Minnie POV
We reached my apartment, and Will gently stopped the car.
I unbuckled my seatbelt and turned to him with a soft smile.
"Thank you for dropping me... I'll see you tomorrow at the office." Just as I was about to open the door, he stepped out first and came around to my side, opening it for me.
For a second, I was surprised... then I smiled and stepped out.
Before I could even say anything, he pulled me into warm hug.
I melted into it instantly.
"I love you, Minnie."
Those three words, I was freze when i heard that
They weren't just words to me.
They were something I had waited for, silently, painfully... for so long.
My heart fluttered, my chest tightened, and my eyes filled with tears before I could stop them.
This moment... felt like everything I had once lost... was finally finding its way back to me.
He slowly pulled away and looked at me.
I lowered my head, trying to hide my tears.
"Minnie..." he whispered, gently placing his hand on my cheek and lifting my face.
I looked at him.
His eyes were soft... worried... filled with something I never wanted to lose again.
"What happened? Why are you crying? Did I do something wrong?" he asked, his voice full of concern.
I shook my head quickly wiped my tears and hugged him tightly again, holding onto him like I was afraid he might disappear.
"I waited for this day, Will..." I whispered against his chest.
"I don't want to lose you again..." he held me closer
"Don't worry, love..." he said softly. "I won't leave you again... and I won't even give any chance to separate us."
I slowly pulled back, my brows knitting in confusion.
"Love...?" I asked.
He smiled, a gentle warmth in his eyes.
"From now on, I'm going to call you that... my love," he said.
My heart skipped.
He had never given anyone a nickname before.
But he gave me one.
And somehow... it felt like a promise.
I smiled softly, letting that feeling settle in my heart.
He looked at me again. "Tomorrow, I'll come pick you up. Be ready."
I froze for a second before shaking my head.
"No, Will... you don't have to. I can come by myself,"
I said gently. "And... there's one more thing..."
He raised his eyebrow. "What is it?"
"For some time... let's not reveal our relationship to anyone," I said carefully.
His expression changed slightly. "Why should we hide it"
I took a breath and looked at him.
"You don't know what's happening in the office... there are already rumors about us," I said quietly. "They think you created that assistant role just for me... and some even say I... got close to you just for this position."
My voice faded by the end.
"If they find out the truth now... those rumors will only feel real."
He looked at me for a moment, then stepped closer and gently held my shoulder.
"Look at me," he said softly.
I did.
"I don't care what anyone says about us," he said firmly.
"But I care about you... and I respect what you feel."
His voice softened.
I'll wait... until the day you're ready to tell the world."
My heart felt lighter.
A small smile appeared on my lips.
"Thank you..." I whispered.
He brushed his thumb lightly against my cheek.
"Go inside, love."
I nodded and slowly turned away.
After I freshened up, I lay down on my bed, staring at the ceiling.
Suddenly, I remembered-
Mom.
It had already been three days since I last spoke to her.
I quickly took my phone and called her. She picked up within seconds. We spoke for almost an hour, and for a while, everything felt normal again.
After I cut the call, my phone rang again.
Sara.
My eyes widened.
"Oh God..." I whispered, lightly hitting my forehead. I had completely forgotten to call her back after cutting the call in the morning... because of Will.
I took a deep breath and answered.
Before I could speak-
"Bitch, did you forget about me?" Sara snapped. "Now tell me properly-what were you doing at Will' s house?"
I smiled unconsciously.
And then... I told her everything.
Every moment. Every feeling. Every word.
Even the part where he said he loved me.
When I finished-
Silence.
"Sara... are you there?" I asked softly.
"My God, Minnie..." she finally said, her voice is serious now.
"Do you even realize what you're doing?"
My smile faded slightly.
"Did you forget what he did to you?" she continued. "You were completely broken, Minnie. You left everything and moved to Paris because of that... and now you're telling me he loves you?"
Her words hit hard.
I closed my eyes for a second.
"Sara... I know," I said quietly. "I know he hurt me... and I know what I went through."
My voice softened.
"But I also know what I felt today... and I want to give him one last chance."
There was a pause.
A long one.
"Hmm..." Sara sighed. "You're impossible, you know that?"
I let out a small smile.
"I'm serious, Minnie," she said again, her tone still protective.
"I don't trust him... not easily. But I trust you."
My heart warmed.
"But listen carefully," she added, her voice turning sharp again,
"If he hurts you even a little this time-just a little-l swear I will personally come there and end him.'
I laughed softly. "Sara!"
"I'm not joking," she said. "l've already imagined ten ways."
"Okay okay," I said, smiling. "I got it..."
There was a small pause.
Then suddenly-
"So..." her tone changed completely.
I narrowed my eyes. "What...?"
She smirked through the phone. I could hear it.
"You stayed at his house... all night... hmm?"
My face turned red instantly. "Sara"
What?" she teased. "I'm just asking. You expect me to ignore that part?"
"It's not like that!"
"Yeah yeah... and I'm the CEO of your company," she replied sarcastically.
I groaned. "Nothing happened!"
"Nothing?" she repeated slowly.
"So you're telling me you just... sat at opposite corners and discussed business strategy?"
I stayed silent.
"Exactly," she said dramatically. "I knew it."
"Saraaa..." I whined.
She laughed.
"Okay fine... I won't ask details," she said. "Just one question"
"What?"
"Did he at least kiss you or did you stop him again with your excuse?"
I covered my face, even though she couldn't see me. "Oh my God..."
Her laughter echoed through the call.
"Wow, Minnie..." she said playfully. "Look at you... blushing through the phone. I don't even need video call to confirm this."
"Stop it..."
"Hmm..." she hummed. "Be careful though... you're already falling again."
My smile softened.
"...I know."
She went quiet for a second
Then gently she said "But this time... don't lose yourself, okay?"
"I won't," I whispered.
"And Minnie..." she added softly.
"Hmm?"
"I'm happy... if you're happy."
My heart felt full.
"Thank you, Sara..."
"Okay okay," she quickly changed tone again. "Now go sleep... and dream about your 'lover boy'."
"Sara!"
She laughed.
"Good night, idiot."
"Good night"
The next morning...
I stood in front of the mirror, fixing my hair for the third time.
"Why am I so nervous..." I whispered to myself.
Before I could overthink more, my phone buzzed.
Will: "I'm outside."
My heart skipped.
I took a deep breath, grabbed my bag, and rushed downstairs.
As soon as I stepped out of the apartment-
I saw him.
He Leaning casually against his car, looking... unfairly perfect for a second, I just stood there.
He noticed me and smiled.
That smile alone was enough to mess up my calm.
I walked toward him, trying to act normal.
"Good morning," I said.
"Morning... love," he replied softly.
I quickly looked around. "WilI... we're outside..."
He smirked slightly.
"Relax... no one's watching."
Before I could react, he opened the car door for me again.
I shook my head, smiling. "You're doing this on purpose, right?"
"Maybe," he said casually.
I got in, trying to ignore how fast my heart was beating.
The drive was quiet... but not uncomfortable.
His hand rested on the gear... mine on my lap.
At one point-
His fingers brushed mine.
I froze.
He didn't look at me.
But he didn't move away either.
Slowly... he intertwined his fingers with mine.
I looked at him.
He was still focused on the road, like nothing happened.
"WilI..." I whispered.
"Hm?"
We're going to the office..."
"I know."
"Then...?"
He smiled slightly.
"Then act normal." I turned my face away, trying to hide my smile
We reached the office, and Will parked his car in the parking lot.
Before he could come around and open the door for me, I quickly got out on my own.
If he did that here too... people would definitely start writing our love story themselves.
We walked inside together.
And that's when I noticed it.
Everyone... was looking at us.
Some employees greeted him, "Good morning, sir."
I was about to walk ahead as usual-
But then-
"Good morning," Will replied.
I stopped for a second
Wait... what?
I slowly turned and looked at him.
He... responded?
Normally, he would just walk past them like they didn't exist.
But today-
He was actually greeting people back.
I wasn't the only one shocked.
The employees themselves looked confused, like they were checking if this was the same person.
One of them even looked behind, probably thinking another "Will" entered the building.
I bit my lip, trying not to laugh.
"Wow..." I whispered to myself. "Love really changed this man"
We continued walking.
He went toward his cabin.
I went to my desk.
The moment I sat down-
I felt someone staring at me.
I slowly looked up.
Nova.
Already waiting.
Already suspicious.
I sighed and sat properly.
"Ahh... Minnie..." he said dramatically, leaning back in his chair.
"I think Will is fully recovered."
I raised an eyebrow.
"And based on his mood today..." he continued, smirking,
"I think aunty's plan was a grand success, right?"
I tried to stay calm.
"Nova..." I said, narrowing my eyes. "You were also part of aunty's plan, weren't you?"
He immediately raised both hands. "Okay okay! Don't look at me like that!"
"Novaaa..." I said in fake anger.
"I'm sorry!" he said quickly. "But I needed you both to be happy... this was for a good cause!"
I tried to stay serious for a second.
Failed.
A smile slowly appeared on my face.
"Fine..." I said. "Your plan worked"
He grinned proudly.
"Of course it did. I should start a relationship consultancy."
I rolled my eyes. "Don't get overconfident."
Then I leaned slightly closer and lowered my voice.
"But don't tell anyone... okay?"
He made a zipper motion across his lips. "Secret locked."
Then after a second-
He leaned closer again and whispered, "So... What you guys did yesterday night?"
My face turned red instantly.
"Nova"
He laughed.
"Relax, Minnie... I'm just confirming the success rate of the plan.
I shook my head, trying not to smile.
"Idiot"
Will got a call and completely ignored me, attending it seriously.
I quietly went back to my seat and started working.
After a few minutes-
"OMG MINNIE!!!"
I jumped in shock and looked at Nova. "What?!"
"Come... come fast... we need to go to our boss," he said dramatically.
For a second, I panicked. Did I do something wrong?
I quickly followed him to Will's cabin.
As soon as we entered, Nova started excitedly
"Will! One happy news!"
I relaxed a little.
"Finally... we bought the 'Sky Wings' modeling company," Nova said proudly.
I looked at Will.
"That's good news, Nova," Will said calmly. "Did he sign the agreement?"
"Actually... no," Nova scratched his head. "We need to add some points. He said he'll sign when he meets you."
I noticed Will's expression changed slightly.
"Prepare the agreement and give him an appointment," he said in a cold tone.
Nova nodded immediately.
We both turned to leave-
"Nova."
We stopped and looked back.
"You can leave. I need to talk to Minnie," Will said
Nova blinked.
"But Will... I need help to prepare-"
"Nova. Leave," he said again, colder this time.
Nova looked at me suspiciously, then at WilI... and slowly nodded.
"Okay... I'm leaving..." he said, dragging the words, clearly sensing something.
As soon as he left and the door closed-
I turned toward Will.
Before I could even ask-
He walked straight to me, smiled, and suddenly kissed me quickly on my lips.
My eyes widened.
My face instantly turned pink.
"Will-!" I whispered, completely flustered.
He pulled me into a hug.
"Mr. Will... we're in the office... what are you doing?" I said, trying to act serious.
He sighed softly but didn't let go.
"I'm just hugging my life for a moment... I'm really happy," he said, tightening his arms around me.
I almost lost my breath.
"WilI... I can't breathe..." I tapped his back.
He laughed softly and loosened his hold.
I looked at him, still embarrassed. "Will... told Nova about our relationship"
"Okay" he said casually.
I noted and said "If you're done... can I go now?" I asked quickly, trying to escape.
He smirked slightly.
"Actually... I'm not done with you."
My heart skipped.
"I need more from you."
My cheeks heated again. "W-what do you want?" I asked hesitantly.
He gently placed his hand on my cheek and leaned closer.
I froze... but didn't move away.
I closed my eyes slightly-
Suddenly-
Knock knock!!
I immediately opened my eyes and tried to step back.
"Will... someone is knocking," I whispered nervously.
He didn't care.
Before I could move, he kissed me lightly again.
This time...
I didn't stop him.
And I slowly responded.
The knock got louder-
Before we could react-
The door opened forcefully.
I quickly pushed Will and turned.
Nova.
"Oh my God-SORRY! I didn't know you guys were" he froze mid-sentence.
I didn't even wait.
I ran out of the cabin, my face burning with embarrassment.
I sat at my desk, trying to act normal, but my heart was still racing.
Will POV
The moment Minnie ran out of the cabin, I leaned back in my chair and let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
A small smile stayed on my lips.
"...Idiot," I muttered softly.
"Yeah... you are."
I looked up.
Nova was still there, leaning against the door like he owned the place, arms crossed and grinning like he just watched a full movie.
"How long were you standing there?" I asked.
He shrugged casually.
"Long enough to realize my best friend is no longer the same cold-hearted CEO."
"Get out," I said, but there was no real anger in it.
Instead, he walked in and sat in front of me
"No way. I waited years for this scene. I'm not missing it."
I sighed. "Nova..."
"What?" he leaned forward. "You? Kissing in office? Same Will who used to say 'feelings are distractions'?"
I smirked slightly. "People change."
He nodded dramatically. "Yeah... especially when Minnie is involved."
That made me pause.
For a second, I didn't respond.
He noticed.
And his expression softened just a little.
"Hey..." he said quietly, "You okay"
I looked at him.
Out of everyone... he knew me the longest.
He knew what I lost.
What I went through.
"...Yeah," I said honestly. "I am."
He studied my face for a moment... then smiled.
"Good. Because earlier, you were unbearable."
I scoffed. "Excuse me?"
"No seriously," he laughed. "Grumpy, angry, work-machine... I missed this version of you."
I leaned back, crossing my arms.
"This version?"
He pointed at me.
"The one who smiles like an idiot after someone runs out of your cabin."
I shook my head, trying not to smile again.
"Shut up."
"Never," he said proudly.
There was a small silence.
Comfortable.
Like always.
Then-
"You really love her, don't you?" he asked.
I didn't even think.
"...Yeah."
That one word was enough.
He nodded slowly, like he expected that from me.
"She's different for you," he added.
I looked toward the door where Minnie left.
"She always was," I said quietly. "I just... took too long to understand it."
He didn't interrupt.
Just listened.
"I almost lost her once." I continued. "I'm not making that mistake again."
Nova leaned back, exhaling slowly.
"Good." he said.
Then suddenly-
His grin came back.
"But seriously... office, bro?"
I closed my eyes. "Nova..."
"At least lock the door! Bro " he laughed. "I walked in like it's a normal day and boom-live romance scene".
"Get out," I repeated.
"Okay okay," he raised his hands. "I'm leaving... but one last thing."
I looked at him.
"If you break her heart again..." he paused dramatically,
"I won't warn you."
I raised an eyebrow.
"I'll just beat you first... then talk," he said casually.
I smirked. "Try."
He laughed
Then his expression softened again.
"I'm happy for you, Will...." he said, his voice genuine now.
"Both of you deserve this."
That hit deeper than all his jokes.
I nodded slightly.
"Thanks.'
He stood up and walked toward the door.
Then stopped.
Turned back.
"And hey..." he added with a smirk,
"next time... give me a heads-up. I'll bring popcorn."
"Get out"
"Okay okay, I'm going!"
He laughed and walked out.
I leaned back in my chair again.
Still smiling.
Because for the first time in a long time-
Everything felt right.
______________________________________
Author Note
Hello my dear readers, sorry for the late update… I got kidnapped by my responsibilities and just escaped 😭
I hope you like this chapter. Please don't forget to vote and support 😌✨ ❤️😀🤠