The office was unusually noisy that morning. Groups of employees huddled near the coffee machine, whispering and laughing. Elena walked past, catching fragments of conversation.
"Her assistant fixed the projector like a pro," one colleague said. "I swear he could run the IT department."
Another added, "Forget IT. Did you taste his barbecue? That man belongs in a five‑star kitchen."
Elena pressed her lips together, trying not to smile. They're exaggerating… aren't they?
At her desk, she tried to focus on her report. But a colleague leaned over, grinning. "Miss Li, you're lucky. Your assistant is practically a superhero. Where did you find him?"
Elena laughed awkwardly. "He was assigned to me."
The colleague winked. "Assigned? More like hand‑picked. He's too good to be true."
Elena shook her head, amused but unsettled. Too good to be true…?
Marcus Wu was in full panic mode. He stormed into Adrian's corner, lowering his voice. "Sir, it's chaos. They're saying you're a chef, an IT expert, maybe even a secret manager. If she hears too much, she'll start connecting dots."
Adrian's tone was calm. "Rumors fade. Let them talk."
Marcus groaned, clutching his chest dramatically. "Fade? Sir, they're practically writing fanfiction about you in the break room. One intern swore you must have trained in three different careers. Another said you tied knots like a sailor. If she suspects even a little, I'm finished."
Adrian chuckled softly. "You worry too much, Marcus."
Marcus threw his hands up. "Worry? I'm living in a nightmare. You're the CEO, disguised as an assistant, and now you're a legend in the office gossip mill. I'll die of stress before this charade ends."
At lunch, Elena sat with a colleague who leaned closer, whispering. "Your assistant is impressive. He's not like the others. Honestly, he looks more like someone who should be running the place."
Elena blinked, startled. "Running the place? That's ridiculous."
Her colleague smirked. "Ridiculous? Maybe. But you should watch him. He's not ordinary."
Elena laughed, brushing it off. But inside, her thoughts churned. Not ordinary…? Why does everyone notice him so much?
Later in the afternoon, Elena struggled with a spreadsheet. She hesitated, then walked to Adrian's desk. "Could you check this formula? It's not calculating correctly."
Adrian glanced at the screen, adjusted a few details, and handed it back. "Try this. It should work now."
Elena smiled faintly. "Thank you."
He nodded politely, returning to his files. No lingering, no unnecessary words. Just quiet help.
She walked back, unsettled again. He's helpful, but distant. And everyone else sees him as extraordinary. Why don't I know more about him?
By evening, the office emptied. Elena gathered her things, stepping outside into the cool air. She walked down the quiet road, her thoughts heavy with the day's whispers.
A car slowed beside her. The window rolled down, and Adrian's voice called gently, "Miss Li. It's late. Let me take you home."
She blinked, startled. "You again?"
He smiled faintly. "I finished my work. I saw you walking alone. It's safer if I drive you."
She hesitated, then nodded. "Alright."
Inside the car, the silence was comfortable. Elena glanced at him, her voice soft. "People have been talking about you today. They think you're… too capable."
Adrian kept his eyes on the road, his tone calm. "Rumors are just words. Don't let them bother you."
Her lips curved into a small smile. "You're strange."
He chuckled softly. "Maybe. But I'll keep being strange if it means you feel safe."
Elena laughed lightly, the tension easing. "Safe and… maybe a little spoiled."
Adrian glanced at her briefly, his smile faint. "Spoiled isn't so bad."
Meanwhile, Marcus sat at his desk long after everyone had gone, muttering to himself. "Spoiled? Safe? Strange? They're practically flirting in the car while the office writes legends about him. If she ever finds out he's the CEO, I'm finished. Absolutely finished."
He buried his face in his hands. "I'll die of a heart attack before this charade ends."