The Prim Secretary’s Dual Temptation

I was a prim and strict secretary to CEO Aaron Kingston. In three years of work, I had never made a single mistake.

Until this day, I ran into Aaron at a bar. I was drunk, and I rushed over, treating him like a dog and lecturing him all night.

Afraid of losing my job, the next day I claimed he had encountered my twin sister.

Aaron stared at me thoughtfully, and after a long pause, said, "Your salary goes up by two thousand every month. Send me your sister's contact info."

As exhilarating as last night was, thats how utterly humiliated I felt now. Aaron Kingston sat in his office, his thin lips bearing a hint of blood, his long neck still showing distinct scratch marksall my handiwork from last night.

Guiltily averting my gaze, I thought Id misheard him. I instinctively asked, "Pardon me, what did you just say?"

My distraction caused Aarons brow to furrow slightly in displeasure. But he repeated, "Send me your sister's contact info."

"May I ask what this is about?"

"Personal business."

After a moment of silence, I said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Kingston, I may not be able to help you. Actually my sister and I aren't very close."

Aaron raised an eyebrow slightly, and I braced myself, continuing, "You may not know, but my sister and I parted ways after our parents' divorce, and I haven't been in touch with her for a long time."

"Not in touch for a long time, yet she called me 'Kingston's dog'?" Aaron scoffed. "Yesterday, your sister was quite rude to me. I've never met her before, so unless you mentioned me to her, how would she know who I am?"

At that, my hairs stood on end. How could I have forgotten that part! Last night, I really had lost control. Drunk, Id run into Aaron, marched up to him, and slapped him across the face.

"Bold Kingston's dog, why do you not kneel before your queen?!"

It had completely stunned him. I dont remember anything after that. When my memory started to return, Aaron was stripped down to just his tie, his hands tied behind his back in an X-shape, kneeling before me, calling me Queen.

The thought made me mortified all over again. I cleared my throat. "Well, there's still a tiny bit of contact, we've exchanged a few jokes, I didn't think she'd take it seriously"

"My sister is just impulsive and reckless. If she offended you in any way, please don't take it to heart."

"It's already taken to heart," Aaron said expressionlessly. "I won't make things difficult for you. Find an opportunity to ask her. I believe she'd be happy to add me as a friend."

With that, he waved his hand. "You may leave."

Walking out of the office, my rigidly held posture finally crumbled.

I was known for being a prim and proper secretary. Meticulous in my work. Reserved with people. For three diligent years, Id never made a single mistake.

But in truth, being a secretary wasn't my career plan. I intended to use it as a stepping stone to earn Aaron Kingston's recommendation.

Last week, I learned that a branch company was being formed, and there was a managerial position open. Aaron, as the head of the project, had absolute recommendation power. A few days ago, I had submitted my application, and the results hadn't been announced yet.

As soon as I reached my desk, a few colleagues gathered around.

"Cara, has the transfer list been decided?"

"No."

"It should be you, right? Mr. Kingston trusts you so much; it feels like there's no one else."

"I think so too. Apart from the boss, Cara is the busiest person in the whole company. She probably hasn't had a full weekend in three years, has she?"

I smiled and shook my head. "Not necessarily. The boss has his own plans."

But despite saying that, I still held some hope.

To my surprise, the next day, Aaron called me into his office.

"The recommended candidate for the new company's general manager position has been submitted to the OA for the board of directors' approval and announcement."

I glanced at the list. Elaine Foster. She joined the company at the same time as me. The only difference was that I was assigned to the CEO's office, while she remained in the business department.

I held the list without moving. Aaron looked at me strangely. "Anything else?"

"May I ask why I was passed over?"

He was surprised I would ask. "No reason. You're not suitable."

I pressed further. "Where am I not suitable?"

Aaron's eyes showed displeasure.

"The new company needs someone who understands business, is bold, and innovative. You're conservative and meticulous, too focused on minor details. You're fine for administration, but not suitable for market development."

"But I"

"Alright, let's not discuss this further. The list has been finalized on my end. Your job is to execute."

With that, his face darkened, and he lowered his head to review documents, ignoring me. This was his way of refusing further discussion.

Aaron Kingston was known for being particular, with many strict rules. He liked his water at 45 degrees Celsius, only drank black coffee, wore only black jackets, and even had a preferred angle for his computer monitor. For three years, I meticulously observed his every habit, fearful of crossing his boundaries.

Now, all I got was "too focused on minor details." My heart completely sank.

Taking a breath, I decided to speak again. "Mr. Kingston, there's one more thing I need to report."

"Speak."

"You asked me to speak to my sister earlier. I've asked for her opinion."

Aaron's expression softened slightly, and he looked up at me again. "What did she say?"

"She said yes."

Aarons lips curved upwards. He hummed. "Alright, just send me her contact."

Then, thinking of something, he corrected himself: "No, you send her my contact. I'll add her myself."

After the list was released, I received many condolences that afternoon.

"Mr. Kingston must have been reluctant to let you go. After all, you're his confidante."

"It's a competency trap. Mr. Kingston probably thought he wouldn't find a suitable secretary without you."

"And for a new company, I think Mr. Kingston wanted a man. Women really don't have an advantage in the workplace."

On the surface, I pretended indifference, saying I didn't care much. But internally, my molars were grinding.

Damn you, Aaron Kingston. This time, I'm going to make you regret this!

Before leaving work, I registered a burner account. My profile picture was a side profile taken during my university days. Wearing a black slip dress, with wavy red hair cascading over my shoulders, I looked completely different from my current self, with my thick glasses and meticulously combed hair.

After confirming there were no other issues, I pushed the contact card to Aaron Kingston.

Soon, he added me. I accepted his request and was the first to reply: [Heard you were looking for me?]

He replied almost instantly.

[Yeah, shouldn't someone be responsible after hitting a person? My knees still hurt.]

[Then your kneeling posture must not have been up to standard.]

[You're right, it's all my fault.]

Before I could reply, he sent another message. I opened it.

It was a picture.

A selfie of a man kneeling behind an office desk. His face wasn't visible, but the suit trousers indicated it was him.

[Are you satisfied now, Your Highness?]

HissPlaying such a dangerous game!

I suddenly gasped, instinctively turning my phone away. But inexplicably, there was also a hint of secret excitement.

I subconsciously glanced at Aaron Kingston's office. The door was tightly closed. I couldn't see what the person inside was doing.

I tapped my phone, changing his contact name to [Aaron's Dog].

When it was time to leave, a colleague leaned over.

"Cara, it's the department team-building tonight. Whose car are you riding in?"

I paused, realizing it was the department's annual dinner. The venue was a bar. But I was allergic to bars lately, so I immediately declined.

"I have to work late, so I won't be going."

As expected, a look of sympathy immediately appeared on their face.

"The boss's work pace is really insane. Only you in the whole company can keep up."

I forced a bitter laugh, not elaborating.

It wasn't until everyone from the department had left that I finally relaxed. My arms were sore from slapping him last night, and I wanted to take this chance to go home early and catch up on sleep.

As I was shutting down my computer, footsteps sounded behind me.

"You didn't go to dinner tonight?"

Although I didn't particularly want to see Aaron Kingston right now, due to the promotion list, I managed not to show it, forcing myself to perk up.

"No, I still have some work to do."

"Are you done now?"

Unsure of what he was up to, I conservatively said, "Almost."

"Then I'll wait for you. We can leave together shortly."

I paused. "Leave? Go where?"

"Team building."

I was a bit surprised. "You're going too?"

Aaron Kingston raised an eyebrow. "What, I'm not allowed?"

I immediately put on my professional fake smile. "Of course, you can go."

The ride was silent. Aaron Kingston sat beside me, crossing his legs. I remembered the photo he sent me, kneeling on a stool. I couldn't resist glancing at him.

He caught me looking. "Something wrong?"

"It seems you have a scratch here. Do you need a band-aid?" In my nervousness, I blurted out a random excuse, pointing to his Adam's apple.

Then I immediately regretted it even more! That spot on his Adam's apple was where I had bitten him!

Aaron Kingston frowned slightly, opened his phone, and checked his front camera. His voice immediately cooled. "No."

I didn't dare say anything.

Unexpectedly, the next second, my phone started vibrating wildly.

Aaron's Dog: [You bit my neck.]

Aaron's Dog: [And your sister saw it too. How am I supposed to explain this?]

I glanced at my phone screen, afraid Aaron Kingston would notice anything. I didn't dare reply.

Aaron Kingston tapped his fingers on his knee. Then he started texting again.

Aaron's Dog: [Hello? Why aren't you answering?]

Aaron's Dog: [I'm not blaming you, just asking~]

Aaron's Dog: [Are you seeing someone else behind my back?]

His typing speed was a bit too fast. I didn't even have time to put my phone on silent.

In the quiet space, my phone vibrated like crazy, doing a full dance.

Aaron Kingston grew impatient, casting a glance at me. "Isn't your phone a bit too loud?" he sneered. "Who is it, talking so much nonsense?"

I quickly turned on "Do Not Disturb" and gave a couple of awkward laughs. "Sorry, my dog at home accidentally hit the keyboard."

I was already annoyed, and then when I arrived at the bar, I discovered Elaine Foster was there too.

My footsteps faltered. My stomach churned with renewed discomfort.

Before, Aaron Kingston never attended department team-building events. Could it be that he knew Elaine was coming and came specifically for her?

My established persona was always that of a professional, calm, prim secretary. I greeted everyone as I entered and then retreated to a corner. Everyone was used to my personality and didn't pay much attention.

Elaine saw Aaron Kingston and immediately stood up enthusiastically, surrounding him. She smiled and asked, "Mr. Kingston, I'm crashing your office team building. You don't mind, do you?"

Aaron Kingston lifted his eyelids. "Whether I mind or not, you're already here, aren't you?"

That single sentence left Elaine completely speechless. Aaron Kingston was notorious for his sharp tongue. Elaine clearly hadn't experienced it much.

The woman's expression stiffened. She said, "Mr. Kingston, I'd like to toast you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to gain experience at the new company."

Aaron Kingston subconsciously glanced at me. He cleared his throat. "No need for such thanks. It's just picking the best from a bad bunch; we couldn't find anyone else suitable."

Elaine froze again.

I, who had been secretly enjoying the moment, suddenly realized something was off. Did that remark just insult me too?!

I frowned, pulled out my phone, switched to my burner account, and opened the [Aaron's Dog] chat.

[Slap yourself. Right now, this instant!!!]

Beside me, Aaron Kingstons phone screen lit up. I could visibly see his expression turn strange, and he replied with a question mark.

[Why?]

Me: [Do I need a reason to give an order?]

Me: [What, you can't even do such a small thing?]

Aaron Kingston pursed his lips: [It's a company dinner tonight, surrounded by subordinates.]

[Be good, I'll let you do whatever you want when we get back tonight, okay?]

Me: [No.]

Me: [I can find someone else tonight.]

The next second, Aaron Kingston raised his hand and slapped himself across the face.

The private room fell into an awkward silence for a few seconds. Elaine was the first to react. "Mr. Kingston?"

"Mosquito."

A mosquito in a bar's private room in the dead of winter. I believed it. Elaine believed it too.

After slapping himself, he looked down and sent me a message.

Aaron's Dog: [I just hit myself.]

Me: [Oh.]

Aaron's Dog: [Satisfied?]

I denied it. [I wasn't even there. How would I know if it was real?]

Aaron's Dog: [Are you inviting me over?]

Aaron's Dog: [The left side hasn't been slapped yet. Want to try tonight?]

Me: ?

Help me. This man is truly not normal!

By the time the party ended, the red mark on Aaron Kingston's face hadn't faded. Truly worthy of being the CEO. He could be so hard on himself!