III : Rejection

I ran out as fast as I could. Twenty minutes—that's all it took to buy everything he wanted. Okay, twenty-three if I count the time it took to plate everything from the pantry.

"Here you go, your highness," I said, setting down his coffee, sandwich, and cake like some royal servant. "Coffee, sandwich, and a slice of cake, just for you."

He took a sip of the coffee, then immediately spat it out onto the side of his desk. Some of it even sprayed onto my beige clothes. My head started to pound, my temper rising to my whole body. I kept my mouth shutted, while wiping my clothes with my bare hands. I forced a tight smile before heading off to do whatever errand he'd throw at me next.

"Why is it so bitter?" he wiped his mouth with tissue,

"Just like you asked for, five shots of espresso." I maintained my emotion.

"I don't expect to be this bitter."

"Are you dum–" "Well, of course accidents can always happen right?" I almost said that he's dumb. Good thing I stopped and said something nice.

"Make it sweet then, add some sugar or anything."

"Much sugar, it needs a lot of sugar." He drank off the bitterness with water that he had.

I didn't say much, just took his cup and smiled bitterly before doing his errand again.

"Right! It's almost lunch now." He smiled stopping me before going to pantry

"But, you haven't eaten your sandwich."

"That doesn't mean we can't prepared for the lunch," said Axel while was looking at his watch. "Because you said I can't leave the office until work time finishes, prepare my lunch will you?"

"I want something with rice, but not too spicy and thick. Thank God I'm not a picky eater" I rolled my eyes hearing that, but I do it quick so he didn't see it.

"This is my card, these snacks too just put it to my tab" He held out his card that colored black and I took it.

"And also get something for you too."

I bought the food just like what he asked, and served him the coffee that he spilled, I chose the most expensive sandwich wrap that I can ask,

And here we are busy munching our foods in our own desk, I thought he will complain about the food that I bought, but he just accepted without saying much.

Meanwhile, other employee are eating on the company's canteen

I almost ate in the Canteen because the food is so good, but I realized that he asked me to buy some food for myself, he must be doesn't want to eat alone. That's why I'm sacrificing my meal, but to be honest it's better than what I expected because we are just literally eating, and it gives my heart a peace

Compared to yesterday, today our relationship is actually better, much better.

Maybe because I committed to treat him kinder, we can actually talk now. Even though it still needs more improvement, it's still much better than yesterday. If I remember how he brought a woman and they did some stuff in his office.

But if I can be honest, My thoughts about him still haven't changed. He is still a jerk, I don't know how many times more needed so this impression would change, but I hope I'm wrong at reading people, I hope he is better than I think.

Based on what he asked me to do today, I think Axel has his own mission too, If my mission is to make him fall in love with me, then His mission must be to make me quit

He knew well that he can't fired me, so he did whatever he can to torture me, so I will quit my self. But Axel doesn't know me at all, he doesn't know that Cora Davis will never lose

So let's bring all you got Axel, and let's see who will win this game.

It's 3 p.m., there are still two hours left before I can go home. My body feels like it's running on fumes, and all I can think of is my bed.

Axel walks out of his office, his bag slung over his shoulder. Looks like he's leaving early again. Even though the office is designed to be luxurious and comfortable, practically begging people to stay and work longer, it's like he can't stand being here.

I really want to nag him and make him stay, but when I remember that he is my boss and how I committed to that mission, the only thing that I can do is keep smiling towards him.

"Good job today," he says, clearly more excited about leaving than anything else.

"Have you finished everything I gave you?"

He shrugs. "You can check it."

"Don't leave until I've finished checking it," I said

I sit back at my desk, skimming through his work. As usual, it's a mixed bag—some parts are decent, others, not so much. I sorted it out, I knew I couldn't hold him any longer, parts that really need to be revised, I decided to revise it myself and left the rest for him to redo tomorrow. It feels a bit like babysitting a middle-schooler who's more interested in playing video games than doing his homework.

"You can head out too when I do," Axel says, trying to tempt me.

"No thanks. I'll stay until five," I reply, focused on finishing up.

After a final review of his work, I nod, feeling somewhat satisfied. "Okay, you've finished your work, I will count it as progress today."

Before he can leave, I remember my mission—to make him fall in love with me. The mission needs to have some progress too. I take a deep breath. You've got this.

"Axel," I say, biting my lip, "do you have time later?"

His eyebrow arches, just for a split second. "Why? Tell me the reason first"

"If it's about more work, I don't have any time left in me for that," he says quickly, cutting me off before I can explain.

"No, no, it's not about work," I stuttered. "I just thought maybe..."

"Then what is it?" Curiously he took a couple steps towards me.

"Just... you know..." I can't seem said it.

"I don't know, because you haven't said anything," he says, amused now, watching me squirm.

I swallow hard. Why is this so difficult? I've never asked a guy to go out together before, and suddenly, I feel like I'm forgetting how words even work.

"Are you hungry?" I blurt out. "Do you want to grab something to eat... with me?"

Axel's eyes widen, and a grin spreads across his face. He doesn't even try to hide his reaction. "Are you asking me on a date?"

My face heats up instantly.

"Are you asking me for a date?" He didn't mask his reaction at all now, his eyes widened, and he was grinning so much

"Wow, I didn't see that coming from you at all," Axel said, a slow, teasing smile spreading across his face. He shifted his weight, folding his arms like he was getting comfortable, prepared to draw this out as long as possible.

My heart pounded in my chest, and I fought to keep my face neutral. Of course, he would drag this out. He always did.

"Usually, I can tell when someone likes me."

I couldn't stop myself from rolling my eyes, but inside, my stomach twisted into knots. "Shut up," I muttered, trying to sound annoyed, but it didn't come out nearly as strong as I wanted.

Axel looked like he'd just won some sort of victory. "That's actually a smart move, you know? The whole acting like you despise me. And that disgusted look you always give me?" He leaned in just slightly, his voice dropping. "It's working. I can't get you out of my head."

I blinked. His words took a second to settle in, my brain struggling to process them. *Wait… what?* "You… you've been thinking about me?"

Axel's eyes flickered with something—he looked surprised—before his usual cocky grin reappeared. "Hey, don't turn this around on me. You're the one who like me."

I swallowed, trying to regain my sense, but my mind was a mess of thoughts. His grin grew wider, and I knew he was enjoying every second of this. "Is this love at first sight, Cora?" he asked, his tone playful, but there was something underneath it. The way he looked at me was strange, his gaze was something different, something that made me pause.

My face burned, and I could feel the heat creeping up my neck. Why did I even try to ask him out? I cleared my throat, pretending not to care. "Stop it. Just forget I said anything, okay? I'll go eat by myself."

Axel laughed softly, and the sound somehow made me feel even more awkward. "I haven't rejected you, you know. I'm actually considering it. Don't be sad, Cora."

I couldn't handle it anymore. Grabbing his bag, I shoved it into his arms, forcing him toward the door. "Just go home, Axel."

He caught the bag easily, still grinning. "You're blushing. How cute, you aren't a robot at all."

I froze. Blushing? That explained the burning sensation on my cheeks. "Bye, Axel," I said quickly, hoping he'd just leave already. He was enjoying this too much.

"Bye, Cora baby," he called out, flashing me one last teasing grin before walking toward the elevator.

I watched him go, my head spinning, and when I was sure he was gone, I leaned back in my chair with a long sigh.

What a day.