Chapter 2
Veda's POV
The next morning, I stared at the bear charm on my phone, my heart racing.
Yesterday's scene was too bizarre. Austin, that cold-blooded creature, actually blushed? And it happened exactly when I was stroking the bear?
Had to be coincidence. Yeah, definitely coincidence.
But... what if it wasn't?
The elevator doors slowly opened, and I took a deep breath before stepping in. During rush hour, the elevator was packed with people. Austin stood in the far corner, expressionlessly staring at his phone.
Maybe... I should conduct a little experiment? Though this sounded completely insane. How could a broken teddy bear have any mystical connection to a living person?
I pretended to organize my bag, hesitating several seconds before carefully pulling out my phone. Whatever, I'd treat this as... scientific verification.
I began gently stroking the bear's fuzzy back.
Three seconds... two seconds... one second...
Austin suddenly went rigid!
I watched his breathing become labored, his pale cheeks start flushing, his whole body pressed against the elevator wall like he'd been electrocuted.
Holy shit! This really wasn't coincidence!
"Austin, you okay?" Marketing's Sarah turned around concerned. "You look... kinda off?"
"Fine..." Austin's voice was hoarse as he desperately tried maintaining composure. "Just stuffy."
My heart pounded like thunder as my fingers continued stroking the bear's ears. Austin's Adam's apple bobbed noticeably, his phone-gripping knuckles turned white.
"Ding—"
The elevator opened and he practically bolted out, leaving a group of confused colleagues.
"Strange, Austin's not usually like this..." Sarah thoughtfully watched his hurried retreat.
I acted like nothing happened, but my heart was about to burst from my chest.
What the FUCK was going on?! Could there really be some supernatural connection?
Ten AM, client conference room.
Pemberton Company's CEO Mr. Davidson sat at the head of the conference table while Austin delivered the project presentation. This was a half-million-dollar client—absolutely no room for error.
I sat in a corner seat, tightly gripping my phone with the bear charm.
If some mystical connection really existed... then in such an important setting, Austin should have more trouble hiding his reactions, right? But wasn't this too cruel?
Whatever, I just wanted to confirm once more.
"Our strategic focus is using an integrated marketing approach to..." Austin was speaking confidently, his self-assured demeanor inexplicably irritating me.
I began gently stroking the bear's back.
"...enhance the brand's... the..." Austin suddenly stumbled, his face rapidly reddening.
I felt secretly triumphant and increased pressure, using my fingertip to lightly press the bear's little belly.
"Target audience..." Austin swallowed hard. "Our target... target is..."
"Target audience?" Mr. Davidson frowned puzzled. "Austin, what's wrong with you today?"
"Sorry," Austin forced composure, but I could clearly see the thin sweat on his forehead. "I mean, our target audience positioning is 25-40 year old urban professionals... fuck..."
That last word was quiet, but I heard it crystal clear.
"What?" Mr. Davidson looked even more confused.
"Uh... lifestyle!" Austin hastily corrected. "High-quality lifestyle!"
I almost couldn't suppress my laughter. Watching this usually high-and-mighty asshole make a fool of himself was absolutely AMAZING!
Austin quickly recovered afterward, and the presentation concluded smoothly. Except for that initial hiccup, he completely regained his professional standard.
After the meeting, Mr. Davidson left satisfied.
I looked at the bear in my hand, feelings complicated. Austin's reaction had faded quickly—maybe... more verification was needed?
Three PM, I was pondering this bizarre phenomenon at my workstation when Kurt Williams approached with coffee.
"Hey Veda!" His smile was radiant. "Tired? I brought you a latte."
"Thanks, I don't need..." I instinctively protected my phone.
"Wow, this little bear is so cute!" Kurt's attention was immediately drawn. "Vintage style, right? Looks so classic—can I touch it?"
"No no no!" I panicked, trying to stop him, but it was too late.
Kurt had already reached out and touched the bear's head, even giving it a gentle rub.
I nervously looked toward Austin's direction—he was standing in the break room on a call, completely calm with no abnormal reactions.
What was happening? Why no reaction at all?
"What's wrong?" Kurt looked at me confused. "It's just a cute little bear..."
"Nothing," I forced a smile. "I just... treasure it."
Kurt shrugged and let go. My confusion deepened. If some mystical connection really existed, why didn't Austin react when Kurt touched it?
Could... this connection only work for me?
After Kurt left to handle other matters, I stared thoughtfully at the bear. To further verify my theory, my fingers began roaming the bear's body while secretly observing Austin's reactions.
Everything seemed normal at first.
But before I realized it, my finger accidentally slid to a special location—between the bear's legs.
Suddenly—
"FUCK!"
Austin's curse echoed through the entire office area. I looked up to see his coffee mug crash to the floor, scalding coffee splashing everywhere.
I instantly realized what I'd just touched, my face burning red.
Oh God! I'd just touched... THERE?!
Austin stood in the break room, face flushed like he had a fever, looking like he'd been struck by lightning. His breathing was rapid, hands visibly trembling.
"Austin! You okay?" Assistant Rebecca immediately rushed over concerned.
"Fine, just..." Austin's voice was tight. "Slipped."
I quickly released my grip and lowered my head, pretending to work intently, but my face was burning. Though that "accidental touch" embarrassed me to death, I had to admit one fact—
This was definitely NOT coincidence!
This bear really had some mystical sensory connection with Austin Roberts. And only MY touch could activate this connection.
I snuck a glance at the break room where Austin was crouched cleaning coffee stains, his hands still slightly trembling. Thankfully, he had no idea the culprit sat nearby.
I gripped my phone tightly, countless possibilities flashing through my mind.
What did this mean? What should I do?
A bold idea emerged, making me both excited and terrified.
If I could control this bear... couldn't I "control" Austin Roberts?
That arrogant, condescending, sharp-tongued bastard boss who'd made my life hell now had a fatal weakness. And this weakness was completely in MY hands!
This was fucking AWESOME!
