Look, I was just a regular marketing whiz trying to make rent, until I humiliated myself in front of him.

Roman Valentus. Billionaire CEO, pure perfection, and unfortunately, my new boss.

Brooding? Check. Intimidating? Oh, absolutely. Likely to fire me on the spot? Let’s just say the odds weren’t in my favor.

But instead of getting my walking papers, I end up working closely with him on the biggest marketing campaign of my career. We clash. We argue. But somehow, between the late nights and lingering stares, he falls. We fall—fucking hard.

But love isn’t just stolen glances and ear biting. Our pasts are waiting to ruin everything. And with a man like Roman? Falling might be easy… but surviving it? That’s another story.

Just when I start thinking this might be more than just workplace crush, the past comes knocking—his, mine, and the kind that doesn’t take no for an answer. Because love is fun and all, but apparently, so is self-destruction.

So, the real question is: can I survive loving a man like Roman Valentus… and can he survive loving me back?

"Mr. Jeong, the boss wishes to see you," my coworker announced, a hint of urgency in her voice. Oh shit. The boss? Why would the boss want to see me? Has something gone wrong with my work? A million thoughts raced through my mind, each one intensifying my anxiety. Determined to face the inevitable meeting head-on, I quickly straightened my posture and mustered the courage to make my way toward the elevator. The click of my non-slip shoes echoed in the empty hallway as I hurriedly scurried toward the waiting metallic doors.

Once inside the elevator, my heart thumped loudly in my chest as I pressed the button labeled '42nd' - the top floor of the imposing high-rise building. With each floor we surpassed, the unease within me grew exponentially, twisting my stomach into knots. I took deep, slow breaths, trying to calm the rising panic. "It'll be fine," I whispered to myself, attempting to boost my confidence.

As the elevator doors slid open, revealing the pristine and sleek surroundings, I stepped out and began a slow, deliberate walk toward the grand, imposing doors that separated me from my boss. Sweat formed on my brow, despite the air-conditioning's best efforts to keep the atmosphere cool. I had to remind myself to maintain composure. "Confidence," I repeated under my breath, aligning my spine and lifting my chin, projecting an air of confidence that I hoped would mask my inner turmoil.

Finally, I reached the imposing doors, a silent prayer for strength passing through my lips. As I extended my hand towards the cool, polished handle, a fleeting thought crossed my mind. If only he wasn't my boss; with his slicked-back black hair, piercing blue eyes, and undeniable physical presence, I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to go on a date with him. But reality brought me crashing back to earth. He and I lived in different worlds, separated by professional boundaries and responsibilities.

The doors swung open, revealing the man I had come to fear and respect. His commanding presence filled the room, sending a shiver down my spine. His deep growl-like voice gave weight to his address. "Mr. Jeong," he began, his eyes locking with mine, "you are late."

"Ouch! It hurts!"

My head was hurting tremendously. It feels like someone is hammering on it rigorously. What the hell is happening?

I wake up to some clanking sound. My roommate, without a doubt.There is an orchestra running in the kitchen.

The pain is tremendous. What the hell did I take last night?

Yesterday was Christmas. My roommate and her boyfriend had a party. I think something happened there. The only person that kept coming to my mind was Tyler Johnson. The last thing I remember was that we both had a fight.

“A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.”

― Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice

“You know I am not fond of reading romance, Amelia,” Theo said as he went on typing on his laptop. I don’t know why he works so much when we both earn enough.

“You forgot the fact that your girlfriend is a romance writer and she cannot afford an editor at this stage,” I said.

Christmas is not what I was thinking it to be. I am feeling tremendous pressure to work before I reach my deadline. This is the downside of working as a freelancer. By the way, why freelance? We don’t work for free!

I have to admit, I met a Grinch. The same Grinch we see on TV. The same Grinch who stole the Christmas. The one who won't let others celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!

Am I prepared for this Christmas?

I am aware that many people have been anticipating their Christmas gifts since the beginning of the cold season. We dive headfirst into the holiday shopping season, searching high and low for the most thoughtful presents to give to our loved ones. Having a cup of coffee in the snow is a match made in heaven.

Maybe I should just skip this Christmas?

How many times have I told Jasper that I am never going to talk to him?

Don't ask me why I am angry. I am just so mad that I'll kill him!

We decided to meet at Lily's Cafe. Jasper and I were going to celebrate this Christmas alone at his penthouse.

And what does he do?

He ghosted me!

Olivia

My dream job turned into a nightmare in one short month. Daniel Parker, the Parker in Parker & Smith, storms into the office one day and straight into my naughty fantasies. His take-charge attitude and perfect looks spark more than just my interest. No matter how hard I try, we can't seem to ignore the amazing chemistry between us. There's only one problem. He is my boss... Oh, and he's married. Two problems...

Daniel

Olivia Carter is the best paralegal I've ever worked with. She's also incredibly sexy and temperamental. Her vivacious personality draws me to her, and I find myself regretting a lot of my past decisions. Decisions that can't be changed without enormous consequences. Instead, I'm going to do everything I can not to give into my building need for her. But a little flirting never hurt anyone, right?

Eve faced the most difficult decision in her life when an opportunity landed on her desk. And that is? To join a special dating site for the most eligible bachelor of the country,

Her boss.

As a secretary, Eve knew affiliations between her and her boss were forbidden. She must stay in his shadow where she didn't pose a threat to his lovers and his admirers. She had taken measures to fit the job, even changing her style of appearance.

Ambryan Hathaway, CEO of Eros Productions, disliked false information. The only ones he allowed were the ones he initiated himself—mainly about his love life. In order to please his mother, he had participated in the game of love with a string of flings.

Unfortunately, his mother had enough. She must find a way for him to open his eyes and his heart to meeting the right girl. That one spark would be enough for her son to consider marriage.

And who would be the better candidate than his own secretary? Will the screens pull them closer together or push them further apart?

An office romance like no other!

Kei wishes he could forget the night he drunkenly made out with his male co-worker. He really does. But covering up the taste with mints and Golden Gaytime ice cream is doing nothing, and someday he’s going to have to figure out what his damn sexuality is.

This is a sequel to my story Cheap Beer and Ciggie Cheeks, but you don’t need to read that to understand this.

Terrence loves to stare at his male coworker Kei during his lunch break. When Kei invites him to the bar with some other coworkers, pasts get revealed and a drunk romance blossoms.This story is very Australian, so if there are any questions about the slang or the cultural references, feel free to leave a comment on this story.