The sunlight barely seeped through the cloudy Bangkok morning as employees filed one by one into the tall glass office building of "Veerayut-Tech Enterprises." The atmosphere inside was thick—some might call it routine, others might call it tense. But today, there was a palpable shift in the air. Something was… different.
Aarohi and Rhea walked in together, both tired from last night's events. Aarohi hadn't slept well, and her eyes still carried the shadows of her emotional turmoil. Rhea, though full of concern, didn't press too much. She knew her friend was the kind to hold things in until she was ready to talk.
They made their way to the 7th floor, where their team was seated. As they entered the open workspace, murmurs ran through the room.
"Did you notice? The CEO came early today."
"And he didn't even greet Pim. That's never a good sign."
Rithvik Veerayut was known to have a temper colder than the snow on Doi Inthanon. But today, there was something sharper about his silence—his posture screamed authority and... restraint. Last night's bitter encounter with his family had left him simmering underneath his composed exterior.
In the boardroom, everyone gathered for the weekly strategy meeting. Rithvik stood at the head of the long table, eyes dark and narrowed, scanning the room. The room went silent as he began.
"Before we begin," his deep voice cut the silence like a blade, "there is an announcement. My personal assistant, Nari, is on leave for two months due to medical reasons. Until she returns, I will need a temporary assistant."
He looked at his employees with an expression that said he wouldn't take no for an answer. But no one dared to raise their hand.
In their minds, a silent war of inner dialogues began.
Pim (HR Manager): Me? Work under that ice demon directly? No thank you. I have enough stress sorting applications already.
Aarav (Project Head): I like my life. I like waking up without anxiety. This is suicide.
Chai (Finance Dept): Last week he corrected a decimal error and glared at me for five seconds straight. I had nightmares. Nope.
May (Admin): Being close to him? Sounds like a death wish with benefits. Pretty face, terrifying aura.
Rhea (Intern): Nope. Nope. Nope. I want to live. Aarohi, don't even THINK about it—
"I will try," Aarohi's voice rang out.
Time froze.
Heads turned. Jaws dropped. Pim almost dropped her tablet.
Rithvik's eyes snapped to her. "Are you sure?"
Aarohi nodded firmly, though her insides trembled. "Yes, sir. I will do my best."
A beat.
Then his voice came cold and direct. "Very well. From tomorrow onwards, you will be my personal assistant. Report to me at 8 sharp. If you fail even once, I will personally see to your termination."
And with that, he turned and left the boardroom. The sound of the door shutting behind him was like thunder.
The silence broke instantly.
"WHAT just happened?!" Rhea shouted, pulling Aarohi aside.
May came up with wide eyes. "Did you bump your head this morning? Should I call a doctor?"
Chai waved his hands in mock horror. "No no no, she's possessed! Someone call a priest!"
Pim added sarcastically, "Or maybe she's playing a prank on all of us?"
Aarav shook his head. "Of all people... you? Do you know what that man eats for breakfast? Fear."
Rhea folded her arms. "Are you okay? Should I pinch you? Aarohi, that's the Rithvik Veerayut. The man who glares the computers into submission."
May joined in teasingly. "Are you doing this for... admiration? Hmm? Secret crush we don't know about?"
"No!" Aarohi exclaimed, cheeks flaring up.
Pim smirked. "Wait wait. This is the classic drama plot. Cold boss. Innocent assistant. Burning tension. Aarohi, are you going to be our heroine?"
Rhea playfully added, "When you get your first scolding, remember us and don't cry."
Everyone burst into laughter. Aarohi smiled, trying to seem unaffected, but her heart was racing. Part of her was scared. Part of her was... curious.
She went back to her desk, thoughts racing. "What did I just sign up for?"
Inside his glass chamber, Rithvik watched through the blinds. His expression was unreadable. For a second, just a second, the corner of his mouth twitched—not a smile, but a hint of intrigue.
"Let's see if you're truly as fearless as you pretend to be, Miss Aarohi," he whispered.
--
Scene: Apartment
The apartment was quiet when the girls returned late in the evening. Aarohi walked in first, dragging her feet, still replaying the events of the day in her mind—the way Rithvik's cold eyes pierced through her when he scolded her for being late, how she stood in that meeting room feeling so small.
Rhea watched her silently. Aarohi hadn't spoken much since they left the office. She didn't even hum during the cab ride, something she always did. After changing into their nightwear, Rhea placed two mugs of hot chocolate on the table and called her.
"Come on, Aarohi. Sit. Talk. I'm not letting you sulk silently."
Aarohi managed a small smile and sat beside her. She sipped the hot chocolate slowly.
Rhea turned toward her with a curious expression. "You were like a zombie the whole day. Seriously, what happened to my sunshine girl?"
Aarohi placed the mug down and let out a soft sigh. "Today was hard. Rithvik scolded us both for being late. In front of everyone. But I… I was already exhausted and nervous because of last night's dinner. When he looked at me like that and raised his voice… it just… it hurt."
Rhea gave her a sympathetic look and wrapped her arm around Aarohi's shoulder. "I saw it in your eyes. I know you're strong, but you're also sensitive. He could have spoken softer."
"I get why he's strict," Aarohi murmured, "but he didn't even let me explain."
Rhea suddenly perked up, mischief lighting up her eyes. "But, Miss Intern, what was that bold move of yours in the meeting, huh?"
Aarohi blinked. "What bold move?"
"You don't remember saying 'I will try' when the devil CEO asked for a personal assistant? And the gasp on everyone's face?" Rhea dramatically clutched her chest. "Girl, that was straight out of a K-drama!"
Aarohi burst into soft laughter. "I didn't think… I just said it. It came out before I realized."
"Oh, I know what it is," Rhea teased, nudging her with her elbow. "Our Aarohi wants to play 'Romantic CEO & Innocent Assistant' storyline. The one where they hate each other at first, then boom—slow burn, longing stares, sudden back hugs!"
Aarohi turned beet red and shoved Rhea with a pillow. "Stop it! That's not why I volunteered!"
"Then tell me—why did you?!" Rhea smirked, dodging the pillow. "He scares you. He scolds you. But still, you want to be his shadow now?"
Aarohi hesitated… then softly said, "Because I want to understand him."
Rhea's teasing expression faded a little. "Understand him?"
"I saw something in his eyes today. Pain. It was just for a second, but… I feel like there's more to him than just anger and ice. I want to know the man behind the cold mask."
Rhea blinked. "Girl… you really are the main lead of a drama."
They both laughed again, the room slowly filling with warmth. Aarohi stood up, stretching.
"I'm going to my room. Got a lot to prepare for tomorrow," she said.
"Sure. Don't forget your drama plot!" Rhea shouted as Aarohi closed her door.
---
Later That Night – Phone Call Scene
Aarohi lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Her heart was beating fast. Tomorrow she'd officially be working directly under Rithvik Veerayut. Could she really handle it?
Suddenly, her phone rang. She picked it up instantly.
"Hello?" she said softly.
The voice on the other end chuckled. "Just from your hello, I can tell you're not sad anymore."
A smile crept onto her lips. "How do you do that? Know everything from just a word?"
"Because I know you, Aarohi," he replied gently. "Now tell me. What happened?"
She sat up, a slight excitement in her tone. "You won't believe it. Today I became the personal assistant of the Rithvik Veerayut."
A dramatic gasp came from the other side. "What?! You're officially entering the lion's den?"
Aarohi giggled. "It's not like that!"
"No no, I'm serious," the caller said in a teasing tone. "Romantic CEO and his personal assistant? Are we in a Wattpad novel now?"
"Shut up!" Aarohi laughed, covering her face. "You sound just like Rhea."
"But seriously, Aarohi," his voice softened, "are you okay with this? That man… he's not easy."
"I know," she replied. "But… I want to help him. I want to bring back the man he once was. I'll make him fall in love again. I'll make him smile."
There was a short pause on the line before the voice said, warmly, "That's my girl."
She smiled deeply.
"I'll support you always," he said. "But be careful. Don't get hurt in this love."
"I won't," she said confidently. "This time, I'll heal… and I'll heal him too."
There was a long pause, the silence filled with unspoken emotion. Then he said softly, "Go ahead, Aarohi. Fly. I'm right here."
The call ended.
---
Meanwhile – Unknown Location
The man held his phone a moment longer, staring at the screen. His sharp jawline was visible from the moonlight filtering in through the hotel window. Dressed in black, only his side and back were visible. His figure was tall, with broad shoulders and a slightly messy haircut.
He slipped the phone into his pocket, his eyes still lingering on the night sky beyond the balcony glass.
"So it begins," he muttered. "Too late, Aarohi… I'm already in Thailand."
His gaze hardened.
"I won't let anything happen to you. I'm here now—and I'll protect you, no matter what."
The camera of imagination pans out, leaving readers with the image of a mysterious male figure looking over the Bangkok skyline.
---
Cliffhanger – End of Chapter 10
> Who is this mysterious man? What is his connection to Aarohi? And what will happen when Rithvik starts noticing her transformation… and her smile meant for someone else?