"Why did I do it before, but not now?" Her voice was tinged with dissatisfaction, her gaze piercing, as if she sought to uncover some hidden truth in my face.

"Oh, right, I'm your kept man," she muttered darkly. Her expression instantly shifted, her lips twitching slightly before quickly settling into an impassive calm, though her eyes carried a new complexity. She said no more, merely watching me as I continued to work.

When I placed the dishes on the table, she finally couldn't resist tasting a bite. Her eyes brightened with unexpected delight. "Not bad at all. I didn't expect you had such skills."

"Thank you," I said with a smile, though a mix of emotions churned within me.

What should have been a pleasant meal now felt somewhat awkward, altered by just a few of her words. We ate in silence, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken thoughts. After finishing, I began clearing the dishes, and she helped to tidy the table, but an invisible barrier lingered between us.

After the chores were done, I stood in the middle of the living room, surveying my surroundings, searching for a place to rest for the night. Sophie was lounging on the sofa, casually flipping through a magazine. I approached her and quietly asked, "Which room should I sleep in tonight?"

Without lifting her gaze, she nonchalantly pointed, "That one."

I followed the direction of her finger to a small room beside the living area. It was somewhat modest, yet it would serve as a shelter for the night. I nodded, silently reflecting, So, no special treatment after all.

The next morning, just as the first light of dawn began to break, I was still lost in a dream when a sudden, urgent knock at the door roused me. Groggily, I heard Sophie's voice from outside, "Wake up, let's go for a run."

I rubbed my sleepy eyes and opened the door, offering her a resigned glance. "I didn't bring my running shoes."

Sophie raised a pair of brand-new sneakers, a slight smile tugging at her lips. "I have a pair. Size 43. Don't tell me your feet have grown."

I took the shoes, a mix of emotions swelling within me. It was clear these shoes weren't meant for me; they were probably intended for Lucas Steele. The thought deepened my sense of disappointment, but I forced a smile. "Alright then."

After slipping into the shoes, we ran a lap around the neighborhood. Her steps were light and even, her breathing steady, while I struggled to keep pace, gasping for air. Once we finished, we stopped at a street stall for breakfast. I ordered a simple bowl of hot porridge, while she seemed to savor her meal with zest. I couldn't help but admire her boundless energy.

Back at the house, I felt sore all over, yet Sophie seemed as fresh as ever, as though the run had been nothing more than a warm-up. I quietly admired her stamina, feeling a sense of inadequacy in comparison.

At the office, I entered the secretary's room and began sorting through a mountain of paperwork. My eyes darted between the dense text, attempting to make sense of the myriad tasks. Soon, my phone rang, breaking the stillness.

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I glanced at the screen and saw that it was Lucas Steele calling. "Lucas, do you need something?" I kept my tone steady.

"Come to the meeting room," he said, his voice carrying a note of unyielding authority.

"Sure," I responded, though curiosity gnawed at me. What could he possibly want with me? Filled with questions, particularly about his relationship with Sophie, I set the documents aside and made my way to the meeting room.

As I walked, my thoughts raced, wondering why he had summoned me, and especially curious about his connection with Sophie. Upon entering the meeting room, I found him sitting on the couch, his expression filled with quiet confusion, as though he were trying to peer into my very soul.

He inquired bluntly, "How did you end up with Aunt Sophie yesterday?"

I feigned calmness and responded, "I'm Sophie's assistant. I had to drive and carry things, all part of my responsibilities. There's nothing strange about it, is there?"

He eyed me warily, his gaze scanning my face as though searching for any inconsistency in my words. "Really? It didn't seem like that to me. She appeared quite affectionate towards you. She's not usually like that with everyone."

My heart quickened, as though a drum had begun beating furiously within my chest. Yet, I maintained an outward composure, my voice steady as I explained, "Perhaps it's because I helped her with carrying things and driving yesterday. I provided thorough service, and she expressed her gratitude. After all, as an assistant, it's my duty to serve my superior diligently. Maybe Sophie felt satisfied with my work, and thus, her attitude was a bit warmer."

He furrowed his brow, clearly unconvinced, though he refrained from pressing further. "Don't develop feelings for Sophie that you shouldn't. She's beyond your reach. You'd best understand your place and position, and not entertain unrealistic notions." His tone was laced with both warning and veiled threat.

Internally, I scoffed. What makes you so special? But outwardly, I maintained a respectful demeanor. "Of course, I am well aware of my position. I understand the gap between Sophie and myself. I would never entertain any improper thoughts. I am simply focused on doing my job and serving the company."

Then, in an attempt at casualness, I asked, "Has there been any progress between you and Sophie?" As the words left my lips, a wave of unease washed over me, uncertain if I had overstepped.

His expression darkened immediately, his previously composed features transforming into a menacing scowl, his eyes icy with disdain. "That's not for you to ask. My dealings with Sophie have nothing to do with you. Just focus on your work and mind your own business."

I inwardly mocked him, What makes you so proud? Your aunt certainly doesn't have any interest in you. But on the surface, I kept my composure. "I was merely asking out of curiosity. My apologies if I've offended you."

He scoffed, his gaze dripping with contempt. "Stay out of matters that don't concern you. Don't ask what you shouldn't, and don't think what you shouldn't. Just do your job properly and don't cause me any trouble."

I nodded hastily. "Understood, understood. If there's nothing else, I'll return to my work."

With a dismissive wave, he shooed me away. "Go on, don't waste my time here."

I turned and exited the meeting room, my thoughts lingering on the fact that his relationship with Sophie seemed to have made no progress, despite his grand public proposal. Back in the secretary's room, I sat down, yet my mind refused to focus on the tasks at hand. The image of his arrogant demeanor made my frustration boil, yet what could I do? In the company, his rank undoubtedly surpassed mine, and for now, I had no choice but to endure.

After a moment, I forced myself to regain composure and refocus on my work. Still, the image of the meeting room lingered in my thoughts. Why was he so concerned about my interactions with Sophie? Was he afraid I would spoil his chances? Or perhaps, he lacks the confidence that he could win Sophie's favor, and thus he's on guard?

I shook my head, trying to rid myself of these restless thoughts.