Under His Control

Emma jolted awake. Her breath caught when her eyes registered the unfamiliar ceiling. Not her room. Not the ceiling she saw every morning. Wrinkled white sheets lay beneath her body, and an unfamiliar masculine scent slipped into her senses, making her chest suddenly tighten.“No. No, no, no…” she whispered in panic.She turned her head slowly, as if afraid of what she might see. A strange man was sleeping soundly beside her. A strong jawline, slightly tousled hair. And the two of them were under the same blanket.“Oh God…” Emma’s voice barely came out.Her trembling hand pulled back the edge of the blanket. Her chest was exposed. Her shoulders bare. Not a single thread covered her body.She swallowed hard. “This is impossible,” she whispered faintly. “This has to be a dream.”But the throbbing in her head, the dryness in her throat, and the ache in her body said otherwise.The man shifted slightly, letting out a soft grunt. Emma froze instantly, not daring to move at all.“Don’t wak

“Emma, are you sure you’re okay?”Emma flinched when the voice addressed her. She turned quickly, making sure no one else was around.“Why?” she asked, trying to sound normal.“You’ve looked restless since noon,” Jenny said. “Like you’re being chased by a ghost.”Emma gave a thin smile. “I’m just short on sleep.”“Short on sleep, or… is there something you’re hiding from me?” Jenny narrowed her eyes. As her best friend, Jenny was sure Emma was hiding something.Emma grabbed her bag. “It’s nothing, Jen. I’m heading home early, okay?”“Why the rush to go home?”“I’m not feeling well,” Emma replied quickly.Jenny was about to say something else, but Emma was already standing. She didn’t want to linger at the office.“Don’t forget,” Jenny called out softly, “our new boss is still in the office.”The words made Emma’s steps pause for a moment.“Yeah, I know,” she answered shortly.She walked quickly down the hallway, head lowered, avoiding anyone’s gaze. Every sound of footsteps made her h

Lunch break was always the noisiest time in the company cafeteria.Emma sat among her coworkers, staring at her food without any real intention of touching it.“Do you realize,” one of the female employees said, leaning forward, “our new boss is just too… perfect.”“Not perfect,” another replied quickly. “Dangerous.”“Cold. His stare feels like it can read people’s minds.”“And arrogant,” another added, followed by a small laugh.Jenny chewed slowly. “That’s not arrogance. That’s god-level confidence.”Emma swallowed hard.“I heard a new rumor,” one woman whispered, lowering her voice. “Mr. Alex wants to hire a personal secretary.”“Huh? Seriously?”“Yes. They say he doesn’t want just anyone.”“So that means he’ll choose one of us?” Their eyes lit up.“Obviously, every female employee will be hoping for it.”Emma lowered her head. Her heartbeat suddenly became irregular.“Why do you look so unenthusiastic?” Jenny nudged her lightly. “It’s weird. You’re the only one who doesn’t seem ex

It was already late at night when Emma stepped out through the gates of the grand house.The sky hung dark above her, the cold air creeping in slowly, making her shoulders shiver.She stood by the roadside, waiting for a taxi that never came.One minute.Two minutes.Ten minutes passed.Not a single vehicle stopped.Emma let out a long breath. With heavy steps, she began walking along the sidewalk. Her heels clicked softly against the damp asphalt, keeping time with her chaotic thoughts.Step by step, her mind drifted far back into the past.She had been only ten years old when her first world collapsed.Her mother died.Not even a full week into mourning, her father brought another woman home—Sophia—along with a young girl named Rose. From that day on, Emma’s life changed drastically.The father who had once been gentle and always defended her slowly grew distant. Every decision sided with his new wife. Every accusation directed at Emma was believed without question.Sophia and Rose

The apartment door slammed shut.Emma stood with her back to Jonathan, her hand still gripping her bag. Her chest rose and fell—not from exhaustion, but from the anger she had been holding back.“We need to talk,” Jonathan said coldly.Emma placed her bag on the sofa, then turned around. “There’s nothing left for us to talk about. We’re clearly no longer on the same path, Jonathan.”“Don’t start making trouble again. Next month, we’re still getting married!” Jonathan snapped, staring at her sharply.Emma turned her head. “Married? Next month?”“Yes. We’ll get married according to Grandpa’s wishes.”“You can’t be selfish,” Emma shot back. “Grandpa gave that decision to me. Whatever choice I make, he will accept it.”“Are you sure you can really cancel our wedding plans?” Jonathan sneered. He was certain Emma wouldn’t have the heart to disappoint his grandfather.“Of course. I deliberately stalled earlier so I could find a way to talk to Grandpa.”“That’s enough, Emma! We’re going throu