To think he is my new boss

Valerie’s POV

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The following morning, sunlight spilled through my curtains, as it turned warm against my face, pulling me from a restless sleep. My body begged for more rest, but the insistent glow reminded me that life hadn’t stopped while I was tangled up in last night’s chaos.

I rolled over, and Dante was still there, his chest rising and falling steadily, and his dark hair falling messily across his forehead. For a dangerous moment, I let myself linger over his sharp jawline, the faintest curve of a smile even in sleep. He looked almost… innocent.

But then my eyes caught the wall clock, and my heart lurched as I remembered I had to get to work.

So I shot out of bed, as the sudden movement made the sheets slip from my body. In seconds, I was rushing into the bathroom, splashing water on my face as if that could erase the night before.

And when I came out, my damp hair clung to my shoulders, only to find the room was empty as the sheets were crumpled but cold, and Dante was gone.

He left no note or explanation and not even a lingering scent of cologne to prove he’d been real.

Then, a sharp laugh escaped my lips, half relief, half bitterness. “Good,” I muttered to myself. “It was just one night. Nothing more.”

With that, I dressed quickly, forcing down breakfast, and hurried to the subway before I had time to question the hollow ache in my chest.

By the time I reached the office, I had tucked the memory of last night into a box and slammed the lid shut. Blaze Publishing deserved my full focus.

Settling at my desk, I barely had time to breathe before the secretary, Ruth, barged into my office.

“Miss Skye,” she said, flushed and breathless. “The boss called a meeting with the top employees. You weren’t around when he announced it, so I came to get you.”

I blinked, surprised by her urgency. “Oh—thank you, Ruth. That’s kind of you.”

With a nod, she hurried off, leaving me to gather my nerves.

Immediately, I stood up and made my way into the conference room. Upon getting there, I realized most of my colleagues were already there, murmuring in low voices.

And the only empty seat there belonged to Mr. Blaze himself. Minutes dragged on. Thirty, to be exact. And then the door opened.

“Apologies for the delay,” Mr. Blaze said as he strode in, his presence commanding instant silence. “Paperwork held me up. Good morning, everyone.”

We greeted him in unison.

He smiled warmly. “First, I want to thank you all. Blaze Publishing wouldn’t exist without your dedication. Especially you, Valerie.” His eyes found mine, kind and fatherly. “Your work as senior editor has been impeccable.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks. “Thank you, sir,” I managed.

Then came the blow.

“I’ve called you here today to announce my retirement,” he said, his voice heavy. “My health doesn’t allow me to carry this burden anymore.”

The room fell into stunned silence. My chest tightened. Retiring? Without Mr. Blaze, this company would feel unrecognizable.

“But sir,” I asked, unable to keep quiet, “what will happen to Blaze Publishing?”

His chuckle was soft, yet reassuring. “Nothing, Valerie. My son has agreed to take over. He should be here any moment.”

Relief rippled through the room as my colleagues murmured their support, but my heart hammered strangely against my ribs.

And then—

The door swung open.

“Speak of the devil,” Mr. Blaze said with pride. “Everyone, meet my son.”

Hearing this, I turned, as my breath froze in my lungs and the world tilted around me.

Dante.

The man I had slept with, who had his shirt discarded on my bedroom floor just hours ago, was now striding into the room, tall, confident, with every eye on him as my new boss?

At that moment, I wanted the ground to swallow me whole, but where could I run to?

However, ignoring me, Dante hugged his father before turning to us with a polite smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I look forward to building something extraordinary together.”

The room erupted in applause, but my palms were slick with sweat, and my mind screamed one word over and over: No.

I kept my gaze fixed on the table, praying no one noticed the way my hands trembled.

And finally, about ten minutes later, the meeting ended with laughter and congratulations. One by one, Dante shook hands with the staff.

Seeing this, my pulse quickened with each step he took closer, and by the time he stopped in front of me, I was holding my breath.

“My best employee,” Mr. Blaze said proudly, stepping in. “Valerie Skye. The backbone of this company.”

I forced a smile. “Thank you, sir. That means the world.”

Dante’s eyes locked with mine, unreadable except for the faintest glimmer of amusement. “I’ve heard a lot about you. I can’t wait to work together.” His voice was velvet—smooth, teasing, and dangerously familiar.

He extended his hand.

Mr. Blaze drifted away, leaving us in a bubble of silence. I stared at Dante’s hand but ignored it, my chest constricting as I turned and walked out instead.

Meanwhile, back in my office, I collapsed onto the couch, clutching my head.

“Oh my God. What have I done?”

Panic clawed at me until one thought surfaced: my best friend, Annabelle.

With haste, I dialed her number, pacing as the phone rang.

“Hey, babes,” she answered, playful as always.

“Anna, this is serious. I’m in trouble.” My voice cracked.

She softened immediately. “What’s wrong? Don’t tell me Raymond’s trying to crawl back?”

“No, forget Raymond. This is worse.” I pressed a hand to my forehead. “Remember that gorgeous guy at the club? The one at the bar?”

“Of course. Don’t tell me—”

“We hooked up,” I admitted, my words tumbling out in a rush.

There was a sharp squeal on the other end. “I knew it! So what’s the problem? He ghosted you already?”

I laughed bitterly. “I wish. Anna, he’s my boss.”

“Wait. What? You're joking, right?"

“So, Mr. Blaze retired today, and guess who’s replacing him? His son. Dante Blaze. The man I slept with last night.”

Anna gasped so loud I had to hold the phone away. “Valerie! That’s… that’s insane. But also kind of exciting. You hooked up with a billionaire! Do you know how many women would kill for that?”

“Anna, this isn’t funny.”

“Why not? You’re single, he’s clearly into you, and now you’ve got a boss who already knows you’re unforgettable in bed. Honestly, I’m proud.”

“You’re impossible,” I muttered, though a reluctant smile tugged at my lips.

“Exactly. What would you do without me?”

“Probably sleep better,” I shot back, and we both laughed.

But when the call ended, silence wrapped around me again as my smile faded and reality returned with a crushing weight.

How was I supposed to survive working under a man who already knew my secrets?