Chapter 2

ONE YEAR AGO, St.  Luke's Hospital

 ANASTASIA POINT OF VIEW-

 "I want to employ you as my son's secretary," a woman stated.

 I was dining alone in the canteen of the hospital where I work as a nurse when a woman her age sat in the front chair, and those were the first words she uttered.  I smiled at her at first, assuming she would sit and eat as well because there was no other option, but I was mistaken.  When she abruptly spoke, I was taken aback.  Of course, I was perplexed by what she said, but I responded with a shake of my head.

"I'm sorry but I'm not potential enough to be a secretary, ma'am," I politely refused.

She swiftly grabbed my hands and looked straight at my eyes as she looked like a desperate mother begging for help.  "Please, my son needs you. I need your help."

 This is one of my weaknesses when someone asks me for help and I find them desperate.  I am weak on things like this.  And I know myself I can't refuse.  A little more effort and I will agree to what she wants.

"But I'm a nurse, ma'am. I don't know anything about office work," I said but the woman didn't seem to agree.

"We can train you. I will train you personally. Please, just say yes."

 I stared at her.  "Why me?  I am a nurse.  I care for sick people and not the ballpen, paper, and computer in an office. Why do you want me, ma'am? There are much more deserving of the secretary position. Why me?"

"Because I know my son won't touch you, and I knew you were a wonderful person when I saw you here earlier. And I'm confident you can help my son in the same way she did," she responded.

I was confused by what she said.  "Who's like me?"

But she just shook.  "She's a nurse, too, just like you. Later, I'll tell you about her. Please accept my offer. Be my son's secretary."

I stared at him for a few seconds before letting out a deep sigh.  "Who is your son and why did you say that your son will not touch me?"

Assuming but I'm pretty sure her son won't be attracted?  Her son looks handsome because she is a beautiful woman.

"My son's name is Alexis Von Callahan," she said.  "Every day, my son, Alexis, fired and hired a new secretary. He does it all the time. He seduces them, and something happens between them when they allow him. That is why, my son, he does not have a permanent secretary, "she added.

 My eyes widened at hearing her son's name.  That name.  I will never forget that as long as I breathe.  I stopped thinking and accepted her offer.  It's up to tomorrow as long as the important thing is that the worlds of Alexis Von Callahan and me will come closer.  The man with big arrears to me.

When I agreed I thought of using my beauty to get revenge on Alexis but I was wrong.  Because Mrs. Helena Callahan, who is now Aunt Helen is what she wants me to call her, had something else on her mind. One day she took me to a beautician friend of hers.  A professional in the field of face makeover and it really changed my face.

From a beautiful and sexy woman to a nerd and ugly one.  I don’t know if I will be grateful or insulted by the new face.

But what matters to me now is to pay the person who owes me a lot.

"No! She's dressed in a way that's too exposing."  Aunt Helena gave a short shake of her head and told me to change into new clothes.  "Come on, Anastasia, try something different, not revealing one."

I just scratched my own hair and went back into the fitting room.  I stared into the large mirror.  If it weren’t for my personal plan I wouldn’t have experienced looking like this.  I mean, I was already satisfied with what I had.  Beauty and a sexy body.  That's all I have.  But now that I’m facing the mirror and I see myself being far away from where I used to be.

"You're really ugly, Anastasia!"  I winced as I adjusted the thick glass over my eyes.  "Even maybe your friend Kitty won't recognize you the way you are now."

My brows were neat and high as if a storm passed by and I was wearing thick and large glasses.  On my left cheek, I have a mole that is actually an artificial mole.  My black hair is pulled back into a ponytail.  It reminds me of my high school terror teacher's hair.

I instantly put on a loose-fitting blouse with sleeves that reached my elbows.  It was paired with a long black skirt that fell just below the knees.  I looked in the mirror once I finished.  When I saw myself, I winced.  I can't believe this is my new appearance.

"It's so ugly when you look like you're still wearing clothes," I shook my head.  "You have no choice but to accept this faith you are in!"

When I came out of the fitting room Aunt Helena smiled satisfied but those with her frowned when they saw me.  Full of sarcasm as reflected in their eyes.  I just ignored them.  I know in myself what I really look like.

Aunt Helena stood up and approached me.  "Oh, excellent! If you become my son's secretary, this is what you will wear from now on."

 It was as if I was an obedient nod.  So she even bought me a lot of these clothes.

 When I got home to the condo that Aunt Helena had given me I quickly climbed into bed and decided to go to sleep.  I was tired all day because on Monday I would start working at Callahan enterprises as Anastasia Fuentes and Alexis Von Callahan’s new secretary.  And since Monday I will always be able to see him and be with him.  My training wasn't easy but I overcame it all.  A smile flashed on my lips.

 "I'll get revenge as soon as possible for you sister..."