As time went on, I gradually transformed from a novice into a top-notch secretary who could handle responsibilities independently.
Coincidentally, my new apartment turned out to be directly above his, in a building that belonged entirely to him.
This meant we spent even more time together. Not only did I follow him closely during work hours, but he often took me to dinner at his friends’ restaurants after work, claiming he needed a free designated driver.
He also often mooched off the breakfast I made, accompanying me to and from work. The colleagues in the company didn’t misinterpret our relationship; rather, they seemed to pity me, thinking I was enslaved by the president both at work and at home.
Assistant Bryce was also pleased. Since I had moved into Julian’s building, he found fewer reasons to seek Julian after hours, giving him time to focus on his own love life.
Despite the general belief that Julian Ward wouldn’t develop feelings for anyone – man or woman – I still sensed a hint of ambiguous chemistry between us.
But all of that changed yesterday, shattering like a bubble.
“Eliza! What do you mean by resigning? What do you mean by moving? I don’t agree! It’s just a cold! You…” Julian exploded, slamming his hand on the table. He paused mid-sentence, his expression suddenly shifting.
He got up and moved to sit beside me, speaking carefully. “Eliza, do you have some terminal illness? Don’t be scared; I’ll take you to the hospital right now. Don’t worry, I can arrange for top doctors to treat you. I’ll be with you every step of the way…”
I swatted his head away. Are you cursing me?
“Julian, I’m not sick! I just have a cold! I want to resign and move because I want to distance myself from you. Do you understand?
“I told you before, don’t be too nice to me; I’ll get the wrong idea. I might think you like me.
“Yes, I liked you before, but no matter how much I like someone, I won’t become a mistress. Since you have a girlfriend, stop messing with me!”
“What are you talking about? What girlfriend? I don’t have a girlfriend! Eliza, what’s going on in that little head of yours? I was afraid of scaring you, so I didn’t want to overdo it, and you actually suspected I have a girlfriend? If I had one, it would be you!”
Julian’s brow furrowed, his expression a mix of seriousness and helplessness. He sighed, covering his eyes.