Chapter 12: The Promotion

I never expected a simple business trip to change my life this much. Since returning to the office, things felt off—not just with Ven, but with everything. There was an odd tension, a subtle shift I couldn't quite put my finger on. Ven had been distant lately, which only made me overthink what had happened between us. Every glance, every smile seemed loaded with some hidden meaning.

It was a quiet Tuesday morning when my phone rang, pulling me from my thoughts. I glanced at the caller ID: Mr. Hendricks, the head of HR. My stomach tightened with nerves. HR rarely called unless something big was happening.

"Hello?" I answered, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Seren Grey? This is Mr. Hendricks. Could you come to my office? I need to discuss something with you."

I gulped, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over me. "Of course, I'll be right there."

After hanging up, I quickly straightened my tie and checked my reflection in my computer screen, trying to calm my nerves. What could HR possibly want with me? Had someone found out about Ven and me? Was I about to get reprimanded for something I didn't even know I'd done?

I made my way down the hall, trying to suppress the sinking feeling in my stomach. Mr. Hendricks' door was already open, so I knocked gently on the frame.

"Come in, Seren," Mr. Hendricks said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. "Please, have a seat."

I sat down, trying to ignore the tight knot in my chest. "Is everything alright, Mr. Hendricks?"

To my surprise, he smiled. "Everything is perfectly fine. In fact, I have some exciting news."

I blinked, taken aback. "Exciting news?"

"Yes," he said, leaning back in his chair. "As you know, we've been reviewing employee performances, and your work hasn't gone unnoticed. You've shown exceptional dedication, particularly during your recent business trip."

My heart skipped a beat. "Thank you, sir. I've just been trying to do my best."

"And it shows," he said with a nod. "Which is why we're offering you a promotion. Effective immediately, you'll be the new assistant to the CEO."

I stared at him, the words not quite registering. "Assistant to the CEO?" I echoed, stunned. "But I thought the CEO didn't have a personal assistant."

"That's true," Mr. Hendricks said. "He usually prefers to work alone or with his trusted advisors, but he's requested an assistant, and your name came up specifically."

"He requested me?" My mind raced. I barely knew anything about the CEO—only rumors and whispers about his mysterious nature.

"Yes," Mr. Hendricks confirmed with a smile. "You've made quite the impression, Seren. This is a significant opportunity, and I'm confident you'll excel."

I felt a mixture of excitement and confusion. I had no idea how I'd ended up on the radar of the elusive CEO, but this was a massive step up. I'd heard stories about the man—cold, distant, always behind closed doors. I wasn't even sure I'd seen him more than a couple of times from afar. How had I impressed him enough to get promoted?

"I… I don't know what to say," I stammered, still trying to process the news.

"Just say yes," Mr. Hendricks chuckled, sliding the official paperwork toward me. **"You'll start in the CEO's office tomorrow."

I nodded, still in shock. "Thank you, sir. I'm honored."

Back at my desk, I stared blankly at the computer screen, still unable to fully comprehend what had just happened. I was going to be the CEO's assistant. The CEO who was so mysterious, so secretive, that I didn't even know his full name. And now I would be working directly with him every day.

As the day wore on, I tried to imagine what it would be like, working so closely with someone I barely knew. I kept picturing Ven—his easy smile, his playful banter. For a brief second, I wished he could be the one I was working with. Ven made everything feel light and fun.

But those thoughts quickly faded when I reminded myself that Ven wasn't anything special. Just a guy I had hooked up with. Besides, I had bigger things to focus on now. This promotion could change my entire career.

Later that afternoon, I was packing up to leave when Ven appeared at my desk, his familiar smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Hey, Seren," he greeted, his voice casual as always. "Heard you got some big news today."

I smiled, trying to keep things light. "Yeah, looks like I'll be working with the CEO from now on."

Ven's smirk deepened, but there was something unreadable in his expression. "The CEO, huh? Guess you're moving up in the world."

"Guess so," I replied, unsure why I suddenly felt so awkward around him. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something I was missing.

"Well, good luck with the new gig," Ven said, his tone playful. "I'm sure you'll knock it out of the park."

"Thanks," I said, offering him a small smile. "I hope so."

Ven gave me one last look before turning to leave, and as he walked away, I couldn't help but feel like I was stepping into something much bigger than I could ever have anticipated.