BREAKFAST

CORA

Being alone with Reign gave me a pleasant feeling, one that I had never experienced before. But it all changed when she walked in. Once again, I recognized his fiancee as she called out his name, her face frozen in shock.

I suddenly felt like the other woman, cheap and guilty but this was in stark contrast with Reign who did not show any guilty expression.

He let go of my knees and got up. Turning to stare at Miss Lisa, he smiled, "You're here? I would expect you to be very busy at this time."

The expression on Lisa's face changed and she smiled back. I heaved a sigh of relief, seeing that the situation was calm.

Lisa walked up to Reign and kissed his cheek, and I took that as my cue to leave. It seemed like her presence made him uncomfortable from the look on his face but that could just be my assumption.

Pointing at me, he said to Lisa, "This is Cora, my friend. Cora, meet Lisa; we became friends even before we learned how to walk."

I smiled at Lisa and she smiled back. I walked closer to shake her hand but she suddenly moved toward Reign's table and placed the food flask on it, saying, "I know you didn't have breakfast so I brought this for you, Reign."

"I will be taking my leave now," I said, forcing myself to give them some privacy.

"Let me see you off," Reign offered and moved closer to me.

I was surprised because his fiancee was present and leaving her behind to see me off was bound to upset her. However, she nodded and said, "Take care, Cora. I'll be waiting for you, Reign."

Reign walked me out of his office and toward the elevator. I wanted to proceed to the stairs but he held my hand and said, "Let's use the elevator."

I shook my head, refusing to use the elevator. However, he pulled me into the elevator with him.

Once it began to descend, I screamed in fear and my body shivered while I dropped the bags I held in my hand. He pulled me toward his body and hugged me tightly.

At that moment, I felt safe. My arms circled his back, and my nose, buried in his chest, inhaled his scent. Meanwhile, he stroked my hair and rubbed my back gently as he whispered, "It's okay. You're okay, Cora, I'm here with you."

Once the elevator stopped, I looked up at him and he smiled at me, "You will overcome your fear in no time."

"Thank you very much," I replied.

I picked up my bags and we both walked out of the elevator. I looked around, not finding the section familiar.

Seeing the expression on my face, he said, "This elevator is meant for just me and anyone else I choose, so the exit is different."

I nodded as I recalled how I had waited outside for him the previous day, but he left without my notice. This explained why I couldn't see him.

I said goodbye to him and began to hurry back home, eager to check my mail and see all the benefits a secretary like me would enjoy in FLETCHER CONGLOMERATES.

About an hour later, I sat in front of my computer stunned that I was going to get allowances, and a new car, and my monthly pay seemed too good to be true. In two months I would be able to get a new apartment and move out of Lucas' house.

Reign was such an amazing man. Things were turning out well for me, all thanks to him and I couldn't wait to share it with my best friend who had briefly traveled out of the city.

I recalled how Reign made me feel special and blushed. Was that how he treated women in general or was he being particularly nice to me? His fiancee was really lucky. Seeing how long they had been together, their relationship was certainly bound to last forever.

I squealed at the top of my voice in excitement when a red Hyundai SUV was delivered to my house, courtesy of Reign.

After signing and receiving the keys, I called his number and he picked up on the first ring.

"Thank you so much, Reign," I beamed. "This is a dream come true."

"You're welcome," he replied.

"What would you like for breakfast tomorrow?" I asked.

"Contrary to what I said earlier, I'm not a picky eater," he replied. "I'll eat whatever you make as long as it's good."

"That makes two of us," I told him. "I should head to the grocery store now and get everything ready."

After the call ended, I excitedly got into my new car and went grocery shopping. On the way, I recalled Reign's fiancee bringing breakfast for him and wondered how she would feel if she brought it the next day as well only to find out that I'd already made him breakfast.

"Stop overthinking," I told myself. "Perhaps it's something they have both already agreed on."

The next morning, I woke up earlier than usual and put in extra care as I made breakfast for Reign. After making it, I dashed into my room and got ready for work.

I went into the kitchen ready to dish out the food into a fancy food flask I had bought for Reign but then Lucas came into the kitchen and exclaimed, "Wow! I almost mistook my house for a restaurant."

I turned after dishing the food and stared at him while he continued with a smile on his face, "Come on, Cora, you shouldn't have gone through the trouble of cooking for me. It wasn't in the agreement so it's not your obligation. However, I appreciate it and I've never been able to turn away from good food. I can tell from the aroma."

I stared at him with an amused expression until he asked, "What's going on?"

"I was just wondering when you joined the circus," I replied. "Seeing that you are trying to become a clown."

He stared at me in surprise while I chuckled, "Why would I cook for you, Lucas? You just confirmed that it wasn't in the agreement so what are you doing?"

He folded his arms, "Really? So who's this for?"

"Me and my boss," I replied.

He scoffed, "You're cooking for your boss? That is unethical, dimwit. Why are you letting your boss exploit you?"

"Stop barking like a dog and get out of my way," I replied. "My affairs have nothing to do with you, Lucas."

"I'm afraid they do," he replied. "You are my wife in the eyes of the law and my family. You should learn to carry yourself respectfully. Also, the car I saw outside, who does it belong to?"

I sighed, "That car belongs to me. It was given to me by the boss of the company where I work. The same boss who supposedly exploits me."

He gasped in surprise, "Are you having an affair with your boss?"

I moved closer to him, "And what if I am?"

He pointed his finger at me, gritting his teeth, "Do not push me, Cora."

I took a step back. He was right. I would gain nothing by fighting with him. I didn't want to be late on my first day and I wanted to live peacefully until I had enough money to get my own apartment.

I smiled, "I am not having an affair with my boss, Lucas. Satisfied?"

He nodded, "Yeah, that's better."

I moved to the side to walk away but he grabbed my arm and said, "I'm not being petty or anything but this food was prepared in my house, my kitchen to be precise. I think it's only proper for me to get a share as well, especially since it smells delicious."

I sighed, "Fine."

I scooped what was left into a plate and gave it to him."

"Thanks," he said and walked away. I looked at the time and heaved a sigh of relief when I noticed that I still had one hour before work began.

When I arrived at the company, I opened the elevator doors but was too scared to use it without Reign so once again, I used the stairs to his office.

I wasn't as tired as I had felt the previous day, thanks to the fact that I was putting on flats. I went into Reign's office and was surprised at the new arrangement.

There was a new table and chair with two computers on the table. Reign was drawing on a piece of paper with a pen when I walked in.

He quickly hid the paper and got up once he heard me.

"Good morning, Cora," he gushed. "I see you are quite punctual. You came even before the official opening time. I'm impressed."

I smiled, "Good morning, and, thank you very much, Reign. I've always taken my work seriously. Here, I got breakfast for you."

I placed the food flask on his table like his fiancee had done the previous day. He thanked me and pointed at the new table, as he added, "That's your table. You will be working from there so you can easily attend to me when the need arises."

I nodded, surprised by his arrangement. I had never seen or heard of the boss of a big company sharing an office with his secretary.

However, I was very pleased with this arrangement. I knew I could never be with Reign because he already had a fiancée. And even if he did not, I certainly wasn't beautiful enough to catch his attention in such a way.

Being able to spend my day staring at him and basking in my one-sided love was a privilege not everyone could afford.

I watched in glee as he ate my food enjoyably, heaping praises on my culinary skills.

"I look forward to enjoying such delicious meals daily," he told me. "As long as it's not a bother."

"It's certainly not," I replied. "It means a lot to me that you enjoyed it.

I took the food flask out to wash it and when I got back, Reign was engrossed in his work. I sat at my table, staring at him with both hands on my cheeks, admiring how sexy he looked even when he was working.

He unexpectedly looked up at caught me gawking at him. He smiled and I lowered my head as I felt embarrassed.

I decided to familiarize myself with the history of the company. However, even as I stared at the monitor in front of me, I could barely read a thing.

I kept stealing glances at him and he caught me so many times. Each time, he would smile and I would look away in embarrassment.

My mind was all over the place and it made me wonder whether my head would be able to function properly if I continued being in such proximity with my boss.

I was grateful when the time came to have lunch and I got the opportunity to leave the office and head to the company's cafeteria.

As I went down the stairs, I recalled that it was my duty to get Reign's lunch and quickly called him, but he said he was busy and not ready to eat yet.

As I arrived at the cafeteria, I was surprised to discover that I was the subject of attention and gossip. I had no idea why everyone was staring at, me and pointing fingers at me. I quietly ate my food and went back to Reign's office.

When I walked in, I saw him sleeping with his back leaning on his chair and his head tilting to the side. I quickly went to help him adjust his neck but the moment I touched his face, his eyes shot open.

He stared at me in surprise and I found myself frozen, unable to take any step. His expression changed to a smile as his eyes drilled into mine. Once again, I felt time stop. Our faces began to draw closer but I couldn't tell if I was the one moving or if he was.

Just as our lips got very close, almost touching, his phone rang. I quickly stood erect and walked back to my seat as though I was being controlled by a remote.

My heart was beating so fast that I thought it would explode. I didn't understand what had just happened but I did not dare to make eye contact with him anymore.

I forced myself to read the boring history of FLETCHER CONGLOMERATES and only looked up when the clock struck four.

I noticed he was staring at me and smiled.

"I'm done for the day, Reign. I'll see you tomorrow." I said and picked up my bag.

"Okay, Cora. Take care," he replied.

I took the stairs down to the exit and headed for the parking lot. My mind was still replaying the scene of our lips almost touching, and I was barely aware of my surroundings.

I opened the door of my car and was just about to get inside when someone forcefully closed it from behind me.

I turned and saw Reign's fiancée, Lisa. I smiled at her and said, "Hey, Lisa."

She stared at me condescendingly and scoffed, "What makes you think you have the right to address me informally? This is the only time I will warn you; stay away from my man, Cora.

Reign has always been mine and that will never change. I heard you are married...hmm, you are shameless and a disgrace to women.

If you cling to my man, I will disgrace you before the whole world. You have no idea what I am capable of, Cora. If you want to find out the hard way, I dare you to try me."

Without saying a word, I stared at her in surprise as she turned and arrogantly walked away.