Chapter 6 I am not an angel

I slowly lifted my head.

Lena.

She was standing there with her usual fake gentle smile, holding a large box of cookies in her hands.

"I brought some cookies for everyone to celebrate my dear friend’s new job."

The employees began smiling in admiration, and soon whispers spread around me.

"Wow… you have such a great friend."

"You’re really lucky to have her."

"She’s so kind."

I looked at her coldly.

As always… she was trying to attract everyone’s attention, acting like a walking angel in front of people.

Lena opened the box excitedly and held it out to me first.

"Come on, try them. I chose your favorite flavor."

My eyes stopped at the strawberries on top of the cake.

I suddenly smiled with the same fake innocence she always used.

"My dear friend, thank you…" I said gently, then sighed softly. "But… didn’t you know I’m allergic to strawberries?"

Her smile froze.

"Allergic? Since when?" she said, confused and unable to understand.

I continued while looking at the cake with fake regret.

"My face breaks out whenever I eat them. Oh, I know you didn’t mean to… ruin my face, of course." I smiled at her even more gently. "But unfortunately, I can’t eat it."

Silence filled the moment.

The employees’ gazes slowly shifted toward Lena.

"Oh… she calls her her best friend and doesn’t even know she’s allergic to strawberries?"

Lena quickly became flustered and laughed nervously.

"I… I just forgot. I didn’t mean anything bad."

Before she could say more, Alexander’s office door opened.

He came out in his usual black suit, holding a file in his hand.

The moment she saw him, Lena quickly stood up.

"Stand up!" she said excitedly, looking at him with obvious admiration. "The CEO is out."

Some employees exchanged confused looks, but Alexander walked past us without any interest.

I watched the scene for a few seconds, then looked at Lena and said coldly:

"We’re not in school to stand up when the teacher enters."

All eyes turned to me immediately.

I continued calmly while organizing my files:

"We are in a company. Everyone here works, and work is more important than this kind of slave behavior."

Lena’s face immediately turned red.

She looked like she wanted to respond, but couldn’t.

"Well, my dear friend, I didn’t know your company rules. I still work in a small company, so this is what we’re used to." Lena said with a fake smile.

"That’s fine, dear. You’ll get used to freedom here, not slavery." I returned her smile.

"Then I’ll go. Take the strawberry cake to your mother, and I’ll bring you another one."

She quickly grabbed her bag and left with tense steps under the employees’ gazes.

I sat in my place, hiding a small victorious smile.

But my happiness didn’t last long.

The secretary approached me and placed a file on my desk.

"Miss Estrella, Mr. Alexander is waiting for you in the car. You both have a business meeting."

I stood up and took a strawberry from the cake.

"I’ll get rid of the strawberries. Whoever wants the cake can have it."

They thanked me as I gave away my share. The moment I stood alone, I ate the strawberry.

"Oh my God… I love strawberries."

I smiled as I remembered my lie.

"Well… I’m not an angel either."

I quickly left the company and found Alexander waiting in the car.

As soon as I opened the door, I saw him sitting in the back seat, reading files with his usual cold expression.

I got in beside him without saying anything.

The whole ride… was silent.

Oh God… he’s still exactly like he was in university.

Quiet. Cold. Never talks.

I stared out of the window silently.

"Why did he even bring me with him?"

I sighed.

"I don’t know anything about this meeting."

The car finally stopped in front of a luxury restaurant.

Alexander got out first and walked inside with his usual fast steps. I hurried after him until we reached a table near the window.

He sat calmly, and I sat in front of him, trying to gather my courage.

"Why did you bring me instead of the secretary?" I finally asked.

He raised his eyes slightly in confusion.

"A secretary?" he said coldly. "I don’t have one."

I blinked in disbelief.

"Is there a CEO without a personal assistant? How does he even survive?"

A small smile appeared on my face without me noticing.

He noticed it immediately.

"The secretary in the company is not my personal assistant, she is for everyone." he said firmly while closing the file. "And you’re new. You need to learn the work, that’s why I brought you."

My smile disappeared instantly.

"Alright…" I murmured softly.

Silence returned again.

For the first time, I felt that silence with him drained more energy than talking.

And the moment I lifted my head toward the restaurant entrance…

I froze.

A tall man walked inside wearing an elegant black suit. His sharp features were strikingly attractive, his body fit in a noticeable way.

Oh God…

I know him.

In my previous life, this man was the son of one of the richest families in the country. Everyone talked about his looks, wealth, and perfect life…

Until the scandal exploded.

His wife discovered he had another woman abroad, and a teenage son with her.

He disappeared months later…

Then he was found dead by suicide.

But after his death, the truth came out.

That child wasn’t even his.

The woman had lied to him just for his money.

What a loss…

Such a handsome man ending in such a dark way.

I was lost in thought when my eyes suddenly widened.

The man stopped right next to our table.

Then he looked at Alexander and said with a wide smile:

"My dear cousin…"