Second Message

Early morning sunlight streamed through the gap in the curtains, scattering delicate patterns onto the floor. The alarm went off, and you slowly opened your eyes, pressing the pause button before checking your phone for messages. The notifications on the screen show several unread messages from none other than him late last night.

"Did you sleep?"

"Kitten, see you tomorrow."

You're easily taken in by his "good girl" or "kitten", and admit it, he's your favorite style.

Your fingertips hesitantly over the screen, but ultimately choosing not to reply. Thinking back to last night's flirtatious call, the rhythm was completely controlled by him, his sensual gasps intertwined with your heartbeat, causing your breathing to become disorganized in the moment.

The alarm went off again, pulling you back to reality. Today is the first day of your internship, you must not be late.

Quickly wash up, put together your outfit, take a deep breath and brace yourself for the day. Grabbed your bag, put on your shoes and walked out the door.

You took the bus to the destination and walked to the company building. The building stands tall, its glass walls gleaming coldly under the morning light.

You stepped into the elevator and pressed the floor for the marketing department. As you reach the floor, all you see is the anxious face of HR, until she notices you and her eyes immediately light up.

"You'll be reporting to the CEO's office today. His assistant is on leave, and they need someone to fill in temporarily."

"The CEO?" You blinked in surprise.

HR nodded with a casual smile. "Don't worry, it's mostly handling documents and coordination. Just familiarize yourself with it."

The CEO...

You had heard of the rumours – young yet highly capable, decisive and calm, and a character so rational that he was almost indifferent. You had assumed that you, as an intern, would never come into contact with such a person at all.

And yet, now... you were about to meet him face-to-face?

You grip your notebook tightly and take a steadying breath, following HR's instructions towards the office of the CEO.

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Standing in front of the office door, your palms are sweating nervously.

--Knock knock.

You tapped softly on the door, inhaling deeply and waiting for a response from inside.

"Come in."

A deep, steady voice comes through the door, your movements paused and your fingertips unconsciously tightening.

This voice ...

You pushed open the door and your eyes fell on the man seated behind the expensive desk. He sits behind the wide desk, dressed in a black shirt with sleeves casually rolled up, he revealed strong forearms as he flipped through the documents in front of him. His features were sharp, his gaze steady, and his entire presence exuded an air of quiet authority.

–The voice...

It was similar to the one from last night's call. You froze, fingertips instinctively curled tighter around your notebook, your forehead sweating slightly, and your heart beating furiously.

This couldn't be... right?

"Why are you just standing there?" The man finally lifted his gaze, a stern scrutiny in his brows, "You're the temporary intern?"

Yet, the voice sounded increasingly familiar...

You snapped back to your senses, trying to compose yourself, and nodded. "Yes."

"Sit." He said casually, flipping through the papers in his hands. "What's your name?"

You gave your name, carefully watching his every move. Could he be that guy? Would he recognize your voice? However, his demeanor remained indifferent, without the slightest hint of recognition.

It must just be a similarity in voice…

"For the next few days, you'll be handling the assistant's tasks. If there's anything you don't understand, ask me directly." He finished speaking, casually closing the file and glancing at you. "Can you manage?"

You lowered your gaze, your fingertips unconsciously rubbing the notebook in your hands. Your voice trembled slightly. "I can."

"Go to the assistant's desk outside and read through the notes left behind. Get started on something."

For a brief moment, you felt that the CEO wasn't as strict as rumors made him out to be—at least, he wasn't outright unkind to newcomers.

But the thought of him being that man was simply absurd. Maybe… it really was just a coincidence?

Just then, your phone vibrated. You looked down, and a new message popped up on the screen.

"Babe, why are you gone?"

Your fingers trembled violently. Your breath caught in your throat as you quickly raised your head, stealing a glance at the man sitting across from you. He was focused on his work, flipping through documents with a calm and composed expression, showing no sign of noticing you.

You must be overthinking. He's so busy—how could he possibly have time to send you messages? Besides, he's clearly occupied with paperwork. He wouldn't have the time… right?

"What? You don't want to do it?" His voice suddenly broke through your thoughts, making you jolt.

"No, no, I'll get to it right away!"

You hurriedly left the office of the CEO, heart pounding. The assistant's desk was arranged just outside his office, surrounded by a few executives and secretaries. Sitting down, you placed your phone on the desk, took a deep breath, and tried to calm yourself.

Forcing yourself to focus, you carefully read through the notes left behind, gradually immersing yourself in the tasks at hand and pushing aside your earlier nervousness.

Your phone vibrated again.

"Why aren't you talking?"

You hesitated for a moment before quietly replying: "First day of work. Nervous."

The rest of the day was spent buried in work. You barely touched your phone, too afraid to think too much.

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During your lunch break, you stretched your arms over your head, feeling the tension in your body ease slightly. Standing up, you asked a coworker for directions to the pantry and made yourself a cup of coffee to go with the sandwich you had brought from home.

After finishing up in the pantry, you were walking back to your desk when you nearly collided with someone.

Your footsteps halted abruptly.

The CEO.

You hesitated for a split second, stepping aside just in time. His gaze barely lingered on you before he walked past and continued toward his office.

Watching his calm and composed figure disappear behind the door, you found it impossible to imagine that this was the same person who had been teasing you over the phone, coaxing you to be a "good girl."

Shaking off the thought, you returned to your workplace and sat down. Then, as if triggered by some instinct, you suddenly remembered—hadn't he sent a message shortly after your last reply?

"Keep going! I'm busy too."

You had been too occupied to respond at the time. But now, curiosity got the better of you.

You: "What do you do?"

The other person came online instantly.

Your match: "Big things."

Vague as always.

A moment later, another message appeared.

[PHOTO]

You tapped the image, waiting for it to load.

It was a picture of a desk—slightly blurred files neatly stacked, a laptop in the background.

Him: "Disappointed?"

You frowned. You: "Disappointed in what? You're being annoying."

Yet, as you stared at the picture, something felt eerily familiar.

The desk, the files, the placement of the laptop…Your forehead slowly became damp with sweat.

Was it just your imagination, or did this setup look exactly like… the CEO's desk?

…No. That would be too much of a coincidence.

Wouldn't it?

You tried to brush it off. You were just overthinking. Again.

Your phone buzzed once more.

Him: "Go home and I'll feed you that one."

Before you could even process what that meant, you choked on your coffee.

Coughing violently, you tried to regain your composure as your coworkers turned to look at you with curiosity and concern. You awkwardly wiped your mouth, giving them an embarrassed nod before quickly looking away.

Damn it.

You were definitely going to deal with this guy when you got home.