A voice stirred me from my sleep. Someone was shaking me gently.
"Miss Jessica, wake up," a familiar voice called softly.
My eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light. It was Rhoda.
"Rhoda?" I mumbled, still groggy.
"Jason is here," she said, her voice carrying a hint of urgency.
At the mention of his name, my body tensed. I pushed myself up, rubbing my eyes. As my vision cleared, I saw him—Jason—sitting on the couch directly in front of me. His cold, piercing gaze locked onto mine, sending a shiver down my spine.
It felt like a nightmare.
To make sure I wasn't dreaming, I slapped my own cheek.
"Jessica," Jason's deep voice snapped as he watched me.
I flinched, my hand frozen mid-air.
"Stop that foolishness," he said, his tone laced with irritation. Then his gaze flicked to Rhoda. "Go back to your work."
Rhoda gave me a small nod before quickly leaving the room, leaving me alone with him.
I swallowed hard. The weight of his stare made my skin prickle with unease. Lowering my feet from the couch, I realized I was wearing a pair of grey slippers. Wait… where did these come from?
Then it hit me—I had left the company without permission.
Panic shot through me. My job was on the line.
"First," I blurted out, cutting off whatever he was about to say. "I'm sorry! Please don't fire me!" I stood up, hands clenched at my sides.
Jason didn't react immediately. Instead, his eyes darkened, and he leaned back against the couch, crossing one leg over the other.
"Who told you I was going to fire you?" he asked coldly.
The weight in my chest didn't ease. "Then—"
"Sit back down," he ordered.
I hesitated but did as he said, lowering myself back onto the couch.
His gaze flickered to my feet. "First of all, who told you to wear my slippers?"
I followed his eyes and blinked at the grey slippers.
"Oh, these?" I nudged one with my toe. "I found them when I arrived here."
Jason exhaled through his nose, his expression unreadable. "And second—who told you to sleep here?"
His voice was sharp, almost accusing.
So many rules.
I groaned internally. Here we go again.
"Got it," I muttered. "I'll stay at a hotel from now on."
His jaw clenched. "Did I say that?" he snapped.
I stared at him, confused. "Then what—?"
"You're not allowed to sleep in the living room, not the house," he clarified, his voice carrying a dangerous edge.
My mouth opened, then closed. Seriously? That's what he's mad about?
I didn't reply.
Jason leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His gaze never wavered. "Tomorrow, you're coming with me."
"To where?" I asked hesitantly.
"To meet my grandpa."
My stomach dropped.
His grandfather?
I recalled something I had overheard this morning—the girls in the bathroom gossiping about how Jason was taking his girlfriend to meet his dangerous grandpa.
A chill ran through me. If Jason was this terrifying, I didn't even want to imagine what his grandfather was like. Cold, strict, silent. The kind of man who would sit at the head of a massive dining table, making everyone eat in complete silence under his scrutinizing gaze.
I felt sick just thinking about it.
"No, no, I can't go! I have work tomorrow!" I quickly tried to excuse myself.
Jason didn't even blink. "Mike will handle it."
I gritted my teeth. "Oh! I forgot—I'm supposed to meet my parents tomorrow!"
"Didn't you just come from their house today?" he countered, raising an eyebrow.
I wanted to scream.
"Oh! I also have a meeting with my friends!"
"Cancel it," he said flatly.
My fists clenched. This man—I swear—
My mind raced for another excuse. Suddenly, I clutched my stomach, feigning discomfort. "Ah… I think I'm not feeling well. I can't go."
Jason's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"It's… a girl thing. Can't you understand?" I said vaguely, trying to sound as natural as possible. Then, before he could press further, I quickly rushed into the bathroom and locked the door.
Leaning against the door, I exhaled in relief. That should buy me some time.
Then, I heard Jason's voice from outside.
"Mike, look up what 'girls' thing' means."
I nearly choked.
On the other end of the call, Mike groaned. "Oh, Jason, are you seriously calling me at midnight for this? Can't I sleep for once?"
"Get to the point," Jason said impatiently.
Mike sighed. "It's… something that happens once a month to every girl."
"Does it hurt?" Jason asked, his voice oddly serious.
Mike groaned louder. "Jason, I'm not a girl! Just ask Jessica and leave me alone!"
Jason's voice turned cold. "Who's the boss here? No bonus for you this month."
"Alright, alright, sorry!" Mike hurriedly backtracked. "Yeah, it hurts. My girlfriend says it's awful."
"Is Jessica on her period?" Mike asked.
At that moment, I checked—and oh no.
My eyes widened as I realized it had actually arrived. I quickly grabbed a pad and took a deep breath, deciding to stay in the bathroom a little longer just to listen.
"Yeah," Jason confirmed. "And Grandpa wants to meet her."
"Then reschedule it for Thursday," Mike suggested.
Only two days?
Jason was silent for a moment before responding. "Fine."
"Good. Now take care of her, and once she's better, introduce her to your grandpa," Mike instructed.
"Got it," Jason replied.
"Wait—does this mean my monthly bonus is still on?" Mike asked eagerly.
Jason scoffed. "It depends on your performance." Then, he hung up.
I took a deep breath and stepped out of the bathroom.
"Rhoda!" I called.
She appeared quickly. "Yes, Jessica?"
"Where's my room?"
"It's on the first floor, right next to Jason's room," she said.
I blinked. "Rhoda, I don't even know which one is Jason's room. How am I supposed to find mine?"
She chuckled. "Oh, right. Follow me."
She grabbed my luggage and led me upstairs. When she opened the door, my jaw nearly dropped.
The room was stunning. Luxurious, elegant, and huge.
I turned to Rhoda. "This is… mine?"
She nodded. "Yes, Miss Jessica."
I swallowed, still taking it all in.
"Thank you, Rhoda," I murmured.
She smiled and left, closing the door behind her.
It was already late, and exhaustion hit me like a wave. Without another thought, I collapsed onto the bed, sinking into the soft mattress.
As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light.
A cold sensation pressed against my forehead, sending a shiver down my spine. A sharp pain twisted in my stomach, like something was cutting me from the inside. I groaned softly, my eyelids heavy as I slowly forced them open. The sunlight was already streaming into the room, making me squint.
Rhoda sat beside me, gently pressing a damp towel to my forehead.
"Rhoda..." I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper.
Her face lit up with relief. "Finally, you're awake."
My body felt sluggish, but as I turned my head, my gaze landed on Jason. He was seated in the chair in front of my bed, arms crossed, staring at me with that same unreadable expression.
I frowned. "What… what are you doing here?" My voice came out hoarse.
Jason didn't answer.
Rhoda sighed. "He's been here since last night."
That made me blink in surprise. "But… doesn't he have to go to work in the morning?"
"It's already afternoon," Rhoda said.
My eyes widened. "What?!" In a panic, I tried to sit up, but the moment I moved, dizziness hit me like a wave. The towel on my head slid off and landed on the floor. My stomach twisted violently, and I groaned, clutching my side.
"Huh… again?" I muttered weakly as my body gave up, forcing me to collapse back onto the bed. I instinctively turned to my side, facing away from them.
Rhoda's voice was laced with concern. "Jessica, are you feeling sick?"
"No," I mumbled, my voice barely audible. "I feel like I'm dying."
A heaviness washed over me, my body no longer responding. My vision blurred as exhaustion pulled me under.
"Jessica?" Rhoda's voice sounded distant now.
I wanted to respond, but I couldn't. I was slipping away, sinking into the darkness.
Somewhere in the haze, I thought I heard Jason's voice, firm yet quiet.
"Call the doctor."
Then everything faded.
A sharp, sterile scent filled my nose as I slowly blinked my eyes open. The bright white ceiling above me confirmed my suspicion—I was in a hospital. My body felt drained, but the dull ache in my stomach was still there, a painful reminder of why I was here.
As my vision adjusted, I noticed Jason seated on my right, his fingers wrapped around my hand. His grip was firm, steady. Rhoda was on my left, watching me anxiously.
"Are you alright?" Jason's voice was low, but there was something unusual in it—concern?
I swallowed, my throat dry. "Where… where is this?"
Jason didn't answer immediately. Instead, he lifted his other hand and pressed the back of it against my forehead, checking my temperature. His touch was surprisingly gentle.
"It's better than before," he murmured.
Rhoda let out a relieved sigh. "The doctor said it's just your period. You couldn't handle the pain, so you passed out."
My stomach dropped. Oh great, just announce it to the world, Rhoda. Thank you so much for embarrassing me in front of my boss.
I forced a weak smile, trying to brush it off. "I'm feeling better now. Can I leave?"
"No," Jason said firmly, his grip on my hand tightening slightly.
I blinked at him. "But I have work to do—"
"You're more important than work."
I stilled. The words were so unexpected, so out of character for him, that for a moment, I wasn't sure I'd heard him right.
Jason, the cold and ruthless boss, just said I was more important than work?
My heart did an odd little flip.
I stared at him, but his expression was unreadable. Yet, his hand still held mine, warm and steady.
For the first time, I wasn't sure how to respond.