For months, I avoided stepping foot into the company building.
Not because I didn't want to work we co-owned the damn business. But working beside Win, under his constant surveillance, had become unbearable. Every time a male staff member smiled at me too long, every time someone leaned over my desk for a moment too close, Win would barge in with a forced smile and a list of made-up tasks to drag me away.
I grew tired. So I disappeared. Left Win to handle the empire his father built an empire my mother and his had helped expand. I chose silence over confrontation. Distance over arguments.
Next morning.
The bed felt strangely warm beside me when I moved Win was no longer there.
He'd woken up early. I barely noticed when he slipped out. But a short while later, the door creaked open again.
He walked back in fully dressed in a navy-blue three-piece suit, the kind that made him look elusive. His white shirt was crisp, his tie straight, hair slicked back with not a strand out of place. Cufflinks shimmered like quiet warnings on his wrists.
He looked like he belonged in a boardroom, not in the bedroom he'd shared with me the night before.
"Morning," he said simply, as if sleeping beside me hadn't meant anything at all.
The ChengTech merger needs both our signatures. They specifically requested you. We need to present a united front.
I didn't argue. Maybe it was time I showed my face again.
By 10 a.m., I was walking beside him through the lobby of Zeiwin Corp, the company both our names were tied to. Win had taken over as CEO. I was still Vice President, but more silent partner than an active leader these days.
People stared as we passed the way they always did. Win's presence was intimidating, flawless. Mine, I'd been told, was more gentle. Accessible.
When we reached the 24th floor, I peeled away from him and went to my old office. It was just as I left it organized but untouched, like a glass box waiting for someone to break the seal.
A knock came not long after. I looked up and smiled.
Mr King, welcome back. I'm Than new to the legal team. I've been asked to review the ChengTech contracts with you.
He was young probably a fresh graduate. Soft features, sharp suit, dimples when he smiled. I liked his energy friendly, eager, and normal.
We sat together on the couch, papers spread across the table, our conversation flowing easily. I even laughed once a real laugh I hadn't heard from myself in a while.
And that was my mistake.
Because when I looked up, the door was wide open, and Win was standing there.
His expression didn't crack, but his silence was louder than a slammed door.
"I didn't know we hired models now," he said flatly, eyes locked on Than.
Than stood quickly, bowing. Sir, I was just reviewing the…
"You've reviewed enough. Get out."
Than hesitated, looking at me.
It's okay, I said softly. Thank you.
Once he left, Win walked in and closed the door behind him. The room dropped five degrees.
You looked very comfortable, he said, voice like ice. Laughing like you didn't have a disease eating your mind.
I flinched. I never knew what would trigger his venom, but lately, it took less and less.
He's just staff, I said quietly.
Exactly, he snapped. He doesn't need to be in your personal space.
He walked to the desk and picked up the ChengTech file. We'll finish this at home.
I didn't respond. I was tired. Tired of being babysat. Tired of being treated like something broken. Tired of pretending I was still the boy who believed everything he said was law.
I texted Charlotte, She didn't waste time.
By evening, we were sitting together in the private lounge of an upscale bar. She had chosen a cozy corner, away from prying eyes. She showed up in heels, red lipstick, and confidence. And beside her, my supposed savior was a woman who looked like she stepped off a movie set.
Her name was Maylada, but she told me to call her May. Long, jet-black hair framed her delicate face, and when she smiled, I could see why Charlotte had picked her.
She was stunning and more importantly, she was clever.
May slid into the booth beside me, extending her hand. She said, eyeing me playfully. You're the hopeless romantic with a possessive best friend and a dangerous secret.
That's one way to put it, I murmured, chuckling nervously.
Don't worry, she said. I've played a girlfriend more times than I can count. Win won't suspect a thing.
I swallowed hard. Let's hope not.
Charlotte leaned forward. We'll need to make it look organic. She's an influencer, so she can tag you casually in stories. You'll be seen at events. A kiss or two here and there. Just enough to make Win back off.
You don't have to do this, I told May quietly. If it's too messy.
Are you kidding? She grinned. This sounds like the juiciest drama I've ever been cast in.
And just like that, the plan was sealed.
The next night, we executed it.
I brought May home.
Win had texted earlier, saying he'd be home late, so I assumed I had time. But just as May and I were stepping out of the car, the front door opened.
There he was.
Still in his suit. No tie. Collar loose. Jaw tight.
His gaze fell on me.
Then dropped to the woman holding my arm.
You're early, I said, pretending nothing about this was strange.
So are you, he replied coolly, walking down the steps with quiet, calculated steps. And… who's this?
May didn't flinch. She stepped forward, extended her hand with confidence, and smiled like a practiced politician.
Hi. I'm May. King's girlfriend.
His eyes narrowed. He didn't take her hand.
"Since when?" he asked.
For a few weeks, We wanted to wait before saying anything. Charlotte introduced us.
He said nothing.
Instead, he looked at me with unreadable eyes. Then turned to May.
I didn't realize King had started dating. I thought he was still… recovering.
May gave a sweet laugh, stepping closer to me.
Oh, we've done plenty of recovering together.
That earned her a long, cold look.
Well, he said finally, I hope you're not just another distraction.
I'm exactly what he needs, May replied smoothly. Someone who doesn't think he's broken.
Silence.
Then Win forced a smile. The kind that didn't reach his eyes.
Make yourselves comfortable.
He turned around and walked inside, his polished shoes clicking sharply against the tiles.
Once we were alone, I felt my heart start beating again.
"He doesn't like me," May whispered.
He doesn't like anyone who stands between me and him, I replied.
Good, she smirked. That means I'm doing it right.
Later that night, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, with the scene still playing in my head.
Win hadn't said another word.
No knocking on my door. No checking in. No lectures about therapists.
But the silence was worse than the scolding.
Because now, I had done something he couldn't control.
And deep down, I knew Win wouldn't let that stand for long.