Chapter 6
My mother is the only family I have left in this world, and I had to rush back home immediately.
But I work in the government’s defense research and development department. Just last month, I took on a national–level key project, and I’m the lead responsible for it. Due to confidentiality regulations, I cannot leave the city without written approval from my superiors.
There was no time to waste. I quickly dialed my boss’s number.
He’s the new manager who was transferred just three days ago, and I haven’t met him in person yet. All I knew was that his name was Bronx.
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apter 6
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I was anxious, and to my surprise, the phone was answered on the third ring.
“Lena? What’s going on?”
Bronx unexpectedly called my name, but the brief moment of confusion quickly faded as I focused on the situation at hand.
I explained my need for leave succinctly, stressing that I had to leave tonight, not waiting until the morning.
Although I had clarified the situation, I didn’t hold much hope that such a last–minute request would be granted.
My mind was a chaotic mess, flashing between images of my mother and the confidentiality rules surrounding the project. So when Bronx agreed, I was momentarily
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stunned.
He gave me an address. “Come over now.”
Overwhelmed with relief, I immediately hailed a cab and rushed to the entrance of Bronx’s apartment complex.
A man stood at the door, holding an umbrella and some documents. I assumed that was Bronx.
But when I saw his face clearly, I hesitated.
He was too young, looking like someone my own age.
But instead of me approaching him, he walked forward, holding the umbrella, and handed me the documents. “I’ve printed your leave papers. Just sign here.”
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I was taken aback, never expecting things to go so smoothly. A flood of emotions surged within me, and all I could do was choke out a quiet “Thank you!”
I hastily signed my name and handed the papers back to Bronx, but he didn’t take them. Frowning, he looked at me instead.
“What’s going on? You’re soaked through.”
Bronx spoke with an unexplainable authority that made my heart tighten. I was about to speak when a sharp tickle hit my throat, and I was overcome by a fit of coughing.
It was only then I realized how cold I was, my body shivering uncontrollably and my head spinning. I must have a fever.
I rasped, “I was in a hurry to leave… I forgot my umbrella.”
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Bronx muttered something under his breath, then asked, “How are you planning to get there?”
Without thinking, I answered, “I’ll take a taxi.”
He shook his head. “Don’t bother.”
I looked at him, confused, but he spoke in a tone that brooked no argument. “I’ve seen your address in the paperwork. It’s all mountain roads out there–most drivers wouldn’t even attempt it. Especially not now, it’s the middle of the night. No one’s going to take the fare.”
In a rush of panic, I quickly made up my mind. “Then I’ll just grab a taxi home and drive myself.”
Before I could move, Bronx grabbed my
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sounded again. “I brought you some clean clothes. Change into them for now, and once the car warms up, your wet clothes will dry off.”
A flicker of warmth spread through me, and I noticed the partition between the front and back seats had already risen.
From behind the partition, Bronx’s voice sounded muffled. “Once you’re done changing, come to the front and guide me.”
On the backseat lay a military–green travel bag. I opened it to find a white towel, a shirt,
a sweater, and a pair of military–green pants.
It was clear these were Bronx’s clothes, hastily grabbed in his rush.
A swell of gratitude filled me, and all the words I wanted to say condensed into one simple phrase: “Thank you, sir.”
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Bronx didn’t respond, and I didn’t expect him to. I quickly changed, slipping into the clothes he had provided.
When I climbed into the front passenger seat, I felt a sudden wave of awkwardness. “Sorry for the trouble, sir.”
Bronx glanced at me briefly.
I adjusted the shirt, which still carried the fresh scent of laundry detergent. It wasn’t until then that I felt a faint unease, especially as I realized that Bronx, my superior, was now driving me.
“Sir, I began cautiously, choosing my words carefully, “I’m sorry to disturb your rest today. How about I drive the rest of the way?”
Bronx kept his eyes on the road, his tone
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neutral. “No need. I’d rather not risk it.”
I forced a smile, awkwardly adding, “Yeah, this car must cost a few million.””
Bronx furrowed his brow slightly, clearing his throat. “That’s not what I meant.”
He pressed his lips together. “This car is heavy. It’s not easy for a woman to handle.”
I felt a flush of embarrassment, nodding stiffly. “Well then, I guess I’ll leave it to you.”
Bronx gave a faint, indifferent “Mm.“”
“Don’t be too polite,” he added. “We’re about the same age. Just call me by my first name when we’re not working.”
“Got it,” I replied.
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I hesitated for a moment, then decided to call him by his name. “Bronx.”
But I still couldn’t shake off the nervous tension, sitting stiffly in my seat.
Bronx broke the silence. “Lyn, could you pull up the navigation for me and guide me?”
Finally, I had something to focus on, and I let out a small sigh of relief.
For some reason, though, I could’ve sworn there was a faint hint of a smile on Bronx’s usually stoic face as he drove.
Under my directions, Bronx sped down the road, getting me to the village entrance before the first light of dawn.
