My Boss's First Love Comes Back

After work, I let loose, going out with my best friend for food, drinks, dancing, and karaoke.

But when I woke up the next morning, my throat was killing me, my body ached, and I felt completely weak and cold.

I regretted it all, tears streaming down my face, blaming the charming guy at the bar for my poor choices.

How could I get so drunk and lose my coat? Wearing just a tank dress in this cold weather – talk about bold!

I grabbed my phone and texted my boss.

[I’m not coming in. Don’t look for me.]

[Taking a sick day. Contact Assistant Bryce for anything urgent.]

I sent the message and tossed my phone aside, not realizing the next message hadn’t gone through before my phone shut off.

Once I managed to drag myself up, I rummaged through the medicine cabinet and took my temperature. Great, almost hitting 104!

Thank goodness I woke up; otherwise, I might have burned my brain out.

After taking some medicine, I lay back in bed, feeling groggy.

In a haze, I vaguely heard a knocking sound.

Irritated, I sat up to listen more closely.

Seriously? Someone was knocking at my door?

Who comes over during the day when everyone’s at work?

“Coming!” I shouted, but my sore throat only let out a hoarse whisper.

The knocking grew more frantic, making me anxious as I wobbled toward the door.

As I reached the living room, I bumped a cup off the table, shattering it on the floor.

Looking at the glass and water everywhere only added to my irritation.

At that moment, the knocking suddenly stopped, replaced by an intense thumping, like the person outside wanted to break in.

Frustrated, I ran my fingers through my hair and stormed to the door, flinging it open.

A dark figure lunged at me – my landlord and boss, Julian Ward, the man I had a crush on.

Too bad he already had someone he considered ‘the one that got away.’

Just when I thought he might have feelings for me, I learned that his dream girl was returning home, and he grew cold towards me.

What a jerk, leading me on while still being hung up on someone else!

If it weren’t for the times he shielded me from alcohol during company dinners, waited for me to finish late shifts, and took me to his friend’s restaurant while flirting, I might not have gotten my hopes up.

It felt like my sincerity was wasted…

“Eliza, you finally opened the door! Why did it take so long? Do you know how long I’ve been knocking?

“What happened? Are you hurt? I heard a cup crash and thought you passed out…” His voice wavered, eyes glistening, as if he might cry.

His barrage of questions only made my head spin. I pushed him back a couple of steps and covered my mouth.

“What are you doing here? I told you not to look for me. I’m not your possession! Can’t I take a sick day in peace?”

“I came to take care of you. I couldn’t just leave you home alone,” Julian said, pointing to the pile of food at the door, sounding almost pitiful as he stepped closer…