Enemies, Expectations, and New Beginnings: The Secretary's First Day

Just as our lips were barely an inch apart, a voice from behind snapped us back to reality. "Sir, where should we put these?" It was one of the workers, standing there with a large stack of boxes. Raj scrambled to his feet, offering me a hand. I refused, pushing myself up with as much dignity as I could muster, giving him a look that said, I don’t need your help, thank you very much.

Unfazed, Raj gestured toward the workers holding boxes filled with clothes and other items. "These are a few formal outfits and essentials to get you started. And don’t forget the file I gave you." He said it so nonchalantly, but my eyes caught sight of the label on the top folder: New York Fashion Week.

I nearly did a double-take. New York Fashion Week? I’d seen it on TV, read about it in every fashion magazine, and dreamed of it from the sidelines. The biggest names in fashion, the latest trends that would set the tone for the entire industry—I could barely contain my excitement. "Is this… the actual New York Fashion Week project, the one happening in three months?" I asked, trying to sound calm.

He gave me a quick nod. "Yes, the very same. Now, you might want to get ready. It’s already 8 a.m., and the office expects you sharp at 9.”

Trying to play it cool, I nodded, but inside I was buzzing with disbelief.

As the workers placed the clothes in my room, I stood there, still reeling at the thought of being part of something so huge. Snapping out of it, I noticed it was already 8 a.m., and I had exactly an hour to be at the office. I quickly dressed in one of the formal outfits—a tailored blazer and pants, paired with a crisp white blouse. It made me feel professional and ready to tackle anything.

By 8:30, I was in the dining hall for breakfast. The table was empty except for Raj, who was already eating while scrolling through his phone. As if he didn’t have a care in the world.For a moment, I found myself staring at him, the way he looked so focused and relaxed somehow making him seem… well, more attractive.  Get a grip, Saira, I mentally scolded myself, quickly averting my gaze.

I sat down and tried to eat quietly, not wanting to draw attention to myself. But halfway through my toast, he stood up to leave, and without even glancing my way, he started heading for the door.

Something in me deflated. Not that I want his attention, I told myself firmly. But he could’ve at least acknowledged I was here, right? Just as he was halfway out the door, he turned back, eyebrows raised. "Aren’t you running late? Planning to skip the first day already?" He tilted his head, mock concern in his eyes. My face burned as I tried to swallow the gulp of juice I’d just taken, only to end up coughing and spluttering in response.

I gulped down what was left of my breakfast and hurried over, half-expecting to see two cars waiting outside. I assumed we’d be taking separate cars to avoid any unwanted assumptions. When I voiced this, he replied, "Why worry about assumptions? You’re my personal secretary, after all. It’s perfectly normal for us to be seen together."

I blinked. Personal secretary? My heart dropped a little. Of course, he wouldn’t settle for just secretary—this was personal. In his mind, that probably meant extra power to make my life miserable. I tried to give him my most unimpressed glare, but he just raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching with what looked suspiciously like amusement. I could feel my temper rising and my fists itching, but I bit my tongue. I had to be professional… right? Just as I was about to snap something back, I noticed the faintest smirk tugging at his lips.He enjoyed this—watching me squirm, reacting to his every word. 

As we settled into the back seat of the car, Raj made it clear he wanted me beside him. Personal secretary duties, I reminded myself, though something about it felt unsettling. I kept my focus on my phone, researching Eclipse Fashion House—the company Raj had mentioned we'd be working at. Eclipse was one of the top global brands, known for its sleek infrastructure, innovative design, and demanding yet exciting work environment. I was scrolling through their workplace policies, mentally preparing myself for the whirlwind that awaited, when Raj’s phone buzzed, pulling my attention away.

He answered, and immediately a woman’s voice rang through the car, loud enough for me to hear every single word. "Oh, Raj! I’m already at Mumbai airport, and I’m dying to hug you, baby! When are we meeting? Can you come pick me up, darling?”

The endearments dripped off her words, and I could feel the temperature drop a few degrees as Raj’s expression darkened. He was silent, his face unreadable, but his grip on the phone tightened slightly. Feeling like an awkward third wheel in the backseat, I plugged in my earbuds, choosing to drown out their “conversation” with some random music. My fingers tapped nervously, wondering what his reply would be, but I tried my best to tune it out, wishing the ride to the office would hurry up and end.