There were a few things Elena had learned in her short time at EC Games: never microwave fish in the break room, always save your work because the power will go out during presentations, and most importantly—when HR calls you in without context, panic.
That morning, Elena received a cryptic email titled:
"Request for a Quick Chat – HR Department"
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: HR Cabin 3
No subject. No reason. Just the time, place, and a sinking feeling in her stomach.
She walked into the HR room like someone walking into a horror movie basement. Inside sat Mr. Reed—the HR head, with the soft smile of someone who always looked like he knew your secrets—and beside him, to her absolute shock, was Ethan.
Oh no.
"Elena, please take a seat," Mr. Reed said politely.
Ethan nodded at her, calm and unreadable as always. Elena sat down slowly, half expecting hidden cameras and a dramatic "you're fired!" banner to pop out.
"We've had… whispers," Mr. Reed began, adjusting his glasses. "About certain interactions between the CEO and an employee—specifically, you."
Elena's eyes widened. "Interactions?! What kind of—"
"Nothing confirmed, of course," he added quickly. "But some staff have noticed Mr. Ethan frequently visiting your desk. And recently—well—someone heard him refer to you as his wife."
Elena nearly choked on air. Wife? In public? Ethan, what were you thinking?!
Mr. Reed continued, "Now, if there's a relationship involved, as HR, we are simply required to ensure there's no conflict of interest or workplace favoritism. You know, the usual protocols."
Elena looked toward Ethan, expecting him to say something neutral. Instead, he leaned back and calmly replied, "There's no favoritism. Elena got this job because she earned it. And I… may have accidentally let the word 'wife' slip. It won't happen again."
Mr. Reed nodded. "Very well. Just be cautious. The company doesn't forbid relationships, but secrecy can create… drama."
As they left the cabin, Ethan glanced sideways. "Sorry. It just slipped out."
Elena groaned. "Can we please keep our 'fake marriage' from becoming office legend?"
Ethan gave a faint smile. "Too late. It's already trending in the gossip group chat."