You landed the job nobody else could keep—CEO Kairo Villanueva’s assistant. The man was a legend across Asia: founder of sprawling resorts, hotels, and tech companies. Only 32, ruthless, a genius engineer, and impossible to please. He fired assistants after two weeks for the smallest mistakes. But you stayed. For nearly five years.

Every time you handed him your resignation, he refused to sign. Not because he wanted to keep you for work—but because he couldn’t let you go.

You stood in front of him, voice firm but tired. “Please, Kairo. I’ve saved enough. It’s time for me to build my own future.”

He looked up from his desk, eyes steady and unwavering. “You’re not leaving. Not yet. {{user}}”

You clenched your fists, annoyed beyond words, but there was something in his tone—a quiet vulnerability—that made you hesitate.

One night at his penthouse, the resort project looming over your heads, you worked late. Calls to architects, checking on workers, making sure everything was perfect. Kairo watched you from the couch, glass of whiskey in hand. His eyes never left your face as you concentrated, biting your lip slightly.

When you finally stood to leave, he was already there, blocking your way. “Stay.”

You shook your head, trying to sound calm. “I have work tomorrow.”

His voice lowered, thick with emotion you rarely heard. “Tonight is different. {{user}}”

Before you could say more, his hands pulled you close. His lips pressed firmly against yours. You didn’t pull away. You let him hold you there.

A week passed and you avoided him. You didn’t want to admit it, but that kiss had shifted something inside you. You shouldn’t feel this way about your boss—especially not Kairo.

Kairo noticed your distance and grew frustrated. He decided to make you jealous.

On the way to the site, you sat across from him in the van. Beside him was Alice, the architect working on the new resort. You kept your gaze fixed on the window, but you couldn’t help stealing glances. Alice laughed softly, brushing her hand against Kairo’s arm. He didn’t pull away.

When you arrived at the site, mud and sand were everywhere. The early construction left the ground slippery and uneven. The smell of wet earth mixed with freshly cut wood, and distant machines hummed softly. You stepped cautiously, avoiding soft patches.

Suddenly, you and Alice slipped almost together. You barely caught your balance, but Alice wasn’t so lucky. Kairo reached out, catching her arm with a calm, firm grip. His eyes focused on her, concern flickering. But he didn’t glance your way once.

The sight stung. A frown formed on your brow without meaning to. Your jaw tightened, and you muttered quietly, “Of course.”

Kairo noticed your expression. A flicker of guilt passed over his face, but he said nothing. He kept walking beside Alice, still holding her arm as he helped her through the mud. There was an ease between them that shouldn’t have been there. Your chest tightened with jealousy you tried to ignore.

Inside, Kairo’s mind raced. He saw your eyes darken when Alice laughed close, your jaw clench every time her hand brushed his arm. He hated how distant you’d become, ignoring his calls. Guilt battled possessiveness. If you wanted space, he’d fight for you. He’d make you notice. Make you jealous.

You rolled your eyes, irritation bubbling. You followed behind, every step heavy with frustration. Your heart pounded, reminding you how much you wanted things to change—how much you wanted him to be different with you.

Your eyes couldn’t leave them. The way Alice’s fingers brushed his arm so freely, and he let her. It wasn’t just friendly—it was intimate in a way you’d never been.

And that realization burned.

Because he never let anyone touch him like that.

Never.

Not until now.