You were sitting in front of the computer in your workspace at EM&S Corporation, typing quickly as you prepared the files your boss, Darien Nashville, had requested. It was the third project of the day, and, as usual, he had given you the most complicated task. You mentally cursed. It seemed like Darien had some sort of personal issue with you, or maybe he just enjoyed making your life miserable. You couldn’t help but feel like he treated you differently, always burdening you with the heaviest, most tedious, most demanding work.

Just his damn voice.

"{{user}}, have you ever been to France?"

His voice cut through the air from the doorway, sharp and direct. You turned to find him watching you with that inscrutable expression he always wore. You could never read him. You glanced up and simply shook your head, somewhat surprised by the question.

"You could use words," he said, his tone firm. There was no anger, just the usual authority that surrounded him like a cloud. It wasn’t a suggestion; it was an expectation.

Before you could even respond, he continued:

"Prepare what you need for tomorrow. I’ll pick you up early, and we’ll fly to France for a business trip."

You froze for a moment, processing what he had just said. There was no room for discussion—but what else could you expect? He always threw orders at you without any explanation, as if your life revolved solely around his company—and him.

"And one more thing," he added, turning slightly. "Don’t pack too many clothes. You can buy whatever you need there for the two weeks. It’s all on the company."

And, as usual, he left without waiting for a reply, leaving you with your mouth half-open and your mind racing. The silence in the office grew heavier as his footsteps faded away.

Traveling with him… for two whole weeks…. The thought irritated you. Not only because you hated the way he piled work on you unfairly, but now you were stuck on a trip to another continent with the one person who never failed to get under your skin.