Mistaking The Company's Crown Prince for A Male Model

A woman who's been strong all her life never likes to compare herself to others. So, in a fit of frustration, I impulsively blew my year-end bonus and let my best friend book a top male model to save the day. After seeing his face, I thought my money was well spent. It wasn't. Make the most of what you have, right?

I was clinging onto the man, nibbling at his collarbone, when my phone buzzed with a message from my girlfriends.

[The new guy was too nervous and bolted.]

Wait... then who am I holding onto right now? Later that week, rumors swirled that the new CEO parachuted into our company was none other than the "prince" of the corporation.

When I saw his face, my knees buckled. He walked right up to me, smiled knowingly and helped me up. "Still so easy to make weak in the knees, huh?"

——

The company’s atmosphere was tense with the sudden arrival of the new president—aka the group’s prince. Department heads were scrambling, terrified of making mistakes. This kind of thing usually had nothing to do with me.

But of course, luck wasn’t on my side and I was tasked with delivering documents to the top floor. I wasn’t nervous at first.

That changed the moment I stepped off the elevator and saw our most sycophantic manager walking out of the office with red-rimmed eyes. When he nearly ran into me, I swear he was about to burst into tears. I silently closed my mouth, trying to offer a reassuring smile while internally praying for my survival.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked. A low, commanding voice came from inside. "Come in."

I stepped in, only to see a tall figure standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, his broad shoulders looking oddly familiar.

"Good day, Mr. Simon," I said hesitantly. "I’ve brought the documents..."

He turned around. And I dropped to my knees.

Can someone please explain how last week’s hired male model turned out to be the company’s heir? He crouched down in front of me, amusement twinkling in his eyes. "Linda, it’s only been a few days. Why so formal all of a sudden?"

***

A week ago...

Our high school reunion was a big deal. If it weren't for being dragged into it, I wouldn't have gone at all. It all started when I was casually snacking during a work break and suddenly received a call from my manager. The shock made me accidentally send an emoji into the class group chat.

From there, there was no escape. They all knew I saw the message. To make matters worse, one of my old classmates knew where I worked and the reunion was conveniently close to my office.

I reluctantly showed up. Listening to everyone bragging left me fighting off yawns. Then, the door swung open. I assumed it was just the waiter—until the chatter stopped and everyone stared at me. I turned around and felt my stomach drop. It was Zian Simon, my ex-boyfriend.

I met his gaze for a fleeting second before looking away, pretending he didn’t exist. But of course, others weren’t so subtle.

"Well, well, if it isn’t Mr. Simon! Rare for you to join us with your busy schedule."

"Just happened to be in the neighborhood for business," he replied smoothly.

And then I noticed he wasn't alone. A stunning woman stood beside him and Zian casually wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Care to introduce your friend?" someone asked eagerly.

He smirked. "My girlfriend."

A collective pause followed, then the floodgates of gossip burst open.

[Guys, don’t you think Zian’s new girlfriend looks familiar?]

"Wait... I remember now! She’s from the university next door, right?"

"Yeah, I’ve seen her before. Pretty sure she’s famous too."

[OMG, she’s an influencer, isn’t she?!]