My Boss, My Ex
Chapter 1
First day at her new job. She didn’t expect to find him sitting behind the CEO’s desk.
Adrian
You look like you’re about to cry.
Hazel
I’m fine. Just… first day nerves.
Adrian
Didn’t expect you to walk in though.
Hazel
Trust me, I didn’t either.
He was standing close enough that she could smell his cologne. For a second, it felt like two years hadn’t passed at all.
Hazel
Is there anything I can help you with, sir?
Adrian
I know this is... unexpected.
Adrian
Seeing me here, I mean.
Adrian
And I know I don’t deserve your time after everything.
Adrian
But seeing you today—on my first day back—it feels like fate’s giving me another chance.
Hazel
The past won’t affect my work, Mr. Hale.
Hazel
So if you’re asking—yes, I’m fine.
Hazel
More than fine, actually.
Adrian
But “better” doesn’t always mean “healed,” does it?
Hazel
You don’t get to analyze me anymore.
Adrian
Still... I can see it in your eyes.
Adrian
You had to get tough to survive what I did.
And I hate that.
Hazel
I’m not your guilt project.
Adrian
I didn’t mean it like that.
Adrian
If the past won’t affect our work, maybe we could at least be civil?
Adrian
Not as CEO and employee.
Adrian
Just... two people who once mattered to each other.
Hazel
I don’t think I can do that.
Hazel
No matter what happened between us…
Hazel
An employee shouldn’t meet privately with their CEO.
Hazel
I hope you understand.
Hazel
(…Besides, I’ve seen enough to know I need distance.)
Adrian
Professional boundaries. I shouldn’t blur them. Especially with you.
Adrian
Just so you know… I won’t cross a line without your permission. Not again.
Adrian
Still… if one day you do feel ready...
Adrian
Not as CEO and employee.
Adrian
Just… as Adrian and Hazel.
Adrian
I’ll be here. No pressure. Just hope.
Hazel
For now, consider me your employee. And that’s all.
Chapter 2
At the hotel, Hazel was adjusting tablecloths and checking documents. The venue was almost ready for the charity event.
Hazel
(It’s been a busy few months… the charity event keeps me running late every night.)
Adrian
You’ve been working too hard. Have you even had a proper break?
Hazel
Rest? I’ll rest when I need to, sir…
She smiled while flipping through papers, masking how tired she was.
Adrian
That’s not what I asked.
Adrian
You haven’t taken a proper break in weeks.
Adrian
You’re running on empty.
Hazel
I like it, haha. It’s… enjoyable.
Adrian
You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your wellbeing to feel fulfilled.
Adrian
Working yourself to the bone isn’t healthy.
Have you even looked in a mirror lately?
Adrian
You’re burning out…
Hazel
I’ll look good for the event, don’t worry.
She gave a quick nod and went back to organizing other things—the event was in two days.
Adrian
…Same determination as when she first started. Never slowing down, even then.
He watched her go, heart tightening, remembering the first file she submitted six months ago—painstakingly detailed, already giving everything she had. And here she was again, pushing herself harder than ever.
Later, on the way home, Hazel stopped at a small, cozy pub. Sat for a while, listening to jazz and sipping a beer, letting herself unwind after weeks of long nights.
The pub was quiet except for soft jazz humming in the background. Hazel sat at the bar, shoulders finally relaxing—until someone took the seat beside her.
Adrian
You’re going to kill yourself before the gala even happens, Hazel.
Adrian
No one’s asking that of you.
Hazel
I won’t die that easily.
Adrian
You will if you keep pushing yourself like this!
Adrian
You’re doing everything but taking care of yourself.
Adrian
You’re working yourself to the bone—for what?
Adrian
A pat on the back from people who won’t even remember your name next week?
Hazel
I love it, actually.
Hazel
When I’m busy, I don’t have time to think.
Adrian
To think about what?
Hazel
Things that don’t matter anymore.
Chapter 3
Adrian
Morning. Did you sleep at all last night?
Hazel
A little. Not enough, but I’m fine.
Adrian
You never are “fine” when you push yourself like this.
Hazel
I said I’m fine. Please Focus on your work, sir.
Hazel’s fingers hovered over the keyboard, fatigue lining her movements.
She sipped her coffee, trying not to think about last night’s jazz and beer—her only escape.
Adrian
…Hazel. I’m serious. You can’t keep doing this.
Hazel
I can. I like being busy. It keeps me… sane.
Hazel
We’re missing the centerpiece deliveries for the main hall. Can anyone track them?
Adrian
I can help. Or… do you want to handle this?
Hazel
I’ve got it. Thanks.
Adrian watched from across the room, noticing the dark circles under her eyes. Her dedication was impressive—and worrying.
Hazel walked into the gala
She greeted guests, chatting with important people. Everything seemed perfect—the gala was a success, and she’d done her job.
Finally, she slipped out the hotel to get a moment of fresh air and a cigarette.
Hazel
At least my part is done… now I can finally relax.
She leaned against the wall, inhaling deeply, letting the smoke trail into the night.
Adrian appeared silently beside her, hands in pockets, casual in jeans and a button-down. He watched her without saying anything at first.
Adrian
You’re still smoking
Adrian
Those will kill you, you know.
Hazel
This is a celebration… my work is done.
Adrian
Then celebrate properly.
He pulled a small silver flask from his jacket and handed it to her, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Adrian
Tequila. Smuggled it myself. Boss privilege.
Just… don’t tell the board.
She took it, sipping. The warmth hit her, calming her just enough.
Hazel
Feels like coming back to life…
Hazel
You should go back inside. You’re the face of our company.
Adrian
I’m not the face tonight.
He took the flask back, their fingers brushing just long enough to feel it.
Adrian
I’ve watched you all night.
Adrian
You weren’t just organizing—you were glowing.
Adrian
They didn’t come for me. They stayed because of you.
He leaned slightly closer, breath brushing her ear
Adrian
Let me stay out here… just a little longer. With you.
Hazel
You shouldn’t be here. Someone might see.
Adrian
Too long I’ve worried about appearances. Tonight, it’s just you and me.
Hazel
…Then let’s just pretend this is nothing.
Hazel
Two people coincidentally outside at the same time.
Adrian
If that’s the only way I can be near you, I’ll take it.
He smiled faintly—half bitter, half tender. The music from inside floated softly to the street, making the night feel both quiet and heavy.
Adrian
Soon I have to go back inside.
He handed the flask back one last time.
Adrian
Thanks for the company. You make even silence feel alive.
He went back inside, leaving Hazel alone under the streetlights. She stared at the half-smoked cigarette in her hand. It burned out before she noticed.
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