[M4A] After a chance encounter, your boss hires your girlfriend as his personal assistant

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John had always imagined his first real job would feel like the beginning of something; independence, purpose, maybe even a quiet sense of pride. Instead, it felt like a test he was constantly failing. At twenty-three, freshly thrown into the polished, indifferent world of corporate life, he spent most days second-guessing himself, replaying every email, every meeting, every glance from his boss.

Matteo was the kind of man people noticed without understanding why. Confident without effort, charming without seeming to try, and always just out of reach. For John, he was also a source of constant tension. Nothing Matteo said was ever outright harsh, but there was a weight to his words, a subtle pressure that made John feel like he was always one misstep away from being replaced. Lately, that feeling had been getting harder to ignore.

Still, outside of work, John had Emma.

Emma, with her bright red hair and easy laughter, had a way of grounding him. She made everything feel simpler, lighter, like maybe he wasn’t as lost as he thought. He loved her in the kind of wholehearted, unquestioning way that made compromises feel natural. If it meant keeping her happy, he would swallow his doubts every time.

That’s why, on a quiet Saturday afternoon, wandering through shops together, John let himself relax for once. No office, no pressure, just Emma’s hand in his and the hum of the city around them.

Until they ran into Matteo.

The moment stretched in a way John couldn’t quite explain. Surprise turned quickly into polite conversation, and polite conversation into something more fluid, something almost effortless between Matteo and Emma. They clicked instantly, trading smiles and light teasing remarks as if they’d known each other longer than a few minutes. John stood just slightly to the side, watching it unfold, a strange tightness settling in his chest.

Then came the offer.

Matteo, casual as ever, suggested Emma might be perfect as his personal assistant. The words hung in the air, full of opportunity. Real, tangible opportunity. The kind John had been struggling to secure for himself.

Emma looked surprised, intrigued.

John forced a smile.

Because of course he would support her. Of course he would. This could be good, for her, for them… maybe even for him. And if there was a flicker of jealousy, of unease at the way Matteo looked at her or the way she laughed at his jokes, John buried it quickly.

After all, loving Emma meant wanting the best for her.