My eyes fluttered open, my body feeling groggy. It was pitch black outside and there were no sign of any stars or the moon. For some reason, I couldn't spot our neighbor's apartment, shouting at the TV due to a poorly played match. My stomach was growling and making really weird noises. I turned around for the pillow. It was so soft and-

When did my pillow become so soft?

My eyes opened. I tried to recognise my room. Wait.

This wasn't my room. This looked like a hotel suite. No wonder the bedsheets and mattress felt so soft. Shit, if I had to pay for the expenses, I didn't have that much. I was broke for the month after buying those dresses and by the looks of it, more than half of my next month's salary would go for a night at a place like this.

I got up, my head feeling lighter than usual. At this rate, if I didn't have anything sooner, I might have to be hospitalised. Jared didn't know my state but unfortunately, he might now.

"Wh-" I rubbed my eyes, trying to clear my vision. I saw my glasses near the bedside table and grabbed them, observing for any cracks but thankfully finding none. As I wore and the world became clear again, I looked around and realized it wasn't a hotel suite. This was a room, a lavish bedroom. I looked around the surroundings.

Holy hell, a glass wall? New York city? Where was I? I spotted my watch on the bedside table and grabbed it, checking the time. 12:30 am. I was still wearing my work clothes. Everything looked alright besides the unfamiliar environment. Panic rose my body. What the hell. Did someone take advantage of me? Where was I? I crawled to the edge, seeking for a chance to escape as I spotted slippers two sizes too big for me.

I wasn't shedding a penny for the services for wherever the hell I was. I wasn't conscious so it didn't count. I was ready to riot if anyone argued. It wasn't my choice to spend a night here. Nobody would give a bedroom this grand for free unless they wanted something in return. I wasn't giving any sexual services and I had no money, so I would have to go to the police if something inappropriate was going to happen.

"Finally you are awake. Why are you getting down? Get back up. Elle! Bring the food!" Jared suddenly walked in as I gasped in surprise.

He had his office shirt and pants, but no blazer. His hair didn't look the same neat and sleek, looking messy and dirty instead. He looked busy, opening his watch and rolling up his sleeves. Yet, he still looked hot.

He really did give special care to his appearance in the last few years, I had to admit. He might not be too muscular like those celebrities in Instagram, but he was fit. Puberty and London had been a boon for him. Then again, he had to, I guess. His presence in front of media and conferences, regular sports activities he undertook which I noticed in tabloids was bound to make him fit. The only sport I could play was badminton. He also had money, which I always felt short of at the end of the month.

My stomach made a grumbling sound as I covered it shyly, wondering what exactly was happening.

"Ja-sir?" I asked, looking around, "Where am I?"

"My home," He replied listlessly, his concentration entirely upon opening the top button of his collar. I looked away, not wanting to fawn over real life people. I did have a long list of celeb crushes anyway.

My eyes widened at his response though, "W-what? Why?"

"You fainted, so I brought you here. Called a doctor. Your sugar level is low. You need food," He said non chalantly, tapping his foot impatiently and looking outside, "If I had known earlier you were starving, instead of coffee, I would have ordered you to stuff your mouth with packets of food. You never ever go without food, it seems. So, even one missed meal makes you faint."

But I could see regret in his eyes. It was clearly visible. He looked stressed and fatigued as he spoke casually.

"Are you alright?" I gulped.

"You are asking me this question?" He shook his head and finally looking at me, disbelieving, "God, the hunger must have gone to your head."

"Sorry for being polite," I mumbled, "I'll try not to make the same mistake again."

He heard that and frowned, not looking pleased but chose to ignore it just as there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," He said, without removing his gaze from me, assessing me like a lab experiment.

A lady came in with a tray of food followed by another servant with a tray of food followed by another, another, another.

Shucks.

"Place it on the bed," He ordered.

Four plates of food were settled carefully after which everyone left without a word.

Holy hell.

"You don't expect me to have so much food, do you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, I know you shouldn't have too much food on a really empty stomach... might have negative effects. But I didn't know what you would like. All I remember is you like blueberry pies. So, I told them to make different snacks as much as possible. I had no idea what you would prefer," He looked away, "Have as much as you can. I will tell Elle to pack the rest. But have water before starting to eat."

I bit my lip, "Thanks and you are forgiven," I said to his indirect apology.

"You faint if you go without one day's food?" He frowned, crossing his arms across his chest as he ignored what I said. I gazed at his arms for a second too long this time, relishing in unlike the last time before flicking my eyes away.

"I have some gastric problems. Doctor said I should have my meals regularly at correct time otherwise it will cause severe acidity and further side effects like nausea," I shrugged.

"Do you take regular medicines?"

I shook my head, "No, just I have been cautioned not to skip meals. I did few years back and it gave rise to lot of health problems so I have been quite disciplined with my meals after that."

His eyes narrowed, "You never told me that."

"Should I have a reason to tell you about my problems anymore?" I asked quietly, staring at him.

He blinked, rolling his tongue over his lower teeth, "No. I didn't find it mentioned under your health problems so the company might. You could be held for withdrawing information if anyone gets to know. Don't be this stupid again to miss your meals to fulfill your personal agenda with someone. Your health should come first. I wish you would've told me that. I myself have to often miss lunch if work is too much or many others, for that matter. It doesn't mean the rest of us go on fainting. That's why mentioning any health details is crucial."

This was his exact problem. Never accepting that he too could make a mistake.

"It started after I joined Ford's job so the records are old and I forgot to add it, I'll update once I get back to work immediately. I need to call Wade first," I picked my phone from the bedside table.

"Don't worry. I informed him you won't be going back home in this state. You are staying here tonight," He ordered, "Stop speaking and eat."

"What?" I asked a bit too loudly, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. No arguments please. I have had enough for today," He said, rubbing his face, "If you don't trust me, text him and tell him yourself again."

"You are completely mad and I will call him once after eating. He doesn't sleep until two," I said boldly, chewing the pie.

"Is that how-"

"Firstly, outside you are not my boss. Secondly, which boss takes his employee home, feeds her and makes her stay? You could've just taken me to a hospital or my place," I retorted. He stood there quietly for few seconds, giving me a steely look.

"Don't stop eating. Your medicines and prescription are there in the drawer. You have to follow it for a week," He ordered and left. I looked at the different kinds of food, "Oh boy, what do we have next?"

After half an hour, I had a pie, pancakes, waffles. I was in heaven. Surprisingly, I didn't feel stuffed. I felt content and deliciously happy. My headache had reduced considerably and I knew by next morning, I would be fine. I just needed some rest now.

He came back just as I finished eating, having changed his outfit, "Done?" He asked, looking quite okay in track pants and a cotton t-shirt and wet hair. Patches of his shirt stuck to his body from the water and I was not complaining.

He had a flat stomach, even I did not have that. Good god, I was jealous now.

I nodded, "Food was really good. Thank your cook for me."

"You can sleep here," He said, again ignoring what I said.

"Isn't this your room?" I asked.

"Yes. I will take the guest room," He said as a matter of fact.

"Are you alright? Did you get hit by a meteor?" I asked, feeling really concerned.

"Don't push my buttons, Allison Marshall. I just don't want my employees falling sick. They need to stay fit. I have asked Elle to give you spare clothes. Go to sleep. And no need of going to work tomorrow. Take the day off. My driver will drop you off tomorrow," He narrowed his eyes at me.

This. Is. Awesome!

Maybe I should faint more.

He stared at me as if wanting to say more. Then deciding against it, he turned.

Just as he reached the door, he paused again and said without turning, "I never thought you would finish those files. No one could do it. It wasn't meant for completion in one day. I was... surprised you did it. Good job," He walked away quickly, shooting me a last glance.

This was the first time he praised me for my job.

"Hallelujah!" I pumped my fist in air before wanting to ask one more question.

"Hey, wait!" I got up, wobbling over due to lack of blood flow. I stretched my muscles before running out.

"Didn't I tell you to stay in the room?" He scowled, "Listen to me for once, will you?"

"Did I make any mistakes in the files?" I asked, a little breathless.

He didn't say anything for a second, just frowned.

"No, you didn't."

But I knew I had. He was hiding. I was too hungry to check and I had made many mistakes. He didn't say that. For the first time I had made mistakes in my work and he hadn't even scold me, let alone shout.

Which was so weird if somebody asked me. It meant I had lost, I did finish those files but I didn't do it successfully. Yet, he wasn't chastising me. Instead, he praised me. This wasn't the sign of a usual boss. Whatever was in the night, huh?

I genuinely felt like going and hugging him but I couldn't. He was still my boss and I was still his employee. He would skewer me alive if I touched him.

"Thank you," I smiled, indirectly thanking him for hiding my faults, "So, are we cordial now?"

By the look on his face, I would say he understood why I said it, "Go sleep. Don't speak or break any things otherwise I am taking money from you."

I smiled widely at him. He swallowed uncomfortably as he looked at me, "You can lodge a complaint at the HR if you want. I won't say anything."

"I won't if you promise to not burden me with unnecessary work to fulfill your motive. I actually like my work and I am learning a lot so it would be a shame if I got shifted somewhere else or you had to forcefully approve my resignation."

His face was unreadable again. I seriously wished I could understand expressions. He gave a small nod, "I won't. However, you will never pull this kind of stunt again. If you feel ill, you are to tell me or someone else. You are not to compromise your health for... whatever that it is. If I had known you were having issues, I wouldn't have burdened you. So, the next time, don't do that again. That's an order."

"Okay, I won't."

"Hmm, now go take rest."

He walked away quietly and I went back to the room.

If I saw this side of him regularly, I knew I wouldn't mind going back to work everyday without dreading the consequent results. In fact, I might add I would even look forward to it. I stood against the locked door, smiling giddily like a teenager had met her hero as I repeated the events from half an hour ago.

Of course what he did wasn't right. He behaved like a child. However, I was ready to be the bigger person and let it go for my mental peace. Plus, Jared promised he wouldn't and yes, I still trusted him. If there was one thing I knew, when he spoke and promised something to me, he meant it.

He might have promised to take his revenge and it culminated to this day. Now if he promised he was ready to let that ploying scheme of his, he would.

Maybe old Jared Grey wasn't dead, he had just gone into hibernation.

Well, if that was the case, it was time to wake up, Hitler. Winter's over.