Chapter 10: With all due respect.

Nicolas sat on his white couch, rubbing the exhaustion from his face. He glanced down at his phone, waiting for a response from Serene. He groaned, falling sideways on the sofa. The living room was silent. His eyes eyed at the newest version of his phone sitting on the coffee table in front of him.

!ding!

Nicolas smiled, extending his arm to the table and grabbed his phone.

**Serene Ochoa: Very well. I assume I wear some sort of formal attire?

Nicolas: Of course, fool. It is a formal party.**

!ding!

Nicolas thought before checking the response. His stomach turned and it was like he craved to see Seven again. Being with him in the bathroom, pinning him against the wall - it was an accident, but somehow it felt right to him. Like he meant to do that. Like he wanted more. He's only known Serene for a day or two and he already felt the need to be with him more.

**Serene Ochoa: Sir, I don't enjoy being taunted. I am human. I have emotions.

Nicolas: Perhaps you missed the sentence on my website that as my personal assistant, your emotions don't matter. Have a good day, Assistant Ochoa.**

...

!ding!

Serene Ochoa: With all due respect, there were no sentences that mentioned about unwanted feelings. In addition, I find it quite outrageous that you've told me that. Sir, please try to rethink what I am to you. I'm not a doll. I am human.

Nicolas: With all due respect, I did clarify in the car that there were key points that weren't listed. I forgot to state about the 'unwanted feelings'.

!ding!

**Serene Ochoa: With all due respect, you also forgot to mention in the car that you can be intimidating when wanting to congratulate someone.

Nicolas: You're quite brave to bring up the incident in the bathroom.**

!ding!

**Serene Ochoa: Apologies sir, but I do tend to get defensive from harmful comments. Not to be conceited, but don't you think it was a good idea to hire someone as skeptical, analytical, and intelligent as you?

Nicolas: sigh ~ I'm disappointed that I've hired someone so self-centered. It's annoying to be conceited, Ochoa. I don't enjoy it.**

!ding!

**Serene Ochoa: Did you just "sigh", sir? That's childish. May I remind you that I wanted to work with the CEO of a gaming company. Not a teenager crying for entertainment.

Nicolas: owo rawr?**

!ding!

**Serene Ochoa: Mr. Anderson, I'm uncomfortable. Why are you acting comical? It's absurd. Also, this is a work phone. What are you trying to prove? Can we talk about work? Please do not play with my brain. I don't want to go back to middle school.

Nicolas: It's after work hours. Please find your inner youth and do it with me. You're making me sound unethical. I'm trying to bond with my new assistant.**

!ding!

**Serene Ochoa: My inner youth? I'm going to stop messaging you. It seems to me you're going to regret this conversation. Goodbye, Mr. Anderson

Nicolas: Already? Do you have something better to do at 12 in the afternoon?**

....

Nicolas: Why are you not respecting my orders? Come interact with your boss this instant!

...

Nicolas: Very well. I shall start calling you Assistant Serene. Ms. Serene.

!ding!

**Serene Ochoa: :'-( You're ordering me to message you? Possessive of you, sir.

Nicolas: Did you eat after all?

**

!ding!

**Serene Ochoa: An egg and bacon sandwich.

Nicolas: Unhealthy. Perhaps a salad would've been nice?**

!ding!

**Serene Ochoa: Sir, please respect my wishes and stop this conversation. I only came to work for you so that I can assist you. I don't wish to be your buddy. I will leave now. Turning off my work phone.

Nicolas: Understandable, but do not turn off your work phone. Something might come up. Thank you for taking the time off of your slow day for me. Perhaps another time we get to communicate like this? Also, if you don't respond to this message with an animal sound, expect to be fired.**

!ding!

Serene Ochoa: ... Meow. =T_T=