Minnie POV
My phone kept buzzing continuously, breaking my focus. I frowned slightly and picked it up, opening the group chat. I don't even remember saving any of these numbers, but the messages kept flooding in. One message caught my eye-
"Guys... did you see this morning? Mr. Will and his assistant Minnie came together... and today he was actually greeting everyone. Something is definitely going on."
My heart skipped.
I scrolled down.
"Obviously something is going on. She didn't get that position for nothing."
"Please... it's so obvious she's using him."
"These kinds of girls know exactly how to trap rich bosses.'
"Acting all innocent in the office... but look at her now. "I bet she stayed with him last night."
"Disgusting... no professionalism at all."
"People like her ruin the workplace culture." "She doesn't deserve that role... she earned it in a different way."
My fingers tightened around my phone.
Each word felt like a slap.
My jaw clenched, anger and hurt mixing inside me.
They didn't know anything.
Not about me.
Not about him.
Not about us.
And yet-
They judged me like they knew everything.
The worst part?
They didn't even realize I was in this group.
Caroline had added me once... and I stayed silent all this time.
Watching them gossip about others.
And now-
It was my turn.
Before I could react further-
"Minnie... are you okay?"
I quickly locked my phone and looked up.
Caroline stood beside me, her eyes soft with concern.
I forced a small smile and took a deep breath. "I'm fine."
She didn't look convinced.
"Don't care about them," she said gently. "People will talk no matter what... come, it's lunch time
After reading all that...
I didn't want to face anyone.
But then a thought hit me-
If I hide now... they win.
I lifted my head.
"I'm coming," I said firmly.
We walked into the lunch area together.
The moment I entered-
I could feel it.
The stares.
The whispers.
The judgment but this time I didn't look down.
I walked like nothing affected me.
Like I didn't read a single word.
I looked at the food counter and sighed softly.
"I miss Indian food..."
"Is it really that tasty?"
I turned and saw Nova beside me, looking genuinely curious.
I raised an eyebrow. "You really don't know the taste of Indian food?"
He shook his head innocently. "No... I'm not that blessed in life."
I stared at him for a second...
Then laughed.
"Unbelievable one day, I'll cook for you," I said.
His eyes lit up instantly. "Really?! Like... spicy, real Indian food?"
"Yes."
He placed his hand dramatically on his chest. "Minnie... from today, you are my favorite person."
I laughed again despite everything.
We took our food and sat at an empty table.
As I picked at my food, my mind replayed those messages.
Alice : "I want to ask you something."
looked at her, confused by her serious tone.
"What is it?" I asked.
She hesitated for a second.
"Before that... I'm sorry. I don't believe what everyone is saying about you and the boss... but I need clarity," she said softly. "Are you both actually... in a relationship?"
My breath stopped.
For a moment, I just stared at her.
I didn't want to answer.
But something inside me tightened-
I took a slow breath.
"No, Alice."
The word came out calmly.
Too calmly.
She immediately looked relieved.
"Oh... okay," she said, nodding.
I lowered my head and continued eating.
But suddenly-
The food didn't taste the same.
I looked at Nova and asked
"Nova... I was confused about something," I said. "Why did we buy 'Sky Wings Modeling'? We're a product company... then why?"
He looked surprised.
"You don't know?" he said. "Okay... listen."
He leaned forward slightly.
"A year ago, that company's director, Mr. Smith, gave an interview. He spoke badly about our company... said our products were low quality... said we don't settle payments on time..."
I frowned.
"That's not even true."
"Exactly," Nova said. "But he didn't stop there."
Caroline joined in, lowering her voice.
"He said something even worse"
I looked at her.
"What?"
She hesitated... then said it.
"He said our boss didn't get married because... he's gay."
My eyes widened.
"What?!"
Caroline nodded.
"And he even said he has affairs with other men... spreading all kinds of nonsense."
For a second-
I couldn't even process it.
"What the hell..." I whispered.
Anger roared inside me.
"How can someone just say things like that without proof?" I said, my voice is turning colder. "Just to destroy someone's image?"
Nova leaned back.
"That's exactly why sir bought his company," he said.
"He didn't just respond... he ended it."
I let out a slow breath.
"Wow..." I said quietly. "Our boss is really something."
Alice nodded. "If he decides something... he finishes it completely."
Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through the noise.
"Shall I join you?"
We all froze.
My heart skipped instantly.
Slowly, I looked up.
Will was standing there, calm as ever.
Nova blinked first. "You want to eat with us, Mr. Will?"
"Yes," he replied simply. "Why can't I eat with my employees?"
Alice quickly shook her head.
"No, no... that's not what we meant, sir. Please join us."
She immediately pointed to the empty seat beside her.
But before anyone could react-
Nova stood up.
"Mr. Will, please sit here. I'll move."
I stared at him.
Traitor... I thought.
Will nodded slightly and took the seat beside me.
My entire body went stiff.
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Everyone went quiet.
Too quiet.
Nova came back and awkwardly placed a bowl of soup in front of Will.
"Here, sir."
Will nodded once.
Without a word, he picked up the soup and gently slid it toward me.
I looked at him in surprise.
"You don't have soup," he said calmly. "It's healthy. Drink it."
I froze.
For a second... I didn't know what to say.
My fingers tightened slightly around my spoon.
Across the table-
Caroline literally choked on her food.
Nova quickly handed her water, trying not to laugh.
The silence at the table became louder than any conversation and yet Will acted like nothing was unusual.
Like it was completely normal for him to take care of me in front of everyone.
I slowly nodded and started eating, trying to hide my racing heartbeat.
But I could hear it the whispers around us.
The stares.
The questions no one dared to ask out loud.
How long are they going to hide it? What is their real relationship?
Why is the boss so different with her?
I kept my eyes on my food.
But inside...
I wasn't uncomfortable.
I wasn't scared.
Because even in the middle of all this chaos-
He was sitting right beside me.
Calm.
Unbothered.
After lunch, Nova and I got back to work on the Sky Wings agreement. He kept suggesting changes, and I added a few points. Time passed quickly between discussions, typing, and my regular work.
Before I realized it-
It was already 7:00 PM.
The entire floor was almost empty now.
Only the three of us remained.
Nova leaned back, stretching his arms. "Finally... done," he said dramatically.
I stretched too, my body aching slightly from sitting all day.
Just then-
I saw Will walking toward us.
My heartbeat instantly changed.
"Shall we go home?" he asked calmly.
Nova's head snapped toward us.
"Go home... together ah?" he said slowly, dragging the words with a smirk.
My cheeks turned pink immediately.
"Nova..." I warned softly.
He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "Interesting... very interesting."
Will didn't react much.
"Don't overthink," he said casually. "I'm just dropping her home."
Nova raised his eyebrows.
"Of course... just dropping," he repeated, clearly not believing it.
I avoided eye contact, pretending to organize my file
Nova stood up and walked around us like a detective.
"Let me analyze this situation," he said.
"Nova," I said, trying to stay calm.
"What?" he smiled innocently. "I'm just observing you"
Will sighed.
"Do you have any work left?"
"No," Nova replied proudly. "My main work now is this."
I covered my face slightly. "This is embarrassing..."
He laughed.
"Relax, Minnie. I'm on your team," he said. "Just making sure my best friend doesn't mess this up again."
Will gave him a death look.
"Done?" he asked.
"Almost," Nova said, then leaned closer to me and whispered-
"Seatbelt tight, Minnie. Night ride with boss... dangerous.'
"Stop it Nova " I whispered sharply.
He grinned and stepped back.
"Okay okay... go. I won't disturb your official drop service."
Will shook his head slightly.
"Good night, Nova."
"Good night, Will," he said formally for one second-
then added a smirk,
"Enjoy the ride... both of you."
I didn't even look at him.
I just grabbed my bag and walked ahead quickly.
But I could still hear his laughter behind me.
We reached my apartment. I unbuckled my seatbelt and was about to step out of the car when I suddenly heard a soft sound from Will's stomach.
I slowly turned and looked at him.
He looked... shy.
I widened my eyes, trying hard to control my laughter.
"Will... are you... hungry?" I asked, biting my lip.
He looked slightly embarrassed, avoiding my eyes.
I smiled softly. "Come... I'll cook something for you."
His eyes lit up instantly. "Really?"
I nodded.
He parked the car, and we walked toward my apartment. But suddenly, I froze.
This apartment... is provided by the company... most of the employees stay here...
"OMG, Minnie... how did you forget this?" I whispered to myself.
I quickly looked around, my heart racing.
What if someone sees us?
What if this becomes another rumor?
I scanned the area carefully-
No one.
let out a breath of relief.
Without thinking, I grabbed Will's hand, pulled him inside quickly, and shut the door behind us.
I turned to say something-
But my words disappeared.
He was already standing too close.
My breath stopped.
His eyes held something intense... something deep... something that made my heart race faster.
Before I could explain anything-
His hand slipped to my waist, pulling me closer, while his other hand gently held my cheek and lifted my face.
And then-
He kissed me.
Not slowly.
Not gently.
But like he had been holding it back all day.
I gasped softly as he moved me back until I felt the wall behind me.
My hands clutched his shirt instinctively.
The kiss deepened, filled with everything we hadn't said... everything we had been hiding.
My mind went blank.
All I could feel was him.
His closeness.
His warmth.
My heartbeat echoed loudly in my ears.
I didn't even realize when my fingers tightened around him, pulling him closer.
And I knew-
He felt the same.
His forehead rested against mine for a second, both of us breathing heavily.
"Will..." I whispered softly, trying to steady myself, "I have to prepare dinner... you said you're hungry..."
He looked at me, a slow smirk forming on his lips.
"Yes..." he said quietly.
Then his voice dropped, softer, deeper-
"But I don't need food anymore..."
My heart skipped.
"I need you."
My eyes widened, my breath catching completely.
Before I could react-
He lifted me effortlessly into his arms.
A soft gasp escaped me as I held onto him.
He carried me to the sofa, his gaze never leaving mine, and gently placed me down.
There was no distance between us
No hesitation.
Only us.
He leaned in again, his touch more intense, more certain this time.
And I didn't stop him my fingers moved to his shirt, holding him closer as my heart raced wildly.
We were completely lost in each other-
Until-
Ding-dong.
We froze.
For a second, neither of us moved.
The sound echoed in the silence.
We ignored it.
But then-
Knock knock.
I slowly pulled back, breathing heavily, looking at him.
"Someone's at the door, WilI..." I whispered softly. "I'll go check..."
He sighed quietly, clearly not wanting to let go, but finally moved away.
I stood up, trying to calm myself, biting my lower lip to control my smile, and quickly put on my shirt.
My heart was still racing.
I walked toward the door and looked through the peephole-
And froze.
"Akil...?"
I whispered in surprise as I looked through the peephole. I quickly opened the door and looked at him hesitantly.
"What are you doing here?"
Akil frowned dramatically and crossed his arms. "Actually, I called you so many times, but you didn't pick up. I got worried, so I came here. Why? Am I not allowed to come?"
I immediately smiled and shook my head.
"You can always come here."
Just then-
I heard Will's voice behind me.
I widened my eyes and quickly turned around.
Relief washed over me when I noticed he had already worn his shirt properly again.
I stepped aside to let Akil inside and quietly locked the door.
"Will, this is Akil... my childhood friend," I said softly. "And Akil, he is Will, my-"
Before I could finish, Akil suddenly spoke.
"Of course I know him," he said with a smile. "He's your boss. Honestly, everyone knows about him."
Will gave a calm smile and shook Akil's hand politely.
The atmosphere stayed comfortable.
Friendly.
"Akil, did you have dinner?" I asked.
He shook his head immediately.
I sighed softly. "Okay... you both talk. I'll prepare dinner for us."
Akil's eyes instantly lit up.
"Seriously?! Minnie, I really missed your cooking," he said excitedly.
I laughed softly, shaking my head.
"Still dramatic as always..."
As I walked toward the kitchen, I secretly glanced back at them.
Will was sitting calmly, but his eyes followed me for a second before looking away.
Will POV
I sat on the sofa, still trying to calm my breathing after what happened between us.
Then suddenly-
I heard a man's voice from the door.
My expression darkened instantly.
I quickly wore my shirt properly and walked toward the entrance.
"Who is that, Minnie?" I asked coldly.
The man turned toward me and I recognized him immediately.
The same guy who brought roses for her.
The same guy who picked her up from the office.
The same guy from the party.
Akil.
Something inside me tightened immediately.
Minnie let him inside and smiled softly.
"Will, this is Akil... my childhood friend," she said warmly.
Childhood friend.
I don't know why, when I hear those words from her its irritated me more than it should have.
"And Akil, he is my-"
For one second-
I waited.
Boyfriend.
I wanted her to say it.
But before she could continue, Akil interrupted casually.
"Of course I know him. He's your boss. Everyone knows about him."
I hid my disappointment behind a calm expression and shook his hand.
But inside-
I hated the fact that she stopped there.
We sat on the sofa while Minnie went to prepare dinner for us.
And honestly-
The more comfortable Akil acted in her apartment, the more annoyed I became.
Why was he here this late?
Why did he know her place so well?
Why did Minnie look so relaxed around him?
My thoughts were interrupted when Akil suddenly looked at me.
"Mr. Will... I have a question?"
I looked at him silently.
"You're Minnie's boss," he continues casually. "Then what are you doing at her house this late?"
I raised an eyebrow.
"Before I answer that... I can ask you the same question."
He laughed softly.
"Of course. I'm her friend. I got worried about her, that's why I'm here."
Then his eyes narrowed slightly.
"You still didn't answer me though," he added with smirk.
"It looks like you like Minnie... right?"
I leaned back slowly.
"What if I do?"
His smile didn't disappear.
"Then you're wasting your time."
My chest tightened instantly.
"She already loves me," he said casually. "After you left her, she was really depressed. It was hard for her to move on... so I stayed beside her."
For a second-
I stopped breathing.
My mind went blank.
She loves him?
Then what about us?
What about the way she kissed me?
The way she looked at me?
The way she held me just thirty minutes ago?
Jealousy mixed with fear so quickly that it actually hurt.
A part of me wanted to punch him.
Another part-
Was terrified he might be telling the truth.
Before I could say anything-
"Hey! What the hell are you talking about?"
Minnie's voice cut through the tension.
I looked up immediately.
She walked toward us carrying the food, glaring directly at Akil.
"Come. Let's eat first," she said, forcing a smile
We sat at the dining table.
Akil's eyes instantly widened.
"Wow, Minnie! Dosa and sambar? It's been so long since I ate this! Thank you!"
She smiled softly and served the food.
Then she looked at me.
And somehow-
That small look calmed me a little.
I took one bite and blinked in surprise.
"Minnie... this is really good."
She smiled proudly.
But suddenly-
Her expression changed.
"So, Akil," she said calmly while eating, "Can you explain what you said to Will?
Akil instantly choked.
He grabbed the water and drank quickly.
"You heard that?"
Minnie crossed her arms slightly.
"I don't think your voice was low enough, Akil."
I looked at him sharply.
He sighed dramatically.
"Fine! I was just pulling his leg," he admitted. "Mr. Will, I'm sorry."
I stared at him in disbelief.
This idiot nearly gave me a heart attack.
But before I could relax-
He continued.
"But I was telling the truth that she loved me during our school days."
I froze again.
Slowly I turned toward Minnie.
Her eyes widened in shock.
"How did you know that?!" she asked immediately.
Akil pointed proudly at himself.
"Because I'm smart."
Then he sighed dramatically.
"I waited for you to confess for years... but you never did."
He looked genuinely sad for two seconds.
And I hated how jealous that made me feel.
Before I could stop myself
I asked directly.
"So... you loved her too?"
I desperately hoped he would say no.
But instead-
He smiled shamelessly.
"Yes. I still like her."
My grip on the spoon tightened instantly.
"What?!" Minnie almost screamed.
Then she grabbed her phone dramatically.
"Repeat that again. I'm calling Sara."
Akil's face changed immediately.
"Minnie no! Don't do that! She'll bury me alive!"
Minnie burst out laugh
I frowned slightly.
"Who's Sara?" I asked.
Minnie looked at me innocently.
"Sara is my childhood friend too," she explained. "And she's Akil's girlfriend.
Relief hit me so hard I almost laughed at myself.
This idiot already had a girlfriend.
Akil looked at me and smirked.
"Ohhh... now I understand."
I narrowed my eyes. "Understand what?"
"You were jealous."
"I was not."
"Mhm," he nodded dramatically. "That's why your face looked like you were planning my funeral five minutes ago."
Minnie immediately burst out laughing.
"Actually..." she added while trying not to laugh, "he really did look heartbroken."
I looked at both of them in disbelief.
"You two are impossible."
Akil pointed at me proudly.
"See, Minnie? Your boss is scary in business... but in love? Very emotional."
Minnie laughed harder.
And annoyingly-
I couldn't even deny it anymore
________________________________________
Author Note
Hello my dear readers 👋 hope you like this chapter please don't forget to vote and support 💓 🥰