Chapter 19

Next Monday morning, Ashley woke up early, took a bath, and prepared herself for school and work. Today was the first day she would be working as Eric's P.A. She was filled with nervousness as she dressed in professional attire and double-checked that she had all the necessary documents and supplies for her new role.

Remembering that she will have to pick Eric dress and she's already late, she took her bag and pack all necessary document then head to Eric room, her heart was pounding heavily, causing her to slam the door open without knocking. Eric, sitting on the couch in his mini parlor, had his legs crossed and was staring intently at Ashley, who was panting heavily. "You're late," he said coldly.

"I'm sorry, boss," she replied, breathless. "What should we do? We're already late. I'll go shower, so you pick out my dress, tie, and shoes." He stood up. "Okay, boss."

Eric walked into the bathroom, and Ashley bit her lower lip as she looked through the clothes rack. As she searched for an outfit, memories of her and Eric flashed through her head. But she shook off the thoughts, remembering what happened in the dining room with Kimberly. She carefully chose a blue shirt and white trousers, paired with a white tie and blue shoes to create the perfect color combination.

Ashley waited patiently in the room for several minutes. Then, she heard the shower sound turn off. Eric stepped out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist and another towel draped around his neck. Shock was clearly written on his face as he spotted Ashley in the bedroom. Ashley nervously gulped, realizing she had forgotten that she should have left after choosing the outfit, "I... Should... Leave," Ashley cleared her throat and exited the room, gently shutting the door behind her. She let out a breath she had been hiding; she didn't want to see Eric like that, not now. While still lost in her thoughts, her mind replayed the image of Eric's well-defined abs she had glimpsed. He had clearly built up his physique over the years and it was undeniably enticing. No wonder Kimberly was so obsessed with him. Shaking the thought away, Ashley reminded herself of her commitment to maintaining a professional relationship with Eric. She refused to let her emotions interfere with their dynamic.

Meanwhile, in the room, Eric couldn't help but grin as he looked at his reflection in the mirror. He pondered if Ashley had noticed his impressively chiseled abs—the very same abs that drove his female fans wild. "She's bound to be smitten by this," he chuckled, his hand gently caressing his abdomen. However, a reminder of their impending work snapped him back to reality. Realizing he had spent enough time admiring himself, Eric swiftly shifted his focus to getting dressed. They had a busy day ahead, and he couldn't afford to keep Ashley waiting. He wore his blue shirt and white trouser and blue shoe and it's time for him to button up his shirt and wore his tie he call out for Ashley and she walk in staying professional "yes boss" she said Eric is not comfortable with the way she called him boss but there is nothing he could do about it at the moment he didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable "yes, help me button up" he said, Ashley throw him weird glances can't he button up himself? She thought but she has decided to remain humble to be able to keep her emotions She proceeded to button up his shirt as requested. Eric's body couldn't help but tense up at her every touch. He gazed down at her smooth jawline and couldn't help but wonder how she had turned out to be so beautiful over the years. But why was she pretending not to know him? And why did she always wear a smug look whenever she was with him? He found himself imagining a romantic scene with her. In his daydream, he was wrapping his arm around her waist as she buttoned up his shirt and she smiled at him blissfully, calling him "baby." However, he failed to realize that she had already finished buttoning up his shirt and had been trying to get his attention by calling him "boss" several times. She snapped him out of his daze, and Eric flinched, finally awakening from his reverie. "Ye... Yes?" he stammered, feeling embarrassed and caught off guard.

"Am done" she said, Eric gaze down at his shirt and realize that she's actually done "oh..." When she look back at her she had already taken five steps back maintaining the distance, Eric draw in a sharp breath confuse but he didn't want to think of anything further he straighten up and walk away as Ashley follow behind.