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The Kings'. Every single person in Midnight City knew that name. It wasn't just a name, but a brand... the epitome of the city's very foundation. I was the secretary to Ares King, CEO of King Corp. Yes, the King. The impenetrable billionaire bachelor with looks that could make you drop your panties and scream fuck me! But personality? Not so much, he's a walking hump of ice who has one thing in mind. Business. Those poor, unfortunate souls who thought they could have a chance with him are better off in the Bermuda Triangle. As his secretary, I had to be flawless to the last detail, had to be three steps ahead, had to swallow up whatever emotional shit I'm going through, and act like my life is made of no worries. When you work for Ares King, you're not a person, just a tool to get things done, and questions are not asked. But it's time to close that chapter. "Okay." I pushed my glasses to the bridge of my nose. "Just press the damn button, Catherine. Don't hold out on me now." I thought this was gonna be easy. I was expecting a swift decision, not hanging for the last hour. I chewed on my nails as anxiety got the better of me. Realizing my habit, I forced my hand to my lap. "Deep breaths, you can do this. You can—" "Ms. Lane," a deep, gruff voice came through the earpiece I wore. I flinched, clicking print on impulse. Great! Who knew that was the push I needed? "Y-Yes, Mr King?" I replied shakily, my heart in my throat. "Coffee." The intercom went off, and I closed my eyes. After all this time, Catherine, you still haven't gotten used to that voice. I sighed when the printer made a soft humming noise. "One last coffee run for my devil boss." When I get back, I'm bringing my resignation letter to his office, and then this chapter is closed, locked with the key thrown into the abyss. I pushed to my feet, my stilettos making a sharp click-clack. I opened the door and stepped into the bullpen, where rows of desks stretched out in a bland display, phones ringing and keyboards clacking with haste. There wasn't a single thing out of place, the perfect air for a billion-dollar company with overqualified people. Unlike me, who had to work my ass from the gutter up, most of them here had privileges I didn't. I just happened to land this position because I passed the one-month trial period, aka the curse month. No one had lasted that long, hence the eerie label. Either they get their heart broken when their romantic endeavors toward the CEO don't work, or they get mentally stressed to the point they drop out faster than a bowling ball, battling the next year in therapy. Ares King wasn't called the devil CEO for nothing. You know that feeling when you're constantly at the edge of the cliff? Well, that's working for him, and it doesn't sum it all up. I had so much on my plate, and against all odds, I dealt with all the shit thrown at me. I worked for the devil for three fucking years. Therefore, I was given a nickname. "Here she comes." "The devil's secretary." "I don't know if I should be amazed or disturbed." "Color me disturbed." "Working closely with Mr. King must be a major trauma load." "How does she do it?" "You don't think she's—" "Nahhh, doubt that. He certainly wouldn't settle for someone like her." "True, he can date models, not a wash-up version." Ouch. "She probably thinks she's some kinda big shot pulling this off." "Maybe she just stayed, hoping for a chance with Ares King." "Don't they all?" "Not all can take that load. She's definitely desperate." "Stooping so low for a chance, unbelieveable." "Shhh! She's close!" Every. Single. Time. I thought I'd get used to their gossip by now, but they always found a way to make it greatly impactful. Nevertheless, I kept my posture, walking professionally as if their words never bothered me. ~☆~ I set the coffee on the table to grab the paper from the printer when the doors leading to my boss's office open with force. A man stepped out, fury twisted on his face. He snappily loosens his tie. "Fuck him! Fuck this company! Fuck you too!" I frowned at him. "Sir, I'm gonna ask you to leave before I call security." "My entire project is in the mud, all because of one mistake!" I was already dialing a number, and I made sure he could see me doing it. I'm accustomed to this display, and they sometimes get violent. In a single day, dreams are crushed and careers are ruined. Not everyone can take that calmly. "Your boss is evil!" He came towards me, and I took cautious steps back. I'm still traumatized by when someone tossed a stapler at me and destroyed my desk. Footsteps echoed, grasping our attention. Ares King emerged, spotless in his three-piece suit. Hair as dark as midnight and cold blue eyes that could freeze you over with one look. "Is there a problem, Mr. Hayes?" he asked calmly. I shivered at the lifeless tone. "Y-You didn't give me a chance. This is my life's work. You can't do this to me!" "Chance is equivalent to a risk. I'm not risking millions of dollars on a failed project." "Failed project? It hasn't even—" "This discussion ended when I gave my final verdict." "You can't just—" "Do yourself a favor and leave before you lose something else other than your career." The threat hung in the air, and Mr. Hayes couldn't tell if he was serious or making a light-hearted threat. The security team was already here, and I sighed in relief. They dragged him out as he cried and appealed for a chance before following it up by cursing the King's name. That was the fifth one today, and the day wasn't even over yet. "Ms. Lane. I have a meeting in an hour. Is everything ready?" Crap! I haven't prepared for that. I was hoping to bring my letter early. It's not too late. I approached him, stretching my hand for him to take the coffee. "Um, Mr. King, I—" He pinned me with those cold blue eyes, and I rephrased my words. "E-Everything will be ready in a few minutes." I fixed my usual fake smile. He was back in his office, leaving me hanging. I checked my watch and saw his coffee order had exceeded fifteen minutes. Such a waste. I subconsciously drank from the cup and grimaced, sticking out my tongue. That was not a wise move, given that he took his coffee black with no sugar. "Yuck!" ~☆~ I ended up leaving the letter on his desk after he left the office. Not exactly what I had in mind, but it'd suffice. Ares King wouldn't bat an eye when he sees it. All I care about is what comes after. I pressed the keycard at the doorknob, and it opened with a soft click. I didn't tell him I was coming, but I was hoping to stop by after having such a hectic day. I struggled to take off my stilettos. This was the worst day to forget my flats, now my feet are all sore. I flipped on the light switch. "You won't believe the day I had. Don't worry, I did it. Well, not as planned, but... It's still a win." I dropped my bag, striding to the fridge for water, but I paused midway when I spotted an open bottle of champagne with two wine glasses. Did he have someone over? I cast a brief look around the apartment before bringing my gaze back to them. I narrowed my eyes when I caught a stain... a red lipstick. "You're so beautiful." That was Dan's voice. It was coming from the room. "You like that, don't you, Danny? Like the way I ride your cock?" My blood ran cold. Chapter 2: It's Your Fault Moans echoed like tunes, shattering my heart into a million pieces. I stood there impassive, eyes stinging and tears clouding. I told myself I was hearing things, that this was maybe some nightmare. But when I grabbed the doorknob and pried the door open, it wasn't. A brunette-haired woman bounced on Dan, and when his eyes flew to me, they widened in shock. "Catherine!" The woman threw a look over her shoulder, not surprised. "I thought you said she wasn't coming tonight." "I-I..." Dan stuttered, looking between me and her. "Ugh!" she growled, getting off him, not bothering to use the covers. "You said you'd end this. I'm done waiting. Get rid of her now!" End this?How long has this been happening? My breathing shuddered as I tried to calm my nerves. I don't believe this. "Too late," I found my voice, the shaky undertone making me wince. "It's already over." "Catherine, wait!" With heavy legs, I ambled back to the living room and clutched my bag, desperate to leave. "Catherine!" "We've been together for five years, Daniel, five years!" I yelled, tears gushing. "H-How could you do this to me?" "I can explain." "E-Explain? What? How I caught you cheating on me and—" "This is your fault!" I took a step back like I had been slapped. "Wha-What?" "I wouldn't have done this if you weren't so caught up in work." He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. "What are you saying? Is that an excuse to—" "It's always about you. The debts, and your fixation on saving some farm in the countryside. You even quit your job. It never ends, and it just keeps getting worse. I can't deal with that anymore." "No, no, no! You do not get to throw that at my face. You know the reason I resorted to this, don't just stand there and... and talk as if it's my fault!" "I'm sorry you had to find out this way. This... can't work anymore." I scoffed in disbelief. "Piper, she's..." He sighed. "She's better, and... and... perfect. She's not you." He said it like I was the problem. "I'm better off not trying to live my life when yours is broken." "This is taking far too long," Piper said, coming forward, wearing his shirt. "Don't take it to heart. Danny doesn't love you anymore. Holding onto a wreck like you is enough damage." "Piper, enough." "What? She needs to know." She glanced my way. "He tells me all the time how he couldn't wait to dump your ass. You should have been mature enough to end it rather than dragging him down with you." I moved my eyes to Dan, and he said nothing, just giving me hurtful eyes as if I was the one who broke his heart. I've had enough of this. "You couldn't maintain your relationship. You may be some big-shot secretary. Ex-secretary. But you're just a farm girl with too many debts. Heard you're drowning in college loans, too. What's wrong? Parents couldn't afford—" I punched her square in the nose. "Do not talk about my parents!" "Piper!" Pain exploded in my hand, but it didn't amount to the satisfying feeling that calmed my nerves. "She broke my nose!" She screamed, trying to stop the bleeding. "Just because your life is a wreck doesn't mean you should throw it out on me, you bitch!" "GET OUT!" Dan boomed. "NOW!" He has never yelled at me that way before. Never. I shook my head, bottom lip trembling as I turned on my heels and walked away. ~☆~ I tried several times to stop crying, but I'm embarrassed to admit that on the drive back home, I was a sobbing mess. I blew my nose and tossed the tissue at the pile beside me. I fished out my phone and dialed a number, and at the first ring, she picked up. "Hey, Cat, what's up? Good thing you called before I left for..." She trailed. "Are you crying?" "Tori, he..." "What happened?" "D-Daniel. He cheated on me." Two hours later, Tori, my best friend since college days, was in my apartment. "No, he did not!" Tori stated in disbelief after I told her the whole story. "Don't waste another tear from your body over that cheater!" "I'm sorry I had to drag you out of work because of this. I-I couldn't be alone..." "Hey." She placed her hand on mine. "When my girl calls, I answer." I forced a smile on my lips. "You know what? I'm gonna call that cheater and give him a piece of my mind!" She growled. "How dare he do something like this? The nerve!" I seized her hand before she could do it. "Don't worry, I won't use my number, the insults are always sweeter when he doesn't know who's calling." "That's not necessary, I don't wanna hear his voice or talk about him right now. I have had enough for one night." "Oh, Cat," she drawled sweetly. "I won't rest until I do something. I can't have you like this." "I broke that bitch nose." "What? How could you miss out that important detail? Damn girl!" I forced a laugh. "Did you bring it?" Tori smirked and pulled out a bottle of whiskey from her satchel. "I knew you'd come through for me." I snatched the bottle. "I'm jobless and single, the least I can do is drink and drop dead." "Wait, you quit?" "Uh-huh." "Holy shit! You actually did it. So what now?" Tori asked worriedly. "You were gonna use the severance pay to clear off the loan sharks at home." My rent expires this month, too. It was an urgent decision to quit because of the harassment. I had hoped to stay with Dan after that, but I suppose this is goodbye to Midnight. "Pack my shit and go back home." I drank from the bottle, wincing at the burning sensation in my throat, but it was just what I needed. I chugged more. "Slow down!" "My life's a wreck—three years of working for King Corp and nothing to show for it. I'm trapped in a hole, and all I can do is orbit around it without climbing out. The one thing I-I knew I had a future with was Dan. I'm such a fool to think he could ever love someone like me." "Don't do that to yourself. You're the strongest person I know. You dealt with Ares King for three years, believe me, that has to be a world record for something." I huffed. "You didn't just deal with that, but you kept working your ass off, trying so hard with your relationship with Dan. He may have screwed it all up, but those years weren't wasted. The farm still stands because of you." I smiled. "Look, stay with me as long as you want, then we can figure out what to do next. Don't leave Midnight, this city will make our dreams come through, it's too late to give up on that now." "Tori... you already have enough on your plate. The last thing I wanna do is—" "My plate is just as much yours." "What am I gonna do without you?" I said in a cracky voice. "Hello, you can't do anything without me." She smiled before pulling me into a hug. "Now we've got a mission." "M-Mission?" "Finish the whole bottle." I looked at the already half-bottle of whiskey. "Might happen sooner than expected." "Which is why I brought another. Tonight, there's no room for tears or crappy Dan, the bitch called Piper, or even the devil. It's drowning out until we go numb." "I'll take ten of that offer, please." We both giggled. ~☆~ I groaned when I heard a familiar sound. It was a soft tune, but it felt like it'd rip my head apart. "Turn it off," Tori grumbled beside me, using the pillow to cover her face. "It's my alarm..." I tapped the nightstand for my glasses. "Why did you set it so early?" It was already noon, so that can't be my alarm. My eyes almost bulged out of my sockets when I saw the name on the screen. Devil Boss. Chapter 3: When The Devil Calls Why is he calling me? In the past three years since I'd worked for him, he had never. Only the company's phone was used. How did he get my number? "Catherine!" Tori growled. "Turn it off!" I took off the covers and trekked to the bathroom, my teeth grazing the edge of my nails. This is unbelievable. Maybe it was about my pay? But others handled that stuff. Ares King wouldn't concern himself with that. So what could be the reason? No way it's about the letter, right? I jerked when my phone rang again, and I just stared blankly at it, purely confused. When it ended, I realized I was down to eight missed calls. What the hell? It rang again. Giving up on the number of possibilities I have conjured in my head, I picked the call. His baritone voice vibrated through the speaker. "Ms. Lane." "M-Mr. King." Silence stretched, and it became unnerving. I pondered if I should say something. "You have one hour." "O-One hour?" The call ended, and I just stood in shock. What's going on? Does this mean he wants me back in the office? I huffed. "Is he being serious right now?" I groaned when a headache formed. "He's no longer my boss, yet he still makes my life hell," I grumbled. Fuck him! I dropped my phone on the counter near the sink and searched the cupboard for aspirin when I paused. "Wait, don't tell me my severance pay is gonna be revoked!" Oh crap! Oh crap! ~☆~ I can't believe I'm doing this. The elevator doors made a ding noise, and the doors slid open. I stepped into the ballpen, and all eyes flew to me. I know I wasn't looking my best right now, but they should really go easy on the stares. I'd just brushed my teeth and thrown on whatever I could get my hands on. I really should have looked at a damn mirror at least. I was quick on my feet, my heart pounding painfully in my chest when I walked into the executive suite. My desk sat in the outer office. I had already cleared it out, and I was hoping to grab my things after the pay was made. The door to my boss's office opened, and I jumped. Thankfully, it wasn't Mr. King but Gary Price, one of the project managers. "Well, look who decided to come in," he said, eyes sweeping me. "Dear god, look at you. What hole did you crawl out of?" I sniffled, adjusting my glasses and pulling some strands of my red hair behind my ear. "Gary," I said, bittersweet. He closed the door and whispered to me. "What did you do?" "I didn't do anything." "Whatever, I hope you survive. He's been in a bad mood," he walked, and I followed. "Don't follow me!" "Mr. King is always in a bad mood. Honestly, I can't describe his mood because he's expressionless most of the time." If Gary could tell his mood, then how bad is it? "Everyone's forced to complete a project today that'd take months to finish. Does that explain it?" That defined the vile looks I got. Because of me, everyone's day was ruined. "Listen, Gary, I shouldn't be here." "You're right, you shouldn't be here dressed like that. Careful now, Ms. Lane." "Gary!" I whisper-hissed. "What?" "I quit." He laughed. "And I stepped on dog poop this morning." Then he blinked and grimaced. "Maybe I did. They should really sanitize that sidewalk." He fished out a hand sanitizer and rubbed his hands. "I'm being serious. I left my resignation letter at his desk last night." He scoffed, but when he double checked on my solemn expression, his mouth hung in shock. "Y-You did?" "Yes! And I only rushed over because I thought my pay was being revoked." Gary swallowed whatever he wanted to say. "Is it?" I asked desperately. That money was the only hope I had now. Without it, I'm doomed. "Um—" "Ms. Lane." My heart momentarily stopped. It felt as if my entire back was dipped in ice. "Catherine... turn," Gary mumbled through clenched teeth. I gulped, doing as he said, and I almost fell over when I met those icy blue eyes. He checked his Rolex. He was always so conscious when it came to punctuality. "My office." He stepped back inside. I looked back at Gary, hoping for a rescue, but he was already leaving the suite. I released a shaky breath, adjusting my coat, and walked in. I could count the number of times I've been inside his office. Ares King was a very private person, and his personal space was ground zero. It was sleek and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. A large desk sat at the opposite center, with leather chairs. Another bland display. Nothing out of place, not even a damn pen. Everything was meant to be poise, and disorder was a crime. His gaze swept me slowly and focused. Figures. But I don't work for him anymore, which means I can force my hair into a ponytail and dress loosely. Mr. King unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat down on the chair, dropping a paper which I assumed was my resignation letter. He said nothing, and he didn't need to. He wasn't a man of words; he considered talking too much work. Yet he found a way to dominate the business world. I scratched the back of my hair. "That's my resignation letter, Mr. King. I brought it to your office last night." He tapped his finger on the paper, and the sharp sound unnerved me. "Yes, I should have brought it to you personally. But I thought that was the best decision." "Who told you you could quit?" The weight of his words stunned me, before a frown took over my expression. Do I honestly have to answer that?Fuck! He's serious. I gulped. "Quitting a job isn't against the law." "No... but the clause in your contract stated otherwise." This is why Tori always scolds me to pay more attention. Three damn years and I never read till the end of it. "D-Does this mean I can't quit?" I felt stupid for asking that question. "Why did you do it?" "I-I um... thought it was time." "Time for what?" "It's personal, Mr. King," I said through clenched teeth. I just had my heart broken into a million pieces. I'm not about to be interrogated against my will. Without breaking his chilly eye contact, he opened his drawer. "Have a seat." "I—" "Sit, Ms Lane." With sweaty palms, I pulled out the chair and sat down, comfortable from the soft leather beneath my butt. What happens now? Mr. King pulled out a black leather portfolio and placed it on the desk. "I'd like to make an offer." "An offer?" I questioned. "W-With all due respect, Mr. King, in spite of my incompetence, I'm quite aware it doesn't state I shouldn't quit." "No." I nodded. "The only issue here is that I didn't talk to you first. But I'm right now, yet you withhold my right to leave." The corner of his lips twitched. "Ms. Lane, this offer has nothing to do with your letter." "Okay? Then what is this about?" "I'm offering a contract." Contract? "Unfortunately..." He tapped his finger on the portfolio. "You were in such a hurry to quit before I had the chance to bring this up." Was I gonna get a bonus? Then I missed a huge chance! "I-I'm open to hearing about this contract, Mr. King. If it's not too much trouble." A ghostly smile crossed his face. "Become my wife, Ms. Lane."

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Every single person in Midnight City knew that name. It wasn't just a name, but a brand... the epitome of the city's very foundation.