"Are you fighting?” Herbert's question echoed in the secretary's mind.
"No, Sir," Mia said in an awkward tone. She had never expected to be caught so close to Julian.
"Is that true? But, why do I feel that you two are fighting?” Herbert inquired, knitting an eyebrow.
Realizing how tightly the girl clenched her fists, Julian finally let out a faint sigh. "It's nothing, Dad. We're just talking about a secret that other people may not know, like you who suddenly came in here."
"Is that so?" the old man muttered as he sat down on the couch. "What secret are you talking about?"
"It wouldn't be a secret if I told you, Dad," the CEO implied, trying to sound casual.
A second later, Julian's feet began to move to take a position in front of his father. "So, what are you coming here for?" the man asked while dropping the weight on the soft chair behind him.
Without warning, Herbert shifted his gaze towards the secretary. “Mia, do you min
Mia stood with her suitcase by the lobby door. Every now and then, she glanced sideways at Julian who was busy with his cell phone. Even though the man was aware that the girl was secretly watching him, he remained unmoved. “What exactly did Mr. Herbert say?” Mia thought before straightening her sight and letting out a faint sigh. It had been five days since the girl had questioned it. Julian's change in attitude was a big conundrum to her. However, until they went on a business trip to another city, the answer had not yet come. There was absolutely no hint of a man who only talked about work. In the midst of endless contemplation, a car stopped in front of them. Without saying a word, the CEO tucked his cell phone into the pocket. A second later, he rushed into the passenger seat, letting the hotel servant put his suitcase in the back trunk. "Is this our car?" Mia asked spontaneously when the servant asked for her luggage. "Yes, Miss," the un
In the midst of confusion, suddenly, the stranger's call blurred Mia's thoughts. “Then, who is this sweet girl, Julian? Is she your wife?" In just an instant, the secretary let out a faint sigh. However, before she could give a response, Julian had already placed one hand on her waist. "This is the woman I love the most, Auntie," the man replied, successfully adding to the awkwardness in Mia's veins. "Apparently, my nephew has very good taste," Greta said, making the girl forced to smile. “Nice to meet you, Madam. I'm Mia," the secretary said politely. Unexpectedly, the healthy woman patted the girl's arm. "There's no need to be so tense, Miss. Just call me Greta. I always feel a lot younger when people call me by name.” Witnessing the woman's friendliness, Mia smiled more loosely. Nodding, she replied, "Okay." Greta's warm gaze had released a feeling of comfort in Mia. After a moment of silence, the woman with the reddish skin
“Please come in, Mia. This is our humble home. Even though it's small, it's full of peace,” Greta said as she took the suitcase from the special guest's hand. Receiving such a warm welcome, the secretary's lips grew wider. "Thanks, Greta," she said awkwardly. The girl was still waiting for the right moment to confess—maybe, after meeting other family members. “In this house, I live with my husband, Jack. But he's dealing with horse manure. So I told him to meet you guys later. Our children are currently studying in another city. They only come home on vacation. So, you can use their room,” the host explained without stuttering. It was clear that her thin lips were indeed fond of talking. “Then, where is Grandpa?” Julian asked, raising an eyebrow. In an instant, the woman raised her index finger. "That's what I want to explain in more detail. Before meeting my father, you should know his condition. Julian may have understood from my explanation via ema
Witnessing such heartwarming thing, Mia automatically took a deep breath. Her lungs were hot. However, she still tried to hold back the urges not to burst into tears. Just as the girl began to gain control of herself, Mr. Hunt's gaze accidentally fell on her. With gleaming wrinkled eyes, the old man sighed. "James, is this beautiful woman your wife?" he asked while letting go of the hug. With a slow motion and a big smile, he turned his focus to face the girl. "Yes, Dad. This is your daughter-in-law,” Julian answered while placing his palm on Mia's back. Understanding the meaning of the CEO's light touch, the girl suddenly smiled. Although it's stiff, the curve of her lips looked very sweet in Mr Hunt's eyes. The old man's happiness skyrocketed along with laughter. "You're very good at picking woman, James," Mr. Hunt said before standing politely face-to-face with the secretary. "So, what should I call my daughter-in-law?" In just an i
When she saw the room she was going to occupy, Mia didn't budge. There was only one narrow bed there, while she had to share the room with the man who was considered her husband by Mister Hunt. "This is your room. It might look small, but this room is wider and much warmer than the other rooms,” Greta explained as she placed Mia's suitcase next to the cupboard. "Thank you, Auntie. This is enough for Mia and me,” Julian said while dragging his bag to the same place. "Then rest! I have to get back to the farm to help Jack. After the horses have been taken care of, then we get ready for the party. If you are hungry, lunch is already available in the kitchen. Don't hesitate!" Curling her lips, the secretary nodded. "Thank you so much, Greta." "My pleasure, Dear. Think of this house as your own home,” the woman replied with a warm smile. A second later, she walked out, leaving the girl with the nephew who also raised the corners of his lips.
"Come on, Mia. Don't be afraid," Greta said, nodding. With a hesitant motion, the secretary began to raise her hand to the head of a nearby brown horse. After successfully stroking Hasty, a wide smile immediately appeared on her face. "Does he like me?" the girl whispered, worried that she might scare the horse. “I don't know, it's too soon to draw conclusions. In that case, how about we hold a test?” Hearing Greta's suggestion, the secretary's eyes widened. "Test?" "Try to stand beside Julian," the woman said with glowing eyes while pulling the brown horse. At three meters away, she stopped and shouted, "Put some distance between you!” Wasting no time, the CEO and his secretary took a step in the opposite direction. Once the two were in the right position, Greta stroked the horse's head. “Hasty, make your choice! Who do you like more?” the woman asked before stepping back. “Julian, Mia, wave like I did earlier.” Smilin
Hearing Julian's report, Greta spontaneously checked the girl's condition. “Mia, are you okay?” Instead of answering, the secretary sat up and shook her head, collecting consciousness. "Mia?" the man sighed while raising an eyebrow, hoping the girl would respond soon. “I'm fine, Sir,” Mia replied, still with the corners of her lips held high. “Then, why did you suddenly laugh?” Julian inquired while observing the look in the secretary's eyes from a closer distance. A second later, the girl's smile began to turn flat. "Nothing, Sir," she said, shaking her head. Without a word, the man looked at his aunt who then shrugged. "How about you take her home? I'll catch up when I'm done returning all the horses to the stables?” Greta suggested to her nephew. "All right," Julian said curtly. Without further ado, he stood up and picked up the secretary with his strong arms. Realizing that the two of those people thought sh
After a moment of silence, Mia took a deep breath. With eyes angled upwards, holding back sadness, the girl spoke again. "Do you know that your son is so great?" she asked through a strained vocal cord. "Of course, I know. My James has always been great," Mr. Hunt replied quickly. Hearing the old man's never-fading spirit, Mia's shoulders felt heavier. With a bitter curve of her lips, she nodded. “The current James is a much greater man. He is the leader of a very large company. Despite his high position, he remains humble and compassionate. James right now is also very persistent and loyal," Mia explained with a dreamy look. "Is that why you love him?" Mr. Hunt asked in a thin voice, as if he didn't want anyone else to hear. Watching how the old man respected her privacy, the corners of the secretary's lips lifted slightly. After a moment of contemplation, the girl nodded again. "Yes. I think, I love him because of that soft side.” “T