Chapter Text
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“Pinnacle Enterprises has been officially sold to TP Capital. The previous CEO and management have been terminated and the new CEO and management is slated to take over on Monday. Further information and instructions will be released from the new management on Monday morning. Thank you.”
Santa sighed as he read the email sent out last Friday again, the previous work week had been awfully long – filled with both the usual stresses of his secretarial position and the looming pressure of a new CEO taking over today. New management meant changes and cutbacks, meaning that Santa’s job was in a possible jeopardy, given that he was a newly hired fresh graduate and usually these were the first to be let go, lacking both experience and expertise – the hope of gaining experience and progressing in his career was now plagued by the possible anxiety of job searching and interviews.
Santa was in a sullen mood that evening, just like the rest of his colleagues, and that’s how he had found himself at the bar with a glass of whiskey instead of going home, wanting to unwind from the stress and escape the gnawing anxiety building up inside him.
And he did unwind, if the dull ache in his lower back was anything to go by – the remnants of Friday night slowly swirling back in.
One drink turned two and then three as he struck up a conversation with a handsome stranger sitting next to him at the bar table. A pair of piercing black eyes and a commanding presence that drew Santa right in despite his usually shy and reserved nature – they talked and laughed, finding an unexpected solace in each other’s company – the conversation continued to flow smoothly as the drinks kept coming and Santa did not remember much of the conversation or who initiated, but they ended up locked in a passionate embrace – lips smashed against each other as they stumbled into a hotel room.
Kisses grew more urgent with each step, clothes being discarded in a trail from door to the bed, the night a drunken blur of heated passion and desire yet Santa could still recall the blazing trail of saliva left by the stranger on his body as he mapped it with his tongue, the way Santa felt the long girth stretching him regardless of the prep from the stranger’s long fingers, the way he lost himself to the pleasure as the stranger whispered in his ear – “cum for me, Kitten.”
Santa felt himself twitch down south, just the thought of the night was enough to get heat pooling in his abdomen – the adrenaline, the pain, the pleasure of the night coursing through his mind.
“I did not know it was possible to flush that red.” Aun had a smirk plastered on his face as he teased his best friend.
Aun’s voice brought Santa back to reality – Monday morning and at work currently, where he clearly should not be having such thoughts – he felt a wave of embarrassment rush through him as he grabbed a nearby paper to fan his face, hoping it will help the flush go away.
“The sex was that good huh ? He filled you up that good ?” Aun continued teasing, the smirk widening.
“Shut up Aun.” Santa hissed at his friend, eyes darting left and right to check if anyone was paying attention to them.
Santa did not want his personal life to be a topic of discussion in the office – it was enough that people do not think that he is competent enough to be a secretary, he did not need them to have any other reasons to further judge him.
“Relax, no one is listening, so tell me, why did you not get his number ?” Aun continued.
Santa remembered being confused as he woke up in an unfamiliar bed Saturday morning, before the events of the previous night came flooding in and then panic set in, and finding the stranger still asleep, he quietly gathered his things and slipped out the room.
In the safety of his own home, he processed the events, from the bits of memories he could piece together. Santa Pongsapak was a shy and reserved twenty-six-year-old, who preferred getting to know his partners before indulging in bedroom activities – so having a one night stand with a stranger was really not something he had imagined – this just was not him and while the sex was phenomenal – the best he had ever experienced, he had decided to put the night behind as a drunken adventure that will probably never ever re-occur, besides he had not even exchanged names with stranger, so number really was off the platter.
“I’m not discussing this here with you, and do you not have emails to send or something ?” Santa tried to shoo Aun away, starting to regret telling him about his whole drunken adventure.
“What emails Santa ? No one is working, everyone is preoccupied with the security of their jobs.” Aun deadpanned.
Santa sighed as a mix of the nervous anticipation and dread from earlier filled him again as his main concern resurfaced to the top of his head – the company was sold and they were awaiting the new management.
However, it was not just him who was worried about the possibility of cutbacks, the entire office seemed to share his sentiments, given that the usually lively and chattering environment was now plagued by silence.
Everyone was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new management and CEO, and Santa could understand why – the new CEO was rumored to be vicious and unforgiving.
At just twenty-eight, Perth Tanapon was the youngest CEO to make Fortune’s top ten list and his reputation preceded him – his piercing black eyes could freeze a room, and his words were often as cutting as his decisions. Competitors feared his existence in the corporate world – known for his ruthless efficiency, having the habit of turning struggling companies into profitable giants, often at the cost of anyone that got in his way, and today Perth Tanapon was scheduled to take over Pinnacle Enterprises, a once-promising firm that had recently floundered under mismanagement.
Santa had never seen the man, not even in pictures – deciding against researching the man for the time being, wanting to ignore the impending reality for as long as possible, but rumors were enough to instill a slight fear in him – he had heard stories about Perth from Aun and the random gossip around the office, about how he had taken down bigger companies and left their CEOs in shambles.
The intercom crackled, startling both Santa and Aun, an announcement was made informing the arrival of the new leadership and the presence of all staff is required in the large conference hall for a briefing. Santa grabbed his notebook and pen, and together, Aun and Santa made their way down to the conference hall – Aun bid him a quiet goodbye as he joined his marketing team, while Santa just took the nearest unoccupied seat.
Once everyone was seated, a man greeted the staff, introducing himself as Mark, the Human Resources (HR) Director of TP Capital, who will be briefing them in regards to what the employees were to expect and adhere from TP Capital, while the CEO will later address them about the new vision and plans for the Pinnacle Enterprises.
Mark started the briefing and it was the usual mundane stuff of company rules and expectations, and the one thing Santa and everyone else was relieved to hear was that no cutbacks were happening – their jobs will remain the same, and they will continue to do what they were doing. Promotions and termination were dependent on the employee's performance – criteria will be explained by their direct superiors.
Santa’s little relief of having his job was short lived as his thoughts started running again – his direct superior is the CEO himself and Santa has heard of the rumor that no secretary was able to match the efficiency of CEO Perth Tanapon – no matter the amount of experience or expertise they carried.
Santa has only been a secretary for six months now, which means he lacked both experience and expertise – he admits that he is still new to his job, and he has made mistakes while learning the ropes, mistakes that had caused his colleagues to wonder if he was truly cut out for the position – he is also quite aware of the fact that he had already struggled with the previous CEO, which meant that working with CEO Perth would definitely pose a challenge.
However, he is determined to prove his worth and hence, he was desperately hoping that the new CEO would be kind enough to at least give him a shot, or maybe like a three strike system, before dismissing him.
“I just hope that the CEO, as vicious as he is rumoured, is reasonable.” Santa muttered to himself as Mark brought his briefing to a close.
“I will now hand over to Khun Perth, the CEO of TP Capital.” Mark’s voice carried a note of admiration as he stepped aside with a curt smile just as the door swung open.
All heads in the room turned, including Santa’s – the man who entered was dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, every detail meticulously perfect, and the sharp lines of his attire only emphasised the aura of authority radiating from him.
Santa straightened in his seat, his curiosity piqued, though he frowned at the dim lighting that cloaked the figure’s face in shadows – still, there was something undeniable about the man’s presence – the way his steps echoed against the polished floors, measured and purposeful, exuding a quiet power, a commanding confidence that drew the room’s attention like a magnet.
The man reached the podium and, with a flick of his fingers, turned on the lights – the sudden brightness revealing him in full: sharp jawline, piercing black eyes that seemed to dissect the room with a single glance, and an expression that was equal parts poised and intimidating.
“Good morning.” His deep, resonant voice filled the room, “I am Perth Tanapon, the CEO of TP Capital.”
Santa froze.
A chill swept down his spine, his breath catching as an uneasy thrum of anxiety stirred in his chest. His heart pounded wildly, and the bile rising in his throat made swallowing difficult. He could feel his pulse in his ears, loud and erratic, as his gaze locked on the man at the podium.
No. No. No. No.
This could not be real.
Santa blinked rapidly, his hands gripping the edge of the table so tightly his knuckles turned white.
His mind raced, panic bubbling as his mind replayed the events of Friday night like a cruel joke – the dim lights of the bar, the magnetic pull he could not resist, the stranger’s sharp eyes that seemed to see straight through him.
And now those same eyes—dark, piercing, unforgettable—were staring out at a room of professionals.
Santa’s stomach churned, and his mouth went dry. He pinched himself hard under the table, desperate to wake from this nightmare – but when he opened his eyes, the scene remained unchanged.
Perth Tanapon still stood there – CEO of TP Capital – his new boss.
Santa’s chest tightened as a wave of mortification crashed over him.
How was this possible ? – Of all the strangers in the world, why him?
He felt himself breaking out in cold sweat, a mix of dread and embarrassment settling deep in his gut. There was no escaping the truth: the CEO standing at the podium, commanding the room with effortless authority, was the same man Santa had spent an unrestrained, impulsive night with just two days ago.
Fuck.
Santa’s mind scrambled for a plan, an escape, anything— but the only thing that came was the sinking realization of his predicament – how in the world was he supposed to face him now ?
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Santa was in a panic – he did not know what to do.
Was Perth going to fire him ?
Can you be fired for having a one night stand with your boss ?
Wait, it is not a crime to have one night stands and it’s not like Santa knew that the stranger was his boss.
Besides, they both enjoyed the night, right ? He knows he did, and from the way the CEO had growled in his ears that night, that can only mean he enjoyed it too, right ?
Argh, should he just quit before that can happen ?
Or should he just play dumb, and pretend Friday night never happened ?
God, he was so screwed.
A solid part of him was regretting not researching or looking up the CEO beforehand – if he had, he would have not allowed himself to slip into the CEO’s magnetic trance that night.
Santa sighed – his thoughts spiraled uncontrollably, even as he sat through the CEO’s introductory address that morning, head down, heart racing, doing everything he could to avoid eye contact, and the last thing he needed was for Perth to recognize him in front of everyone.
After the speech, an email landed in his inbox: the CEO’s schedule for the day. Perth would be touring departments with the new leadership, then returning to his office.
Thankfully, Santa was not expected to join the rounds – but he was expected to meet with the man later — to brief him on where the previous CEO had left off and to get a sense of Perth’s expectations.
Unfortunately, Santa was nowhere near ready for that.
Forget a professional briefing — he was not even sure he could look at the man without combusting on the spot.
And so here he was now, standing outside the CEO’s office, trying to stop his hands from shaking, taking deep, deliberate breaths to calm his hammering heart. Perth had already returned from his rounds while Santa was still in the washroom, having a private meltdown and attempting to brainwash himself into believing that everything would be fine.
He had even mentally prepared for unemployment — googled jobs over the weekend (though at the time it was mostly fueled by hangover anxiety rather than actual fear).
Still, he told himself he was prepared .
But he was not – not even close.
Ten minutes had passed — ten whole minutes of Santa just standing there, frozen outside the door, battling waves of panic and a building sense of mortification.
How did this even happen ?
Why did it have to be his new boss?
He should have listened to his mom and gone to the temple like she told him to – maybe then the universe would not be trying to ruin him.
Santa exhaled sharply and gave his head a little shake, trying to snap himself out of it. He could not afford to spiral right now. He had to do this. He had to be professional — or at least pretend to be.
Confidence. Yes. Or at least the closest approximation he could fake.
And with that last, shaky breath, Santa knocked on the door.
A curt, muffled voice came from inside, “come in.”
Santa turned the knob and stepped inside, bracing himself for whatever storm was waiting on the other side.
The CEO was seated behind his sleek, expansive desk, brows furrowed in concentration as he studied something on the wide monitor in front of him. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows behind him, casting the office in a warm, golden glow — but despite the natural light, the atmosphere remained heavy, almost charged.
The man’s commanding presence filled the space with a tension Santa could not quite breathe through.
He swallowed hard, then forced his feet to move, closing the short distance from the door to the desk.
“Good morning, Khun Perth. I’m Santa — your new secretary,” he greeted politely, his voice steady, and he felt a flicker of pride at the fact he hadn’t stuttered.
The CEO looked up at him then, sharp eyes shifting away from the screen to rest entirely on Santa.
“Morning,” came the low, clipped response.
Santa offered a courteous nod, lips curved into a polite, professional smile as he stood still, awaiting instruction. The silence stretched longer than it should have, and under the full weight of Perth’s gaze, Santa could hear his own heartbeat in his ears — fast, loud, panicked.
He did not dare look directly into the man’s eyes – that was far too dangerous – he was afraid, afraid of the mortification that would further swallow him whole if he saw the recognition in the CEO’s eyes.
But he also knew better than to cast his gaze downward like a scolded child, and so, instead, he fixed his attention somewhere safe — like the CEO’s nose – it felt ridiculous, and yet it was the only way he could stay composed.
Still, the scrutiny in Perth’s eyes was unmistakable, and it made Santa’s insides twist. The man’s expression gave nothing away — his body language was perfectly neutral — but those lingering seconds of silence were enough for Santa to convince himself that this was it.
This is how it ends. He’s going to fire him. He’s just figuring out the words.
And then, at last, Perth spoke.
“I expect efficiency and discretion.” His voice was smooth and authoritative, “you will handle all my communications, manage my schedule, and see to anything else I require – without question. Understood ?”
Santa jolted slightly at the authority but recovered quickly.
“Yes, sir,” he replied, the words slipping out a little higher-pitched than intended – he coughed lightly, willing his nerves to settle.
“I’ve prepared a summary of all active projects, and here’s a compiled list of outstanding issues,” Santa reached into his folder and placed two neatly arranged files on the desk.
Perth accepted them, glancing over the covers, “you already prepped the files ?”
Santa could hear a note of surprise in his voice.
“Yes Sir, I thought it would be important for the transition.” Santa answered honestly.
There was a beat of silence.
“Impressive,” Perth said with a small nod, and then, without missing a beat, “you may go. I’ll call you if I need anything else.”
Santa bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement, and just as he turned to leave, something compelled him to look up — directly into the CEO’s eyes.
Nothing. No flicker of recognition. No awkward tension. No subtle smirk or pointed comment. Just cool, professional detachment.
Santa felt an unexpected pang—of what, he could not quite say – disappointment ?
That was absurd – why would he want Perth to remember that night ?
He quickly dispelled the thoughts – no recognition was good – really good.
Perth did not remember, and that meant everything was normal, there was no other tension – all he had to do was keep his head down, and pretend none of it ever happened.
Santa drew in a breath and squared his shoulders, the tightness he had carried into the office finally easing from his frame. He offered one last polite nod before turning on his heel, his steps brisk and composed as he exited the room.
Only one thought echoed in his mind now— he was going to do his job – keep it professional, efficient and safe.
And maybe — just maybe — he was too focused on that mantra to notice the faint smirk slowly curling on Khun Perth’s lips as the door clicked shut behind him.
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