Phone

“Your company is impressive, Troy,” I started the conversation.

“Yes! It’s all thanks to my hard work all this time,” Troy proudly replied, adjusting his imaginary tie.

“Sarah, have you made a decision regarding our arranged marriage?”

“S–sorry! I can’t talk about it right now. My company is in trouble.” I deliberately baited Troy,

“What seems to be the problem? How can I help?”

“It seems like someone wants me to go bankrupt,” I replied firmly, observing the response from this overly handsome man.

“Oh, really? Then I’ll send my people to investigate.” Troy looked at me with a hint of concern on his face. Only God knows if he was being sincere.

“It’s best not to involve outsiders in your company’s internal affairs right now.‘ “What do you mean?” I retorted.

Troy just smirked. Could he be referring to Albert? This was such a pain. Why were they both suspicious of each other?

“Don’t fully trust anyone, Sarah! The business world is cruel. Even those closest to you can be wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Troy looked at me closely. Our eyes met for a few moments.

‘Why do I feel something stirring inside? This man’s charm is truly extraordinary.‘

I took a few steps back, afraid of losing control. It was best for me to leave

now.

“Troy… it’s getting late. I should go home.”

“Sarah… It’s still early. Just a moment!”

Troy turned on some music. Then he took some drinks from the fridge and poured them into glasses for me. I smiled at him.

+23 BONUS

Suddenly, Troy transformed the living room sofa, making it longer so we could sit more relaxed with our legs stretched out. He pressed something on the wall, and a huge flat–screen TV appeared,

The room was no longer a workspace but a very comfortable lounge room.

“Troy… What is the meaning of this?” I suddenly felt uneasy.

“Don’t worry, I just want you to relax for a bit. What kind of movie do you like?” Troy pressed the remote in his hand.

“Sit here.” He patted the sofa next to him.

I approached. Maybe Troy was right. It wouldn’t hurt to relax here for a bit.

Hmm. It’s truly comfortable. I felt an incredible sense of comfort.

“I’ll refill your drink.” Troy poured more drinks into the glasses and handed one

to me.

I was not particularly fond of this drink. It tasted strange. But out of respect for the host, I took a sip.

“Why? Don’t you like it?” Troy seemed to understand my hesitation.

“Sorry… is… there another drink?” I asked cautiously.

“There is… there is… wait, I’ll get it.”

Troy fetched another drink from the fridge and handed it to me. This time, it was a refreshing mixed fruit juice. It tasted delightful.

We chatted leisurely. But Troy, being himself, was always overly familiar and attentive to me. Did he treat all women like this?

“I hope our company collaboration will happen soon. So when we get married later, it’ll be easier to merge our two companies.” Once again, Troy brought this up. But this time, he seemed more serious.

“Troy, marriage isn’t just about merging two companies. It’s also about uniting two hearts. Are you sure about your heart? You have everything. There are many women out there who are better and prettier than me that you could have.

“Hahaha!” The man lying on the sofa nez to me burst into laughter.

“Oh Sarah… You’re right. There are many women out there that i could have, In fact, they willingly give themselves to me he replied, still laughing.

I, who had been lying on the sofa next to him, immediately sat up when fro suddenly approached, sitting directly in front of me, then grabbing my hand and holding it. And he clasped my fingers

“Sarah, I’m not young anymore. To me, outer beauty or attractiveness that can only be seen with the eyes isn’t important. But a woman with inner beauty like yours is what I want.” Troy looked deeply into my eyes,

But at the moment, I found it very hard to trust men, after what I had been through.

Slowly, I tried to release my hand from his grasp, But Troy tightened it even more, even leaning in closer as if he was about to hug me.

I continued to try to move away from him. But I was already against the sofa, which was against the wall,

Troy kept getting closer. There was almost no distance between us. One of his hands was pressed against the wall.

“W what are you going to do?” I started to panic and continued to hold Troy back with one hand. His masculine scent was getting stronger,

But suddenly, there was a commotion outside Troy’s room.

“I’m sorry, sir. Mr. Peterson is busy at the moment. Please don’t force your way in.”

“I just need to pick Ms. Johnson up,”

“Yes, but I kindly ask that you wait outside, sir.”

“I can’t. Ms. Johnson needs to leave right now.”

Troy instantly shifted his gaze to the door. His face turned angry. And

suddenly…

Bam!

The dom was forcefully opened All eyes turned to us, who were sitting very close together on the sofa instinctively pushed Troy aside, causing him to atment tall. But he managed to regain his balance and stand up immediately.

Hey! What are you doing to her?”

My eyes widened as I saw someone I knew bursting in and approaching Troy with a furious face.

14’m sorry, Mr. Peterson. I tried to prevent him from entering. But he kept insisting and barging in,” a woman who seemed to be Troy’s secretary reported with a frightened face.

“Call security, quick!!!” Troy shouted.

“No need! There’s no need for security!” intervened.

“I’ll go home with him. Thank you for today, Troy. Goodbye,” I headed towards

the exit.

“But Sarah, I haven’t finished talking yet,” Troy tried to hold me back.

“We’ll continue the conversation in my office,” I said firmly.

Troy looked disappointed as he watched both of us leave his room.

“Thank you for helping me. How did you know I was here?” I asked Albert, still looking worried after we were outside Troy’s office.

“What did he do to you, Joy?”

“H–he didn’t actually do anything wrong. B–but earlier, Troy seemed like he wanted to hug me. And you managed to stop him,” I replied, feeling ashamed.

I couldn’t imagine what would have happened if Albert hadn’t forced Troy’s room door open earlier. God knows what would have happened after.

“Never mind. The important thing is that you’re safe with me now. Next time you go out, don’t go alone. Take me or Bradley with you.”

“Yeah… I’m sorry. I made you both worry.” I felt very guilty. Albert smiled as he patted my head.

I reached for my phone to call Joshua.

“Who are you calling?”