5. Because I Want You

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 excited.”

“I’m just tired,” Emma replied quickly. “Lack of sleep.”

Jenny studied her for a few seconds, then nodded, though it was clear she didn’t fully believe her.

Lunch break ended. Emma wished the day would end with it.

But that hope collapsed when a tall figure in a neat suit stopped in front of her desk.

“Emma.”

Edward’s voice sounded flat and professional.

“Please come with me to Mr. Alex’s office. Now.”

Emma froze.

“N-now?” her voice was barely audible.

“Yes.”

Two other female employees stood behind Edward, their faces a mix of nerves and excitement.

Jenny instinctively grabbed Emma’s hand. “Relax. I’m sure you’ll be the one he chooses.”

Emma gave a thin smile—more an attempt to calm herself.

***

Edward gestured for them to sit.

“This will just be a brief session,” he explained. “Mr. Alex wants to get to know the candidates for his personal secretary.”

Question after question was asked.

The other two employees answered with full confidence, selling their skills, loyalty, and willingness to work without limits.

Emma answered only what was necessary. Short. Careful. As if every word could be a trap.

The door opened.

Alex walked in.

The room instantly felt silent.

His gaze swept over them briefly—then stopped on Emma. Longer. Far too long.

“Edward,” Alex said calmly, “have them leave.”

Everyone froze.

“Now,” he repeated without emotion.

Edward nodded. The three employees stood, their faces tense with disappointment.

“Except Emmalyn Swan,” Alex added shortly.

Hearing her full name made Emma go rigid.

The door closed.

Silence pressed down on them.

Emma reflexively stood. “If there’s nothing else you need—”

“Sit down,” Alex cut in gently.

His tone wasn’t loud. But it was binding.

Emma obeyed.

Alex stepped out from behind the desk, walking slowly. Every movement was measured, as if he were enjoying Emma’s nervousness.

“You’re nervous,” he said.

“I’m not nervous, sir.”

Alex smiled faintly. “You’re lying.”

Emma lifted her face. “Mr. Alex—”

“If it’s just the two of us,” Alex interrupted, “you don’t need to be so formal. Call me by my name. Like yesterday.”

Emma’s body tensed. She closed her eyes for a moment. “That was a mistake.”

“No,” Alex replied softly. “You’re the one who started it.”

“Please forget everything. Just pretend it never happened,” Emma said, forcing herself to be brave.

Alex stopped right in front of her, keeping his distance—close enough to make it hard for Emma to breathe.

“Forget it?” Alex’s smile held mockery. “You’re too naïve.”

Emma’s heart pounded. “What do you want?”

Alex smiled widely. “Smart girl,” he praised. “I want you to be my personal secretary.”

“Why me?” Emma asked quickly. “There are many other employees who are more competent.”

Alex leaned against the desk, his eyes studying Emma’s face as if she were a valuable item being chosen.

“Because I want you,” he said clearly. “Not them.”

He picked up a folder and placed it in front of Emma.

“Double the salary. Flexible working hours. Full access to management. And a guaranteed career.”

Emma didn’t touch the folder. “I’m not interested.”

Alex leaned back, his smile widening. “Are you sure?”

“Very sure.”

“What a shame,” Alex said lightly. “The cooperation contract with the Swan company will be ending soon.”

Emma’s blood turned cold.

“And now, all policies are in my hands.”

Emma’s jaw tightened. Before that contract ended, she had to marry Jonathan to secure the house left by her mother. Or save the money herself—quietly.

“Are you threatening me?”

Alex let out a small laugh. “No. I’m just giving you a choice.”

A choice that was clearly unbalanced.

Emma stayed silent for a long time.

“I’m Jonathan’s fiancée,” she said at last. “And we’re getting married. If I accept this offer, it will be purely professional.”

“And what else were you expecting?” Alex asked casually—far too casually.

Emma flinched. The man in front of her was truly unreadable.

“I’ll wait for your answer tomorrow.”