As soon as Aanya stepped out of the cabin, the office atmosphere once again filled with whispers. People looked at her with bitter smiles. Aanya stopped, took a deep breath, adjusted her glasses, and walked straight toward the gossiping group.
The entire floor fell silent. Even Huan Jing and Kiyan held their breath.
Aanya (in a cold, firm voice): "I just heard that some people here are very concerned about my 'position'? Someone was calling me a 'mistress,' and someone else something worse."
The employee who had been speaking the most immediately panicked. "Ah… that's not what we meant, Aanya…"
Aanya (cutting her off): "Whatever you meant, listen carefully. I am Mr. Yan's 'personal maid,' not any mistress! I am here serving my punishment for my mistakes and following his every command. And as for 'Mrs. Yan'… what kind of relationship exists between her and my boss is far beyond your level to question."
Aanya shot everyone a sharp look and stepped forward.
Aanya: "Next time, if anyone leaves their work to question my character, remember—I stay inside the boss's cabin. One complaint from me and all of you will be packing your bags out of here. Now, may I see all of you doing your jobs?"
Everyone lowered their heads in shame. The employees hurried back to their desks as if a lion were chasing them. From a distance, Huan Jing gave Aanya a proud thumbs-up.
Aanya had no idea that Zain had witnessed everything from behind. He had heard every single word she said. A proud smile appeared on his face. He liked that Aanya defended herself, but the mention of "Mrs. Yan" stirred a flicker of jealousy—and something warmer—in his chest.
As soon as Aanya returned to the cabin, Zain was seated at his desk as if he knew nothing.
Zain (without looking up): "It was quite noisy outside. Did you break something again?"
Aanya (lifting her chin): "No. I just broke a few people's 'misunderstandings.'"
Zain stood and slowly walked toward her.
Zain: "Hmm… 'I'm a maid, not a mistress'? You showed quite a bit of courage. But Aanya… are you really just my maid? What you did last night—does any maid behave like that with her boss?"
Zain pressed her gently against the wall (Kabedon style). All of Aanya's confidence vanished in an instant.
Aanya: "Fine, Boss. I'll go back to my punishment. Anyway, I still have to clean your desk and maybe… ruin a few more files?"
She smiled mischievously to lighten the mood. Zain glared at her as he returned to his chair, but a very faint smile tugged at his lips.
As evening approached, Zain announced that the punishment for Aanya, Kiyan, and Huan Jing was complete. Kiyan and Jing sighed in relief and thanked him. But Aanya's game was not over yet.
The gossiping employees were still gathered there, waiting to see the "maid" leave. Aanya shot them a sharp, icy look like a queen. Everyone fell silent.
Aanya (in her mind): "You all thought I was pitiful? Now watch the real show!"
Zain stepped out of his cabin and walked toward his car. At that exact moment, Aanya deliberately twisted her foot and staggered in dramatic film style.
Aanya: "Ah…!"
With a soft thud, she fell straight into Zain's strong chest. Zain swiftly caught her in his arms. The entire office went silent. The employees covered their mouths in shock. No one could believe a "maid" would dare this much.
Aanya (pretending innocence, looking into his eyes): "Oh! I'm so sorry, Boss… my foot slipped. The floor must have been polished too much."
Zain saw the mischief and sparkle in her eyes. He immediately understood this was no accident—it was Aanya's calculated move to inflame the gossipers' jealousy even more.
Zain (in a low, deep voice meant only for her): "You're becoming very cunning, Aanya."
Aanya leaned closer to his ear deliberately so others could see how close they were.
Aanya (whispering): "I was just wondering, Boss… seeing me in your arms—won't your 'wife' feel bad? After all, the poor thing must be waiting at home!"
Aanya winked at Zain.
Hearing her words and seeing her antics, a sharp glint flashed in Zain's eyes. He was clearly enjoying how Aanya was playing the role of a 'troublemaker'—while she herself was the wife.
In the office corridor, time itself seemed to freeze. The employees who had been calling Aanya a "pitiful maid" were completely stunned. Eyes widened across the floor as silence spread.
Scene: Office Silence and Zain's Reaction
Aanya was still in Zain's arms, and she deliberately leaned her head a little more onto his shoulder. The gossiping girl almost dropped her coffee mug.
Employee (whispering): "What… what am I seeing? Instead of pushing her away, Boss is holding her so possessively?"
Another employee: "And look at her nerve! She's talking like this about Boss's wife? If Boss gets angry then—"
But little did they know—the boss was not angry. He was enjoying it.
Zain tightened his hold around Aanya's waist, pulling her even closer.
Zain (in a heavy, velvety voice, in front of everyone): "Whether my wife feels bad or not, leave that concern to me, Aanya. But if your foot is slipping this much, perhaps I should carry you to the car in my arms?"
At that moment, it felt like lightning struck the entire office. Kiyan smacked his forehead while Huan Jing turned away to hide her laughter. The jealous employees looked as if they had seen a ghost.
Aanya (giggling): "No, no, Boss! Please don't trouble yourself so much. People might think I'm very 'special' to you."
Aanya slipped out of Zain's arms and threw a victorious smile toward the gossiping girls. Their faces had turned pale. They finally understood—Aanya was no ordinary girl. She was a lioness backed by Zain Yan himself.
Scene: Inside the Car — Truth and Teasing
As soon as they reached the parking area and sat inside the car, Aanya dropped her act and burst into loud laughter.
Aanya: "Zain! Did you see their faces? They looked like their souls left their bodies! No one will dare call me a mistress now."
Zain (starting the car, giving her a cool look): "You really enjoy playing games, don't you? But Aanya… you just played with fire."
Aanya: "Uff! At least you won't call me a maid now!"
Suddenly, Zain slammed the brakes and stopped the car on the side of a deserted road. He slowly leaned toward Aanya, and her laughter instantly disappeared.
Zain (in a deep voice): "And what about what you whispered in my ear? That my 'wife' would feel bad… then how will you handle that attention?"
Aanya's heart forgot how to beat.