The first golden rays of sunlight crept through Olivia's curtains, brushing against her face. She groaned, pulling the blanket higher, but the brightness refused to let her hide. With a tired sigh, she finally opened her eyes, blinking at the soft light that filled the room.
Last night's thoughts came rushing back all at once — the contract, Aiden's nervous expression, his attempt at reasoning, and that ridiculous penalty fee that could probably fund a small island.
She turned on her side, staring blankly at her phone alarm, which had been ringing for the third time now. "Five years," she muttered under her breath. "That man really knows how to trap someone legally."
She rubbed her face with both hands. She'd spent half the night turning from one side to another, weighing her options.
Leaving meant paying a penalty so high that she'd practically have to sell her organs — or maybe even her soul — to afford it.
Staying meant working again under Aiden Ashford… who had offered her an absurdly generous deal. Promotion, pay raise, flexible schedule — all things she could use.
She sighed again and sat up, brushing her hair out of her face. "Honestly, if I say no, I'd be the dumbest woman alive."
And the truth was, she'd grown used to being there. The office, the people, even Aiden — his cold, frustrating, yet oddly dependable self.
She looked at her reflection in the mirror while tying her hair. "Alright, fine," she told herself. "You win, Mr. Ashford. I'll stay. But you owe me peace and coffee."
By the time Olivia got ready, it was already late morning. She'd overslept — again, but after all the emotional exhaustion, she felt like she deserved a few extra minutes of rest.
She reached the company an hour past her usual time. The moment she stepped into the building, she could feel the usual hum of activity — phones ringing, printers working, staff rushing around with files.
Everyone greeted her warmly. Some whispered to each other in relief — apparently, the rumor that she might leave had been spreading.
Olivia gave them a polite smile and walked straight to the elevator.
As the doors opened to the top floor, she stepped out and made her way toward Aiden's office. She stopped in front of the door, adjusted her blouse, took a deep breath, and knocked.
"Come in," came his low voice.
She opened the door — and froze.
There, behind his large desk, sat Aiden Ashford — or rather, what looked like the half-dead version of him. His usually sharp, composed expression was replaced by dark under-eye circles, messy hair, and a stiff posture. His tie was slightly crooked, and his eyes looked like he hadn't slept in years.
Olivia blinked, tilting her head slightly. "What happened to you?"
Aiden looked up, blinking slowly as if processing her question through a fog. "Didn't sleep well," he muttered, rubbing his temple.
Olivia stepped closer, one brow raised. "I can see that. You look like a ghost who just finished a board meeting in hell."
He exhaled through his nose, not even denying it. "That's… accurate."
She placed her coffee cup on his desk and sat down in front of him, crossing her legs and straightening her posture. Her tone suddenly turned serious. "Then, Mr. Ashford, I'd like to discuss the conversation we had yesterday."
That sentence made Aiden freeze.
His hands, which had been resting on some documents, stilled. He slowly looked at her — eyes tense, posture rigid, like a student awaiting the verdict of an exam. His jaw tightened, and though his expression didn't change much, there was a flicker of nervousness behind those gray eyes.
"Yes," he said carefully. "Go on."
Olivia leaned back slightly, taking her time. "I've been working under you since the start, haven't I? I've seen you throw tantrums over delayed reports, stay up nights before meetings, and micromanage everyone like a perfectionist robot. But through it all, I still worked hard, didn't I?"
He gave a slight nod, wary. "…You did."
She continued, her voice calm but sharp. "And despite that, you doubted me. You questioned my integrity. You made me feel like I wasn't trusted in the company I helped hold together."
Aiden flinched slightly but didn't interrupt. His hands clasped together tightly, as if he knew he deserved it.
Olivia looked at him for a long second, then sighed. "But… I think you already said sorry. Not with words, but with that awkwardly generous offer of yours. And after thinking about it, I've decided…" She paused deliberately, letting the silence stretch.
Aiden's throat bobbed as he swallowed, his eyes fixed on her like a man waiting for a sentence.
"…I'll stay," Olivia finished with a soft smile. "But only under the terms you mentioned. Promotion, raise, flexible schedule — and you're not allowed to overwork me."
For a second, Aiden didn't move. He just stared at her, his brain clearly needing a moment to process her words. Then, as if a switch flipped, he let out a quiet, almost disbelieving breath and leaned back in his chair.
"...You'll stay?" he repeated, like he needed to make sure he heard it right.
Olivia chuckled softly. "Yes, Mr. Ashford. I'll stay."
Aiden's shoulders visibly relaxed, the tension melting off him like ice in sunlight. He actually looked human again. And for the first time that morning, he smiled — a small, genuine, unguarded smile that made Olivia blink.
"Then," he said quietly, "welcome back, Miss Bennet."
Olivia's lips curved in amusement. "Thank you."
Aiden cleared his throat, straightening in his seat to regain his usual composure. "I'll have HR make the adjustments to your position and salary today. You'll also move back to your original post as my personal secretary."
Olivia nodded. "Alright, but… what about your current secretary?"
"Claire?" he said, glancing at some files. "She was a temporary replacement. I'll move her to the general secretary's office. She's competent — I'll recommend making her permanent there."
Olivia raised an eyebrow. "You've really thought this through."
He gave a short nod. "I had time to prepare… in case you said yes."
She tilted her head. "And if I'd said no?"
Aiden looked at her, his eyes faintly amused now. "Then I would've offered even better privileges."
Olivia couldn't help but laugh softly. "Unbelievable. You really don't know how to lose, do you?"
"Not when it comes to work," he replied, his tone low but with a faint warmth in it. "And not when it comes to people who matter."
Her heart skipped a beat — just for a second. She quickly looked away, pretending to brush dust off her skirt. "Anyway, I'll get back to work. I need to fix your schedule for the week."
She stood up, gathering her things.
Aiden blinked, slightly confused. "Now?"
"Of course," she said, walking toward the door. "Since I'm back, I might as well start properly. You've probably messed up your schedule while I was gone."
He watched her go, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "That's possible."
At the door, Olivia turned, waving lightly. "Then I'll be going, Mr. Ashford. Try not to look like a zombie when I bring your coffee later."
He huffed a quiet laugh under his breath. "I'll try."
As the door closed behind her, Aiden leaned back in his chair and exhaled deeply, staring at the ceiling. For the first time in days, the heaviness in his chest finally lifted.
Olivia Bennet was staying.
He smiled faintly to himself, murmuring under his breath, "Welcome back, Olivia."