Episode 11

Alvaro pulled Sanaya's wrist out of the Tj Corp building, and their steps brought them to a lush park.

"Alvaro, it hurts, let go of my hand," Sanaya protested.

Alvaro halted, and so did Sanaya. Then Alvaro harshly released her hand, revealing the reddening on her wrist from his tight grip.

Sanaya clasped her inflamed wrist, her gaze lowered, afraid to look at Alvaro.

Alvaro exhaled heavily to dispel his anger; he shouldn't be rough with his wife. "Why did you do it, Sanaya?" he then asked.

Silent, Sanaya bit her lip.

"Answer! Do you realize your actions have humiliated your husband?" Alvaro added, raising the octave of his voice.

Sanaya shuddered, her body trembling as tears fell from her eyes.

Alvaro ran his fingers through his hair, feeling guilty for making his wife cry.

"Stop crying. I'm only asking for an explanation, Sanaya," Alvaro said slightly softening his voice, yet not moving to embrace her.

Sanaya wished for his embrace.

Wiping away her tears, Sanaya confessed, "I was just jealous."

Alvaro frowned, unable to understand the workings of a woman's mind.

Jealous, she says? Sanaya's actions had nearly destroyed his career, with his elder brother's watchful eyes on him. One misstep, and Mr. J would demote him again. His wife's actions deteriorated his image among the employees.

Unlike his brother, Alvaro did not wield the same power; he was but the son of his father's second wife.

"I'm jealous of Renata. Ever since she changed, you've ignored me, always giving her attention. I know you're attracted to her again," Sanaya said, her lips quivering.

Alvaro looked at Sanaya with bewilderment, "I have no interest in her any longer. Do not conjure misgivings about your husband, Sanaya!" he countered.

Still, doubt lingered in Alvaro's heart.

"But a woman's in──"

"Damn that," Alvaro interrupted.

Sanaya fell silent, sealing her lips.

"Just so you know, jealousy in marriage is like salt in food. A little enhances the flavors, too much can spoil them. It destroys trust and love between us."

Sanaya looked up to meet Alvaro's gaze, "No, I trust and will always love you."

Alvaro's expression was impassive, "Is that really so?"

"Yes," Sanaya nodded briskly.

"Reflect on your actions. Remember, jealousy can snuff out love as ash smothers a flame."

Sanaya's heart almost stopped at Alvaro's words. She did not want him to stop loving her.

To marry Alvaro had taken immense effort.

Oh, what effort is that, Sanaya?

"So?"

"Just a misunderstanding," Renata replied, avoiding eye contact with Mr. J.

Now she sat in the CEO's office.

"Oh, is that so?"

Mr. J fell quiet after his remark, redirecting his gaze to the documents on the desk.

The silence made Renata uneasy. Why was Mr. J not dismissing her? Did he have more questions, or was she to leave without further instruction? She hesitated, recalling her behavior the previous day.

"I heard you wish to resign from the company?" Mr. J looked at Renata again.

Still avoiding his gaze, Renata inquired, "How do you know that?"

Of course, he knew; a CEO is aware of everything in his company. You trying to resign is the least obscure fact, let alone the number of ants in the office building crevices that Mr. J knows about.

Too hyperbolic a thought, Renata winced at the notion.

"Speak to me looking into my eyes. Not only is your reputation poor, but your communication ethics are equally defective," Mr. J bitingly remarked, ignoring Renata's question.

Renata immediately met Mr. J's expressionless face. Was this his true nature? Truly, he was irritating.

He was no Jefra. What difference did it make to gaze upon this man? Renata decided she had to overcome her discomfort in facing Mr. J.

"Forgive my rudeness," Renata said, responding to Mr. J's stinging comment.

Mr. J just nodded, reclined in his chair, arms folded, his eagle-like stare fixed intently on Renata.

"It's not easy to leave this company. You must fulfill the work contract you've signed since this establishment doesn't belong to your ancestors."

Renata's temples twitched; she was aware of that. This man was testing her patience.

"Very well, Mr. J."

"Starting tomorrow, you needn't work as an Admin anymore."

What now?

Renata blinked attempting to comprehend Mr. J's intent.

"Am I really dismissed?"

Mr. J flashed a faint smirk, "You're not dismissed. No, you are to be reassigned to replace Arvin who requested leave."

Renata gasped, "W-what?"

"I won't repeat myself," Mr. J stated coldly.

Why the turn of events? The story's plot didn't indicate this. Is this happening because she cursed at Mr. J? Truly unfortunate, if that were the case.

How could Renata be the assistant to a man resembling her husband? Her aim to escape led her straight into a trap of her own making.

"I'm sorry, Mr. J. I can't," Renata tried to refuse, knowing it was futile.

"No, you can."

There it was.

"But I'm only a high school graduate, unfit to be a CEO's assistant. Aren't there more qualified employees?" Renata resisted politely.

"You're suitable. You're the top graduate of a renowned school, a reason this company hired you. Don't underestimate yourself."

"But..."

"You can't disobey orders from the company's highest authority, Miss Angelica."

Checkmate.

Renata reluctantly reserved her protest. A truly unyielding and arrogant CEO.

"Alright," she conceded reluctantly.

Renata's life in this novel world just might not be as smooth-sailing.