I confessed to my boss.
And then… he came running without even putting on shoes.
Did that mean… he liked me?
No.
That couldn’t be right.
If he liked me, wouldn’t he have spoiled me? Given me special treatment? Maybe a raise or at least a few days off?
Just as I was spiraling in confusion, the door burst open.
Speak of the devil.
Kian stepped inside, his expression cold and unreadable, followed by the doctor.
He didn’t say a word, just stood stiffly to the side, watching as the doctor checked me over.
Suddenly, I felt incredibly self-conscious.
I didn’t dare look directly at him.
The doctor finished the check-up and assured me there were no major issues—just multiple soft tissue contusions and some swelling on my head.
Oh, and I had seven stitches, so I needed to be careful.
I nodded weakly, feeling as delicate as a tragic heroine from a classic novel.
Once the medical staff left, Kian still didn’t speak.
He just stood there, staring at me with an unreadable expression.
His gaze made my skin prickle.
I wasn’t tired anymore.
“Um, Boss, does this count as a work injury?”
“No.”
His reply was cold and distant.
My mood plummeted.
A mix of grievance and bitterness spread in my heart.
“Oh… well, good thing I have insurance. Anyway, about the message I sent earlier—I was just joking.”
Kian’s expression finally changed.
His sharp eyes locked onto mine. “Joking?”
“Yeah. Just a joke. That way, you’ll always remember your loyal assistant. Haha…”
My awkward chuckle echoed in the room, and his face darkened completely.
“Your bonus this month is canceled.”
“What?”
I was in utter disbelief.
Any lingering grievance or bitterness instantly vanished.
“You stingy tyrant! I went on a business trip for you! Not only is this not considered a work injury, but now you’re docking my bonus too?
“Kian Homer, since when were you this heartless? Even if I were just a regular colleague, you should at least show some basic human decency!
“I’m a patient, not your sworn enemy!”
I wanted to scream at him, tear into him with every insult I could think of.
But as I looked at that devastatingly handsome face in front of me, I just couldn’t bring myself to curse.
