Chapter 8 Alia POV I stepped out of the Ritz Hotel's revolving glass doors , my heart racing like I'd just run a marathon . The sunlight was blinding , and I squinted instinctively , scanning my surroundings , terrified that someone might have spotted me having lunch with Marco . How ridiculous , Aria Rossi . You're actually feeling guilty for eating with your own husband , like a kid who stole candy . If I'd known he was the CEO of Cortez Tech , would I have married him so easily ? The thought struck me out of nowhere . I shook my head , trying to push it away , but it clung to me like gum on the sole of a shoe - sticky , annoying , impossible to shake off . Back at the office , I hadn't even made it to my desk when Berti Mella , my department head , stopped me . Her usually stern face broke into a rare smile . Aria , starting today , you'll be taking on the role of executive assistant to the CEO while continuing to handle projects in the business department . Congratulations ! " I managed a quick " Thank you " with a nod . At noon , the HR department head sent an internal company email appointing me as the CEO's secretary . Although Marco had mentioned this to me last night , I still felt it was unreal . My colleagues ' stares hit me like spotlights - some envious , some surprised , and a few barely hiding their jealousy . " Hey , don't mind the looks . Everyone knows you've got the skills . You've got this ! " Tina patted my shoulder , her voice full of encouragement . I smiled at her gratefully , even though my heart was already in turmoil . Antonio sauntered over , grinning wide . " Congrats , Aria , our new big - shot secretary ! Don't forget us little guys now , okay ? " His tone was so casual , like he was chatting about a weekend picnic , that I couldn't help but roll my eyes . CoAntonio , who'd dare call you a little guy ? " The afternoon meeting was the main event - a discussion on the Phantom Game bidding project . This was a game development initiative under Red Scorpion Group , with a total investment of ten million dollars . I'd spent too much time at lunch , and now I was worried I hadn't double - checked the bidding documents thoroughly enough . As the project team lead , I had to be on top of my game . I couldn't let Marco - cr , I mean , Mr. Vittorio - think I wasn't up to the task . Sitting in the conference room , I organized my files while taking deep breaths , trying to calm the inexplicable nerves bubbling inside me . Five minutes before the meeting started , Marco walked in . he was dressed in a deep navy tailored suit , his posture straight as a pine tree , his demeanor cold yet elegant , as if he were born to be the center of attention . Those sharp eyes swept across the room , landing on me without a flicker of emotion . I was seated next to him , as expected of the CEO's assistant , but my heartbeat betrayed me , quickening uncontrollably . His strictly professional attitude eased my tension a little - at least he wouldn't show any personal feelings in this setting . " Let's begin , " Marco said , his voice deep and commanding , like a gavel striking the table . Everyone sat up straighter , the air itself seeming to thicken with tension . I cleared my throat and started presenting the details of the Phantom Game project . From market analysis to budget allocation to potential risks , 1 kept my pace steady , every figure etched into my memory. Toward the end , I snuck a glance at Marco and caught him staring at me , his gaze so intense it felt like it could pull me in . I quickly looked away , focusing on the PowerPoint until I finished the last word . The room erupted in applause . " Good work " Marco commented briefly , his tone devoid of much emotion , but I caught the fleeting hint of a smile at the comer of his mouth . I returned a petite , professional smile , though inside , it felt like a pebble had been tossed into a still pond , sending ripples through me . Don't verthink it , Aria . It's just professional recognition , nothing more , After the meeting , everyone filed out . I was hugging a thick stack of project documents , head down as I tidied the table , completely unaware that Antonio had approached . He suddenly stung an arm around my shoulder , saying with a grin , Great job ! How about I treat you to a drink tonight to celebrate ? " His sudden Chapter 8 enthusiasm caught me off guard , and I was just about to decl Antonio froze for a second , then , along with the other lingerin when a low voice cut in sharply . " Miss Rossi , stay behind . " colleagues , tactfully exited the conference room . Soon , it was just the two of us . I turned around to see Marco standing there , his expression dark , a shadow of displeasure in his eyes that sent a chill down my spine . " Right now , I'm just Marco , your husband , " he said , his voice low but carrying an undeniable weight . T ter frowned , deliberately stepping back to create some distance . " Mr. Vittorio , it's still office hours . " I knew saying this might annoy him , but some boundaries had to be drawn , especially at work . His brows knitted tighter , and in a few strides , he closed the gap between us , his tone laced with warning . As your husband , I won't allow anyone else to touch you so casually - not at any time , not in any place ! " His gaze was sharp as a blade , piercing straight into me . I raised an eyebrow , countering with a deliberately light tone . " Not even women ? " The moment the words left my mouth , I regretted them . His face darkened instantly , and the next second , he pinned me against the conference table , his hands braced on either side of me , trapping me in his presence . " Disobedient woman , " he leaned in close to my ear , his voice low , dangerous , and laced with flirtation . " I don't mind teaching you a little lesson . " My face flushed crimson in an instant , my heart pounding like a drum , my breath quickening . His warm breath brushed against my ear , an electric jolt through my entire body . sending I pushed him away hurriedly , fumbling to grab the documents on the table , and practically fled the room . " S - sorry , Mr. Vittorio , I've got things to take care of ! " Throwing out the excuse , I bolted without looking back , not daring to catch a glimpse of his expression . " In the hallway , my steps slowed , and I pressed a hand to my chest , trying to calm my erratic heartbeat . God , Aria , you nearly back there , didn't you ? got yourself devoured Meanwhile , back in the conference room , Marco watched my frantic escape , his eyes narrowing slightly . He turned to Luca Ferrari , who stood nearby , and asked coldly , " Are all women like this ? " O Luca shrugged , unfazed . " Boss , some women - the more they run , the more they want you to chase . " Marco didn't respond , his fingers lightly tapping the table as he stared at the doorway , lost in thought . Luca added with a smirk , " But our lady here ? I think she's genuinely shy . "