Will POV
I answered a few more questions from the reporters when I suddenly heard a woman's voice.
Reporter: "One last question, Mr. Will."
I looked at her and nodded.
Reporter: "You are handsome, successful, and well-settled. I'm sure many women admire you. At your age, most people think about marriage... so tell us, do you have a girlfriend?"
I already knew this question would come someday.
I cleared my throat.
"Uhh... not yet."
The reporter smiled knowingly.
Reporter: "That answer sounds like you don't have a girlfriend... but you do have someone you like"
I sighed softly and, without realizing it, my eyes moved toward Minnie. She was standing there beside that guy. For a moment, the noise of the hall faded.
"Yes," I said quietly. "There is someone I like."
I paused for a second before continue.
"But... I hurt her a lot in the past. So I don't know if she will ever like me again." The room immediately filled with whispers.
Reporter: "That's sad to hear, Mr. Will. I hope one day she realizes what she lost."
I shook my head slightly and gave a small smile. "No... she didn't lose anything. I'm the one who lost her."
The hall fell silent for a moment.
"So, if the questions are over... let's enjoy the party."
I handed the microphone back to the host and stepped down from the stage.
Before I could walk away, Luna suddenly appeared beside me with a mischievous smile.
Luna: "So, brother... you finally admitted you like Minnie."
She was clearly teasing me. I rolled my eyes and ignored her, walking toward Noua.
When I reached him, I noticed Minnie was already there. Our eyes met for a brief second before she quickly looked away. Nova handed me a glass of wine.
I looked at him, and he immediately understood what I was thinking. Nova turned to Minnie.
Nova: "So Minnie... tell me, who is this guy standing next to you"
Minnie glanced at Akil and then introduced us.
Minnie: "Akil, this is Nova... and this is my boss, Mr. Will. And this is Akil-my childhood friend."
Childhood friend!!.
The words echoed in my mind.
So I misunderstood everything? She didn't move on... he was just her friend?For the first time that night, I felt a small sense of relief.
Akil shook hands with us confidently.
Akil: "Hello. I just hope Minnie doesn't make too many mistakes at work."
He laughed.
Nova immediately defended her.
Nova: "No, she doesn't make mistakes. She learns very quickly."
He laughed.
Nova immediately defended her.
Nova: "No, she doesn't make mistakes. She learns very quickly."
Minnie frowned and lightly slapped Akil's arm.
Minnie: "Hey! What are you saying? I don't make mistakes."
Her fake anger made Akil laugh again.
He casually placed his hand on her head and shook it gently.
Akil: "Relax. I know you don't make mistakes."
The moment his hand touched her head, something inside me snapped.My grip tightened around the wine glass.
Why is he touching her like that?
I forced myself to stay calm. My face remained expressionless, but inside, jealousy was burning again.
Great, Will. First you misunderstood him... now you' re getting jealous ouer a childhood friend.
I took a slow sip of my wine, trying to control the irritation rising inside me.
But watching Minnie laugh with him again made it very clear no matter how much I tried to act normal, my heart still reacted to her in ways I couldn't control.
Minnie POV
I looked at the reporter who had asked Will about his girlfriend. Then I slowly turned my eyes toward him. But he was already looking at me. My heart suddenly stopped when he said he liked someone and he was still looking in my direction.
Why is he looking at me while saying that...?
For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.
Akil suddenly fake-coughed beside me.
Akil: "Ahem... why do I feel like Will just proposed to you indirectly"
My eyes widened.
Before I could react, Nova joined the teasing.
Nova: "Yeah, I'm feeling the same thing. So Minnie... how long is he supposed to wait for your answer?"
I froze completely and stared at Nova.
"Wait... you already know about us, Nova?" I ask him.
Nova shrugged casually.
Nova: "Of course. I know almost everything about you two. But today is the first time I realized that you are the girl from Chennai."
I simply nodded. I didn't want to continue that topic in the middle of the party.
After Will handing his mic to the host, he walked straight toward us. Nova offered him a glass of wine, and he casually asked about Akil. I introduced Akil as my childhood friend, and he greeted them with a warm smile and a handshake. Soon after, Akil began teasing me about making mistakes at work, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
Before the silence could become awkward, Akil suddenly spoke again.
Akil: "Minnie, come on. Let's go eat before you faint from overthinking."
I sighed and followed him to the dinner table.
But the moment I saw the food on the table, I froze again.
Every single dish there was my favorite.
Akil looked at the table and then looked at me suspiciously.
Akil: "Wow... Minnie. I think this whole table was prepared just for you."
I rolled my eyes.
Minnie : "Stop imagining things and eat your food."
I picked up some macarons and a piece of chocolate cake and started eating.
But while I was eating, someone suddenly came and stood beside me.
I slowly turned my head.
It was Will.
For a moment, I froze again. These days he had been acting so cold toward me... but now his voice sounded soft.
Will: "Did you like the food?"
I blinked in surprise.
Minnie : "Yes..."
He nodded slightly.
Will: "Good. Then after you finish eating, I'll drop you home. I'm the one who picked you up, after all."
I looked at him, confused.
Before I could respond, Akil suddenly spoke.
Akil: "Sorry, Mr. Will. I can drop Minnie home. Don't worry about it."
Will slowly turned his head and looked at Akil.
For a second, the air between them became strangely tense.
Will opened his mouth to say something.
But before he could speak, I quickly interrupted.
Me: "Yes, Mr. Will. Akil will drop me home."
For a brief moment, I saw something change in Will' s eyes.
He sighed quietly and nodded.
Just then, his father called him from across the hall.
Will looked at me one last time before walking away.
I watched him leave, feeling something strange in my chest.
Akil leaned closer to me and whispered dramatically.
Akil: "Congratulations. Two men fighting to drop you home. Your popularity is increasing, Ms. Minnie."
I immediately elbowed him.
Me: "Shut up and eat your food."
But deep inside, my heart was still confused.
Why did he look disappointed...?
And more importantly Why did it bother me so much?
Akil dropped me home that night. I said goodbye to him and went up to my apartment. After changing into my comfortable night dress, I washed my face, lay down on my bed, and quickly fell asleep.
A few days passed after the party.
Something about Will started to change. He became softer toward me-less cold, less distant. It surprised me every time he spoke to me normally, and I couldn't understand why he suddenly behaved like that.
One morning around 11:00, Will and Nova left the office for a meeting. After finishing my lunch, I returned to my desk. A little while later, Nova came back looking extremely tired.
Feeling a bit concerned, I decided to make some coffee for him.
I walked to the pantry and started preparing the coffee when I suddenly heard a woman's voice behind me.
I turned around.
A woman I had never seen before was standing there, looking at me from head to toe with a strange expression.
That Girl: "Donc... vous êtes l'assistant du patron ?" (So... you're the boss's assistant)?"
She asked in French I nodded hesitantly but in confused by her tone.
She crossed her arms and smirked.
That Girl: "oh you don't know french i don't know how you got selected for this roll, You're from India, right? I heard that girls from India are very good at seducing rich men like Will. Is that true, Ms...?"
My anger immediately raised
Me: "What!! Excuse me"
She laughed sarcastically.
I took a deep breath and replied firmly.
Minnie : "Not every girl is interested in money."
She rolled her eyes again.
That Girl: "Oh please. I know exactly what you're trying to do. You're trying to seduce my Will."
My Will?
My eyes widened in surprise.
So that was the reason for her attitude. She thought Will liked me... and she was jealous.
I slowly exhaled and looked at her calmly and said "I'm not seducing him. But even if he did like me... what's the problem?"
Her expression immediately stiffened.
I didn't wait for her response. I picked up the coffee cup and walked out before the conversation could become worse.
When I reached Nova's desk, he looked up at me.
I handed him the coffee.
He smiled gratefully and took the cup.
I quietly went back and sat at my desk.
After taking a sip, Nova leaned back in his chair.
Nova: "You can relax today. We have some free time."
I looked at him, confused.
Minnie : "Why?"
Nova sighed.
Nova: "Will isn't feeling well today. He went home to rest."
My eyes widened instantly.
Minnie: "He's not feeling well?"
The question came out of my mouth before I could stop myself.
Why am I suddenly worried about him...?
I quickly looked down at my files and pretended to focus on my work. But no matter how much I tried to concentrate, my mind kept drifting back to the same thought.
Is he really okay?
And the more I tried to ignore it, the more I realized something uncomfortable even after everything that happened between us... I was still worried about Will.
Will POV
I left the office earlier than usual that day. My head was hurting, and my body felt strangely weak. Nova kept telling me to take some rest, so I finally decided to go home.
When I reached home, I walked inside and saw Mom and Dad sitting in the hall. I looked at them as I entered.
Mom: "Will, dear... what happened? You don't look well."
She quickly came toward me and placed her hand on my forehead, checking my temperature.
I sighed softly.
Will : "I just feel tired, Mom. I need some rest, that's why I came home early."
She looked at me with concern.
Mom: "Alright. Go and take some rest. I'll bring you a tablet."
I nodded and slowly walked to my room. I loosened my tie, lay down on the bed, and closed my eyes.
For the past few days, I had been trying to act normal around Minnie... softer than before. I knew I had already hurt her enough in the past. The least I could do now was stop making things worse between us.
But every time I saw her with that Akil guy, something inside me reacted before I could control it.
I leaned back against the pillow and closed my eyes, trying to calm my mind.
Mia POV
When I saw Will come home early, I was surprised. For the past few years, he had never come home in the middle of the day like that. I immediately became worried and went to check on him. I placed my hand on his forehead, asked him to take some rest, and he quietly went to his room.
I walked to the kitchen to get the medical kit, but halfway there I suddenly stopped An idea popped into my head.
A very interesting idea. I quickly turned around and walked back to Parker, who was still sitting in the hall reading something.
Mia : "Honey... let's go out somewhere."
He slowly lowered the paper and looked at me suspiciously.
Parker: "Out? All of a sudden? Will isn't feeling well, dear. Why would you want to leave him alone now?"
I smiled sweetly.
Me: "Yes, Will isn't well... but I have an idea."
He raised his eyebrow.
Parker: "And what exactly is this 'idea'?"
I leaned closer and whispered dramatically.
Mia : "I'll ask Minnie to come here and take care of Will."
Then I smiled a little too happily.
Parker stared at me for a few seconds.
Parker: "Do you even realize what you're doing right now? And do you really think she'll agree to that"
I waved my hand confidently.
Mia : "Of course she won't say yes if I ask directly."
He sighed like he already knew where this was going.
Parker: "Then how exactly is your plan supposed to work?"
I grinned.
Mia : "Simple. If Nova asks her for help, she won't refuse."
Parker rubbed his forehead.
Parker: "Sometimes I wonder if you're a genius... or just dangerously dramatic."
Just then Luna walked into the hall and looked at both of us curiously.
Luna: "Why do you both look like you're planning a crime"
I immediately pulled her closer and explained the whole plan.
Her eyes lit up instantly.
Luna: "Wow, Mom! You're brilliant!"
Then she clapped once like she had just watched a movie twist.
Luna: "Alright, I'm going out with my friends. You two continue your secret love mission."
She winked and walked toward the door.
Parker shook his head helplessly while I folded my arms proudly.
Because one way or another...
Those two stubborn people were going to face their feelings today.
Minnie POV
I was zoning out at my desk, my mind still wandering back to Will and whether he was really okay, when I suddenly heard Nova's voice.
I looked up.
Nova: "Minnie, I need your help!"
I blinked. Me: "What is it?"
Nova held up a file.
Nova: "Actually, Will forgot an important contract file that he needs to sign. Since he's not feeling well, he went home. Could you take this to his house and give it to him? I have a meeting with the office staff, so I can't go."
I hesitated for a moment, thinking.
Then I nodded slowly.
Minnie: "Okay... I'll take it."
I packed my things, took the file Nova gave me, and stood up. Just as I was about to leave, I suddenly realized something.
I didn't know Will's house address.
I turned back to Nova.
Minnie : "Can you send me the address?"
He quickly shared the location with me. I thanked him and walked out of the office building, booking a cab on my phone.
After about five minutes, the cab arrived.
The driver looked at me through the mirror and greeted me with a smile.
Driver: "Bonjour! Bonne soirée! Quel endroit tu veux aller?"
(Hello! Good evening! Where do you want to go?)
I smiled nervously. My French was still very basic. Trying my best to pronounce the words correctly, I replied hesitantly.
Minnie: "Je... je partage l'emplacement avec toi." (I'll share the location with you.)
The driver nodded when he saw the location on the app and started driving.
I quietly let out a relieved breath.
French is really difficult...
In this city, very few people spoke English, so I had started learning French little by little.
After some time, the cab stopped.
I paid the driver and stepped out. When I turned toward the house in front of me, my mouth slowly opened in shock.
The place was huge.
A beautiful, grand house stood in front of me like something from a movie.
"Wow..." I whispered under my breath.
Suddenly I felt a little nervous.
Why am I nervous...? I'm just delivering a file. I Taking a deep breath, I walked toward the entrance door and raised my hand to knock.
But before I could knock, the door suddenly opened.
I widened my eyes.
It was Will's mother.
Mia: "Oh! Minnie, is that you? How are you, dear? Come inside!"
Her warm smile immediately made me feel comfortable.
I smiled back and gave her a quick hug before stepping inside the house.
I looked at Aunty with curiosity.
Minnie : "Aunty, are you going out?"
Mia: "Yes, dear. We have an important dinner meeting to attend, so we're about to leave."
She paused for a moment, as if she suddenly remembered something. Then she looked at me again, her expression thoughtful.
Mia: "Ah, Minnie... since you're here, you already know that Will isn't feeling well. Why don't you take care of him for today?"
She spoke gently, but I could see a little worry in her eyes.
Mia: "I know this is a lot to ask, and I wouldn't normally trouble you like this. But I really can't cancel tonight's meeting, and I don't want to leave Will alone while he's sick. So... could you stay with him for a while?"
For a moment, I completely froze.
My heart started beating faster.
One part of me wanted to say yes immediately... but another part of me wanted to refuse and run away from this situation.
I had been trying so hard to keep my distance from Will.
But somehow... I kept ending up near him again.
Aunty was watching me carefully, waiting for my answer. I could see the worry on her face, which made it even harder for me to refuse.
I let out a quiet sigh and nodded slowly.
Minnie : "Okay... I'll stay."
Her face immediately brightened.
Mia: "Thank you, dear."
She hugged me warmly, and I awkwardly hugged her back.
Just then, Uncle Parker walked into the hall.
Parker: "Oh! Minnie, you're here?"
I looked at him, slightly confused.
Did he already know I was coming here?
I opened my mouth to ask, but before I could speak, Aunty quickly interrupted.
Mia: "Dear, it's getting late. We should leave now."
Then she turned back to me.
Mia: "Minnie, take care of Will, okay? If he needs anything, the medicine table is in the kitchen."
I nodded.
Me: "Okay, Aunty."
A few moments later, they both left the house.
The front door closed, and the house suddenly became quiet.
I stood there for a second, staring at the door before slowly rolling my eyes and shaking my head.
Why does this keep happening to me?
I had been trying to stay away from WilI... to keep a safe distance from him and from everything I was feeling.
But somehow, every single time...
I ended up right beside him again.
My heart suddenly started beating nervously.
What if I say something wrong...? What if things become awkward..
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Author Note
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