My boss ,The jerk I love

What do you mean I’m transferring?”

No. This can’t be happening.

When my boss, Aaron, called me in early this morning, I thought he just wanted to catch up ,we hadn’t seen each other all week. I mean, we’re close. He had to travel for a meeting over the weekend, and I figured he wanted to debrief or maybe just have one of our usual coffee chats.

I definitely wasn’t expecting this.

“It’s not that bad, Eva,” Aaron sighed, running a hand through his dark waves.

“Not that bad?” I flopped into the chair across from his desk, crossing my arms. “You know how much Julian Salvator irritates me. He’s such a snob.”

Aaron chuckled, clearly amused by my frustration. “It’s just for one year. And you might not even be working directly under him.”

I gave him a look. That smug tone of his made me want to throw something. 

I sank deeper into the chair, tugging the hem of my blazer as I crossed one leg over the other. My long, ginger hair was still slightly damp from my rushed shower, tied into a sleek low ponytail like always. I looked the part classy and polished in tailored pants, a silk cream blouse, and nude heels but I didn’t feel composed. Not with this kind of news.

Aaron’s office, like the man himself, was polished but comfortable bookshelves lined with leadership books, a sleek desk without a single piece of paper out of place, and a warm scent of cedarwood in the air. He was the kind of guy who turned heads everywhere: six-foot-two, lean muscle, tailored suits that fit like they were sewn directly onto his body, and those hazel eyes that women in the office mysteriously developed “printing issues” just to get a second look at.

There was a time I had the biggest crush on him. Honestly, can you blame me?

But right now, that didn’t matter. Not when I was being sent off to Raven & Co. owned by Julian Salvatore 

Julian Salvator had to be the most obnoxious human I’d ever met. Every time I saw him at a board meeting, he looked like he was silently ranking everyone in the room and somehow, I was always last. And let’s not even get started on his background. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Austin Salvator, were practically royalty in this country. Rumor had it Julian left home young and built his company from the ground up.

Which, like—why?

Who leaves behind wealthy, loving parents just to prove a point?

Aaron leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “You start at your new office tomorrow. It’s a joint collaboration our companies are exchanging some staff to strengthen the partnership.”

My stomach dropped. “But why me? And why now? I’ve finally gotten to the position I’ve worked so hard for in this company. And suddenly, you’re pushing me into another one?”

I could hear the slight crack in my voice, and I hated that. Hated how unsteady change made me feel.

I really, really hate change.Going to new places throws me off balance. It gives me anxiety and I am not a fan .

Graduating at the top of my class, landing a job at one of the biggest marketing firms in the state it had been my dream. My reality. And I had bled for it. Long nights, endless revisions, pressure to be the best. And now, it felt like everything I’d built was being dismantled like I’d have to start all over, learn new systems, meet new people, prove myself again.

“You’re overthinking again,” Aaron said softly, reaching across the desk and gently pulling my hands away from my mouth.

I hadn’t realized I was doing it again chewing my nails. A habit I’d promised myself I’d quit. But this conversation was making me anxious.

“You’re not being demoted,” he added, watching me closely. “This isn’t punishment. If anything, it’s a promotion in disguise.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Doesn’t feel like it.”

Aaron chuckled under his breath, but his expression stayed warm. “The board picked you for a reason, Eva. You’re one of the most reliable, efficient people we have. We need someone who will represent us well someone who understands how to adapt, lead, and still keep everything running. That’s you.”

I swallowed hard, trying not to be swayed by the pride in his voice.

“And honestly,” he went on, “you’re exactly the kind of professional we need Raven & Co. to see. 

I looked at him, searching his eyes for any sign of doubt. “And Julian Salvator?”

Aaron shrugged. “He’s not as bad as you think. You’ve only met him twice.”

“Twice was enough,” I muttered.

“I know he comes off… intense. Arrogant, maybe. But I’ve worked with him. He’s sharp, focused. You might even learn a thing or two.”

I huffed. “Great. Just what I need.”

Aaron laughed, leaning back in his chair. “You’ll survive. And I promise, you’ll thank me in the end.”

I let out a long, dramatic sigh. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

His grin widened. “Not like you had a choice anyway. I’m still your boss.”

I rolled my eyes and walked out of his office preparing myself for my new job .