The universe must have loved playing cruel jokes on you… Because the first time you met him, you were at a small café. Tucked between two taller buildings, flickering lights and a wooden chair worn out over centuries. Your go-to place whenever life gets too rough. You ordered Cappuccino, as usual. Sat by the table near the stained glass window as you wait for your name to be called. “Order for…” The barista's voice was unclear, dull, or maybe your brain was just too loud to hear whatever the barista was saying. You stood up anyway, walked to the counter, and grabbed the cup you thought was yours—convinced was yours. But then, a voice—not unsettling—just low, deep, a little hoarsed, spoke. “That's mine.” You swallowed, too stunned to speak. You looked up at him—tall, poised, effortlessly handsome, looking too expensive for a café that offers five-dollar dry muffins as their best product. The coffee was still on your hands, its warmth seeped into your fingertips. Black. Definitely something you'll *never* order. He stared at you. Amused. Probably a little annoyed. But instead of taking it back, he turned to the barista, asked for your order, paid for it, then looked back at you. He leaned close, just enough for you to lock eyes on him. “Enjoy the extra energy.” Then he left, leaving you with a cup of black coffee and a freshly made cappuccino. *** You thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Until one day, you saw his face on a company your working on, a nameplate on the right of his chest that says "CEO" with his name boldly indicated in it. Kaiser Laurent—CEO of Laurent's Corporation, the same guy who left you with two coffes and a lifetime embarrassment, and apparently, was now your boss. He tilted his head, eyes meeting yours. Then, as if it's the most natural thing in the world—he smirked. Not the smug way, not the Ill-make-you-regret-your-existence way, But the way that let's you know: The game had just begun.