CEO's Allergy

Phoebe's POV

I never win anything. That's the simple truth. If there's a line where luck is handed out, I'm always at the very end-if I'm even in it at all. So when my name was called as the last recipient of the Wellington Academic Excellence Award, my legs almost gave out beneath me.

There was a round of applause, sure, but I barely heard it. My head was spinning. My name? On the list? How? I hadn't even expected to be in the running.

"And finally, the last recipient for this year's Wellington Academic Excellence Award-Phoebe Harper."

I remember blinking. Once. Twice. Then my friend nudged me so hard in the ribs I nearly dropped my phone. Everyone turned to look at me. I could feel the weight of their stares. I stood slowly, smoothed down my wrinkled dress, and made the long, humiliating walk toward the stage.

There were cameras. Spotlights. And, apparently, a ridiculously handsome man standing center-stage with a crooked smile plastered on his face.

Wait. What?

I squinted. No. No way.

It was him.

He was the last person I expected to see here-let alone be the one handing me an award. My breath hitched as our eyes locked. He tilted his head, his smirk deepening like he knew exactly what was going through my mind.

"You," I whispered under my breath.

The CEO's smirk widened.

**Flashback.**

It was about a month ago. I had applied for an internship at a luxury hotel-just for a month. The plan was simple: stay there until Valentine's Day. I wasn't trying to build a career or rack up a paycheck. I had... another plan.

Dylan.

My childhood friend. My longtime crush. He was finally visiting the city, and I wanted to make sure he had a place to stay-comfortably. The hotel rates were way above our budget, so I figured if I could work there, I'd get staff discounts. Maybe even sneak in a free night or two. And it was a perfect excuse. Who would suspect ulterior motives from a hardworking intern?

Convincing the hotel supervisor had been a challenge. I promised I'd work hard, stay out of trouble, and leave by mid-February. He wasn't exactly thrilled, but I managed to charm my way in. Barely.

On the day everything spiraled, I was assigned to clean Room 1206. I didn't know it then, but that room would set everything in motion.

I cleaned it meticulously. Sparkling windows. Sheets ironed with military precision. Every corner scrubbed. I wanted that room perfect-because I hoped it would be Dylan's. I even left a letter. A love letter, hidden beneath the pillow. A risky move, yes, but my heart was foolishly hopeful.

Then came the panic.

"The CEO is arriving today."

That announcement sent the hotel staff into chaos. Everyone was scurrying like mice. Me? I didn't see the big deal. Until I was pulled into the madness and ordered to join the staff waiting in the lobby to welcome him and his girlfriend.

Meanwhile, Dylan and his friends were on their way to the hotel. Coincidentally, they passed the CEO's car on the road. Dylan recognized the girl in the passenger seat-Dawn Williams, a senior from school. They were shocked. None of them had ever imagined she'd end up with someone that wealthy.

Back at the hotel, things took a turn.

The CEO didn't join his PA and girlfriend in greeting the staff. Infact, no one ever saw him, he went straight up to the rooms-and chose Room 1206.

Of course.

I had no idea until my supervisor's phone rang. He answered, his face darkening with every word. The CEO was furious. Said the room was poorly cleaned. Demanded it be redone immediately.

My name was called out.

Everyone turned to me. I had been trying to call Dylan, completely unaware of the storm brewing around me. When the supervisor asked who cleaned Room 1206, I raised my hand.

"Go clean it again," he barked. "And you're in charge of everything that man wants now."

I tried to explain. "But I cleaned it well. I swear-"

"If you did," he cut me off, "he wouldn't be complaining!"

My heart sank. The letter.

I bolted upstairs.

Room 1206 was empty. I rushed to the bed and yanked up the pillow. Nothing. My stomach dropped.

The sound of water running in the bathroom snapped me back to reality.

He was here.

Panicking, I opened the closet and began rummaging through his neatly arranged clothes, hoping-praying-that my letter had somehow ended up there.

Then the bathroom door opened.

I froze.

I ducked behind the hanging clothes, pulling them around me like a makeshift shield. My feet betrayed me. A single toe stuck out.

And he saw it.

The CEO yanked the clothes aside.

There I was.

He didn't yell. Not immediately. He just looked at me, those icy eyes pinning me in place.

"What are you doing in my closet?"

"I-I left something here," I stammered. "It's important."

"There's nothing here that belongs to you," he said flatly. "Get out."

"But-"

"Out."

Wait...Let me guess, "You're my personal housekeeper"? He stopped me

I gave out a little Smile of hope, "Yes Sir"

"Good" "Stay ten meters away from me," he added. "Or lose your job." Only come around when I need you.

He practically shoved me out the door.

I wanted to cry. But I wasn't ready to give up. Not yet.

The next day, I returned while he was away. Searched the room again. Same closet. Same desperation. Only this time, I wasn't fast enough.

He caught me. Again.

"Seems like you have the habit of hiding in the closet and sniffing men's clothing"

His voice was ice. "At the count of three, if you're not gone, your salary's gone with you."

One. Two-

I bolted.

Later that afternoon, He went out with his girlfriend to have a drink by the poolside. He looked... bored. Distracted. She looked radiant and clingy, all wrapped up in herself and him. He wasn't even listening to her. As his personal bodyguard, I was behind them but still keeping my distance like he asked me to.

He pulled something out of his pocket-a necklace. Simple. Elegant.

"Do you remember this?" he asked.

Dawn blinked. "No. Why would I?"

He didn't answer. Just nodded and slipped it back into his pocket. "Sorry, wrong one" Then handed her another necklace-this one made of diamonds. She squealed. He barely reacted.

**Flashback to previous month**

One of his exes came to the club where he was keeping himself company with different ladies beside him, she created a scene, splashed the glass of wine he was drinking at his face. She said all sorts of things because Richard dumped her and so she was pained.

Later that night, Richard almost took his life by trying to jump into the river. He was already tired of the constant relationship breakups - he was only doing that just to protect himself and not blow his cover.

Just as he was about to jump, I held him from the bridge and pulled him with strong force

One thing many people don't know - though I'm simple in nature but I'm physically strong more than anyone can imagine a woman to be

Even though I didn't see the face of the man I saved, I fled immediately... But what I didn't know is that my necklace dropped while I was running but Richard picked it.

Dawn came to him, trying to save a gentleman left unconscious on the bridge.

Richard half-consciously said to her "Are you the one that saved me just now and my body didn't react"?

Dawn in a confused state "Wh...What"

He asked again "What's your name"?

Dawn still confused but said, "Dawn Williams"

**Back to the Present -Poolside**

"So She isn't the one", Richard murmured to himself

I watched all of it from a distance.

She reached for his hand. He flinched.

He didn't like being touched.

Strange.

Later, when she tried hugging him and wouldn't let go, he texted me.

Get her off me. Now.

I stared at the message, dumbfounded.

I'll pay you. Just do it.

Money talks.

I marched over, clearing my throat loudly. "Sir, your drink's getting warm."

He took the hint. Dawn, annoyed, let go and stormed back inside.

He turned to me, satisfied. "Good work."

I crossed my arms. "Pay up."

He smirked, pulled out some cash, and handed it over.

I grinned. "Pleasure doing business."

But deep down, I was still thinking about that letter.

And I still didn't know his name.

I received a call immediately, it was an unknown number but when I picked I heard Dylan's voice. I felt butterflies in my stomach but I'm just trying to keep it cool and not break the "Girls code"

"Hello Pheebs"

"Hey Dylan, what happened? Been trying to reach you but your line wasn't connecting" I said over the phone

I'm so sorry. My phone battery was flat and our car broke down, such a terrible road experience. Not to worry, we are already close to the city... Maybe we can go tonight

Uhm.. Go to where??

"To see the meteor shower"

Okay, that would be cool. I said

He hanged up. I was overwhelmed with joy and didn't even know when I started jumping. "Maybe he wants to confess his feelings to me" I thought to myself

I just remembered that I still have to find the letter. My mood changed and I caused the CEO under my breath.

This brilliant idea came to my head. The only way left now is to ask CEO's girlfriend to help me. I know it's going to be a difficult task but I still have to try my luck.

I met with her outside the hotel and explained to her how I lost the letter

"I promise you the letter and ring is not for CEO, I just want to give it to my childhood friend, I wouldn't dare stealing the CEO from you, you both are a perfect match" I smiled trying to convince Dawn.

Seems like she got convinced after hearing my last statement. "I'll help you find the letter in the room but we have to make a deal"

She came close to me and whispered into my ears

"Contraceptives?" I almost shouted but then lowered my voice immediately

"I'm asking you to do this for me because I'm at the verge of loosing my relationship". She said to me with a shaking voice almost about to cry

"Why don't you buy from the hotel" I asked.

"I checked but it's not sold in the hotel, I don't know why"

"But you can ask the CEO to get it for you, you know, he's your boyfriend" I said still trying to find an excuse.

She sighed "Can you pls do this for me. You know the type of person he is and wouldn't agree to it, He's so cold. I just want to surprise him tonight" "Don't worry I'll give you more than enough money"

"Just buy across the street. Not that far" She chipped in again.

She gave me some money, I counted it and it was even more than enough to buy the contraceptives. This was another push for me to accept this deal..

"You know I'm at duty now, what if the supervisor looks for me" I said as soon as I remembered.

"Don't worry I'll cover up for you" She uttered

Well, yea I know she can do that. I mean she has the power to.

So I rushed off immediately..

Only that I didn't know that the CEO has been watching and overheard our discussion.