I am the long-suffering secretary who has secretly loved my boss for eight years, just like in a typical romance novel—by day, his secretary, and by night, his lover.

At first, I was chasing after love, but then I woke up. I didn’t want to be a lovesick fool anymore, pining for a man who barely noticed me. So, I decided to make more money and find myself a sweet heartthrob to love me.

After another night of passion, I threw a contract at my boss and said, “Take a look. I want to redefine our relationship.”

——

After our passionate night, my boss, Ryan, barely glanced at me as he lay half-asleep on the bed. “Get out,” he muttered.

I didn’t even look back at him. I numbly gathered my clothes and headed to the guest room.

Ryan is the two years senior than me in the college—handsome, wealthy, and with a line of admirers. And me? I’m just a poor girl from a small mountain village who got through school on scholarships and grants.

We met during a school project, where I was determined to stand out and prove myself. Ryan noticed me then. When he started his own business after graduation, he invited me to join him, and I didn’t hesitate to say yes.

It’s been eight years since then—eight years of being his secretary, and eventually, his bed partner, even though I knew he looked down on me, thinking I was only after his money.

After our first night together, he coldly pulled on his pants and tossed me a black card.

“Emma, know your place. Just because I slept with you doesn’t mean you’re worthy of being my wife.”

That black card had no limit. Overnight, I became rich as his bed partner. But I never spent a dime on myself. Everything went back to him—on gifts for him, dinners, clothes.

He gave me bags, jewelry, couture, even a house. I’ve kept track of every single thing, never wanting to take advantage of him. Every penny I’ve spent was what I’ve earned through my hard work at the company.

I might be poor, but I have my pride. It was that pride that keeps my dignity intact.

I moved into his villa, and every day, besides managing the high-intensity work of being Ryan’s assistant, I took care of his house and his needs. He said he liked my cooking, so whenever he wasn’t out on business, I made sure to prepare all his meals.

Day after day, I hoped that one day I could win his cold heart. But instead, I got the news that he was engaged to a wealthy socialite.

That broke me. I have my limits. I won’t be anyone’s mistress or side piece.

The next morning, as Ryan sat elegantly at the dining table in his suit, I threw a contract down in front of him. “Take a look. I want to change the terms of our relationship.”

He glanced at me, annoyed. “What?”

I put on my black-framed glasses, trying to look serious as I picked up the contract. “First off, let’s talk about my salary.”

“I’m currently doing three jobs. At the company, I’m your secretary, handling everything that comes your way. Back at the villa, I’m your maid and your bed partner. For all that, I’m only making 8,500 a month. After eight years, I think it’s time for a raise.”

“So, here’s what I’m proposing: I want to end our personal arrangement and stick to being your chief secretary. I’m asking for 35,000 dollars a month, with a 13th-month salary, plus a 17,000 bonus at year-end. And, by the way, here’s your black card.”

I slid the black card—the symbol of our relationship—across the table, making it clear that it was over.

Ryan stared at me with disdain. “Don’t forget, you’re the one who climbed into my bed willingly. Now you’re making it sound like I’ve been taking advantage of you.”

“A secretary plus a nanny, 35,000 dollars a month? Do you think I’m made of money, or that you’re worth that much? I could hire ten secretaries and nannies for that.”

He didn’t even bother looking at the contract, just kept eating the breakfast I’d made for him like it was any other day.

“Yeah, I was the one who started this, but I can end it too, right? If you’re not on board, just fire me and pay me the severance I’m owed.”

I’d always been soft-spoken and timid around him, never raising my voice. But now, my firm stance seemed to catch him off guard.

He watched me in silence for a moment before sneering, “Since when do you get to decide? Whether you’re in or out isn’t up to you, so stop playing these little power games.”

Power games? Thanks to your rigorous training over the years, I’m more than capable of being a president’s secretary—or running a listed company, for that matter.

“Fine, I’m done. Go ahead and hire your ten secretaries and ten nannies!” I pulled out a resignation letter I’d prepared and tossed it onto the table. “Sign it. I’ll send the dismissal email to HR under your name.”

He still looked amused, like he thought I was bluffing. “Think carefully. Once you sign this, there’s no coming back—even if you beg.”

But after he signed, I didn’t say another word. I just went upstairs to pack my things.

When I finished packing and came downstairs, Ryan was already gone. I didn’t bother going back to the Hayes group. Instead, I had my trusted assistant, Zach, send my personal belongings over.

The Hayes Group has always been by the book when it comes to personnel matters, so on payday, I received my twenty months’ severance without a hitch.

The day before I returned the black card to Ryan, I maxed it out and sold the luxury bags and haute couture he’d given me. I moved into the house he bought for me.

Suddenly, it all felt deserved. If he thought I was after money, then why not go after it?

With the house valued at thirty million dollars and my savings from over the years, I had more than 5,000,000 dollars. That’s enough to live comfortably for the rest of my life.

So, I took my savings and traveled abroad, soaking up the sun, lounging on beaches, indulging in delicious food, and even enjoying some romantic flings.

The world is truly beautiful, but love? It’s overrated. My only regret is that it took me so long to wake up.

After posting my adventures on social media, I was lounging in the arms of a handsome young guy I’d met a few days earlier, kissing and laughing. He was sweet and carefree, always hugging me and calling me “Emma.” Who wouldn’t love this kind of attention?

But then, my phone wouldn’t stop ringing. It was Zach, practically in tears.

“Emma, please come back! We can’t handle Mr. Hayes anymore.”

He went on about the chaos at the company after I left, complaining about Ryan’s harshness, cruelty, and inhumanity. Zach cried for a whole hour.

“Emma, can you please stop posting on social media while you’re on vacation? I’m starting to think Mr. Hayes’s temper is somehow connected to your posts.”

I tried to comfort Zach. “He’s always had a bad temper. It has nothing to do with me, right?”

“On your first day away, you posted about your trip, and he made us work all night. Then, when you posted that sexy bikini shot on the beach, he sent the entire secretary department out for promotions in the scorching sun. Things were manageable when he didn’t hear from you, but today, you posted about handsome guys and fine wine. Not only did he overturn all our plans, but we also got chewed out and had half our bonuses deducted… Emma, please, think about coming back! And if you won’t come back, at least stop posting your happy moments. Can you block Mr. Hayes from seeing them?”

Me: …

Is this really about me?

As far as I knew, Ryan always had a bad temper, and his actions aligned with his character. Besides, he never paid attention to social media. Why would he care about my whereabouts?

It’s not like he has feelings for me. He’s cold-hearted, ruthless, and petty. He probably just can’t stand seeing me happy, right?

Well, too bad—I’m going to be happy anyway!

Sorry, Zach, I’m not coming back, but I promise to block him when I post on social media.

I hung up the phone and went back to cuddling and kissing the handsome guy next to me. Being a lightweight, I got drunk pretty quickly. The guy was sweet and took care of me, even carrying me back to the hotel. He was so gentle and thoughtful, taking off all my clothes—how could I reEmmat?

I’m no saint; I have needs too. So, why not enjoy the moment?

Just as things were heating up, my phone started ringing. We tried to ignore it, but it kept going off, killing the mood. After the third ring, I was half-sober and pretty annoyed. I grabbed the phone without checking who it was and snapped, “Who the hell is calling at this hour? Can’t you let people sleep?”

The handsome guy, already half-undressed, sighed and asked, “Emma, can I use your bathroom?”

I nodded, but there was only silence on the other end of the line.

“Hello? Anyone there?”

The caller hung up.

So annoying! Are they messing with me on purpose?

I glanced at my phone and saw that the call was from Ryan. Suddenly, I was stone-cold sober, gripped by the guilt of being caught in the act.

But then I shook it off. What’s there to feel guilty about? We’re not in a relationship. As he made clear, I was just his secret lover, and I’ve already quit. We’re done—no strings attached!

I shouldn’t feel guilty.

The handsome guy came out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel, water still glistening on his perfectly defined muscles.

Damn it. For some reason, his face started morphing into that of Ryan. What the hell?

He lay down beside me, concern in his voice. “Emma, what’s wrong? You look upset.”

I was feeling a bit down, to be honest.

He started kissing my nose, then my eyes, and finally my lips, but I found myself getting irritated. I pulled away.

“I’m a little tired. Maybe next time?”

I jumped out of bed, determined, and opened the door. The guy left with red eyes and a forced smile.

The next day, I woke up to find it was already noon. It felt amazing not having to go to work. I sat in bed, daydreaming while scrolling through travel photos and videos.

I realized I’d been traveling for over three months. Checking my bank balance, I saw I’d only spent 17, 000 dollars—plenty left to keep enjoying myself. Savings really do bring peace of mind.

So, I fired up my computer and started planning my next adventure.

Hmm… How about Iceland to see the Northern Lights?

I asked the handsome younger guy if he’d like to come with me. He said he’d love to, but he had already blown all his savings on a trip to Bali.

I smiled and said, “I’ve got the money, you just need to bring yourself.”

He kissed me right away. “You’re amazing, like a fairy who’s come down to Earth. Once I graduate and make some real money, I’m taking you around the world.”

I didn’t mind spending money on him, but the night before we were supposed to leave, just as I was saying goodbye to him in front of the hotel, I turned around and found myself staring into a pair of cold eyes.

I forced a polite smile. “Mr. Hayes, what a surprise! Are you here on business?”

Ryan looked a bit worn out, but he still had that proud, icy demeanor. “It’s been a few months, and you’ve changed a lot.”

I wasn’t sure what he meant by that.

Maybe he noticed my new look—I’d styled my hair in loose waves and wore a floral dress with a high slit that showed off my long legs. Over the past few months, I’ve had so many men approach me, I’m starting to realize just how attractive I really am. For the first time, I’m feeling relaxed and genuinely happy, not stressing over work or worrying about displeasing Ryan. And with my handsome younger guy by my side, I know I’m glowing.

“Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Hayes. If that’s all, I’ll be on my way.”

I waved goodbye with a smile and stepped into the elevator. To my surprise, Ryan followed me in.

My smile faltered. “You’re staying here too?”

This was a five-star hotel, but Ryan usually stayed in a seven-star presidential suite when traveling for business.

He didn’t answer, just gave me a cold, hard look, his eyes full of something that looked a lot like anger.

We parted on good terms, didn’t we? He was the one who let me go. I didn’t do anything to upset him.

The elevator ride was tense, but I stayed calm. He’s just my former boss now; we’ve got nothing to do with each other. I’m not afraid of him anymore.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, I started walking toward my room. But just as I was about to step inside, Ryan pushed the door open with a large hand. “Emma, we need to talk.”

I frowned. “Mr. Hayes, it’s late. Talking now isn’t appropriate, whether it’s about work or anything else. Besides, I have a boyfriend.” I mentioned the handsome younger guy. “It wouldn’t look good if he misunderstood.”

Ryan’s expression turned angry. “Emma, we’ve only been apart a short while, and you already have a boyfriend?”

I blinked, genuinely surprised. “Mr. Hayes, what are you talking about? We were never together. I was just your secretary and bed partner. You said that yourself.”

“We had a relationship,” Ryan insisted, pausing as if struggling to find the right words. “Emma, you were with me before just for the money, right? And once you had enough, you left. Isn’t that it?”