An Unexpected Morning
It was 6 in the morning.
Anya had woken up unusually early today. Before Zain could even open his eyes, she had already cleaned the entire house. The floor shone, the furniture was dust-free, and the kitchen smelled of warm butter and milk. She placed the breakfast neatly on the dining table—milkshake and buttered bread.
Without waiting for Zain, she quickly picked up her bag, slipped on her shoes, and stepped outsid
Zain finally woke up, took a shower, and wore his dark blue suit with a black shirt underneath. His polished black shoes clicked against the floor as he walked out of his room.
The sight surprised him—the house was spotless, everything perfectly arranged. On the dining table, breakfast was waiting.
Beside it, a note:
"I've finished all the house chores and made breakfast. I'm leaving for the office. Please eat properly – Anya :)"
For a moment, a rare smile tugged at his lips at the little doodled smiley. But soon it faded, bitterness clouding his expression.
"Am I really so bad… that she doesn't even want to have breakfast with me anymore? I was going to apologize for yesterday… but she left
Anya arrived earlier than usual. The receptionist nearly jumped.
"Anya, today you broke your own record of coming late!"
Anya gave a small smile. "Yes, I did."
She entered the employee department. Only two desks were free, and Hanami was already working. Anya quietly placed her bag and sat down.
Hanami looked up, shocked.
"Am I dreaming? Miss Lu came early today!"
Anya laughed softly, flicking Hanami's hand.
"No, my friend, this isn't a dream. It's reality. I finished all my work at home today."
Hanami leaned closer, eyes twinkling.
"Since we both came early, why don't we go out for drinks tonight? Let's call Kaiya too—it's been ages since the three of us hung out!"
Anya hesitated. If I go drinking and return home late… that heartless man might… She shook the thought away.
"I can't drink. But how about a café instead?"
Hanami pouted, then smiled. "Okay, whatever you say."
Just then Xiaa entered. Spotting Anya, she blinked and rushed over.
"Anya? Is that really you?"
Anya brushed her hair back with a playful smile. "Yes, it's me."
Xiaa gasped dramatically. "Today, you came earlier than me too!"
Anya chuckled. "Yes."
The three friends exchanged little smiles as the department slowly filled with people
Back at home, Zain ate breakfast in silence, muttering to himself.
"Today I'll load her with so much work that she won't even have the time to think about anything else."
He finished, washed his dishes, grabbed his bag, and stepped outside. Sliding into his car, he drove to the office.
When he arrived, he stepped out in a dramatic, almost cinematic way. Tiang was waiting near the entrance.
"Why are you so quiet today?" Tiang asked.
"Nothing," Zain replied coldly, adjusting his coat buttons.
Employees bowed as they entered. "Good morning, sir."
Zain ignored them. Tiang gave a polite nod.
Whispers followed them:
"Wow, the CEO and VP together… I might faint!"
"Me too!"
Ignoring them, they walked into the employee department. Immediately, everyone stood.
Anya rose too, gaze fixed on the floor. But Zain's eyes didn't leave her.
He stopped right in front of her, voice sharp.
"Miss Su. Come to my cabin. Now."
Her heart pounded. "Yes, Boss," she whispered.
Hanami gave Tiang a questioning look. He shrugged. "I don't know."
Does this man not know how to pass even a single day without scolding me? Anya clenched her fists
Scene: Zain's Cabin
Knock.
"Boss, may I come in?"
Zain closed the laptop where he had just been watching the office footage. "Yes."
Anya stepped in, hands nervously clasped in front of her like a child.
"Sit," Zain ordered.
She obeyed, her eyes lowered.
"Boss, why did you call me?"
Zain leaned forward, bracing his hands on either side of her chair. His face came dangerously close.
"Mrs. Yan… you came to the office early today."
Anya's throat went dry. She nodded, avoiding his eyes.
"Did you have breakfast?" His tone softened.
"Yes, sir."
For a moment, his voice grew gentle. "I'm sorry for yesterday. I didn't know you were locked in the washroom. I already taught those two girls a lesson. Next time, tell me directly if something happens."
Anya blinked, surprised. "How did you find out?"
"I always find out," Zain said firmly, straightening.
Then, cold again, he dropped five files in front of her.
"Make copies of all of these and mail them to me."
Anya frowned. "But sir, I have to go somewhere today."
"Where?" His voice hardened.
"That… I don't have to tell you," Anya dared.
Zain's jaw tightened. He gripped her shoulder harshly.
"What is it that you're hiding from me? Going to meet another guy?" His eyes flickered to her lips.
Anya shoved his hand away, furious. "Think whatever you want!" Snatching the files, she stormed out.
This man… this wolf… what does he even want from me?
Hanami looked up. "Anya, what happened?"
"Boss gave me extra work again," Anya sighed.
Hanami frowned, grabbing two files. "You won't make it today… don't worry, I'll help you."
Anya blinked in surprise. "Really?"
"Of course," Hanami smiled.
Xiaa quickly picked up two more files. "I'll help too."
A warmth filled Anya's chest. "Okay… just make copies of these reports and email them to the boss."
The three of them worked together. Hours passed, and finally, by 4 p.m., everything was done.
Hanami stretched. "Phew… done! Now you can come with us, right Anya?"
Anya grinned. "Yes! Now I have no excuse."
She quickly typed a message to Zain:
'I'm going out to a café with my friends. I've sent you all the copies.'
A reply buzzed instantly.
Zain: 'Alright. Go carefully. And don't lock yourself in the washroom again.'
Anya's cheeks flushed with irritation. She typed back an angry emoji and tossed her phone aside.
What does he think of himself?!
Meanwhile, in his cabin, Zain smirked faintly at her emoji. This girl is crazy…
Tiang walked in. "What's so funny? Reading jokes on your phone?"
Zain quickly locked the screen. "Nothing."
Hanami slung her bag over her shoulder. "Are you coming with us, Xiaa?"
Xiaa shook her head shyly. "No… I'll be having dinner with my sister today."
Anya and Hanami exchanged teasing glances.
"Ohhh, enjoy your tea party, girl!"
Xiaa giggled.
Anya smirked. "Wow, since when did you start speaking English so well?"
Xiaa winked playfully. "I learned from my sister."
Both Anya and Hanami clapped their hands dramatically. "Nice, Xiaa!"
Xiaa waved. "Bye, girls! Have fun!"
"Bye! Enjoy your dinner!" they chorused.
Just as Anya zipped her bag, her phone buzzed again. Kaiya's name flashed.
"Hey, did you reach?" Anya asked.
Kaiya's cheerful voice came through. "Yeah, I'm already here. Where are you two? I'm waiting at Moonstar Café."
Anya smiled. "We're on our way. Just wait a little longer."
Outside, she and Hanami grabbed a taxi and set off toward the café, laughter filling the car.