Chapter 2The Possessive Algorithm

The arm holding me stiffened visibly.

But Adrian didn't say much, just asked curiously: "Why the sudden urge to work?"

It wasn't sudden, I thought.

I graduated a year ago.

I had worked for a total of three months.

Those three months were a nightmare of office politics, micromanagement, and a boss who got too handsy.

My first job out of the ivory tower was a disaster.

I didn't dare look for another, so I nestled in Adrian's villa for over six months.

Until two days ago.

A college classmate sent me a screenshot of a group chat:

[By the way, what is Zoe doing after graduation?]

[What else? Being a canary in a gilded cage.]

[Must be nice to be pretty. When will a rich guy keep me?]

[Aren't they dating? I remember they started in sophomore year.]

[It sounds nice to call it dating. In reality, it's just... that.]

[True. The gap between her and her boyfriend is huge. Will they even marry? Rich guys just play around.]

[Honestly, even if they don't marry, I'm jealous. I can't find a job, and she's financially free.]

[Jealous of what? Would you let someone control you?]

[Haha, I wouldn't. I can't handle a guy who's so much more powerful.]

[Her boyfriend probably stopped caring about her long ago.]

[So, the suffering Zoe endures, you might not be able to handle. (Smirk)]

I didn't know what suffering they were talking about.

Adrian was a few years older, but a five-year gap was normal.

And Adrian didn't "stop caring."

On the contrary, he cared too much. I was the one who couldn't handle it.

He woke up early for work, while I slept in. Yet at night, he was energetic, and I was exhausted...

Weird.

I ignored the chat log, even when my classmate urged me to clarify.

There was nothing to say.

My boyfriend was handsome, rich, and capable. Let them be sour.

I just simply felt after reading it:

Maybe I should find something to do.

I wrapped my arms around Adrian’s neck. "Jax offered me a job at his company."

Jax was Adrian’s best friend.

And the one who hated me the most.

Sometimes he looked at me like I was a succubus destroying a kingdom.

He couldn't understand what spell I cast to change his brother so completely.

He tried to break us up.

But Adrian defended us strictly. Jax had no choice but to try separating us physically.

He offered me a job with a high salary.

The only condition was that I stop clinging to Adrian 24/7 so he could have time with his boys.

I accepted happily.

Adrian buried his face in my neck, whining: "Babe, if you want to work, why not come to my company?"

I teased:

"Then we'd be together 24 hours a day. What if you get sick of me?"

He looked serious. "Impossible!"

"What if I get sick of you?"

He thought for a moment and sighed. "Fine."