his remark and hurried to where Millie said she’d be waiting for me. Sure enough, there she was in the female side. “Lilac!” Millie sprung to hug me as soon as she saw me. I couldn’t stop the grin that formed on my face. “How are you? I haven’t seen you since that day of your interview. You abandoned me.” She smacked my arm lightly and I laughed, feeling that joy I only ever got when I was with my friend. “I’m good, Millie and I’m sorry. How are you, too?” Millie sighed and let me go, leaning on the sink. “Better now you’re here. So what’s this I’m hearing about seducing Mr. Charming?” She wiggled her eyebrows and I flushed in embarrassment at her teasing. Gosh, I couldn’t believe I was really about to do this. “He’s here. Like, in GoldenSpoon, I left him at our table.” “What?!” Millie shrieked and I winced. I really was forgetting Ryke wasn’t just any normal person evident by Millie’s reaction to him being here and his need to hide himself. “Yeah…” I continued. “He offered to get me dinner so I don’t have to cook after getting home really tired.” “Holy shit, what? Baby, are you sure you need to seduce him? This is most definitely a date and by the sounds of it, he likes you.” I sighed in frustration. “No, he doesn’t.” “Come on, Lilac. Even you can’t be this blind.” “I’m serious. The only reason he’s doing this is because he doesn’t want me to be useless at work. According to him, he doesn’t really care about my wellbeing.” “What?!” “Okay, Millie, you really need to stop screaming.” I said, resting on the wall beside her. I was tired, I guess. “I’m sorry,” Millie said, “But that is so callous and rude. What is his problem?” I raised an eyebrow at her question and she nodded. “Right. He’s exactly like the rumors said — an asshole. Whatever, babe. Don’t ever let his words get to you.” Millie groaned, burying her hands in her face. “Ugh, now I’m even rethinking this entire thing. I’m not sure you should try to get him to fall in love with you anymore. Who wants to be with an assbag like him?” “I… I want to fight for him. At least this one time, before I let him go. What we had that night in the club was too good if I hadn’t ruined it. I want to believe there’s still some attraction to me, even if it’s just a little.” “You deserve better than that, Lilac, but it’s fine. It’s your choice and love does make us all a little blind anyways.” I laughed at Millie’s words. She pushed herself off the sink and came closer to me. “Well, then. Let’s get started!” She slapped her hands together, face lighting up in glee all of a sudden so much that it terrified me. What was I getting myself into? “First of all, what exactly do you hope to achieve by dressing to work like this? Really, Lilac? A t-shirt and sweatpants? I’m surprised they even let you in the building.” “I don’t have anything else!” I protested. “Besides, Ryke doesn’t mind so it’s fine.” As I spoke, Millie started to unbutton her shirt swiftly, eyeing my t-shirt with contempt. “W-what are you doing?!” I asked, voice raising in alarm. “Take off your t-shirt.” She apparently wanted us to switch clothes. It was too late to back out so I just did as Millie wanted. She couldn’t be stopped when she had her eyes set on something. We ended up switching tops and Millie buttoned her shirt on me till it reached just below my cleavage so my boobs were showing. Then, she unfastened her necklace and placed it around my bare neck, adjusting the dangly pendant so it fell right into my chest, obviously intended to draw eyes to that space. At this point, I could definitely see her plan. Millie was so genius at these things, I was grateful to have her help me. “There.” She said with a smirk, looking at me analytically. “Nothing we can do about the sweatpants. These weapons you call tits will have to suffice.” I blushed at what she called my boobs. They were big but not that big. Not wanting to waste any more time, Millie grabbed my shoulders and led me out of the restroom. “Wait,” I started in a panic, “How am I supposed to explain this change of clothes.” “Just tell him you got it wet by accident and a kind waitress was willing to lend you a change of clothes. You need to up your seduction game, sis, I can’t do everything for you.” Nodding, I eyed Ryke where he sat across the crowded cafe. He’d taken off his jacket and was scrolling through his phone, arm thrown across the backrest of his side of the chair. He looked so hot in the low lights I wanted to melt. I was certain I was going to implode from his aura before I actually got to do anything Remembering one last thing, I turned to beg Millie to switch with Rita as our waitress as one more favor, but the spot beside me was empty. She’d left me standing alone in front of the restroom door. Ugh, that traitor. Deciding it was fine, I made my way back to the table. From the looks of it, our food had already been served and Rita wouldn’t be back till we were done eating. It was fine. I noticed Ryke hadn’t started eating yet. That was good. It meant he’d spend longer here with me. Clearing my throat, I pulled out my chair and sat in it, mumbling “Hey, I’m back.” Ryke looked up from his phone at me, and promptly he froze. I watched those green eyes land on my neck, then drop down, trailing heat across my collarbones, and finally to my breasts where they darkened till nothing remained except his pupils. I watched his lips part, and he licked them. His eyes flitted back up to mine, then down again as if he couldn’t help himself. “Hey… Lilac.”