Chapter 3

“Are you serious? The CEO of your company had a one-night stand with you? My goodness, I don’t believe it!” Kaytly’s friend, Xavia, burst out laughing when she heard Kaytly’s story.

“It’s true! At first, I panicked so much that I thought I would die. I was just afraid he would recognize me! But he seems genuinely oblivious,” Kaytly giggled.

“No way? How is it even possible for someone to sleep with a girl and not remember? Especially… a virgin!” Xavia was shocked, and after saying the last two words, she glanced around and lowered her voice deliberately.

“Ugh! Xavia, are you a friend to me or not? Stop teasing me!”

“No, no, I mean…”

“Fine, fine. That night, I didn’t let him turn on the lights. So I don’t think he could see me clearly. Besides, guys like him are players; they occasionally have girls delivered to their doorstep. How can they settle for just one?” Kaytly replied, sighing.

“Kaytly, let’s not discuss this anymore… So, are you going to work tomorrow?” Xavia noticed the hint of sadness in Kaytly’s smile.

“Yep! Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime. And I won’t just let it go because of such a stupid reason. I need money, you know!”

“But aren’t you afraid he’ll recognize you? Maybe you are hoping deep down he’ll recognize you,” Xavia looked at Kaytly with a somewhat profound gaze.

“I don’t know… We only had one night together. How can I have any feelings for a stranger like him?” Kaytly disagreed with Xavia’s words.

“You never know. Women often have a sense of devotion. There’s also a special sentiment toward the first man in their lives. So, it’s possible. And you don’t seem to hate him. If I were you, I would have given in to him immediately!” Xavia said.

Hearing Xavia’s words, Kaytly wondered if she was secretly hoping that he would recognize her.

Kaytly recalled that night. She had only caught a glimpse of him thanks to the car’s headlights. Deep inside, she had felt joy. Perhaps that night was her way of indulging herself. If the man hadn’t been him, would she have acted the same way?

Kaytly pondered, smiling, but she couldn’t come up with a definite answer.

***

Kaytly entered the BLACA financial conglomerate building early in the morning, feeling excited.

She went to the CEO’s office after passing through the human resources department. She suddenly felt anxious as she stared at the closed, red wooden door. She raised her hand to knock but hesitated, lowering it slowly.

She recalled the advice from the HR manager about the CEO’s hot temper, especially during rainy days. Could it be because she had left without a word last time?

Kaytly vigorously shook her head, scolding herself for indulging in such thoughts.

“Kaytly Blanche, he doesn’t even remember you. Why do you keep imagining things? Hasn’t that man already hurt you enough? Are you so eager to jump into the fire again?” she scolded herself inwardly. “Get a grip on reality and focus on doing your job well!”

With renewed determination, she adjusted her mood and knocked firmly on the door.

“Come in!” A deep and magnetic male voice emanated from within.

Kaytly noticed her heart rate suddenly quickening. “Useless,” she thought, berating herself again as she pushed open the door.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Ah, you’re here? Have you seen your new office?” Adam didn’t look up and focused on the report in his hand.

“Director Tran brought me here to see it.”

“Alright then, go ahead and start your work. If there’s anything unclear, you can ask Director Tran or me.”

“Got it. I’ll be on my way then.” Kaytly turned and left the room.

Unbeknownst to her, the man inside, who had been diligently working, suddenly lifted his head in the blink of an eye. He gazed intently at her graceful departure.

***

Back in her office, Kaytly chuckled and leaned back in her black leather chair.

“Kaytly Blanche, you need to get a hold of yourself. No one’s even paying attention to you. Why act so anxiously here? Is there anything worth remembering and lingering on? Starting from now, pretend you’ve never met him! Okay?”

Kaytly took a few deep breaths, turned on her computer, and threw herself into her work. She was determined to build an entirely new life for herself.

***

Two weeks seemed to pass by in a flash. Fully immersed in her tasks, Kaytly quickly adapted to her responsibilities. She enjoyed her new work, though sometimes, it was quite boring. However, tranquility in life often concealed hidden storms.

Kaytly looked up at the clock; it was almost time to leave work. She stood up, stretched her muscles, and headed to the refreshment room. She grabbed a cup of tea and stepped out of the refreshment room when she suddenly collided with someone. Her tea spilled all over her hand, scalding her.

“Ah!” A searing sensation shot through her hand. She instinctively let go of the cup, and with a loud crash, the cup shattered, spilling the rest of the tea all over the floor.

“I’m so sorry. Are you okay?” She heard a worried girl’s voice.

Kaytly looked up to face a gentle girl with apologetic eyes. “I’m fine!” Kaytly managed a smile through the pain in her hand.

“What’s going on here?” a deep male voice resonated.

“Mr. Adam!” Seeing Adam arrive, Bonita hurried over, lowered her head with a hint of guilt, and cautiously explained, “Mr. Adam, I’m sorry. I accidentally bumped into her!”

Kaytly looked at the girl before her, who seemed very afraid of Adam. “It’s not her fault. It’s my fault. I didn’t see her.”

Adam ignored Bonita and walked directly toward Kaytly. He held her red hand. “Are you sure you’re okay? Do you want me to take you to the hospital?”

“I’m fine. There’s no need, and I’ll call the cleaning staff to take care of this mess!” Kaytly laughed nervously, her heart racing. A strange feeling washed over her. She quickly withdrew her hand, turning away.

A puddle of tea made the wet floor slippery, and she stumbled, falling to the ground.

“A…!” Kaytly let out a soft cry, closing her eyes, expecting to collide with the solid surface.

Suddenly, a firm hand gripped her, but immediately after, there was a tearing sound, followed by a series of metallic jingling noises. Buttons from her dress fell onto the ground, bouncing away.

“T-Thank you, sir!” Kaytly, still in a daze, stood up, gripping Adam’s hand.

Suddenly, she felt a cold sensation against her chest, and she instinctively lowered her head, only to realize that the buttons of her short dress had fallen, leaving her chest exposed in its full beauty.

She looked up abruptly, trying to resist Adam’s captivating gaze. His eyes held a blatant desire as they locked onto her exposed chest.

Kaytly’s face turned crimson. She shot him a fierce glare, quickly covering her exposed cleavage with her dress, and darted back into her office.

Bonita, witnessing this scene, seethed with envy and resentment. She glared at Kaytly’s retreating figure, saying to herself, “Kaytly Blanche, this time you burned your hand, but next time, you’ll be hurt where it’s more painful — in your heart!”

Unaware of Bonita’s icy stare, Adam looked at Kaytly’s retreating figure, his heartbeat increasing.

“That girl, she seemed to have a red birthmark on her chest, right? Then why does Kaytly have it, too? Is it all just a coincidence? Or was that night real, and she is the one?”

Adam returned to his office, carried away by his thoughts.