Chapter 7
712 Words
Emma arrived at work early.
Too early.
She just wanted peace. Quiet. No drama. And most importantly—no him.
After the ice cream incident, she had already decided something:
Avoid him completely.
No eye contact.
No unnecessary movement.
No problems.
Just work.
Simple.
At least… that was the plan.
The office was unusually calm that morning.
Emma stayed glued to her system, typing softly, pretending the world around her didn’t exist.
But she could feel it.
His presence.
Even without looking.
Like a shadow she couldn’t escape.
So she didn’t look.
Not even once.
Hours passed.
Then suddenly—
A shift.
The office energy changed.
People whispered.
Movement increased.
Something was wrong.
Emma looked up slightly.
And saw him.
He was leaving.
But not like usual.
There was no confidence in his steps.
No authority in his posture.
He looked… tense.
Distracted.
Even stressed.
Emma frowned slightly.
That was new.
Without saying a word to anyone, he walked out of the office.
The room stayed quiet for a moment.
“Is everything okay?” someone whispered.
No answer.
Emma returned her gaze to her screen.
Trying not to care.
Trying.
About an hour later—
The office doors opened again.
This time, everyone noticed.
He walked in.
But not alone.
Emma looked up—
And froze.
He was holding a small child in his arms.
A little girl.
Pale.
Weak-looking.
Emma’s heart tightened instantly.
“What happened…” she whispered under her breath.
The child’s head rested lightly on his shoulder.
He looked even more serious than before.
But the moment the little girl lifted her head—
Her eyes landed on Emma.
And instantly—
Her face lit up.
“Her!” she said happily, pointing.
Emma blinked.
Huh?
Before anyone could react—
The little girl struggled down from his arms.
“Hey—” he warned.
But it was too late.
She ran straight to Emma.
And hugged her legs.
Emma froze completely.
“I found you!” the child said happily.
Emma’s heart almost stopped.
“I—uh—hi…” Emma stammered.
The office was silent.
Every single person watching.
Even Esty looked shocked.
The boss sighed.
Deeply.
“Can I stay with her?” the little girl asked immediately, looking up at Emma.
Emma blinked rapidly.
“Wha—me?”
The boss walked closer, his expression still strict—but slightly tired.
“Don’t tell me you pretended to be sick just to come here,” he said flatly, looking at the child.
The little girl gave him a cute innocent smile.
That same smile.
Unbothered.
Unshaken.
Emma noticed it too.
It looked familiar.
But she couldn’t place it.
“Okay fine,” he sighed.
Emma’s eyes widened slightly.
Did he just… give up?
He turned to Emma.
“Emma.”
“Yes, sir!” she answered quickly.
“You are relieved of your duties for now.”
Her jaw dropped slightly.
“Huh?”
“Daughter supervision,” he added dryly.
Emma blinked.
“Me?”
The little girl tugged her hand immediately.
Emma looked down.
Those big innocent eyes.
That soft smile.
Her resistance died instantly.
“…okay,” Emma said quietly.
The child smiled brighter.
“Yay!”
The boss exhaled.
Then pointed at his chair.
“Just… help me settle her.”
His tone was still firm.
But then—
The little girl folded her arms and gave him a look.
That look.
The you can do better, Dad look.
Silence.
Emma almost laughed.
Almost.
The boss stared at her for a moment.
Then—
“…please, Emma.”
Emma froze.
That word.
From him.
It felt illegal.
Everyone in the office went silent.
Even Esty’s eyes widened slightly.
Emma swallowed.
“Okay,” she said softly.
The little girl immediately grabbed her hand again.
And Emma, still confused, walked with her.
As she sat the child properly and adjusted the chair carefully, she couldn’t help but look at her.
So innocent.
So warm.
So… attached already.
And strangely—
She felt comfortable.
Like this child didn’t belong in this cold office world at all.
The boss stood a short distance away, watching silently.
His expression unreadable.
But his eyes—
Stayed on Emma a little longer than necessary.
- Writer
