The office lights flickered, casting an eerie glow over the empty office. It was late, and I knew I should have been home hours ago. I took a sip of my cold coffee, eyes glued to the spreadsheet on my computer, the numbers swimming in a sea of red.
My name is Sophia, and I’m a young, Asian lady with a penchant for high heels and an unquenchable thirst for success. My black hair is always in a sleek bun, not a single strand out of place to match the precision of my work. At 5’2″, I might be petite, but I’ve learned to stand tall in the corporate jungle. The whispers about my ambition have become a constant background noise, as reliable as the ticking of the clock above the water cooler.
The silence was broken by the sudden sound of footsteps echoing down the hallway. My heart skipped a beat as I recognised the rhythm—Mr. Tan’s heavy tread, the CEO of the company. He was tall, with salt-and-pepper hair and a stern look that could make anyone quake in their shoes. But tonight, his gaze was different. It was… hungry.
He appeared in the doorway, his tie loosened and his sleeves rolled up, a clear sign that he’d had a long day too. His eyes raked over me, and I felt the heat of his gaze even through the fabric of my blouse. He stepped inside, closing the door with a soft click that sounded deafening in the small, quiet room.
“Thought you’d never leave,” he said, his voice low and gravelly.
I swivelled my chair to face him, trying to keep my voice steady. “I was just wrapping up some work.”
Mr. Tan’s smile was predatory as he sauntered closer. “I’ve noticed you’ve been burning the midnight oil quite a bit lately.”
I forced a laugh, trying to lighten the mood. “Just eager to climb the corporate ladder.”
Mr. Tan leaned against my desk, his palms flat on the wood. “And you’ve been doing a stellar job. You know that, right?” His eyes searched mine, and I nodded, unsure of what he was getting at.
I’ve always been driven, my ambition a burning flame that consumed any semblance of a work-life balance. I’d clawed my way to this executive position with sheer determination and a sharp intellect. The late nights, the early mornings, the missed dinners with my husband—it had all been worth it. But the higher I climbed, the more I felt the weight of the company’s expectations pressing down on me. Every promotion was a victory, but every victory meant new challenges, new obstacles to overcome.
Mr. Tan knew this about me—how much I craved success, how much I was willing to sacrifice for it. He’d seen me in action, my mind working at a pace that left others in the dust. He knew that underneath my polished exterior was a woman who’d stop at nothing to get what she wanted. And he, in his position of power, had the ability to give it to me—or to take it all away.
My heart raced as he spoke. “You’re one of the most ambitious people I’ve ever worked with. Your dedication is…inspiring.” His tone was thick with something unspoken, something that made the air in the room feel charged with electricity. “But the path to the top isn’t always straightforward, is it?”
I swallowed hard, my eyes never leaving his. “No, it isn’t.”
Mr. Tan’s office was a testament to his power—the polished mahogany desk, the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the cityscape, the leather chair that seemed to swallow him whole. But it was the framed degrees and awards on the walls that really told the story—his story of relentless ambition, of climbing the corporate ladder rung by rung, leaving no stone unturned. It was a story I knew all too well, having lived it myself.
My own office was smaller, but it was a step up from the cubicle farm where I’d started. Each promotion had brought with it a slightly larger space, a slightly better view. Each step closer to the corner office, the holy grail of corporate success. I’d worked tirelessly for every one of them, often at the expense of my marriage. My husband, sweet and understanding, had grown used to the late nights and the weekends spent in the office. He knew that this was what I needed, what I craved. But even he had his limits, and I could feel the strain beginning to show in the way he kissed me goodbye in the mornings, the way his eyes searched mine when I finally made it home at night, hoping to find a glimmer of the woman he’d married beneath the corporate façade.
My ambition had been a beacon since college, drawing me through the cutthroat world of internships and entry-level jobs. I’d learned to navigate the shark-infested waters of the business world with a steely determination that had earned me both admiration and envy. I didn’t just want to succeed; I needed to dominate. Each new challenge was a thrill, a high that fuelled my drive. I’d sacrificed so much for this—weekends, holidays, even my own body when the stress got to be too much. I exercised in the gym at lunch, ate power bars at my desk, and survived on a diet of caffeine and adrenaline. My body was lean and tight from the constant pressure, my mind sharp as a scalpel.
My colleagues whispered about me in the break room, their eyes following me as I strode through the office. They saw the way Mr. Tan looked at me in meetings, the way my ideas were always the ones that won out. Some of them resented me for it, but I didn’t care. This was my jungle, and I was the predator at the top of the food chain. I’d proven my worth time and time again, taking on projects that would have crushed others and turning them into gold. The company’s success was my success, and I reveled in it, even if it meant I rarely saw my husband outside of passing hellos and goodnights.
The air was thick with tension as Mr. Tan approached even closer to me. His presence was like a storm cloud, dark and foreboding, yet I found myself craving the rain. I wondered what he wanted, what he was going to say next. My pulse quickened, and the room grew smaller as he leaned in closer, his aftershave wafting into my nose, a scent that was both intoxicating and terrifying.
“Let’s go to my office. I have a proposition for you,” he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. “A way to fast-track your career.”
I nodded quizzically. Feeling perplexed, my heart pounded in my chest as I gathered my things and followed him, the click of our heels echoing through the empty halls. In the elevator, I tried to compose myself, but the anticipation was like a tight coil in my stomach, threatening to snap.
Mr. Tan’s office was a reflection of his power—sleek and intimidating, with a view that screamed of success. The moment the door closed behind us, the professional veneer dropped away. The air was charged with an energy that was both exciting and nerve-wracking. He walked over to the minibar and poured two glasses of whiskey, handing one to me with a knowing smile.
The air in his office crackled with tension. I was impeccably dressed in a crisp blue blouse and pencil skirt, and stood rigidly before him. His eyes traveled over my body in a way that made me feel both uncomfortable and oddly excited.
He took a sip of his whiskey, his gaze never leaving mine. “I’ve noticed your potential, Sophia. You’re smart, driven, but… the corporate ladder can be a tough climb for someone like you.” He leaned in closer, his tone softening. “Let’s face it, the company has a history of overlooking talent like yours. But with my support, you could break through that glass ceiling.” His words hung in the air like a noose, and I knew what he was implying.
Mr. Tan set his glass down and circled his desk, coming to stand before me. “This isn’t just about the work you do. It’s about who you know, who you’re connected to. And let’s not kid ourselves,” he said, his voice dropping an octave, “you know how these things work.”
The room felt suddenly too small, the air thick with a tension that was palpable. He was right. I knew all too well the unspoken rules of the corporate world—how often success was less about merit and more about who was willing to play the game. But the thought of what he was suggesting left a bitter taste in my mouth. I was a capable, ambitious woman, and I didn’t want to owe my achievements to a man’s whims. Yet, the allure of what he offered was undeniable.
“You’re a smart girl, Sophia,” he said, his eyes glinting with something that was both predatory and alluring. “You’ve seen how it is. The men around here, they get promotions, raises, opportunities because of who they know, who they play golf with, who they take out to dinner. And you,” he paused, his hand brushing a stray strand of hair from my face, “you’ve been stuck in the same role for too long.”
My cheeks burned as he touched me, but I forced myself to meet his gaze. “I’ve worked hard, Mr. Tan. I’ve put in the hours, the effort.”
He chuckled, a sound that was more akin to the purr of a large cat than the laugh of a human being. “You have,” he agreed, “but let’s be realistic. In a company like this, it’s not just about what you know. It’s about who you know—and more importantly, who knows you.” He stepped even closer, and I could feel the heat radiating from his body. “You’re a diamond in the rough, and I can polish you up until you shine so brightly, nobody will be able to ignore you. But it will require… certain sacrifices.”
My eyes searched his, looking for a way out. The whiskey in my hand felt suddenly too heavy, and I took a gulp to ease the dryness in my throat. “What kind of sacrifices?”
Mr. Tan leaned even closer, his cologne enveloping me in a cloud of expensive musk. “Dedication,” he murmured, his hand sliding around my waist, “accessibility. Compliance.”
I stiffened, my mind racing as I tried to understand what he was really saying. “What does that mean?”
Mr. Tan leaned back slightly, his hand still resting on my waist. “It means that with my guidance, my connections, and my… personal investment in your success, you’ll get the recognition you deserve. But,” he emphasised, “you have to be willing to give me something in return.”
The whiskey burned a path down my throat as his meaning sank in. The office was suddenly too hot, too small. I could feel the weight of his hand, his grip tightening ever so slightly, and I knew he wasn’t referring to working late nights or taking on extra work.
He leaned forward, his expression darkening. “I’ll fast-track your career, guaranteeing you promotions and bonuses. However, you’ll have to take on more responsibilities, of course…” he said, the word hanging in the air like a dirty secret. “And by that, I mean I’ll need you to satisfy certain… needs.”
I took a shaky sip of the whiskey, the burn in my throat doing little to quell the fire in my belly. “What are we talking about here, Mr. Tan?” I needed to hear the words, to make sure I wasn’t just imagining the worst.
His eyes never left mine as he spoke, “You’ve seen how I operate, Sophia. I get what I want. And right now, I want you. As my executive assistant, of course.” The smirk playing on his lips was all the confirmation I needed.
My mind raced as I processed the implication. The whiskey burned a path down my throat, giving me a moment’s reprieve from the reality of the situation. Was this a joke? A test of my loyalty? Or was it a twisted reality that could make all my career dreams come true? The room grew hotter, and I could feel beads of sweat forming along my hairline.
I took another sip of the whiskey, letting the amber liquid warm me from the inside out. The proposal was clear—become his plaything and watch my career skyrocket. It was a Faustian bargain, one that made me feel both repulsed and, admittedly, a little thrilled. The power dynamics of our office had always been a game to me, and here was the ultimate power play.
I stared at him, trying to process the implication. The room was suddenly too warm, my blouse sticking to my back. “I’m married,” I blurted out, as if that would change anything.
Mr. Tan’s smile grew colder. “I’m aware. But if you want to climb the corporate ladder, you’ll need to make sacrifices. Think about it,” he said, dismissing me with a wave of his hand. “Your answer by the end of the week.”
He leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving me. “And remember, the opportunity is only available to someone who’s truly committed to the company.”
Bewildered, I walked out, my mind in chaos as I tried to process what my boss just told me. The door clicked shut behind me, and I leaned against the wall, feeling the weight of his proposal pressing down on me. The hallway outside was a blur of indifferent faces and muffled conversations. My hand trembled as I reached for my phone, needing to tell someone, but unsure of what to say.
As the days passed, the thought of saying yes grew more tempting. The promise of power and success was like a siren’s call, and the thrill of the illicit whispered through my mind. I’d been married for five years to a man who barely noticed me anymore. This could be the excitement my life was missing.
On the flip side, I couldn’t ignore the fear that clutched my stomach. The potential for ruin was immense—my marriage, my reputation, my entire career. I’d built my life on integrity and hard work. This was a path I never thought I’d consider. Yet here I was, contemplating the unthinkable.
I weighed my options carefully, the whispers of temptation growing louder with each passing day. The whispers grew to shouts, filling my dreams with visions of boardroom triumphs and the sweet taste of power. My marriage had grown stale, my husband oblivious to my needs and desires. The thrill of Mr. Tan’s proposal was a heady cocktail I hadn’t realised I’d been craving.
The day of my decision arrived, and with it, a text from Mr. Tan: “My office. 6 PM.” I took a deep breath, my pulse racing. This was it. I knew what I was getting into, but the potential rewards were too great to ignore: the corner office, the recognition, the salary that would change my life.
As I stepped into the dimly lit office, the scent of leather and cologne filled my nostrils. Mr. Tan was waiting for me, his suit jacket tossed over the chair. He looked up, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “Ready to start your new role?” he asked, his voice thick with anticipation.
“What would I get, and what do I have to do…?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Mr. Tan rose from his chair, his movements fluid and predatory. “You’ll get what you’ve always wanted,” he said, walking around the desk. “But first, we need a test to prove your commitment.”
He gestured to the floor in front of him, and the reality of the situation settled in my stomach like a cold stone. “Strip,” he ordered, his voice firm and unyielding, “and do it slowly.”
The command was so sudden and direct that for a moment I froze. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to steady myself. This was the moment of no return, but the thrill of potential power was too enticing to resist. I had to do it.
My trembling hands began to unbutton my blouse, one by one, revealing the lacy black lingerie beneath. His gaze never left my trembling hands as I slipped the blouse off my shoulders, letting it fall to the floor.
He gestured to my skirt next, and I complied, my cheeks flushing as I stepped out of it. The cool air of the office kissed my thighs as I stepped out of it, leaving me in just my heels and underwear, and I could feel his eyes on me like a physical touch. I was now in nothing but my underwear, and I felt vulnerable and exposed.
He took a step closer, his gaze roving over my exposed skin. “Turn around, and take off everything,” he murmured, his eyes dark with desire. “I want to see everything.”
With trembling fingers, I reached behind me to unclasp my bra, letting it fall to the floor, covering my exposed breasts with only my hands. I felt his eyes burning into me, and my cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and excitement.
“Drop your hands and turn around,” he murmured, his voice a seductive whisper.
I complied, my breasts bouncing free, and I watched in the mirrored wall as his gaze lingered on them, his eyes hungrily tracing the curves of my body. My nipples pebbled in response, and I couldn’t help the small gasp that escaped my lips.
“Good girl,” he murmured, the words of praise sending a shiver down my spine. “Now, the panties.”
I hooked my thumbs into the waistband of my thong, sliding it down my legs with agonising slowness. Each inch of exposed skin seemed to amplify the electric charge in the air, and I felt like I was moving through a haze of desire and fear. As the fabric pooled at my feet, I stepped out of it, leaving me fully exposed before him.
Mr. Tan’s eyes devoured me, his pupils dilated with lust. He took another step closer, his hand reaching out to caress my cheek. His touch was gentle, but the power dynamics in the room were stark. I was naked and trembling before him, and he was fully dressed, in complete control.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his thumb tracing my bottom lip. “And now, you’re all mine.” His hand slid down my neck, over my collarbone, and down to my waist, his grip firm as he pulled me closer to him. I could feel the heat of his body, and his arousal pressed against me, making it clear what he expected in return for his career advancement.
The room spun and my vision blurred with tears. This was the lowest point of my life, but I had no choice. For my family, for my job, for my future, I had to play his sick game.