Morning at the Office
Auren entered the company after the weekend, brushing raindrops off the sleeves of her coat. The scent of wet asphalt, brought in from the street, still lingered in the air. She adjusted the bag on her shoulder, took a deep breath, and headed toward her workstation.
But something felt different.
It was too quiet.
Before, when she walked in, there would be hushed whispers, sideways glances thrown her way. But now... nothing. For the first time in a long while, no one averted their eyes or smirked behind her back.
As she walked past her colleagues, she caught snippets of conversation:
"...great delivery..."
"...an interesting solution..."
"...undeniable talent..."
She slowed her steps, listening unintentionally. For a moment, she thought they were talking about someone else, but then she noticed a few coworkers stealing glances at her.
They were talking about her.
Not about her looks.
Not about how she didn't deserve her place.
But about her work.
Auren felt something stir inside her. At first, she couldn't tell what it was — relief? Pride? Maybe both?
She walked on, trying to keep a neutral expression, but the corners of her lips twitched with a faint smile.
For the first time in a while, she had nothing to prove.
Auren pushed the door to her office and stepped inside, immediately closing it behind her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
The room greeted her with familiar silence, but today, it felt different. Not heavy, not lonely — rather calming. Here, behind these walls, she didn't have to catch stares, decode intentions, or anticipate whispers behind her back.
She placed her bag on the desk, ran her fingers along its cool surface before removing her autumn coat and neatly hanging it on the back of her chair. Her reflection in the darkened laptop screen stared back at her — composed, calm, but with a flicker of something in her eyes... satisfaction.
Auren ran a hand through her hair and exhaled, allowing herself a moment to enjoy this feeling. She had done it. The presentation had changed something — in her, in her standing, in how people saw her.
And even if she didn't know what the day would bring, it didn't matter right now.
She decided to savor the rare chance to enjoy the silence and her morning coffee before the office filled with noise and bustle.
Auren headed to the coffee machine by the wall of her office. That little corner had become her personal sanctuary, especially in moments like these, when Kael hadn't yet arrived and no one needed her attention.
She selected her usual drink and watched as the machine filled the cup with aromatic liquid. A thin steam rose upward, enveloping her in a light coffee fragrance.
She picked up the cup and slowly brought it to her lips, savoring the first sip. The bitterness spread pleasantly across her tongue, warming her from the inside.
Walking to the window, she gazed out at the morning city. Out there, behind the glass, everything moved in its usual rhythm, but here, in her office, it was still.
Even if this peace wouldn't last long, she allowed herself to linger in the moment.
Auren let herself smile — a rare, genuine one — sipping her coffee and recalling yesterday's presentation. She had done it. Not just managed — she had nailed it. Now, she wasn't seen as just a "pretty secretary," but as a real professional.
She had done it.
A light smile still played on her lips when the door to her office suddenly opened. Kael entered, and his eyes instantly locked on her.
"You look pleased," he noted, not hiding his mild surprise.
Auren flinched slightly at the interruption but didn't lose her smile. She turned toward him, calmly raising the cup to her lips.
"Why shouldn't I be?" she replied, savoring her small moment of triumph.
Kael studied her closely, as if trying to decipher the source of her good mood. Then, without another word, he walked into his own office, leaving behind a faint trail of his cologne.
Auren was still enjoying the aroma of fresh coffee when her computer chimed — a new email. She returned to her desk and glanced at the screen, expecting another business message for Kael.
"New message: Collaboration offer."
Auren nodded to herself — the Friday presentation must've impressed some partners. She opened the email and scanned it quickly.
A company that had attended the presentation was thanking her for the professional delivery and offering to discuss potential collaboration.
Auren smirked. Of course. Kael always knew how to impress potential partners — she'd realized that from the start. She was about to mark the email for forwarding when another message came in.
And another.
Auren frowned. That was unusual. She began opening the messages one by one, and the more she read, the more her surprise grew. Each message wasn't about collaborating with the company — they were directed at her.
Auren blinked, rereading the lines. The companies weren't sending offers to her boss — they were reaching out to her, personally.
She slowly placed her cup down, feeling a slight dizziness at the realization.
"This... is for me?" she whispered, staring at the growing stack of emails in her inbox.
At that moment, Kael stepped out of his office to pour himself some coffee. He adjusted his collar lazily and made his way toward the coffee machine, but his gaze caught on Auren's face — surprised and unreadable.
She was sitting at her desk, frowning, oblivious to the world around her. Her brows twitched slightly, and her fingers hovered over the mouse as if she didn't know what to do next.
Kael slowed his steps. He rarely saw that expression on her face. Interest flared in his eyes, and without making a sound, he circled around the desk from the other side.
Auren didn't even notice him — she was too focused on the text on the screen. Kael leaned forward, scanning the open emails in her inbox, and his expression changed immediately.
His lips pressed into a thin line, and a shadow of displeasure flickered in his eyes. Silently, he skimmed the lines, realizing what it was about.
"Personal offers...? They're trying to poach her?"
Kael straightened, his gaze turning colder. He looked at Auren again, but she still hadn't noticed him — too lost in her thoughts.
Then, finally, he spoke:
"Interesting emails, aren't they?"
Auren flinched at the sudden voice, as if pulled out of a trance. She looked up — and met Kael's dark, piercing gaze.
"Oh, boss, you're here?" she said, trying to collect herself.
Kael leaned in a little closer, bracing his hands on the edge of her desk. His voice was soft, but there was an undercurrent of tension:
"Looks like someone's been keeping you busy since early morning."
Auren blinked, not immediately understanding. Then she glanced at the screen, and her lips parted slightly.
"Oh... you mean these?" She touched the mouse, but her finger trembled on the scroll wheel. "I thought they were just new business offers."
Kael slowly straightened, but his eyes never left her.
"Really?" His voice was calm, but there was something magnetic — almost hypnotic — in that calmness.
Auren felt the room grow warmer. Maybe it was the post-rain humidity... or maybe it was the way he was looking at her.
"Well, if they were sent to you, then maybe they're not for the company," Kael added, tilting his head slightly, as if studying her reaction. "Maybe they're just for you."
Auren swallowed. The realization hit her all over again.
"You mean..."
"That someone is trying to take my valuable employee," he interrupted, looking at her with a more intense gaze.
She averted her eyes, flustered. Kael noticed — and smirked faintly.
"They won't take me," Auren murmured, her heart beating a little too fast.
"Good," Kael said, his expression unreadable. "Because I don't like giving up what belongs to me."
He turned and walked back to his office, leaving her to absorb the meaning of his words.
***
Closer to Noon
By midday, when Auren was already fully immersed in her work, the door to her office opened. She looked up and immediately noticed Kael entering — and right beside him was the very man whose name had appeared in one of the emails she had received.
"Good afternoon, Miss Manoban," the guest said with a slight smile, meeting her gaze.
Auren froze for a split second, but quickly composed herself. She stood up immediately and gave a small nod.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Cross," she replied in a calm, professional tone.
She was a professional — even if unease had begun to stir inside her, she wouldn't let it show on her face.
Kael said nothing, only casting her a brief glance before gesturing for the man to enter his office. The door shut behind them, leaving Auren alone with her thoughts.
She slowly sat back down in her chair, feeling a strange sensation growing in her chest. Why had that man greeted her so warmly? Did he recognize her from yesterday's presentation? Or was he just being polite?
Auren glanced back at her screen. The email was still open. Now she was certain — it hadn't been a mistake. That man truly wanted her to join his company.
But what did that mean?
Her fingers tapped lightly against the desk, betraying her inner tension. Maybe he was just being courteous. Or maybe… he was testing her reaction? And what if Kael already knew about the invitation? He hadn't said anything, but the way he looked at her… it had been just a little more attentive than usual.
Auren took a deep breath, trying to regain control. The most important thing now was to stay calm. She couldn't let her thoughts distract her from her duties.
She straightened up and refocused on her work, pretending nothing had happened.
A few minutes after Kael and his guest disappeared behind the office door, Auren heard the soft buzz of the intercom button on her desk.
She inhaled deeply and pressed the response button.
"Bring two coffees to my office," Kael's deep voice came through. He spoke calmly, but there was something in his tone that sent a slight chill down her spine.
"Yes, of course," she answered professionally, doing her best to keep her voice steady.
A minute later, carrying a tray with two cups, she took another deep breath to calm the strange tension inside her and knocked on the door.
"Come in," Kael's voice responded.
Auren opened the door and stepped inside.
Now she could see them both — Kael reclined in his chair behind the desk, and Mr. Cross sat opposite him, smiling at her just as warmly as before.
She carefully placed the cups in front of them, minding her every move, then straightened up.
"Anything else you need?" she asked evenly.
Kael looked at her a little longer than usual before replying:
"No, that'll be all."
But before Auren could turn to leave, Mr. Cross smirked and spoke:
"I must say, Kael, you're quite the strategist. Keeping such talent close, yet not letting her rise beyond a secretary's desk…"
Auren froze, and Kael slowly turned his gaze to him.
"You overestimate me," she said politely but coolly, forcing a smile.
"Oh no, my dear, I know how to spot potential. And you have that rare blend of beauty and brains… Surely your boss sees that?"
He said it playfully, almost as a joke, but his tone was far too piercing to ignore.
Auren felt Kael tense — even without looking at him.
"If he doesn't notice, perhaps someone else should make an offer," Mr. Cross continued, watching her reaction closely.
She wanted to say something, but Kael spoke first.
"I believe, Mr. Cross, we're getting off-topic," his voice dropped slightly, darker than usual, his eyes dimming.
The sponsor laughed, raising his hands.
"My apologies. I simply couldn't help myself. Employees like her are rare."
Auren didn't know why, but the entire exchange made her deeply uncomfortable.
"If there's nothing else, I'll return to my work," she said, looking at Kael.
"Yes, go," he replied — without his usual softness.
She left the office, still feeling his eyes on her back.
But even with the door shut behind her, Auren knew — Kael was displeased. And she couldn't tell whether he was angry at her… or at Mr. Cross.
As soon as the door closed behind Auren, Mr. Cross didn't bother hiding his smug grin, lazily watching her leave.
"Kael, forgive me, but…" He gave a low whistle and shook his head. "You've got a real treasure sitting right under your nose. Smart, gorgeous, and that figure… a true work of art. And all that behind a secretary's desk?"
Kael slowly raised his eyes, meeting the guest with a cold stare.
"Auren is a valuable employee."
"Yes, yes — valuable…" Mr. Cross leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other. "But I'm afraid not just to you. Women like that don't stay in one place for long. They're either taken by better companies… or end up in warmer, cozier places."
Kael clenched his jaw but said nothing.
"You understand, Kael," the sponsor continued, lazily drumming his fingers on the armrest. "Women like her weren't made to fetch coffee and push papers. They're made for… other things. I'd gladly take her into my company."
The pen in Kael's fingers nearly cracked from how tightly he was gripping it.
"If you're finished, we can move on to discussing the project," his voice was surprisingly steady, but a warning glint flashed in his eyes.
Mr. Cross merely smirked.
"Of course, of course… All for business. Though sometimes, it's best to keep valuable assets close," he added with a sly smile, casting one last glance toward the door Auren had just exited through.
Kael didn't respond, but his fingers curled into a tighter fist.
***
Some Time Later
The door to Kael's office swung open, and he stepped out into the front office alongside the sponsor. Auren instinctively looked up from her screen, straightening in her chair.
"Thank you for the meeting, Kael," the sponsor said with a smug smile, adjusting the cuffs of his expensive suit. "I hope we can reach an agreement."
"That depends on the terms," Kael replied evenly, his eyes following the man toward the exit.
But he didn't leave right away. Instead, he turned his gaze to Auren and tilted his head slightly, as if studying her.
"And you, Miss Manoban — are you considering my offer?" he asked, clearly referencing the email he'd sent her earlier.
Auren offered a polite smile, though confusion briefly flickered in her eyes.
"Which one, exactly?"
"Oh, so you're getting a lot of offers?" the sponsor chuckled and glanced at Kael. "Not the least bit surprising. Entirely expected."
Kael clenched his jaw but said nothing, pinning the man with a cold stare.
Auren didn't let the words show any impact on her.
"Thank you for your interest," she replied evenly. "But I haven't made any decisions yet."
The sponsor gave a satisfied nod, as if that was exactly the answer he wanted.
"Good. Don't rush. It's important to choose the best possible terms for yourself."
With those words, he finally turned toward the exit, and Kael watched him go, his face still tight with tension.
As soon as the door closed behind the man, Kael turned to Auren, stepping closer to her desk without breaking eye contact.
"What offer?" he asked — voice steady, but laced with tension.
Auren opened her mouth to answer — but just then, the door to the front office opened with a knock, and a marketing department employee entered, only to almost falter when he saw Kael standing there.
"Oh! Sorry!" the guy quickly knocked on the doorframe, though he was already inside. "This is urgent — just came into our department."
Auren blinked, shifting her attention.
"For Mr. Dantes?"
"No — for you, Miss Manoban," the employee stepped forward and handed her a printed document. "I think they assumed you work in marketing."
Auren took the paper and scanned the first few lines — tension immediately crept into her expression. It was a new job offer — from an even more powerful company than the previous ones. Generous conditions, a high-level position, full freedom, and a clear path for career growth.
The employee noticed her reaction and smirked.
"Lucky you. If someone made me an offer like that, I wouldn't even think twice…" He suddenly trailed off, remembering who was standing beside him. He swallowed nervously. "I mean… of course, it's great working here too!"
Auren nodded, trying to mask her unease.
"Yes, they're offering very generous terms."
Kael, standing nearby, glanced at the paper, but Auren quickly flipped it over, pressing it flat against her desk.
The employee mumbled something about urgent matters and slipped out of the office.
Kael looked at Auren again.
"You're actually considering this?"
Auren met his gaze — but instead of answering, she asked:
"Would you like some coffee, Mr. Dantes?"
Kael tensed. Auren saw his fingers curl slightly into a fist before he quickly relaxed them, as if controlling himself.
"Coffee?" he repeated, squinting like her question was absurd.
Auren held his gaze and nodded.
"Yes. You always have coffee after meetings."
Kael gave a short laugh — but it wasn't warm. There was something sharp in it
"You've picked up on my habits quickly," he said with deliberate casualness, though his eyes told a different story.
Auren didn't reply. She simply rose from her chair and walked to the coffee machine. Kael's gaze followed her, then he slowly moved closer, hands in his pockets.
"You really are thinking about those offers?" he asked, his voice quieter now, but tenser.
Without turning, Auren pressed the button to start the brewing.
"Isn't that normal? I'm a skilled professional, Mr. Dantes. Companies want to hire me."
Kael laughed again, but it was hollow.
"That's true. You are good at what you do."
He took another step forward, and Auren felt his presence fill the space behind her.
"But I thought you weren't the type to switch sides so easily."
Auren turned, meeting his eyes.
"I never said I was leaving."
Kael studied her, lips twitching into a faint smile. Auren decided to wipe that smugness off his face.
"For now."
Kael raised an eyebrow but said nothing. The coffee machine beeped softly, and Auren took the cup, holding it out to him.
He didn't take it right away. His fingers brushed against hers for a brief second. It was barely a touch, but it sent a jolt through her chest.
Kael tilted his head slightly, as if assessing her reaction.
"Thank you, Miss Manoban."
Auren stared back at him, expression unreadable.
"Anytime, Mr. Dantes."
Kael took a sip, eyes never leaving her. Then his gaze dropped — down her figure, lingering on the sleek pencil skirt that hugged her legs perfectly.
"Tomorrow, wear pants," he said sharply.
Auren blinked.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me," Kael said, voice calm but steely. "From tomorrow, that's your dress code. Pants only."
Auren narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms.
"Since when does a company secretary wear only pants?"
Kael leaned lazily against the desk, still holding the cup.
"Since her outfit starts distracting guests from business," he replied, voice laced with irritation.
Auren tilted her head, smirking.
"You've never commented on my wardrobe before. Why is it suddenly a problem?"
Kael pretended to think, then shrugged.
"I notice now."
Auren bit her lip, stifling a grin.
"Or maybe… you just didn't like the way your guest looked at me?"
Kael's grip on the cup tightened, but he didn't look away.
"I don't like it when my employees become the center of unnecessary attention."
Auren scoffed.
"Of course. All for the company."
Kael leaned in slightly, his voice dropping lower.
"Exactly."
They locked eyes for a moment — a silent challenge passing between them. Then Auren smiled, turned, and walked back to her desk with graceful composure.
"Very well, Mr. Dantes. Pants it is."
But before she sat down, she caught the faintest flicker of satisfaction in Kael's eyes.