Hot Night With CEO

The change in Darian’s behavior over the past few days had not gone unnoticed by the other employees. The boss, who used to never smile, was now seen smiling several times. Mira, Susi, and Ray were gossiping about Darian’s unusual behavior. When they asked Fahira about it, she responded calmly.

“David, you must know why the boss suddenly changed. Tell us!” Ray pouted as he approached David, who seemed focused on his computer screen.

“Hmmmmmm!”

“You’re pretending to be quiet!” Ray annoyedly pushed David’s shoulder when he didn’t get a response.

“Do you really want to know?” David smirked and looked in Fahira’s direction. Fahira appeared tense, waiting to see what David would say, as he was the only witness who knew about Fahira and Darian’s relationship.

“Hmmmm, tell us!” Mira urged, and Susi and Ray joined in, bombarding David with questions about their boss’s sudden changes.

“Fahira, you know, right?” David probed, causing Fahira’s face to pale. She smiled awkwardly, trying to hide everything.

“Wh-what?” Fahira stuttered nervously.

Fahira felt embarrassed as the three pairs of eyes stared at her with horror. They seemed to be putting together all the events of the past three days, trying to find something odd.

“You must know, Fahira. You’re the boss’s secretary, and three days ago, you went out to have lunch with him!” Mira probed, moving closer to Fahira’s desk.

“Exactly, just like what Mira said. Or maybe…” Susi pointed her index finger at Fahira’s face.

“Come on, Fahira, just be honest. Did Mr. Darian have lunch with you, or did he have lunch with another woman? Maybe that pretty model, Mrs. Bulan?” Ray chimed in, equally excited as the others.

“Ih, Ray, you know Bulan too! Maybe you’re following her on Instagram as well?” Susi teased with a smile.

David, from his own desk, observed them, resting his chin on his hands. Sooner or later, Darian and Fahira’s relationship would be exposed.

“I… I certainly don’t know about Mr. Darian’s personal matters,” Fahira replied nervously, while David chuckled, enjoying Fahira’s changing expressions. She was clearly desperate to hide everything.

“Ahem.” The familiar voice came from behind. Their hairs stood on end. “This is the office, not a place for gossip!” the voice continued loudly. They quickly scurried back to their cubicles, not daring to look at the owner of the voice.

“Fahira, come to my office now!” Darian commanded firmly but with a gentle gaze before he returned to his room. He had to go outside because his phone call hadn’t received a response from Fahira.

“Alright, Sir!” Fahira replied shortly, feeling grateful inside as Darian had saved her just in time. If Darian had been a little late, she would have been forced to tell the truth to her colleagues. She couldn’t lie to friends who felt like family.

Fahira got up from her chair, carrying her agenda book with a pen tucked at the edge. The three pairs of eyes exchanged glances, each with their own thoughts, while David, who clearly knew everything, smiled and continued with his work. Since Darian and Fahira started dating, he jokingly called it “BTS” or “Boss Captivated by the Secretary,” a term he coined out of his frustration as he had to handle all the piled-up work. Although David’s official job description was Darian’s personal assistant, now he had less time with Darian. His additional role as a bodyguard also decreased, as Darian preferred driving himself and not being disturbed by anyone when he was with Fahira.

Like yesterday afternoon, Darian only wanted Fahira to accompany him for fitness, and David was free from duties. Jealous? Of course, David felt a bit left out by Fahira’s presence by Darian’s side. It felt like he had lost his best friend. On the other hand, David was also happy to see his friend smile more often. His obsession with work had shifted to Fahira. She had become the center of Darian’s attention.

“What’s up, Sir?” Fahira said politely.

Darian smiled and patted the empty spot on the sofa beside him. Fahira sat down slowly. “I really miss you!” Darian whispered softly while looking tenderly at Fahira. She blushed, her cheeks becoming rosy and endearing in Darian’s eyes.

“I want to take you somewhere. Are you up for it?” Darian said, reaching for Fahira’s right hand and playing with her fingers. He intertwined them between his.

“Where to?” Fahira asked.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Darian replied briefly.

“But I don’t want to go home too late again. Poor Ariel, he was upset with me yesterday because I came home late,” Fahira explained, hoping Darian would make sure to take her home on time.

“What time does Ariel usually come home from school?” Darian asked, continuing to play with Fahira’s fingers. His dark eyes remained focused on her beautiful face.

“He usually comes home in about an hour. He used to come home in the afternoon when he was still healthy and the captain of his school’s basketball team,” Fahira continued, her expression turning melancholic as she remembered how enthusiastic Ariel was when he talked about his team winning several tournaments at the district level. Basketball was Ariel’s favorite sport. But then Ariel had to stop for the past seven months and fight to recover from the heart condition that had affected his body. Although Ariel’s body had gradually recovered after the heart surgery, he was still prohibited from engaging in any strenuous activities.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Darian hugged Fahira tightly. His lips were sealed shut every time Fahira talked about Ariel. It felt like reminding him of his biggest sin. Every time he thought about it, it brought up the guilt that was now intertwined with their love.

“Want to have lunch outside?” Darian offered, loosening his embrace. Fahira shook her head slowly.

“I’ll have lunch with the others, okay? They’re starting to suspect our relationship,” Fahira requested, and Darian couldn’t possibly refuse her.

“Why does it matter if they find out about us? I was actually planning to announce our relationship to everyone,” Darian said casually.

“No, Darian. Not until your mother gives her approval!” Once again, Fahira brought up the issue of approval. Darian was certain that his mother would accept their relationship. Even Yasmin herself had told him to bring a prospective spouse before her birthday. Moreover, his late father, Rusdi, had entrusted him to take care of Fahira.

Reluctantly, Darian gave in and asked David to join him for lunch in his office. Darian looked like he was enjoying his meal while David focused more on watching Darian. His instincts told him that something wasn’t right. David feared that Darian and Fahira’s relationship wouldn’t go smoothly. There would be many obstacles that would test their love. And he still hadn’t received any results from Delon’s investigation. David worried about the moment when all the facts were revealed. Their relationship would have to end.

***

Mrs. Mahesa

“David, you must know that Darian is getting close to a girl?”

David fell silent as he read the text message from Yasmin, Darian’s mother. What he had feared seemed to be coming true. He knew very well the criteria for a prospective daughter-in-law that Mrs. Mahesa had. Fahira, a simple girl from an ordinary family, wouldn’t be considered worthy to be showcased in front of business partners or fellow models with international status.

David knew the Mahesa Putra family very well. They were a cold-blooded family, always extending a helping hand to those in need. However, they were also very private when it came to personal matters and the family’s honor.

For a long time, David stared at his blinking phone screen. Mrs. Mahesa’s name was displayed there, which meant he had to convince her to believe in Fahira. As Darian’s personal assistant, he also had no right to disclose his boss’s personal matters without permission. But on the other hand, Mrs. Mahesa was also the owner of Putra Corporation. David weighed his options carefully while looking at Fahira. As he gazed at her, his heart softened. She had just started experiencing happiness, and now she was being tested again.

Fahira’s position would be the most disadvantageous. The worst-case scenario was that Mrs. Mahesa would dismiss Fahira in a disgraceful manner. Where would she find another job, especially in Jakarta where she was only with her brother, Ariel?

David

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Mahesa, but I don’t know anything about that.”

Mrs. Mahesa

“Last Saturday night, Darian promised me that he would introduce a girl to me as his future wife.”

David remained silent, looking at the slim screen in his hands.

Mrs. Mahesa

“Very well, I’ll find out for myself.”

David

“I apologize, Mrs. Mahesa. Once I have information about the girl, I will contact you immediately.”

David chose to stay silent. Perhaps he should prepare for all the risks that would come. He tried to think positively.

***

In the evening, Darian and Fahira went home together at the end of office hours. Several employees were still moving around when Darian and Fahira walked out of the special elevator. Ray, who happened to be nearby, was shocked to see Fahira getting into the luxurious car belonging to the boss. A faint smile appeared on Darian’s usually cold face as he took the driver’s seat.

Ray quickly took a picture of Darian’s car as evidence to show David, Mira, and Susi tomorrow.

Not far from them, a mysterious man who had been observing Fahira smiled from inside his car. “I hope Darian can take over my duty of protecting you, Fahira, and soon my mission will be over.”