I didn't expect him to call me.
So when my desk phone rang and the receptionist said, "The CEO wants to see you," I honestly thought she had the wrong person.
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Yes."
That was all she said.
I stood up slowly, trying not to look nervous even though my stomach felt tight. People around me avoided my eyes. No one looked surprised for me. They just looked relieved it wasn't them.
He was already in the elevator when I got there. He didn't greet me. Just pressed the button for the top floor.
The ride was quiet. Not awkward. Just quiet.
When we got to his office, he went in first and sat down behind his desk. I stayed standing until he spoke.
"Sit."
I sat.
He opened a file. My file. I knew because my name was on it.
"You made a mistake yesterday," he said without looking up.
"I know."
"You apologized."
"Yes."
He flipped a page. "I don't care about apologies."
That didn't surprise me.
"What I care about is whether you repeat mistakes."
"I won't."
He finally looked at me then. Not in a friendly way. More like he was checking if I meant it.
"You work late," he said.
"Yes."
"You don't socialize."
"No."
"You don't flirt."
That one caught me off guard.
"No, sir."
"Good."
He closed the file.
"I don't mix work with emotions," he said. "I don't tolerate distractions. And I don't protect people who can't protect themselves."
I nodded because there was nothing else to do.
"You'll be moved to my floor," he continued. "Starting tomorrow."
My heart skipped, but I kept my face still.
"If you disappoint me," he added, "I won't warn you twice."
"Understood."
He stood up, walked past me, and opened the door.
"You can leave."
I walked out and only realized my palms were sweaty when I reached my desk.
That night, lying in bed, I didn't think about romance or feelings.
I thought about one thing only.
Working for him wasn't safe.
And I wasn't sure why that didn't scare me enough.