Bound By Contract Broken By Love

I smoothed my pencil skirt and took a deep breath. It was Monday again, at least the weekend wasn't too tiring. For the fifth time, I checked out my outfit, trying to look my best. I never want to appear as a clown at work. Two years ago, as Adrian Cole's personal assistant had taught me great fashion, although he barely noticed, why would he when I'm just an employee?? But I pay attention to everything about him. I've seen how the other male employees stare at me in admiration, certainly not Adrian Cole. The sharp cut of his suit, the way his eyes narrow when he's trying to figure something out and how well he speaks…his demonic looks, he has that mini-god aura always... I'm blindly aware it's a dangerous kind of fascination I have towards him, the one I kept locked away to maintain my place as just an assistance. .. The intercom on my desk buzzed, interrupting my thought . "Mira, bring the Henderson projections. Now, those files can't sort themselves out, Adrian said briefly. I stood almost immediately, gathering the files. This is part of my daily routine as his PA... I walk into his neatly arranged office that looks twice the size of my apartment. I couldn't help but sigh. Everything smells luxurious.... The glass walls gave a dizzying view of the city, Adrian had a thing for flowers ,every corner had a beautiful flower pot and it gave a warm vibe.... There was a time he fired an employee just for breaking a vase, which wasn't intentional. They know best to avoid touching the flowers, no matter how pretty they look. He sat lazily behind his desk. He barely looked up, eyes fixed on some documents, but I knew he sensed me there. "Leave them on the desk," he said, his tone which always sounded cold yet alluring....I placed the files on his desk carefully trying not to make a sound... Sir, do you need anything else ? "No," he replied, still focused on whatever he was doing. I smiled then turned to leave... But he spoke again before I reached the door." Nice outfit. Red suits you "His gaze lifted and for a split second I stood frozen..and I couldn't help but voice out a faint "Thank you "... shutting the door behind me tightly. He chuckled, staring at my retreating figure... Did I blow things up just now? At least he made a positive remark about my outfit for the first time in two years ... "This feels so awkward," I whispered to myself as I returned to my desk, the flutter in my chest refusing to settle, my heart rate increased... I tried to focus on the rest of the tasks, but the comment (Nice outfit. Red look suits you) lingered in my mind.. I should probably shop for red outfits more often. Was it just him being polite or ? ... No, no, I stopped the thought there. There's no way he even sees it as anything I'm not sure if he rates it as anything I'm just his assistant. I needed to keep things professional. I wouldn't want to lose my job. The hours ticked by, the office grew quieter than earlier as people left for the day, unlike Mira, who had to stay till the boss was ready to leave... Adrian's meetings usually stretched longer weekdays, especially on Monday's I lingered, tidying my desk, stealing glances at the city streetlights outside . My phone buzzed...A text from him. Mira, I need these reviews tonight. Can you bring them to my office? My heart skipped. Tonight, it was late. This kind of request meant only one thing he'd work through the night . I typed a reply… Sure, Mr Cole. I'll bring them up. Meanwhile, in his office Adrian stood at the window of his magnificent office, the cool glass pressed against his fingertips as he gripped the edge, his thoughts empty. he stared at the untouched food his assistant had gotten for him hours ago. He whispered her name, "Mira Lawson (Poor little one),” then he chuckled. And just then she knocked on his door faintly. He straightened, his eyes sharpening. "Come in." I pushed the door open, holding some documents and my laptop, then stepped inside.The dim lights of the office gave a perfect view... He turned to me. For a moment our eyes met, and I felt that familiar jolt, the one I always pushed down. "Leave them here", he said, his gaze dropping to the documents, his tone calm. I placed the files on his desk gently. "Do you need anything else, Mr Cole? “I asked, staring at him. He looked up then, a hint of distraction in his eyes." No, Mira If you can't stay up, you can go to rest. I'll handle things from here. A gentle surprise touched me, it was rare. He suggested I leave early... I'll stay sir, "I said, trying to sound professional. He studied me for a bit, his gaze unreasonable." Since you know your duties so well..hhhmmm," he paused, then looked at me "Sit," he said, pointing to the single couch. I'll need to concentrate, since you find my office more comforting than your home, "Adrian said drastically " He sat down, his eyes fixed on his laptop screen. I walked quietly to the couch, settled into the plush cushion. Doesn't he ever get tired? I complained silently The office was quiet with the sound of his fingers typing each second. Soon I felt like I should have gracefully gone home. The office was quiet, with only the sound of his fingers tapping on the keyboard.., before I could stop myself,my eyelids grew heavy Few Hours Later A faint rustle woke me, I jolted upright, disoriented, ...and my heart raced so fast . He was staring at me, a curious expression on his face. He seemed to have stopped working hours ago.... His appearance gave a homely vibe. He had changed into a more comfortable outfit. His fragrance smelled so nice. "Guess you needed the rest more than I did," Adrian said, still looking at my embarrassed self. I flushed quickly, gathering the fallen papers I had been holding hours ago before I fell asleep."" I . I'm sorry, Mr Cole. I didn't mean to.." He leaned back in his chair, eyes still on me, a hint of amusement dancing in them "No apologies. You said you could stay up, right ? You are here to work, Miss Mira Lawson, you're not sleeping., but maybe I should get you a pillow." I smiled weirdly, shaking my head respectfully. "No sir, you don't have to do that at all... I'm sorry I fell asleep. " I checked my smartwatch. It was already very late there, no way I had slept comfortably here in his office for hours. This was the first time such happened. As I stood up, arranging my things to leave his office, he suddenly leaned forward. He had a more relaxed look on his face. "Funny how it took me years to realize your duties...you are only permitted to be beside me always, Mira. " Before I could process what he said, his fingers wrapped around my wrist. I felt a jolt, and my heart skipped a beat . "Drink with me, "he whispered, his voice cold and low. I turned to face him, my eyes wide with surprise ." Mr Cole...." He let go of my hand. But his gaze held mine: "Just Adrian. And it's not a request ." I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do or say. But something about the way he looked at me made me nod voluntarily. "Okay," I said softly. This is certainly a trap, because two years of working with him has been nothing but hell for me with his cold personality "Or did he win a lottery "??? He smiled, a hint of triumph in his eyes. “Let's go.” As we walked out of his office, I couldn't believe what was happening. Adrian Cole, the man I had secretly crushed on for years, was asking me to drink with him. We walked to the elevator silently, and he pressed the button... Being close to him made me shiver Though I was his PA, Cole treated me just like his other employees. He handled most of the stuff himself while I just helped with sorting out files. The air was thick with tension... Oh, maybe it was just me.. I looked up at him, since I was beside him, he caught me staring yet said nothing. The elevator stopped, and the doors opened. He gestured for me to exit first while he followed closely behind me... I knew I had this crazy body, yet I was curious to know what he thought about my shape and looks... I shivered, feeling butterflies in my tummy. We walked into his private room in company...the room looked heavenly. "Wow," I breathed.....while Adrian chuckled…