Dream Husband

5 The Secret at Work

Sara slept peacefully in Arav’s arms until the first rays of dawn kissed her face. Arav, already awake, didn’t dare to move and disturb her. With one arm cradling her, he scrolled through economics news on his phone with the other, patiently waiting for her to wake.

Finally, Sara stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She found Arav focused intently on his phone. Rubbing her eyes, she asked, “You’re already awake?”

Arav looked down at her and smiled warmly. “Good morning, Sara.” He kissed her forehead. “I just woke up too,” he lied, not wanting her to feel guilty for sleeping in.

After washing up, Sara got ready in a crisp white shirt and black pants, tying her hair neatly into a ponytail. Her professional appearance made her look confident and poised.

When Arav saw her, he froze, momentarily stunned. He had seen countless women in his office dressed in similar attire, but none had ever stirred such feelings in him.

“Are you going somewhere?” he asked curiously.

Sara nodded. “I’m going to my old office to collect my internship certificates.”

Arav raised an eyebrow. “Is that necessary?”

She smiled. “Of course! I need those certificates for my job, don’t I?”

Arav chuckled softly. “Sara, this is our company now. Nobody here will ask you for certificates. Just send a polite email to your old office about your resignation. That’s enough.”

Sara hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Alright, I’ll do as you say,” she agreed, relieved. The truth was, she didn’t want to face her ex-boss or his troublesome son, Jack, who had always bullied her and looked at her with bad intentions.

As they enjoyed breakfast together, a knock at the door announced Anna’s arrival. Arav called her in, and she greeted them both politely before briefing Arav on his schedule for the day.

After she finished, Arav said, “Anna, before everything else, I need to meet with the head of the designing team.”

Anna blinked in surprise. “The designing team, sir?” She didn’t dare question him further, though her curiosity was evident. “Alright, Boss, I’ll arrange the meeting. Anything else?”

“No, that’s all,” Arav replied.

As Anna left, Sara looked at Arav. “Arav, can we keep our relationship private for now? At least until we’re more certain about where we’re heading.”

Arav smiled, his gaze soft. “As you wish, Sara.”

He held her hand and led her to the elevator, taking her to the next floor, where his office and the main conference hall were located.

Anna and Peter, who were waiting outside the office, exchanged puzzled glances. “Why is the Boss bringing his girlfriend to the office?” Peter whispered.

Inside the office, Arav settled on the guest sofa instead of his CEO chair, pulling Sara gently beside him. Anna entered moments later, her confusion deepening at the unusual sight.

“Sir, the head of the designing team, Charles, is waiting outside. Should I send him in?” she asked.

Arav nodded. “Yes, send him in.”

Anna couldn’t help but notice Sara’s nervousness. Arav leaned in, holding Sara’s hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Sara. I’m here. You’ve got this.”

Anna stood frozen, her jaw slightly agape. Who is this man? Is this the same cold, detached CEO we’ve worked for all these years?

Charles entered moments later, clearly nervous. Despite working at the company for three years, he had never met the CEO in person. His eyes darted to the empty CEO chair before landing on Arav, seated casually on the sofa, holding Sara’s hand.

“Good morning, sir,” Charles greeted, his voice tinged with nervousness.

“Good morning, Charles,” Arav said smoothly. “This is Sara, a close friend of mine. Starting today, she will join your team.”

Charles nodded quickly. “Of course, sir.”

“You’ll help her settle in and guide her as needed,” Arav continued. “Also, keep her connection to me a secret. She wants to work as an ordinary employee.”

Charles, still processing, nodded again. “Understood, sir. It’s my pleasure.”

“Good,” Arav said with a faint smile. “You may leave now.”

Charles thanked him and exited the office, his mind racing with questions. As he stepped out, Anna intercepted him.

“Hey, Charles,” she whispered, pulling him aside. “Don’t mess this up. Take good care of Sara. If you do, you might get promoted soon.”

Charles, already overwhelmed, turned to Anna, wide-eyed. “Sara is… is she the Boss’s girlfriend?”

Anna smirked knowingly. “You didn’t notice how he looked at her? Of course, she is.”