2. The Man from Last Night Is My Boss

Emma arrived at the office close to ten o’clock. Her steps were hurried, her breathing still unsteady as she dropped into her work chair.

“Emma!”

Jenny’s voice immediately snapped at her.

“Where have you been?” Jenny glanced at her watch. “This is a new record for being late, you know.”

“Don’t lecture me,” Emma replied weakly as she turned on her computer. “My head hurts.”

Jenny rolled her chair closer. Too close. Her eyes narrowed, focusing on Emma’s neck, partially hidden by her hair.

“Hey,” Jenny muttered. “What’s that on your neck?”

Emma reflexively pulled her hair forward. “What are you talking about, Jen?”

“Red,” Jenny said firmly. “And that is definitely not an allergy.”

Emma let out a long sigh. “Please don’t make a scene.”

Jenny crossed her arms. “Emma… what did you do last night?”

Emma went silent for a few seconds. Her hand clenched on the desk.

“I got drunk,” she finally said.

Jenny’s eyes widened. “You? Drunk?”

“Yes.”

“Emma, that joke isn’t funny. You get dizzy just from drinking soda,” Jenny whispered. “Since when can you get drunk?”

“Since last night,” Emma answered shortly.

Jenny leaned in even closer. “Tell me the truth. Who did you spend the night with?”

Emma swallowed. “A stranger. I didn’t know him.”

“What?” Jenny’s voice rose reflexively, then she quickly covered her mouth. “Are you serious?”

“I can’t believe it either,” Emma replied softly.

Jenny shook her head in disbelief. “This is insane. You know the risks, right?”

“I know.”

“And you didn’t forget protection, right?” Jenny pressed.

Emma shook her head. “I don’t know. I was drunk, I—”

“Oh my God, Emma!” Jenny smacked her forehead.

“He’s not a stupid guy,” Jenny added confidently. “He must’ve remembered to use protection before doing that with you.”

“So what made you get that drunk?” Jenny demanded.

Emma turned her face away. “I was upset.”

“Just upset?”

Emma let out a heavy breath. “I caught Jonathan again.”

Jenny scoffed sharply. “Cheating again?”

Emma nodded. “The same person.”

“Bastard,” Jenny cursed. “And you’re still staying?”

“I have a reason to stay,” Emma replied quickly. “I can’t back out now. Not before I achieve my goal.”

Jenny looked at her for a long moment. “Emma… don’t be so hard on yourself.”

“I need solutions, not advice,” Emma cut in quietly. “I just need time to think.”

Jenny sighed, then nodded. “Okay. I’ll shut up.”

A few seconds of silence passed.

“Oh, by the way,” Jenny suddenly said, trying to change the subject. “You’ve heard the latest news, right?”

“What news?”

“We’re getting a new CEO.”

Emma raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t Mr. Henry still—”

“Transferred,” Jenny cut in. “His youngest son. He’s been living overseas all this time. They say he’s young and handsome.”

“Today?”

“Yes. He’ll be introduced soon.”

Emma leaned back in her chair. “Great. Late on an important day.”

Suddenly the atmosphere in the office shifted. Several employees stood up. Whispers rippled from different directions.

“That’s him,” Jenny whispered. “Looks like our new CEO has arrived.”

Emma stood as well and turned toward the front—and her heart seemed to stop beating.

The man walked in with calm steps. A sharp suit, an upright posture, a face she knew far too well.

Emma’s breath caught.

No…

The man stopped at the front of the room.

“Good morning, sir,” all the employees greeted in unison, bowing respectfully.

Alex nodded, his face flat and expressionless.

“Allow me to introduce Mr. Alex, our new CEO,” the man beside Alex announced.

Emma lowered her head even further, hiding herself so Alex wouldn’t see her. Her chest tightened instantly, her head buzzing.

“Starting today,” Alex said firmly, “I will be leading this company, replacing Mr. Lucas.”

Applause filled the room. All eyes were on him.

All—except Emma.

Her hands trembled on the desk. She couldn’t bring herself to lift her face.

This is impossible.

Why does it have to be him?

“Emma?” Jenny nudged her arm. “Do you know him?”

Emma shook her head quickly. “No,” she answered shortly. “I… need to go to the restroom for a bit.”

Without waiting for a response, she stepped back slowly, as calmly as possible, away from her desk. Everyone was still busy welcoming the new CEO.

No one noticed her.

Once she was far enough away, Emma turned and walked faster toward the hallway.

“Calm down,” she whispered to herself. “Calm down, Emma.”

But her steps faltered.

Why is he here? Is this a coincidence… or the beginning of a new problem?

Emma quickened her pace and disappeared behind the hallway door, leaving the room without anyone realizing she was gone.

She wasn’t ready to face Alex yet.

Not ready to accept the fact that the man she had been with last night was her own boss.