Let's Switch It

Daisy blinked rapidly. "Ahem… right…" She cleared her throat, trying not to let her mind wander to the part where he said he sleeps with nothing on. "Anyway… I still need time to think about it. The job," she added quickly. "I… I do want it. I just need to be sure I'm not rushing into something I don't fully understand."

Her voice faltered toward the end, but it was the truth.

Theo studied her, silent for a second longer than necessary, before giving a small nod. "Three days."

She blinked. "Three days?"

"I could've said one," he replied, his tone as steady as ever. "But three seemed… enough. You want the job, so… three days."

She stared at him for a moment longer, then let out a shaky laughter and nodded. "Okay. Three days."

A few seconds passed in silence.

Daisy shifted a little, tucking her bandaged hand closer to her lap. Theo hadn't looked away. His gaze was still on her, and he didn't even hide the fact that he was looking at her.

She cleared her throat. "Can I ask something?"

Theo didn't respond right away, just gave a small nod.

"Why me?" she asked. "You could've hired anyone. Someone more experienced." She paused. "But you asked for me."

He leaned back slowly, one arm resting over the back of the couch. "Did I ask for you?" he said, tilting his head slightly. "I didn't. I asked your friend if she knew someone looking for a job, and she recommended you."

Daisy blinked. "Oh…"

His statement made her utterly speechless.

"Right…" The word barely left her lips.

"If there's nothing else, you can go now," Theo said, standing up.

Daisy gazed down and nodded. "I'll get back to you as soon as possible, so you can find another person if I don't think I fit the job scope." She stood slowly.

But her words left Theo still, unmoving. His gaze turned sharper. "Are you trying to guilt-trip me?"

Daisy's eyes flicked up, confused. "Sorry?"

She shook her head and waved a hand quickly. "No, no—I mean, I don't want to waste your time. So yeah… if I decide not to take the job, I'll let you know quickly."

Theo didn't respond right away. He just looked at her for a second longer before stepping closer.

"I changed my mind," he said, his voice low.

Daisy blinked. "What?"

"Decide now…"

His voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried. Calm. Firm. Final.

He stopped right in front of her, close enough that she could feel the weight of his gaze, the space between them suddenly too quiet.

Her breath caught. "I thought you said I had three days."

"That was before you started offering to save my time," he said, eyes not leaving hers.

The air stood still as their gazes locked. Daisy gulped, her breath uneven, but Theo's cold stare didn't budge.

A soft chime echoed through the room, barely audible, but distinct.

Daisy's head turned slightly, distracted by the sound that broke the silence. But before her eyes could wander farther, Theo's left hand suddenly wrapped around her waist. His other hand cupped the side of her face, guiding it toward him.

"What are you do—"

The office door clicked open at that exact second.

"Theo!" a woman's voice called, slightly frustrated. "I told you, your father asked everyone to be—" Her voice faltered as her eyes landed on the two of them.

His grip on Daisy vanished in an instant. The silence that followed was loud.

Daisy quickly stepped back, heat rising to her face. She didn't dare look at the woman in the doorway.

The woman stood tall in a tailored suit, a designer brooch gleaming on her lapel. Her expression was unreadable, caught somewhere between surprise and suspicion.

Theo didn't blink. "You could've knocked."

A flicker crossed her face, quickly replaced by a wide, knowing smile. "I never knew you had a girlfriend." Her tone was light, teasing, and she stepped forward with sudden interest.

"Ah, no—" Daisy started, her voice stumbling, but she didn't get the chance to explain.

Theo's hand moved fast, pulling Daisy gently behind him.

The woman's brows lifted, amused. "She's pretty. Your father would be happy if you brought her back tonight."

Theo didn't answer. His body blocked Daisy completely from view now, like a silent wall between the two of them.

There was a pause.

The woman pouted slightly, playing up her sulk. "Ouch, I'm hurt. You should at least introduce me to her, no?" She leaned slightly to peek around him. "Nice to meet you, I'm Theo's moth—"

"You should go," Theo cut her off, voice cold and flat.

Behind him, Daisy blinked in confusion, her voice a quiet whisper. "His mother?"

The woman tilted her head, as if considering whether to push further but in the end, she only sighed. "Hmm, I will leave then," she said, her voice low. There was a flicker of something behind her eyes. Regret? Weariness? "I hope you show up tonight, as everyone is missing you."

He didn't respond. Not a word. 

With a tighter breath, she smoothed her blouse and stepped back.

"Oh, and," she added casually, pausing at the door, "Camellia will be joining us tonight too."

Only then did something flicker in Theo's eyes.

"Don't be late," she said, her smile thin now, like something carefully pinned in place. And with that, she left, closing the door softly behind her.

Silence settled again.

Daisy still stood frozen behind Theo, her thoughts a scrambled mess. She peeked up at his back, unsure if she was even allowed to move.

"Errr…?" she spoke up, leaning slightly to peek around him.

"Let's change the job's contract."

Theo turned just then, his eyes meeting hers from above, tone flat and unwavering.

"Sorry?" she blinked, her neck jerking back slightly, unsure she heard him right.

"The terms," he clarified. "Let's switch it. From a work contract… to a marriage one."

Her mouth opened. Nothing came out.

"I will raise the compensation," Theo added, his voice low and steady. "You name the amount."