In your Arms Again, Dear Ex

Chapter 3- My New Boss

“Doctor, the woman in the emergency unit,” The nurse panted, barely catching her breath. “... she is gasping for air. Her condition is worse than we thought.”

“I have to leave now. We will commence the surgery immediately.” The doctor said and zoomed off with the card.

I made my way back to the reception, my heart racing. I just couldn't get my mind off the thoughts of how much pain mother was in at this point.

It broke my heart to see her cry, let alone watching her pass through so much pain back there in the ward.

Just as I sank into a chair, my phone buzzed. I took it out, reluctantly staring at the unknown number flashing on the screen.

After much thought, I picked up only to be greeted by Adrian's hoarse voice.

“Get back here. Now!” He roared and hung up, not even giving me a chance to ask why he had sent for me all of a sudden.

Panic surged through me, his words echoing in my head like an endless whisper.

I didn't even think twice before jumping out of my seat. I could feel the weight of everyone's gaze on me, obviously because of the drama I was putting up, but I paid them no attention. They clearly had no idea what was at stake.

I scurried off to Adrian's house. My eyes wandered around, expecting to see Tracy. But she wasn’t there.

Adrian stepped out in no time. His eyes were cold and unreadable, making me dread his sight.

“Here,” he said, shoving a piece of paper before me. I was shocked to my bones when I went through the content of the paper and realized it was a marriage certificate, already having my name on it, alongside his. “Go through it and give it back.”

Adrian's voice pulled me out of my thoughts, and for a moment, I just stood there staring at him—dumbfounded.

While I was still trying to figure out what was happening, he said something else that left me completely breathless.

“The wedding is in two days and the time is 10am. Stick to the time, and… dress properly at least.” He said, already leaving when I mustered the courage and ran off towards him, blocking his path.

“What's the meaning of this? Are you out of your mind?” I choked out, but before I could finish, I felt his firm hands wrapped around my neck, his grip tight and unyielding.

He leaned forward, his breath warm against my face. “You dare ask me if I'm out of my mind?” He hissed, his face stone cold. “It baffles me to see that you feel no remorse after what you did to me three years ago.”

My breath came out in ragged gasps as he held me firmly in place.

“It's not what you think, Adrian. Please let go of me.” I choked out, my voice stunted.

“It's not what I think?” He shot back, clearly enraged. “If you think I would waste my time paying attention to whatever shitty explanation you have to give, then the joke is on you.”

He rolled his hand off, taking a step back. “Get out.” His voice was calm, yet mean.

I didn't think twice before taking to my heels.

•••

A week later

After all said and done, my mom survived the surgery and now she's finally been discharged from the hospital. My brother also, he’s finally free from the chains of the police.

This was more than enough reason for anyone to be extremely happy, but in my own case, I wasn't.

I had just gotten married in the most unbelievable way a few days ago, to the same man I never thought I would ever cross paths with—again.

It was a simple wedding with only the both of us in attendance–at the registrar.

He had claimed he didn't want his mother meddling in his affairs as she had already arranged a different woman for him to get married to.

The subsequent days after our wedding were quite stormy. I was at my lowest point—broke with no other option but to go to Tracy for help. Adrian had bluntly refused to give me any more money after he had helped me save my mom and brother.

And I soon figured out I wouldn't have to rely on Tracy all my life. I didn't want to be a burden anymore.

So I went job hunting, and on the same day, I received an interview invitation from one of the companies I had applied to.

As soon as it was dawn the following day, I got dressed and headed out to the company. The receptionist was so warm in her reception, and I couldn't be more eager to meet with the CEO.

After a series of interrogations, I was finally led into the CEO’s office.

A wave of cold air greeted me as soon as I walked in. “He will be with you shortly.” The receptionist said before leaving.

I nodded and heaved a deep sigh, helping myself to a seat. Barely after a few minutes, the door opened. Once again, I was greeted with that same, familiar scent.

I froze on my seat, my gaze shifting to the door. My jaw dropped as soon as the person turned in my direction.

“Adrian?”

“Ariana?”

We both chorused at the same time, our mouths hung up in shock. I swallowed hard, still finding it difficult to believe my eyes.

Could he possibly be the CEO I have been waiting for all this while?

“I guess you're here for the interview?” Adrian asked as he walked majestically to his seat. He leaned forward, his smile intimidating and taunting. “Fate has a funny way of working, don’t you think?”

I blinked, a wave of panic flushing through me. I could already tell where this was heading to. There's obviously no point going ahead with the interview.

I stood up, making my way out when Adrian's voice halted me, freezing me in place.

My body stiffened as he drew close. I couldn't bring myself to look him up in the face, especially now that I was at his mercy.

“And where do you think you're going?” He quizzed, grabbing my arms viciously.

I squirmed, my voice shaky. “I don't think you would give me the job, so there's no point wasting my time any further.”

“And who says I wouldn't give you the job?” I blinked, stunned. He nodded, a sly smile creeping up his lips. “Henceforth, you'll be my personal assistant and the head of the junior department of this company. Is that understood?”

His words hit me like a blow. It was still so hard to believe.

But to my surprise, he wasn't done yet. He curled his hand towards my neck, pinning me to the wall.

“You are to resume work tomorrow morning. No lateness.” I thought he would let me go after that, but he never did.

He cupped my jaw in a flash, and before I could think, he grabbed my legs, brushing his lips against mine.