The CEO’s Forbidden Muse

Bending the Rules

The last person I expected to see at my new workplace was standing in front of me.

Ethan Stone.

My boss.

The stranger from the night before.

I stood completely still as he walked into the office, his presence instantly changing the atmosphere. Conversations died down, people straightened, and every pair of eyes seemed to follow him.

Then his gaze found mine.

For one terrifying second, neither of us looked away.

There was something unreadable in his expression. Recognition, definitely. But whatever else he was thinking, he wasn't about to show it.

His face became completely blank.

As if we'd never met.

As if I hadn't woken up beside him that morning.

As if my heart wasn't currently trying to break through my ribs.

"Mr. Stone," the HR manager said, smiling. "I'd like you to meet our newest employee, Ivy Davish. She'll be joining the fashion merchandising team."

Ethan extended his hand.

"Ethan Stone. Nice to meet you."

I stared at his hand for a second too long before forcing myself to take it.

"The pleasure is mine, sir."

The moment our hands touched, a strange shiver travelled through me.

I quickly pulled away.

Professional.

I needed to be professional.

The HR manager continued introducing me to everyone. Claire from PR. Simon from tech. Daisy, Ethan's PA. Laura, one of the stylists who worked closely with the design team.

Then came the person I desperately wished he had skipped.

"James from accounting," the HR manager said. "He's one of our most ambitious employees and has been named Employee of the Month three times in a row."

James looked at me with a mixture of anger and disbelief.

"Ivy and I used to work together in the UK."

"Oh, so you already know each other," the HR manager said cheerfully.

"Yeah," I replied.

"So great."

It was anything but.

"James, why don't you show Ivy around and help her settle in?"

"Of course."

I opened my mouth to protest, but Ethan spoke first.

"Good. Then we're done here. Daisy, bring my coffee to my office."

He walked away without another word.

I watched him disappear down the hallway.

Of course.

He could leave me alone with my cheating ex and call it a normal first day.

James approached me.

"Shall we?"

"I can find my way."

He ignored me and started walking.

I followed reluctantly until we were far enough from everyone else.

Then his hand closed around my arm.

"Tell me the truth, Ivy. What the hell are you doing here?"

I pulled away.

"I transferred."

"Did you follow me?"

"Not everything is about you."

His jaw tightened.

"Suddenly you have career ambitions?"

"I've always cared about my career."

"You didn't care when you were supposed to stay in London."

"You were the one who constantly made me feel guilty for putting work first."

"Because someone had to take care of the house."

I stared at him.

"You cheated on me, James. You don't get to lecture me about commitment."

Before he could respond, the HR manager hurried toward us.

"There you are, Ivy. I've been looking everywhere for you."

I forced myself to step away from James.

"Is everything okay?"

"There's been a small complication with your accommodation."

My stomach dropped.

"What kind of complication?"

"The apartment originally assigned to you is no longer available. We only have one other unit open, and it's a basic one-bedroom."

Before I could answer, a familiar voice came from behind us.

"I've proposed another solution."

I turned.

Ethan.

"You can stay in one of the executive apartments," he said calmly. "It's currently vacant, so it makes sense."

James immediately objected.

"Wait. You're giving her an executive apartment? I've been here for a year, and I'm still in a tiny place."

Ethan looked at him.

"Do you have a problem with where you live?"

James's expression changed.

"No."

"Then let us do our jobs without interference."

James fell silent.

I tried not to smile.

The HR manager showed me pictures of the available apartments.

One was sleek and minimalist.

The other was a modern city loft with large windows overlooking the skyline.

"The loft," I said immediately.

"Good choice," Ethan said.

I looked at him.

He gave me a brief, almost amused look.

"And since you're joining one of the country's leading fashion brands, you can also choose pieces from our latest collection for your wardrobe. Consider it a welcome gift."

I blinked.

"Thank you, Mr. Stone."

"The apartment will be ready by this evening."

He turned away.

I watched him go, more confused than ever.

Why was he being so generous?

And why did it feel like there was something behind that unreadable expression?

By lunchtime, I had finally settled into my new office.

A woman appeared at my doorway.

"Hey, newcomer. I'm Daisy."

I smiled.

"Ivy. Nice to meet you."

"I know. You're the new fashion merchandiser."

She leaned against the door.

"So, how are you liking it?"

"I'm still getting used to everything."

"That's normal. If you need anything, ask."

I nodded.

"Thanks."

My eyes drifted across the office.

A blonde woman was watching me.

She didn't look friendly.

"Who's that?"

"Claire."

"Does she hate everyone?"

Daisy laughed softly.

"Pretty much. But there's a reason she's paying attention to you."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

Daisy lowered her voice.

"She has a thing for Ethan. Has for years. Every new woman who gets near him becomes a potential enemy."

I glanced toward Claire.

"If she likes him so much, why doesn't she just tell him?"

"Because Ethan has a strict policy."

"What policy?"

"Office relationships are forbidden."

My stomach tightened.

"Seriously?"

"Very seriously. There was some scandal a few years ago. I don't know all the details, but Ethan changed the rules afterward. People have actually lost their jobs over it."

Before I could respond, Daniel approached.

"Ivy, Mr. Stone wants to see you in his office."

My heart sank.

"Oh, God."

Maybe he'd changed his mind.

Maybe I was getting fired.

I took a deep breath and headed upstairs.

"Come in."

I opened the door.

"You wanted to see me?"

Ethan gestured toward the chair.

"Take a seat."

"I'd rather stand."

His eyebrow lifted slightly.

"Suit yourself."

He walked toward me, and I immediately became aware of how close he was.

"There are a few things I need to discuss with you."

"This is it, isn't it?"

He frowned.

"What?"

"I know it's my first day, but I promise I can explain."

"Explain what?"

"The rules. I understand them. I'll be completely professional."

He stared at me.

"Ivy, I'm not firing you."

I blinked.

"You're not?"

"No."

"Oh."

He looked amused.

"What exactly did you think this meeting was about?"

I swallowed.

"I thought... it was about that night."

His expression changed.

"What night?"

"The bar."

Silence.

"The dancing. Waking up..."

His jaw tightened.

"Oh."

The room suddenly felt much smaller.

Then there was a knock.

"Mr. Stone, you're needed downstairs."

Ethan looked toward the door.

"I have to go."

He walked past me.

I stood there, completely confused.

What exactly was he thinking?

I had barely returned to my desk when Claire approached.

"That was quick."

I looked up.

"What was?"

"Your private meeting with Ethan."

"I don't understand."

"Oh, please. Don't play innocent."

Daisy stepped closer.

"Claire, leave her alone."

Claire ignored her.

"You're new, you're desperate to impress, and you're already getting special treatment."

"That's enough."

"Or what?" She smiled. "Are you going to deny you slept with him?"

My blood ran cold.

Before I could answer, Ethan's voice came from behind us.

"What's going on here?"

Everyone turned.

Claire's expression instantly changed.

"Mr. Stone, Ivy was insulting me."

I stared at her.

"What? That's a lie."

Ethan looked between us.

Then his gaze settled on me.

"Ivy?"

I swallowed.

"I didn't insult her."

Daisy stepped forward.

"She's telling the truth."

Ethan's expression remained unreadable.

"Since you're new, I'll let this go. But causing a scene in the hallway is unacceptable."

"Yes, sir."

Claire smiled smugly.

"Wow. Getting scolded on your first day."

I ignored her.

I wasn't going to give her the satisfaction.

Later, Daisy caught up with me.

"Why didn't you tell him what she said?"

"I don't want drama."

Daisy sighed.

"Claire doesn't understand the meaning of low profile."

I smiled weakly.

"I'll remember that."

That evening, I was sitting in my new apartment with Rosie when my phone rang.

Unknown number.

"Hello?"

"It's Ethan Stone."

My heart skipped.

"How did you get my number?"

"That's not important."

I sat up.

"Why are you calling?"

"I'm outside your apartment."

I froze.

"What?"

"Come downstairs. We need to talk."

"I can't."

"Ivy—"

"I'll see you tomorrow at work."

I ended the call.

Rosie stared at me.

"Was that Ethan?"

I nodded.

"And you just sent him away?"

"He's my boss."

She smirked.

"Keep telling yourself that's the only reason."

I rolled my eyes.

"Goodnight."

The next morning, everyone was gathered in the meeting room.

Daisy waved me over.

"They're making an announcement."

The HR manager stepped forward.

"We're opening a position for Executive Fashion Designer for our female luxury clothing line."

My attention sharpened.

"Anyone in the company can apply," she continued. "Five candidates will be selected after interviews. Those finalists will then design, produce, and promote their own limited-edition collection."

My heart started racing.

This was exactly the opportunity I'd been waiting for.

The judges would be Ethan, May Zerrar, our head designer, Margaret Teit, our CFO, and Tom Hastings.

As soon as the meeting ended, I headed toward the application list.

I picked up the pen.

This was my chance.

I was about to write my name when an arm suddenly wrapped around my waist.

I froze.

James.

"James, what are you doing?"

Before I could pull away, a familiar voice cut through the room.

"What exactly is going on here?"

I looked up.

Ethan was standing a few feet away.

His eyes were fixed on James's hand around my waist.

And for the first time since I'd met him, I couldn't read his expression at all.