Chapter 7

"Carmela?" I heard someone call my name. I didn't move from my bed and just hugged my huge pillow tighter.

Then, I heard the door creaked open. A small light lit my room and I did my best to avoid it, not liking how it's blinding my already swollen eyes.

"Carmela, honey."

"What are you doing here, Miss Lopez?"

Yes, I knew it was her the first time she called my name so I didn't bother moving.

"I came to visit you. You've been absent for four days now and I am starting to get really worried." There was sincerity in her voice.

I sniffed and tried to swallow the saliva that's starting to form and hid my face even more. I am not in the right mind to talk to her and I don't want my boss to see me in this state.

"I can't do this... I... I want to resign." I admitted.

"But why?" She asked as my bed sank down. I felt her sitting near my feet.

"I just can't take it anymore. I can't stand Mr. Steele's attitude towards me. He despises me and I don't know why or what I can do to make him like me..." Then I immediately cleared my throat, afraid that Miss Lopez might take it the wrong way. "Like me as his secretary." She then sighed.

"But, don't you think it's too early to give up? He's always been like this and that is the reason why his previous secretaries left the company and I don't want it to happen to you too. I can see you have this potential that the company needs. Don't you like it when you are being a big help to anyone or such?"

She said trying to convince me with her words and although she's right, he did hurt my feelings and my pride's been thrown away just like that.

"But I don't even feel like I'm working, to be honest, I don't get to speak with clients, I don't get to set an appointment nor attend meetings like normal secretaries do. I feel like I'm a useless woman trying to get her boss' attention instead of gaining skills and improving herself." I said honestly.

For the past few days that I worked there, all I did was to look at his door, waiting for him to appear, ask me for something but nothing. He never gave me the chance to prove myself to him. I doubt if he remembers he has a secretary outside waiting for him.

"I'm sorry if you feel that way dear. I promise, once you're back, you'll be working for real, I'll make sure of that. Just don't quit." I finally looked at her and saw how desperate she looked.

"But what about Mr. Steele? He must hate me more now. I didn't ask for a proper sick leave, I didn't even tell you about it."

I really feel bad right now. After what happened that night, I always cried myself to sleep. I don't know what's gotten into him when he punched Tristan and I may not have understood his last words but it's all too clear that he didn't want me in his company. He didn't like seeing me around his office and that hurt me like hell. I don't understand myself anymore but when it comes to him, I'm being a lot sensitive and so emotional. It feels like he could easily break my heart and I don't like it one bit.

"I know he's rude but he will understand. I'll talk to him and you don't have to worry about anything, okay? Now, what you have to do is take a good rest and I'll see you on monday." She said, smiling at me.

"Why are you being so nice?" I thought out loud. She came closer to me, and I sat up straight. She held my face with both of her hands.

"Because you are a family to me and a family cares for each other." She then tapped my cheek lightly and left my room. Suddenly, the heavy feeling in my chest vanished and a new set of motivation was placed.

*****

Stepping outside the elevator, my eyes fell on the stack of papers placed on my table and I can't help but grin at the sight of it. I know other secretaries would awfully think that these papers could serve as a punishment but needless to remind you guys that I love working for real and I mentally thanked Miss Lopez for this.

The feeling of uneasiness I once felt vanished and was replaced with excitement so I hurriedly made my way to my desk and didn't waste anymore time. I checked for emails and replied to some of it depending on my Mr. Steele's schedule for today, thanks to Miss Lopez again for sending me his schedules and keeping me updated about his work for the whole week.

I was busy with work when the doors of the elevator opened. My heart suddenly raced at the thought of him showing up. It's past 10 in the morning now and earlier, when I came here, I noticed that he was not in his office since I arrived and that only made sense seeing him walking in late now. This is new.

My eyes darted to him when I felt eyes on me. He was just standing a meter away from my table, looking at me with such curiosity but there's something more to it. It's as if he's relieved and glad to see me, sitting, doing work. But, being the great Cyrus Steele, he covered it all up in a blink of an eye. Within seconds, he was looking at me like I was someone he didn't want to see the most and that brought this unrecognizable pain in my heart once again-- the kind of pain that only him can give.

"So, You still know your way back here." He said with no feelings at all. He said the words flatly and he's not even looking at me anymore.

Why the hell am I bothered if he didn't look at me? Composing myself, I tried to give him a smile that didn't reach my eyes. A smile with nothing but disappointment and hurt.

"I'm still your secretary after all." I said then lowered my head. He didn't say another word and just headed straight to his office, taking the heavy atmosphere with him.

I didn't even notice that I've been holding this sack of air until I blew it. My heart clenched as I remembered his words that night and I want to punch myself for being so emotional.

Keeping myself from crying, I smiled bitterly and turned my focus on my work. At least, he didn't fire me yet.

Now, it's 7:30 p.m. and I should have left at 5 but extended my work hours to finish my work. Now, I've been glancing back at his wooden door, waiting for him to come out but of course, he won't because he probably knows that I'm still here. So much for my effort to work over time.

Sighing deeply, I placed my things inside my bag and was ready to leave when the elevator opened, revealing a smiling Cyrene. She walked towards me and I smiled back at her.

"I see you did a great job today." She said proudly. I nodded at her.

"Actually, I wanted to thank you for that." I said sincerely. Then, both of our heads turned to look at Mr. Steele's door when it clicked open.

My breath hitched at the sight of him. I felt tingles all over my body just by looking at him but I took my eyes off him when his eyes met mine. He stood there looking at us before he held his head high and started to walk his way to the elevator.

"If you're really thankful, why don't you come with me?" She asked. My eyes met hers and she just smirked at me.

"Where are we going?" I asked curiously.

"Let's go clubbing." She chirped happily, emphasizing each word that caught the attention of Mr. Steele. He stopped a few inches past us and I can't help but look at him, wondering why he suddenly stopped.

I saw how his jaw tensed and the veins on his neck came in full display, that just made him look sexy as hell. His left fist clenched and I saw how he gulped making his adam's apple move up and down.

"So, what do you think?" There's a hint of mockery in her voice. And if I'm not mistaken, she's doing this on purpose, saying this to get his attention but what will she get out of this?

Mr. Steele on the other hand still didn't move, as if he was waiting for my answer but what should I do? I really want to thank Cyrene and I can't turn down her offer with her pleading eyes looking back at me. So, taking a deep and heavy breath, I nodded my head that made Cyrene squeal in excitement and that made Cyrus look at me with disbelief.

"Cool. Now, let's go hunt for boys." She declared, dragging each word with more emphasis while giving our boss a sideway glance. I wasn't able to say anything when she started to pick up my bag and drag me away from our boss' accusing stares, leaving him like a statue.

During the elevator ride, my mind was filled with questions about what happened minutes ago. Why Cyrus stopped when he heard us talking about going to a club. Why Miss Lopez didn't acknowledge his presence knowing that he is the boss and what's with the look on his face when I agreed to Cyrene's idea.

"Three, two, one..." I was pulled out of my reverie when Cyrene counted backwards.

We just got out of the elevator when suddenly, a familiar voice reached my ears.

"Stop." It was enough to make my heart pound. Stupid heartbeat, I thought to myself.