We walked to the garage, which was located across from the house. Chak pressed a button, and the door slowly opened. My eyes widened as I took in the sight before me. He didn't just own a black Mercedes—he had four black luxury cars: a Porsche, an Audi, a BMW, and the Mercedes. Each one looked as if it had just rolled out of a showroom.
Chak's voice broke the silence. "Which one should we take to work today?"
It felt like a test. I hesitated for a moment before answering, "The Porsche."
"You have good taste," he remarked, his tone unreadable.
We walked to the car and got in. I had never sat in such a luxurious vehicle before, and Chak noticed right away.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
"Yes," I murmured quietly.
Before he started the engine, he suddenly turned toward me with force. Startled, I looked at him, my heart pounding.
"There are some rules you need to follow," he stated firmly.
I swallowed and asked, "What are they?"
His eyes locked onto mine as he listed them one by one.
"First, no one at work should know that you live with me.
Second, when you arrive at work, you act as if you're seeing me for the first time that day, even if we greeted each other in the morning.
Third, every morning, you come to work with me, but after work, you take the bus home—unless I tell you otherwise.
Fourth, if I text you to meet me at the car, you drop whatever you're doing and come immediately. We go home together, and you cook my lunch.
Fifth, when I get home, I expect dinner to be ready on the table.
Sixth, if you fail to do your job properly, I will deduct money from your salary.
Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir," I answered obediently.
"And one more thing," he added. "Tonight, we will sign a contract."
"A contract?" I repeated, confused.
"You'll see tonight," he replied coldly and started the car.
I buckled my seatbelt as we drove off in silence. My mind was racing, replaying his rules over and over. I wanted to ask more questions, but I was too nervous. Finally, I gathered my courage.
"But, sir, how will the employees not notice that I live with you? I mean... I'll be getting out of your car every morning."
Chak smirked slightly. "I've thought of everything."
Five minutes later, he pulled over at a bus stop.
"You'll get out here," he said. "Walk to the office, and we'll meet again inside."
"Understood, sir," I said, stepping out.
The office building was only two minutes away. As I entered, I hoped Chak's plan would work. While waiting for the elevator, Non joined me.
"Morning," I greeted him.
"Morning. How are you?"
"I'm fine," I replied as we stepped into the elevator. I pressed the button for the 17th floor.
Non sighed. "I hope the boss is in a good mood today."
I couldn't help but smile to myself. "We'll see," I replied.
The elevator doors opened, and we walked to our desks. Three minutes later, Chak arrived. We all stood up and greeted him. Without a word, he walked into his office.
Non leaned toward me and whispered, "He's in a bad mood again."
I sat down and started my work, researching the best chocolate for making pralines. I got lost in my task until I suddenly remembered I needed to return some documents to Chak.
I grabbed the papers and my laptop, took a deep breath, and walked toward his office. Knocking lightly, I steadied myself before stepping inside.
Chak sat at his desk, looking straight at me. For a few seconds, our eyes locked, and I felt frozen in place.
Finally, I spoke. "I've completed everything. Here are the documents."
"Show me," he said coolly.
I opened my laptop and presented my work.
"It's fine," he said shortly.
I placed the documents on his desk and turned to leave when his voice stopped me.
"Bring me a coffee."
"Yes, sir," I replied and quickly left for the office kitchen.
As the coffee brewed, my thoughts drifted to the mysterious contract Chak mentioned. What would he demand from me?
I carefully carried the coffee back to his office when Amara stopped me.
"How's Chak today?" she asked.
"A bit grumpy," I replied.
"Is he ever in a good mood?" she joked.
I chuckled. "I doubt it."
At that moment, Chak's cold voice rang from behind me.
"Niran, where's my coffee?"
I turned around slowly, my heart sinking. I prayed he hadn't heard our conversation.
"T-Here it is, sir," I stammered, handing him the cup.
Amara quickly rushed back to her desk, leaving me alone with him. My eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape.
"Follow me," Chak ordered.
I sighed, defeated, and followed him into his office.
He sat down on the black leather couch, radiating an icy aura. I placed the coffee on the table and forced myself to meet his gaze.
There was something different in his eyes—something I hadn't seen before.
"Niran, what was that?"
I blinked. "What do you mean, sir?"
"Don't play dumb," he said, crossing his arms. "I heard what you said."
I gulped. "I just answered her question..."
"And you think I'm never happy?" he asked, his voice cold.
I hesitated. "I didn't say that... I just meant—"
I trailed off, unsure how to continue. My eyes dropped to the floor.
"What's interesting," Chak mused, "is that you smiled while talking about me."
With a triumphant smirk, he gestured toward the door. "You may go."