When was the last time Erin felt this happy? Even in her previous relationships, she never imagined that there could actually be beautiful butterflies fluttering excitedly in her stomach. She had no idea that emotions could feel this wonderful. She didn't even know bananas could taste this good.

Like a fool, the girl stared at her PC screen with her left hand propping up her chin, a half-eaten banana in her right. Her dull eyes were fixed on Amir's profile photo on LinkedIn. On the professional site, Amir was wearing a stylish shirt and blazzer, with a wide smile she rarely saw on his face in person.


'If I think about it, what's so special about you?" Erin mumbled to herself. 'You're just an ordinary guy who's grumpy, acts exclusive, crazy about games, and not even my type. But… something about you makes me feel like a dangerous woman."

Erin took a big bite out of her banana, chewing while still smiling. 'You're not doing anything, and I'm so annoyed with you, you know that? Do you even understand how it feels to be irritated with someone?"

Her quiet moment was suddenly interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Instinctively, her fingers flew to close the browser, erasing any trace of her online stalking.


The person who entered was Xavier. The bespectacled man stared at Erin, her mouth full of banana.

'I need to have an emergency meeting with you. Mrs. Berta asked me to. But she said it should be here. She wants privacy."


'Oh. Sit down, Vi."

Xavier struggled to put down his backpack, which looked ridiculously heavy. As Mrs. Berta's personal assistant, he was incredibly responsive and attentive. It was no surprise Erin had seen Mrs. Berta's hair straightener in his bag before.

'Regarding this year's work meeting," Xavier began, adjusting his glasses, 'the concept is the same as previous years. All divisions have to present their work achievements in the most creative way possible. Whether it's through musical dramas, performances, news broadcasts, or even concerts. Since you don't belong to a division, you'll be in charge of organizing the event and will be in direct contact with me for all matters. The core team will consist of me, you, Ms. Kia as part of the jury, and Mr. Amir as the head of IT."

'Amir? Amir's on the same team as us?" Erin asked excitedly, accidentally dropping her banana on the table.

'Yes. But I'm warning you, don't even think about it. I've heard all about you and Amir, and I'm sick of romance dramas. So don't be weird, okay?"

'Why? What do you think I'm going to do?"

'Well, I don't know. This is Mrs. Berta's message, Rin. She decided not to tell Mr. Rudolf about you and Amir because she wants to give you a chance."

'Wow, that's some blackmail! Playing it like that, huh?"

Xavier was the only person who knew that Erin got this job because she was Mrs. Berta's niece. That's why he was often cynical toward her. He hated nepotism, but there wasn't much he could do.

'I don't care what you say. Anyway, I've already sent you last year's event concept. The good news is, you just need to update the date. I've taken care of everything."

Erin reopened her browser to check her Gmail. 'Where? I don't see any email."

'Your email is ErinValerie2022, right?"

Erin glanced at the top right corner of her screen. She was still logged into her second email account. 'Oh, sorry. That one, huh? Hehe." She quickly switched to the correct account on her phone.

'Rin… Rin… this is so typical of you. I can't imagine if you ever had to actually do a secretary's job."

Erin ignored his comment and opened the latest email, clicking on a neatly designed PDF. The concept for the work meeting seemed very laid-back, with guest entertainment, door prizes, and a talent show. Her eyes stopped on the last two pages, where a list of division winners from the past four years was displayed. 'Seriously? The IT division has won every time?"

'What do you think? Do you think I manipulated the results?"

'Wow, you've got a short fuse! Can't you relax a little?"

'There's no need. Let's just get this over with. It's really suffocating in here."

'You have too many sins, that's why you're suffocating!"

'Maybe the people in this room have plenty of sins, and that's why it feels so stuffy."

'Hey, do you think you're the best?"

'Do you think you're the most secretary-like? Now, hurry up. Do you have any questions?"

Sigh! Erin wanted to slap him on the head! This was how rude Xavier was to her. His attitude was no different from Amir's, but for some reason, she wasn't drawn to Xavier.

Erin realized that her feelings for Amir weren't just because of his indifference. There was something truly different about him. She tried to hide her smile as she noticed Xavier still glaring at her.

'No, nothing! Who else can I discuss this with? With you, it's just business, right?"

'Talk to Miss Kia. She's experienced in handling everything. At least she can help you out a bit."

'Is it okay if i choose to discuss with Amir instead?"

"You're just hoping! You don't have any real business, do you?"

"We're on the same team?" Erin shot back.

"Amir's business is directly with the hotel staff, so don't bother him! Ah, whatever! I'll just ask Kia to handle it. I don't want you wandering around and losing focus!"

"Just ask her! What can she do?" Erin huffed.

"Hmph!"

"Hmph!" Erin mimicked Xavier's disgusted expression.

"Watch yourself! If you act recklessly, Mrs. Berta won't sit quietly!" Xavier warned as he got up, struggling with his heavy backpack that almost made him tip over.

"You'll only hear good things about me. Don't worry!" Erin retorted confidently.

Xavier smirked sarcastically. "I doubt it." He stomped out, closing the door without checking if it latched properly.

"Ugh! You're so annoying!" Erin grumbled, slipping off her heels and almost throwing one across the room when the door suddenly reopened.

A man entered, quickly shielding his face with his hands. "Ouch! Oh my gosh!"

"What are you doing, Steve?" Erin slammed her heels back onto the floor instead of throwing them. She slipped them back on, shaking her head.

"Why are you about to throw something at me?" Steve asked, chuckling nervously.

"Not you! That tail!"

"Tail?"

"Mrs. Berta's tail! Aka Xavier."

Steve laughed, realizing what she meant. He settled into the chair in front of Erin. "Be patient, beautiful. He's really annoying, which is why everyone was thrilled when Mrs. Berta made him her assistant."

As Steve spoke, Erin felt a sudden chill in the room. His flattery always gave her the creeps. Despite being playful at times, Erin had strong principles—she despised married men who flirted. Steve's gaze lingered on her in a way that made her skin crawl, as if he was undressing her with his eyes. His lips curled in a subtle, suggestive smile, as if determined to keep his charm intact.

Yes, Steve was handsome, but he was someone's husband and the father of two kids! Why would she even consider getting close to him? She didn't want to play with fire.

"So, what brings you here?" Erin asked, unwilling to return his pleasant smile.

"If I had to guess, Xavier was here to talk to you about the working group, right?"

"Working group?"

"Yeah, the company work meeting. It's the biggest event here and also an appreciation event. It's usually held next month, right?"

"That's right. No wonder your division always wins—you've even memorized the schedule."

"Yup. The prize is nice—$10,000. We usually spend it together, throwing a big party at a private villa we rent out." Steve grinned proudly. "That's why you should help me win, Rin. You'll be a special guest at our division's party later."

A guest at the party? More like fresh meat for hungry lions.

"How am I supposed to help you win? Can I even do that?"

"The secretary doesn't participate in the performance. You can help boost our scores or something later."

"Ugh! Do you always win by cheating like that?" Erin asked with a frown.

"No, darling," Steve denied, though Erin could tell he was lying. "I'm just smart. My subordinates are obedient, and we're a solid team. It's only natural we're the most united division and the regular champions."

"I just want to review the documents and make sure there's no foul play. Prove your intelligence and teamwork instead of relying on proverbs."

Steve's smile faltered at her response, but Erin didn't back down. She held his gaze, determined.

"You know, Erin," Steve started, "you're acting like you're above it all, aren't you? Why? Because you think your father's rich?"

"Acting above it all? What are you talking about?" Erin was puzzled.

"When you first started, you always attended the creative team's parties. But when I invited you, you always dodged. Why is that?"

"When did I ever dodge?"

"Well, technically, I've never directly asked you, but every time I'm about to, you walk away before I can say anything. Are you afraid you'll fall for me or something?"

"Ew! So full of yourself!" Erin's firm response wiped Steve's smile away completely.

"I guess I'm that despicable to you, huh?"

"Oh, come on! You're married, with kids! How can you talk to me like you're single?"

"Rin, are you new to working in an office? When you're at work, you leave family matters at home!"

"Including forgetting that you're married and have children?" Erin shot back, incredulous.

"What happens at the office stays at the office. I don't bring it home, so it doesn't matter."

"Jeez," Erin muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. "So, what do you want from me? To be nice and accept your invitations?"

"Unfortunately, I think you're too hypocritical for that, Rin. I thought since you'd lived abroad, you'd be more open-minded. After all, there are plenty of types of relationships that don't involve complications or worrying about status."

"Just because I've lived abroad doesn't mean I've lost my mind. Rejecting advances from a married man isn't hypocrisy—it's common decency." Erin's eyes narrowed as she continued, "If you're trying to gaslight me—"

"You're just a kid!" Steve scoffed.

"You're the one who started this, Steve."

"So, you think Amir is better than me?" Steve pressed.

Erin fell silent, unsure how to respond to the unexpected question.

"Erin, girl, he's just an ordinary staff member. His salary is way smaller than mine! If you're choosing to go after him, then something's off with your thinking. Fix it."

"Leave it! What matters is that he's not married," Erin retorted, her tone defensive.

"Says who?" Steve's question slipped out before he could stop himself. Shocked, he immediately covered his mouth, as if the words had escaped without his consent.

"Is Amir married?" Erin asked cautiously, her heart racing. It felt as if the temple of feelings she had built for Amir was suddenly at risk of collapsing.

"None of my business," Steve replied, his voice evasive, before quickly making his exit.

Was Steve bluffing, trying to make her back off? Or was Amir really married?

Erin's mood shifted drastically, and suddenly, even Amir's bananas didn't look so appealing anymore.

***