CROWNED BY THE MAFIA KING

Chapter 5 – Curiosity

That night, Selena couldn’t sleep at all. The light in her room had been off for an hour, but her eyes were still wide open, staring blankly at the ceiling as if something heavy was pressing down on her chest.

She kept tossing from left to right, hugging her pillow tight like it could calm her racing thoughts. Sometimes she even kicked the blanket in frustration, her hair now a total mess.

“Why am I still thinking about his stare? Oh my God, Selena, don’t flatter yourself!” she whispered angrily, then buried her face in the pillow. “He’s Leonardo Valente. Everyone knows his reputation. There’s no way he’s actually paying attention to a secretary like me…”

But her stubborn mind refused to listen. The moment she closed her eyes, that image came back—those cold yet magnetic eyes, the faint smirk that made her heartbeat uneven, and his deep laughter earlier when he caught her panicking.

Selena groaned, punching her pillow. “Ugh! Even his voice is stuck in my head. Why do I keep replaying that embarrassing scene over and over?!”

She sat up on the bed, her hair falling messily around her shoulders, then glanced at the clock on the wall. 2 a.m. “Great. Four more hours until work, and I’ll be going in as a zombie.”

Lying back down, she pulled the blanket up to her chin. But instead of calming down, her cheeks started to burn.

(What the heck, why am I blushing alone like some high school girl?!)

Selena took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “If this keeps going, I’ll go crazy before I even get the chance to resign.”

---

The Next Morning

The office was as busy as always. The sound of keyboards, ringing phones, and quick conversations filled the air. Selena arrived earlier than usual, hoping she could calm down before Leonardo showed up.

She turned on her laptop, arranged the documents, then headed to the pantry to make his black coffee. Her hands shook slightly as she poured the coffee powder.

(Okay, Selena. Today, you’ll be professional. Focus on work. Don’t think about his eyes. Don’t think about his smile. Don’t think about… oh God, don’t think about him at all. You can do this. You have to!) she told herself as she carefully placed the cup on the tray.

Returning to the big desk that was still empty, she set the cup down gently, then stared at it for a second.

(Oh no. Even the coffee is making my heart race. What’s wrong with me?!) she sighed quietly.

Not long after, the sound of heavy, steady footsteps echoed from the hallway. Her stomach twisted immediately.

(Okay, Selena… deep breath. Just act normal. Act normal!)

Leonardo entered with his usual calm stride, Matteo walking faithfully behind him. With his navy suit and neat tie, he looked fresh and powerful—his aura filling the entire room.

“Good morning, Sir,” Selena greeted quickly, lowering her head a little to hide her face.

Leonardo gave her a brief glance. He took off his suit jacket, hung it over the chair, then reached for the coffee. After a small sip, a faint click of his tongue and a subtle smile curved his lips.

“Seems like you’ve memorized my habits,” he said softly.

Selena straightened her back, clearing her throat. “That’s part of my job, Sir.”

“Part of your job…” Leonardo repeated slowly, as if weighing the words. His gaze lingered on her face for a moment, making her freeze. “Hm.”

Selena hurried back to her desk, pretending to be busy with her laptop.

(Oh God… that look again. Why does it feel like he’s reading my mind?)

Her fingers flew across the keyboard, though the screen was still blank. Her hands trembled, her face growing hot and cold all at once.

Minutes passed in silence, broken only by papers shuffling and the sound of typing. But Selena felt as though the air was thick with pressure.

(Why is it that every time he’s around, I lose control like this? If he’s really serious about paying attention to me… that’s insane. He’s Leonardo Valente, why would he even bother with me?)

She let out a

long sigh, lowering her head, pretending to be focused.

Time passed quickly. Small meetings turned into sudden briefings, phone calls came one after another, and Selena kept rushing back and forth, carrying files for Leonardo. But no matter how busy she was, that awkward feeling never went away.

By noon, Selena finally breathed in relief when one report was finished. She neatly placed the papers into a blue folder and walked toward the CEO’s office.

She knocked softly.

“Come in,” that deep voice answered.

Selena stepped inside carefully, opening the door and approaching his desk with measured steps. She placed the folder in front of him.

“This is the weekly report you asked for, Sir,” she said quietly, trying to sound calm.

Leonardo nodded while flipping through the pages. Selena waited, her hands folded in front of her.

“Hmm… this chart. Did you prepare it?” Leonardo asked, eyes fixed on a certain page.

“Yes, Sir. I thought presenting the data visually would make it easier to understand.”

Leonardo looked at her for a long moment, then a faint smile curved his lips. “Not bad. You learn fast.”

The compliment made Selena uneasy. She gave a quick nod and turned, ready to leave. But just as she moved, her hand accidentally brushed against his—both reaching for the same paper.

Thump.

Selena froze. Heat rushed to her face instantly. She pulled her hand away quickly. “S-sorry, Sir! I didn’t mean—”

But instead of being bothered, Leonardo didn’t look away. His gaze stayed locked on her, as though time itself had stopped.

“…”

The room turned painfully quiet. Selena could hear her heartbeat thundering inside her chest.

“I don’t mind,” Leonardo finally said in a low voice.

Selena’s panic spiked. She lowered her head quickly. “I-I’ll go now!” she blurted, almost running out of the office.

Once outside, she leaned against the wall, patting her flushed cheeks. (Selena! Why are you panicking over a little touch? Oh my God, get a grip! It was just an accident!)

Meanwhile, inside, Leonardo was still staring at his hand—the one that had brushed against hers. A faint smile appeared. He closed the report without even reading further. For some reason, his thoughts wandered.

(That woman… makes me lose focus.)

All day long, Leonardo’s eyes wandered toward his secretary’s desk. Each time Selena typed, each time she bit her lip in thought, even the simple way she tucked her hair behind her ear—everything caught his attention.

Matteo, standing not far from his boss’s desk, noticed the change. “Boss, you don’t look focused today.”

Leonardo turned sharply. “Are you criticizing my work?”

Matteo bowed his head. “No, Boss. Just a reminder.”

Leonardo scoffed quietly, then turned his gaze back to Selena.

On the other side, Selena was growing frustrated. She could feel his stare following her all day.

(Why is he looking at me like that? Did I dress wrong? Do I have ink on my face? Ugh, this is so uncomfortable!) she thought, pretending to busy herself with folders.

Finally, she gathered her courage and walked over. “Sir, is there something wrong with my work? You’ve been watching me since earlier…”

Leonardo paused, leaning back in his chair. A faint, meaningful smile appeared. “Maybe I’m just bored. And you… are quite entertaining.”

Selena exhaled through her nose, annoyed. “I’m not here for entertainment, Sir. I’m here to work.”

Leonardo raised an eyebrow. “Of course. But who said you can’t be both?”

Selena’s face heated instantly. She spun on her heels, returning to her desk quickly. (This man… he’s impossible!)

Yet behind her irritation, something stirred inside her. She hated to admit it, but Leonardo’s words left a strange mark she couldn’t erase.

Time ticked by. The sun shifted west, golden rays slipping through the tall glass windows. One by one, the staff began leaving. The sound of keyboards and ringing phones faded, leaving only faint echoes.

“Good night, Selena.” One colleague waved as they passed.

Selena gave a small smile. “Night. Take care.”

One after another, the floor emptied until it was nearly silent. Selena stayed behind, organizing the last reports for tomorrow’s meeting. She checked the stacks carefully, forcing herself to stay busy so her thoughts wouldn’t wander… to him.

(Why does it feel even harder to ignore him when the office is this quiet? Because I know… he’s still in that room.)

Suddenly, his deep voice broke the silence from the CEO’s doorway.

“Selena.”

She turned immediately, her heart skipping. Leonardo stood at the doorway, his broad shoulders framed by the dim corridor light.

“Come in,” he ordered.

Selena swallowed hard. She hesitated, but her body moved on its own before her brain could protest. She stood, straightened the folder in her hands, and slowly walked into his office. The soft click of the door locking behind her sent shivers down her spine.

Inside, the atmosphere was different. The main lights were off. Only the desk lamp glowed faintly, casting shadows across his sharp features. His tall frame stood by the wide window, the city lights sparkling behind him.

For a second, Selena forgot how to breathe.

Leonardo turned, his gaze fixed on her. “Everyone has gone home?” His tone was flat, but his voice carried a heavy weight.

Selena nodded softly. “Yes, Sir. Just… us.”

Leonardo stepped forward slowly. The sound of his shoes against the marble floor echoed, each step making Selena retreat one pace at a time.

“S-Sir… is there something I can help you with?” her voice trembled, her hands clutching the folder tightly to her chest.

He stopped just inches from her. The air between them grew thin. His piercing gaze seemed to strip away her defenses.

“I…” he paused, lowering his voice. “…can’t stop thinking about you, Selena.”

Selena froze. Her eyes widened, her body stiff as stone. “W-what…?” Her voice was barely audible.

Leonardo leaned in slightly, his face closer. The subtle scent of his cologne mixed with wine wrapped around her, making her head spin.

“And I don’t like

that.” His eyes burned with intensity, almost dangerous. “So tell me… what exactly are you hiding from me?”