Escape From the Demon Family and Find Your True Self

I've never been one for grand dreams or ambitions. All I've ever wanted—the kind of warmth I've craved—seems forever out of reach.

So, I take life one day at a time.

In my junior year, our school set us up with internships. I landed a gig as an executive assistant at a corporate firm, thanks to my major in administrative management.

I'm naturally reserved, and this job demanded top-notch communication and interpersonal skills. About a month in, I was struggling. The office politics, the cutthroat atmosphere—I was done. I thought about quitting.

One evening, I dropped my resignation letter on the CEO's desk, planning to just not show up and head back to my part-time job at the local café instead.

I figured I'd deal with the fallout later.

The next morning, Mr. Brown, the CEO, called me up.

He sounded a bit peeved. "Kelly, your performance isn't the issue. I was even thinking of cutting your internship short because you're ready. You showed up, so see it through. Whatever you're facing, I'm here to support you. I'll ignore this resignation letter. See you at the office tomorrow."

"I'm not coming back, Mr. Brown."

"Beep... Beep..."

The call ended with a click. I sighed, buried myself back under the covers, and drifted back to sleep.

When I woke up, it was dusk. I got dressed and decided to grab some dinner.

As I was about to leave, my phone buzzed. It was Mr. Brown again.

Was he calling to drag me back to the office? I hesitated, then answered.

His voice was deep and compelling. "Kelly, where are you? We need to talk."

"Mr. Brown, I really don't plan on coming back," I tried to cut him off.

"Meet me. I think I understand what you're dealing with. Let's talk it out. I'm still your boss—I can't just ignore your struggles. Where are you? I'll come pick you up."

Mr. Brown took me to an upscale Italian restaurant, a first for me. The elegant vibe made me feel out of place.

I blinked at the menu prices, shocked.

Mr. Brown noticed and quickly ordered for us both, telling the waiter, "She'll have what I'm having."

He smiled reassuringly, "Relax, I'm a regular here. Trust me, you'll enjoy it."

He expertly cut up my steak and handed me the plate.

Watching him swirl his wine with ease, he gave me a knowing look and downed his glass in one go.

I took his lead, sipping one glass after another until the room started spinning. I ended up slumped against him, spouting all sorts of silly things.

He steadied me, responding to my rambles with, "It's all good. You've got me."

I ended up spilling my guts about my past, and everything I'd been through.

He was a solid presence, his chin resting on my forehead, his scent calming.

Maybe it was the wine talking, but I felt oddly drawn to him, caught in a haze between dream and reality.

As we neared my building, he stopped and looked down at me intently. I looked back, squinting slightly, and saw a mix of curiosity and desire in his eyes.

He kissed me. I didn't resist.

"Want to keep this going?" he whispered, his breath hot and rough against my ear, sending shivers down my spine and my body softening.

I felt weak, but a sliver of rationality pushed through. "It's late, Mr. Brown. I've got work in the morning. I better head back."

I turned and ran up the stairs, heart pounding. He didn't follow.

Sleep eluded me all night.