Bitter Sweet Reversal

Laura

Weeks later.

“You can go in, ma'am,” the secretary said, handing me some keys and a file. 

“Thank you, miss.” I flashed her a polite grin.

“Who even smiles on Monday mornings?” I muttered as I sprinted up the lavish stairs.

I had just landed a job as the personal assistant to the CEO of Topex Corp - the crown jewel of Greentop. It felt like a dream. They gave me a car, an apartment, and a generous salary.

Finally, freedom from Lotus city and its toxic entanglements.

I quickened my pace like I was heading to paradise, grinning like an idiot, right before I slammed into something hard.

“Ouch!”

My bag dropped to the floor. I clutched my face, shades of crimson blooming across my T-zone.

It just doesn't end, does it? Who the hell's doing this to me?

“My apologies, dear. Are you hurt?”

That voice, that scent. He’d chase me down the depths of the earth, because he saved my life. 

A sour tang sucked in my cheeks.

“Your apologies! Do you have chest bones or brick walls?” I snapped, rubbing my temples.

His eyes widened. “Laura DeVille! What are you doing here?” He crouched beside me, helping with the scattered files. 

“I should be asking you that,” I scoffed. Then something flipped inside me.

 “You're stalking me… aren't you?” I bit my lip.

His brow furrowed. “What are you saying, Cute bug? I own this place.” He paused, a smile forming on his lips. “Wait… you're my assistant?”

My pulse quickened, thudding in my ears. “What! Y-You own Topex?” My voice trembled with disbelief.

“Bingo. That's it. You are.” He clapped swiftly in confirmation. “How lovely, Mrs DeVille. You ghosted me for weeks, now fate ends up hitting the jackpot.” He pinched my nose playfully. “Incredible plot twist, don't you think?”

My pride twisted in my gut.

“Plot twist my foot!” I hissed under my breath. The universe was saying screw you, Laura. You escaped Lotus City straight into your dream trap.

I faked a smile. “Newsflash! I'm resigning.” I shoved the file against his chest and turned on my heels, but he grabbed my wrist.

“Think about your child, Laura.” He paused, letting the words sink in. “Would you let your ego get in the way of giving it a good life?” His gaze lingered on my belly as he handed the file back to me.

The words sank into my stomach.

I shook my head with a fake smile. “Seriously? Was that the best you've got?“ I said in a tart tone. “There are many ways to give my child a good life.” I tried to walk, but his grip tightened.

“One million… every month.” He cocked a brow, his eyes searching mine for a response.

My heart raced. 

One million every month – enough to secure my child's future and even start my own grill. 

My mind spun. 

Maybe it's a trap for keeping me closer to him. Either way, I was ready to walk into that trap for the sake of my child.

I swallowed hard before letting the words slip from my lips. “I accept.”

He gave a quick smile, but I knew he was hiding his amusement. Finally, he had lured me into his safe trap. Yes, a safe trap. 

“For f**k’s sake, Laura. The company won't partner itself,” he beckoned, jabbing the elevator buttons.

Partnership meeting?

 I hurried after him, heels clicking against the marble floor as I slipped inside just as the elevator doors closed behind us.

.

.

.

.

We moved through the onyx walls, escorted by men in black as a sea of eyes flooded us. It made my skin prickle.

The events of the hospital when I first met Kaida, flashed through my mind. He was alone that day, why the escorts now? 

Just as I was about to ask, his phone rang. He veered toward an empty space near the boardroom and I followed suit, not minding his private space. Besides, I was his assistant.

“Your grandpa. He needs you!” A voice spoke through the phone, its tone urgent.

His face went ashen. “I’m on my way!” His voice was shrill, as he hung up.

Was his grandpa sick? I wanted to ask, but I didn't want to pry into personal matters.

He turned, almost bumping into me. Before I could speak, he chipped in.

“You know the onions. Take my seat, scale the partners, and close the deal if it sits right.” he said swiftly as he dashed out the door.

“What? I- I just resumed today!”  

The elevator doors closed behind him.

My mouth went dry.

My first day as an assistant, and I'm closing a deal. I'm not even familiar with the company's style.

“You just have to evaluate them, ma'am, nothing more.” The secretary said, her face bright despite the panic.

I drew a shaky breath, my hand trembling as I twisted the doorknob.

The moment I rushed in, familiar scents hit my nose, and the files slipped from my grasp with a soft thud.

I clenched my teeth. Rage blurred my vision.

“Laura!” 

“Who let this bitch in here?!” she barked, shoving her chair back.

“Ma'am, you're bleeding!” The secretary gasped in shock. 

 Yes, I had bitten my cheeks, but it was nothing compared to how those demons bled me.

I had been so lost in my fury when a sharp slap snapped me back to reality. I looked up, only to see a pair of red lips curl into a smirk.

“A wretched janitor ought to knock before barging into the council of the elites.” she spat, her eyes scanning me like a mannequin used for display.

Then, I saw him. The man who broke me. He sat there, legs crossed on the table, a devious smile plastered his face, as he tossed chips on the floor. “Leila dear, come sit. Let her do her work.”

The flames of agony rekindled in my chest, but I smothered them, brushing past her as if nothing had happened.

“Laura DeVille. I'll be closing the deal.” I extended my hand with a confident smile, as if we were already partners. “Your brief, sir.”

They both exchanged glances, their faces drained of color, but underneath it, Kai's body seethed with anger. “A-Are you out of your mind?” he shot me a cold stare.

I snatched the file from his grasp without even going through it.

SLAM!

“Mr. Kai, we don't turn spare parts into luxury vehicles, nor scribbles into a Mona Lisa.” I paused before breaking the silence. “You're welcome to apply again, but know this… Topex doesn't promote parasitism. You never were, and never will be qualified.”

Veins bulged on Kai's neck, as he stared at me with bloodshot eyes. 

I placed my hands on their shoulders, my voice low and deadly. “You bled me once. Never again. This company wouldn't survive the way I did.”

 The words clung to the air, stiffening them like statues.

A strange sense of foreboding curled in my chest. This wasn't over.

I blinked back the tears misting in my eyes. 

Then, my phone chimed, jolting me out of my daze. I answered.

“Laura… marry me.”