Maya usually returned home before 9… but tonight, she walked into the CEO suite at 10:45 p.m., exhausted, hair messy, apron still tied around her waist.
Adrian was already inside, sitting on the couch, tie half-loosened, a glass of water in his hand.
He looked up the moment he heard the door.
His eyes softened — then sharpened.
"You're late."
His voice was low. Cool. Almost jealous.
Maya blinked. "I… had extra work at the restaurant."
"Extra work?" Adrian stood up. "Or extra attention?"
She frowned. "Attention? From whom?"
He didn't answer. He just walked toward her, slow… steady… like a man trying to control something burning inside him.
"I saw your head chef talking to you outside," he said quietly. "He stood too close. And you smiled at him."
"Oh God…" Maya facepalmed. "Adrian, he was scolding me! I burnt the caramel sauce."
Adrian froze, then coughed lightly, pretending he wasn't embarrassed.
"…Still. I didn't like it."
"You didn't like what?" she asked softly.
"That he made you smile," Adrian muttered.
Her breath caught.
That was jealousy. Pure, raw, honest jealousy — from the CEO who never showed feelings.She stepped closer. "Adrian… why are you acting like this?"
He looked away.
For the first time, he seemed unsure. Nervous. Like confessing something would break all the walls he had built.
"Maya," he said slowly, "I have rules. Boundaries. I don't like people getting involved with my life."
"And…?"
"And you break all of them."
Her heart skipped.
He took another step.
Now he was right in front of her — close enough that she could feel the warmth of his breath.
"You walk into my office, my kitchen, my mind… and I can't control it."
His voice dropped to a whisper.
"You make me feel things I'm not supposed to feel."
Maya's chest tightened.
Adrian Rivera — the man who never softened — was opening his heart.
"Adrian…" she whispered, touching his sleeve.
He didn't pull away.
Instead, he gently grabbed her wrist, careful and slow, like she was fragile.
"You're tired," he murmured. "Sit. I'll get you water."
That shocked her more than all his jealousy.
"You'll… get me water?"
He rolled his eyes slightly. "Yes. Don't push it."
But the corners of his mouth softened — a tiny smile only she ever saw.
He handed her the glass, watching her drink as if it was the most important thing in the world.
"Maya," he said quietly, "don't stay out this late. Not alone. Not tired. Not around men who—"
"Make me smile?" she teased.He glared, but his ears went red.
Yes, the CEO was blushing.
She giggled, stepping closer.
"Why do you care so much?"
He inhaled sharply.
"Because…"
A long silence.
His eyes searched hers, intense, almost desperate.
"Maya… because I—"
A knock interrupted.
Adrian's jaw tightened.
Maya jumped slightly.
"Open the door," Adrian said, voice irritated.
When Maya opened it, Emily stood there with a bright smile… and behind her, Alex.
"Surprise visit!" Emily sang.
Maya blinked.
Adrian looked like he wanted to throw Alex out of the window.
Emily walked in hugging Maya.
Alex nodded to Adrian — who did not nod back.
Great.
Now all four of them were in the same room.
Emily whispered loudly,
"So… we interrupted something?"
Maya went tomato red.
Adrian glared.
Alex smirked.
"Looks like we came at the wrong time."
Adrian's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"No. You came at the wrong life."
Emily gasped. "Oh, the CEO is jealous!"
Maya buried her face in her hands.
Adrian pulled Maya to his side — yes, actually pulled her — and said in a firm voice,
"She was talking to me. And I wasn't finished."Emily and Alex exchanged a look.
"Oh ho… things are getting spicy."
Maya whispered, "Adrian, please—"
But he leaned down, close to her ear, and whispered softly enough only she heard:
"I'm not done telling you how I feel."
Her knees nearly gave out.
Tonight…
the CEO wasn't hiding anymore.
And Maya wasn't sure her heart was ready for the confession .