Episode 2

Aruka stormed into Adam’s office, slamming the door shut behind her. Her chest heaved with frustration as she glared at the man lounging behind the sleek mahogany desk, completely unbothered.

“What’s the big idea, Adam?!” she shouted, slamming a folder on his desk. “Why are you assigning me tasks completely unrelated to fashion design?!”

Adam raised an eyebrow, his usual smirk playing on his lips. “You’re my personal assistant, Aruka. Everything I assign is part of your job.”

“This wasn’t the role I applied for!” she snapped.

Adam leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “You applied to my company. I decide your role. If you’re unhappy, feel free to quit.”

Aruka’s jaw tightened, and her fists clenched at her sides. This man is insufferable! But quitting wasn’t an option—not when this job was her stepping stone to her dream career.

“Fine,” she said through gritted teeth. “But don’t think I’ll just roll over and take this.”

“Good,” Adam said, leaning back in his chair. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.”

Later that evening, Aruka sat in her tiny apartment, staring at her laptop. Her hands trembled with anger as she scrolled through her work assignments. Filing documents, scheduling meetings, fetching coffee—nothing related to her passion for fashion design.

“This isn’t fair,” she muttered. Her thoughts wandered back to Adam and his infuriating grin.

Memories of their childhood rivalry surfaced. She had always been compared to Adam—by teachers, relatives, and even their parents. He was the golden boy who excelled at everything, while she was always trying to catch up.

“Why does he always have to ruin everything?” she whispered.

The next day, Aruka entered the office determined to confront Adam again. She barged into his office without knocking, catching him off guard for once.

“Adam, we need to talk,” she said firmly.

He looked up from his computer, his expression serious for the first time. “Aruka, I—”

Before he could finish, a knock interrupted them, and the door opened to reveal Patrick, Adam’s cousin.

“Hey, Adam!” Patrick said cheerfully before noticing Aruka. His eyes lit up, and a charming smile spread across his face. “Well, hello there. You must be Aruka. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Aruka blinked, surprised by his sudden friendliness. “Uh, hi.”

Patrick stepped closer, ignoring Adam’s pointed glare. “Adam never mentioned how beautiful his assistant is.”

Aruka felt her cheeks flush, but before she could respond, Adam stood abruptly.

“That’s enough, Patrick,” Adam said coldly. “Aruka, get back to work.”

She frowned at his tone but decided not to push her luck. As she left the office, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Adam’s behavior than just his usual arrogance.

Later that evening, Patrick found Aruka in the break room, sipping her coffee. He leaned against the counter with a playful grin.

“So, how’s it working for my cousin?” he asked.

“Exhausting,” she admitted with a small laugh.

Patrick chuckled. “Sounds about right. But hey, if you ever need a break from his tyranny, let me know. I’d be happy to show you a better time.”

Aruka rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Unbeknownst to them, Adam stood just outside the doorway, his fists clenched as he overheard their conversation.

Why does Patrick always have to interfere? he thought, his jaw tightening.

As he walked away, Adam couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling in his chest. For the first time, he realized his rivalry with Aruka was becoming something more—and that terrified him.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***