Chapter 2
Just after lunch, I got a call from my senior, Evelyn Palmer. "Amelia, Brice wants us in the research lab at 2 p.m. He has a new research project for us."
Without thinking, I whined, "Evelyn, I'm having really bad cramps. Can I skip this one?"
"Amelia, you've got some nerve—skipping out on the research project. Are you trying to fail grad school or what?" Evelyn said.
Talk about guts—I even dared to pull a fast one on Brice.
Oh well, what was coming was coming. A true warrior faced the music, no matter how harsh the tune.
When I arrived at the studio, Evelyn still wasn't there. If she didn't show up soon, I was going to be a goner.
Right now, it was just Brice and me in the studio. Normally, I'd be over the moon, but not after I sent him that mortifying message.
Hunched over at my workstation, I was secretly texting my roommate when the sound of measured footsteps steadily approached. Then, a pair of polished black leather shoes stepped into view.
From above came Brice's cool, deep voice. "Amelia, come to my office."
Here it went. Like a timid quail, I trailed after Brice into his office, my mind racing through every mortifying "social death" scenario where he might confront me. I was so lost in my panic that I didn't even notice when he suddenly turned around.
Without a doubt, my forehead slammed right into Brice's chest. Instantly, I was enveloped by his crisp, masculine scent.
Looking up, I met Brice's dark eyes—deep as a night sky scattered with starlight—mirroring my slightly flushed face.
"Oh, sorry, Brice." I took a small step back, rubbing my aching nose. Damn, his chest was rock solid! Bet it felt incredible to touch.
What on earth was I thinking? I needed to get those dirty thoughts out of my head right now.
He stood there, maintaining an intimate 10-inch distance, his inscrutable gaze fixed on me. It wasn't until my cheeks burned that he handed me a stack of documents. "Sort these out. We'll need them for the meeting."
After the meeting, Brice, his face impassive, assigned us the research project. I stole a glance at him. He was just as composed as ever, showing no change from usual.
I actually felt a tinge of disappointment. I just couldn't keep my mind out of the gutter.
It couldn't blame me. Brice was just too genetically blessed. His proportions were downright perfect, with a face that could rival any A-list celebrity, and those gold-rimmed glasses. He was the very picture of a gentlemanly rogue.
"Amelia, I'll send you the relevant materials for this project on your WhatsApp," Evelyn said as she jotted down notes. She nudged my arm to snap me out of my daze.
I jumped at the chance to act like my WhatsApp got hacked—anything to make Brice believe it, so I could keep up my innocent goody two-shoes act in front of him.
"Evelyn, my WhatsApp got hacked and I'm still trying to recover it. So don't message me there—just use my e-mail instead!" Amelia said, then quickly stole a glance at Brice, who looked completely unfazed.
Please let him believe my lame excuse. That embarrassing confession message sent over the weekend? That was definitely not me!
Once Brice finished giving instructions, I slunk back to my seat, feeling guilty. After hesitating for a while, I finally re-added him on WhatsApp.
Brice accepted my friend request almost instantly.
With feigned innocence, Amelia texted, "So sorry, Brice. My WhatsApp got hacked over the weekend and I lost all my contacts."
A moment later, Brice replied: [Oh, really?]
All that Oscar-worthy acting for nothing. He still didn't buy it.
Gritting my teeth, I typed: [Yeah, scammers are everywhere these days. You didn't get scammed, did you, Mr. Warren?]
Brice: [What do you think?]
Amelia: [Seriously?]
This was so mortifying! Could I hire someone to chat for me? I'd pay top dollar!
Brice: [Since when do scammers block their victims after stealing their money?]
Could I still talk my way out of this?
Just as I was desperately racking my brain for an explanation, another message from Brice popped up on my phone.
Brice: [But I believe you, Amelia.]
Amelia: [Thanks for believing me, Mr. Warren.]
Brice: [So, you're the one who sent me that confession message?]
Amelia: [What confession message? Oh my god, did the hacker actually use my WhatsApp to send that?]
I swore I gave the performance of my life, but it totally fell flat. Who would've thought my first Waterloo moment would happen right here?
I couldn't focus on anything all afternoon. My mind kept racing with thoughts of what I'd do if my secret ever got out.
Honestly, I couldn't think of any way out, so I just decided to play dumb. Screw it—I would just flat-out deny everything. As long as I was thick-skinned and had decent acting chops, I refused to believe he could do anything about it.
Right before clock-out time, Brice dropped an urgent task in our group chat.
I was just a minor research project, but Brice needed me to stay in Oshurg City for a few days.
Usually, it was Jordan who accompanied Brice on these trips. But this time, he said he had a wedding photo shoot with Evelyn tomorrow—so, of course, the 'glorious' task of accompanying Brice on his business trip fell squarely on me.
Amelia: [Seriously?]