Obsessed With My Boss.

The Early Bird

Chapter five

Vanessa

The shrill sound of my alarm startled me awake at exactly 5:30 a.m.

For once, I didn’t hit snooze. I jumped out of bed with a determination that surprised even me. After yesterday’s embarrassment of rushing in late and being scolded by my new boss, I had made up my mind—today, I was going to prove myself.

By 6:45 a.m., I was already dressed in a crisp white blouse tucked into a navy pencil skirt, my hair neatly pulled into a bun. My flats clicked softly against the pavement as I hurried into the office building, a strange wave of pride swelling in my chest.

When I pushed the glass doors open, the reception area was still quiet. I met a few cleaners who were busy dusting desks and cleaning the marble floor. For once, I wasn’t the one rushing in when the office was already buzzing.

I sat at my desk and placed my files neatly in order. For the first time, I allowed myself a small smile. I did it. I’m early.

But as the clock ticked past 7:30, then 7:45, and finally 8:00, there was still no sign of Ethan. The chair in his office remained empty, his blinds drawn.

Part of me was relieved that I wouldn’t be subjected to his sharp tongue right away. But another part of me—Thinking if he is safe, because he is very punctual at work.

I had woken up early, made an effort, and for what? To wait for a boss who didn’t even care enough to show up on time?

Still, I reminded myself it was better this way. At least when he arrived, I would already be at my desk, ready. No excuses, no lateness, no stammering apologies.

I leaned back in my chair, exhaling softly. For now, the office was mine—silent, still, and peaceful. But deep down, I couldn’t shake the restless curiosity of wondering where Ethan was and why he hadn’t shown up yet.

POV

The first thing I felt when my eyes blinked open was the heavy warmth pressed against my side. Vera’s arm was draped lazily across my chest, her hair spilling like silk over the pillow. For a fleeting second, I let myself breathe in the faint trace of her perfume that still lingered from last night.

But the calm shattered the moment I turned to check the time on my phone.

8:15 a.m.

“Damn,” I muttered under my breath, sitting upright in an instant.

I was late.

Carefully, I shifted Vera’s arm away and slipped out of bed. She stirred slightly, rolling over without opening her eyes, her lips parting in a content sigh. I didn’t linger. Instead, I grabbed the nearest shirt from the chair, buttoning it in a rush as I crossed the room. My tie was crooked. My jacket was half on, but I didn’t care.

The drive to the office felt slower than usual, each red light mocking me. I could already imagine the whispers of employees watching their new CEO stroll in late, of all things. It wasn’t the impression I wanted to give—not on my first week running the company.

When I finally pushed through the glass doors of the building, my expression was set, sharp and businesslike. Whatever had kept me, no one needed to know.

As I stepped into the office, the first thing I noticed was her. Vanessa.

Already seated at her desk, files stacked neatly, pen in hand. She looked… different this morning, prepared. The faintest hint of a smile tugged at her lips as if she were proud of herself.

For a moment, I slowed my stride, something tightening in my chest. She had beaten me here.

And instead of annoyance, the thought made me… oddly intrigued.