I can’t believe that weeks have passed by so quickly. Our wild and hot nights together seem to be unending. But as nights turn into mornings, I find myself looking forward to the setting of the sun so that I can be with Josh again.

Hell, I’m really in big trouble!

At the office though, we both act professional, especially when the others are with us. However, when he finds me alone, he just can’t help himself but to kiss me and have sex with me either in the conference room or in his office or even in the elevator. He doesn’t even care if we’re caught in the CCTV cameras in the building.

“Why did George call you into his office?” he asks when he learns that his VP called me one day. As his personal secretary, I tend to do some tasks that need my personal attention. So what’s his problem?

I close the door of his office after stepping in. I look at him with confusion. “Can’t he do that? He asked me some favor because his secretary is sick. His temporary secretary, unfortunately, has a no-show, too. So what else can a man do without any help?”

“He should let me know if he wants to ‘borrow’ my personal secretary,” he angrily tells me, his beautifully shaped and arrogant nose flaring.

What’s with him? He isn’t like this before. George has already ‘borrowed’ me several times in the past without him being an asshole and whether or not he is informed about it.

I look at him with defiance. “Does he know about your new rule?”

After all, George is like a father figure to him. The good older man is his late father’s friend and has supported him to become a powerful CEO.

He sighs as he sits back in his swivel chair. “I’m sorry. I just…”

“I don’t need your explanation. You’re my boss after all.”

“Jade,” he says with a warning.

“I’ll let you know if he ‘borrows’ me again in the future.”

“What I’m saying is—”

“Is there anything else you want me to do? And I mean work, that is,” I cut in again.

He glances at his wristwatch. “Look, I’ll have a private meeting in twenty minutes. Can we talk over dinner?”

I mull over it for a few seconds. “Sure. I’m still bound by the one-month slavery thing, so how can I refuse?” I answer sarcastically.

His expression becomes grim but he says nothing. So, I turn around to leave him seething or whatever. I don’t care!

I have my own heart that’s a burden enough. Our month is going to be through by tomorrow.

I let out a sigh once I closed the door. I quickly go to my desk and check everything, including the favor that George has asked me to do. He wants to have a dozen of roses delivered to his ill secretary and another to his wife for their anniversary this coming weekend.

And that reminds me. Again. My one-month slavery is going to end by then.

I should feel excited that it’s coming to its end at last. I will be free from Josh then. But why do I feel this way? It’s like I feel empty inside and then some. I feel like my heart is heavy and breaking. It’s weird.

At dinner, Josh brings me to this high-end and well-known restaurant that specializes in steaks. I order mine well done. We have a three-course meal. He also orders a bottle of red wine to go with it.

We eat in silence. I don’t mind at all. I enjoy my food, anyway. But it seems that he is edgy. I have no idea why. Is it because of George again? But I dare not ask.

He just sends me home with his car after dinner. The talk he has asked earlier has not materialized. We just have a casual talk and most of the time it is an awkward silence between us. He seems to gauge my mood as well. I don’t know if I read him well though. The man is a roller coaster when it comes to moods.

But I think the talk that isn’t tackled is good, I guess. I don’t want to fight with him in public—if it comes to that. He’s smart and I am a civilized person.

In the morning after my break time, I am surprised to see a bowl on my desk. It has floating rose flowers of white and red in colors. A little card beside it is sitting. I grab it and read it.

‘Sorry.’

That’s all there is in the card.

‘Sorry? That’s it?’ I ponder, brows furrowed.

I look at the closed door of Josh’s office. I sigh and put the card inside my drawer. I am thinking what to say to him when I see him again.

What the hell? What does he want me to say to him after this?

Like a caged animal, I walk to and fro in front of my desk. I bite my thumbnail as I do it. Should I go to him now and ask?

I muster my courage and step toward the door. But before I can even knock it, the door bursts open.

Josh and a tall, slender blondie are smiling at each other. My boss holds the door for her.

I quickly step back and sidestep to let them pass. His eyes meet mine and his smile gradually dies off.

“Oh, Josh! Those flowers are beautiful! Are those for me?” blondie exclaims.

I follow the direction of those dark blue eyes of the blonde woman. She apparently refers to the bowl of flowers that is on my desk! She quickly walks toward my desk like I am invisible. She picks up one stemless red rose to inhale its fragrance.

I turn to look at my boss, who I realize, is staring at me.

“Lana…” he begins before he turns his head to her.

“Yes, he ordered it for you,” I cut in, averting my eyes.

“That’s so sweet of you, Josh!” Lana smiles at him sweetly.

She’s a fucking doll! I am fuming inside. But I smile at the blond woman, whoever this Lana is. I’ve never met her before.