TCST 1: Secrets Beyond

TCST 1: Secrets Beyond

last updateLast Updated : 2022-06-17
By:  MICS ARTEMIACompleted
Language: English
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Synopsis

The CEO's Secret Trilogy 1: Secret's Beyond Hazel Quin was a struggling journalist who wants to prove herself and rise in the world of newscasting, but her chief editor always dump her on small projects. With this, she resigned as a journalist and prepared herself to be an applicant as CEO Caleb Craige's secretary. Caleb Craige was a perfect figure of a role model for young aspiring businessmen. Kind, spontaneous, and is very helpful especially to women and children. But the question as though what was the reason behind this personality of his was never answered because he was too private. And so, Hazel promised herself that she will find out what it is, and write an article about it that will surely be the key to her success. But as she slowly unravel Caleb's secret, she figured out that she was already falling in love with him, and when she finally completed the article, she finds it hard to publish and let the public see it, she doesn't have the heart to. What was Caleb's secret that makes it hard for her to use it for her success?

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Chapter 1

BEGINNING CHAPTER

  "Sir, please. Give the chance this time. Please..."

  My chief editor's expression did not change and remained stoic. I've been trying to plead him to give me this project for almost an hour now, but I got nothing.

  "Hazel, I said someone was already assigned for this. Just go and focus on your designated work."

  I shut my eyes tight and blew out a loud breath. I know exactly what that means, Stephanie, the chairman's daughter was already on this project. Again.

  But it's unfair, really unfair. She has been covering this project and trying to make it successful for two years now and yet she got nothing. I tried to volunteer to do this and told them that maybe if the company will send a new journalist to cover this interview, it would be successful.

  "Sir, Stephanie has been trying to win this one for two years but still, nothing. Why not try to send a new one and see what will happen?" I suggested.

  Chief editor Padilla rubbed his temple, "You know that I don't have that kind of power, especially to Stephanie. You know who she is, don't you?"

  I scoffed, "Ah, yea. I forgot. She's the daughter of the chairman, so she is privileged to do whatever she wants, to get whatever projects she wants although she doesn't have remarkable performance in this industry because she only knows how to flirt and flaunt her beauty without brain manner—"

  "Hazel, watch your words!"

  "--- she only knows how to speak flirtily but doesn't know how to speak professionally like a real journalist, and does not even know how to format a column. She couldn't write even one paragraph with right punctuations—"

  "Hazel Quin!"

  I stopped as soon as I heard him raised his voice as he called me by my full name. His eyes were wide and looked frightened when I looked at him which made me raised my brows.

  "What?"

  "I said watch your words, you are talking about the chairman's daughter."

  "So, what? What I am saying is true." I justified.

  "But still—"

  "Oh gosh, chief. Stephanie and I went to the same school, the same batch, and we were classmates so I know what I am saying. Her grades were low and won't pass even a single standard for a journalist. She just graduated because of her father's connections."

  He closed his eyes and sighed in resign.

  "I know that, but, you should still be careful with your words or else, if someone hears you, you'll be—"

  I cut him off, "I'll be what? Be fired?"

  When he didn't answer, I laughed sarcastically. This is not surprising. Knowing how unprofessional they could be, I wouldn't be surprised if I get fired just because I was telling the truth.

  "They don't have to fire me, sir. This company's unprofessional treatment to their employees is too much and I've had enough. I resign, sir."

  He looked surprised by what I said. I looked at him in the eye one last time before standing up and storming out of his office, slamming the door behind me.

  "Seriously, Hazel, you resigned?" Geraldine, my best friend, and workmate asked, her eyes were wide in surprise.

  I nodded, "Yea, I did."

  "And? What are you going to do now? Don't tell me you are going to apply to another company? After what you did and said, surely, they won't give an excellent performance as feedback for you, and instead, write something nasty about you."

  I rolled my eyes as I put my things on the box. Our co-employees were watching me as I casually cleaned my table like I'm not losing a job.

  "You think I don't know that? Of course, I do. That's just how unprofessional they are."

  Geraldine sighed, "So, what are you going to do?"

  "Find a new job," I answered casually.

  "What job? Surely, after what happened, you won't apply as a journalist again. Well, not for a while, yes?"

  I locked the box's lead and put my sling bag on and looked at her. I just smiled and walked, I could still feel her look behind me.

  Opening the glass door of our department, I saw Stephanie standing in front of the elevator. But I'm sure she's not waiting for the elevator to come up, but for me. I put on my bitch mode and walked with my chin up.

  Reaching her spot, I stretched my hand and called for the elevator. It was a bit hard because I was holding the box where my things were but I was able to press the button.

  "So, you resigned, uh?" I heard her but didn't say anything. "You resigned because CE Padilla did not let you do the interview? Aww, sorry for that."

  The elevator opened and I stepped in, she followed, still talking.

  "You know, that's what you get for being too ambitious. Don't you think I don't know the reason why you want to cover the interview with him? Of course, I do. You are one hell of an ambitious woman, trying to take the chance to flirt with him so you would marry him, be rich, and get up from that filthy life of yours."

  I looked at the red numbers where it indicates the floor where we were and it stopped on the eighth floor. Several executives came in, each one bowing at Stephanie and looking at me from head to toe.

  When the elevator closed again, I took a deep breath and put on a mocking smile, and said mockingly,

  "Stephanie, we all know that you've been trying to cover this interview for years but still not able to get even a single piece of information about Mr. Craige's personal life, even just a peek. Why is that?"

  I wasn't looking at her but I felt her looked at me surprised. Even the executives turned their heads in our direction. I smirked and resumed,

  "We both know what kind of a person you are. And we both know what you were doing. You're not up for the successful interview because you are just using this chance to flirt and have an affair with him, am I right?"

  I looked at her and smirked, even more, when I saw her eyes widening,

  "Unfortunately, you are not qualified for Mr. Craige's taste. So, sorry, shall I say?"

  The elevator pings, indicating that we reached the ground floor. Before stepping out, I looked at her once more and winked annoyingly. She was left with her mouth hanging in shock with my audacity as I walked through the corridor, my hips swinging as if I'm walking on a fashion show.

  The cab that I booked earlier was already waiting for me when I got out of the building. I checked its plate number first and when I confirmed that it was the cab that I booked, I rode in.

  Once inside, I told the driver my apartment's address and looked CBNews' building one last time. I scoffed bitterly and turned my phone on and went on my browser's history where I saved the job article I was reading last night.

  I've planned this one since last week; that if ever CE Padilla won't give me the chance I've been asking for again, I'll be resigning and apply for this job.

  APPLICANTS FLOODED AFTER CRAIGE INC. ANNOUNCED THAT THE CEO IS LOOKING FOR A SECRETARY."

  It was the headline of one of our company's columns.

  Last two days, Craige Incorporation announced through media outlets that their CEO was looking for a new secretary since his former one retired. It only took several hours before another news came saying that applicants for the position deluged after the announcement.

  Craige Inc. was one of the known companies in Sydney for its immediate success after a year of its opening and was able to acquire more than five successful companies after three years. And its carefree and kind-hearted CEO as they called him was also a reason for its well-known name.

  Their CEO, Caleb Craige was known for being kind-hearted, his good deeds, and his humble personality despite his social status. He was helpful, especially for children and women.

  And of course, when you are known, the public's eye will be on you. They will see and monitor your actions, and look for anything that they can use to attack you.

  His separating his private life from work became some kind of disadvantage. The public wants to know his reason for being helpful to children and women, doubting if his actions were sincere or just a façade. There was even an article that became viral which said that his gratifying deeds were only to hide his illegal actions such as sex trafficking. That the women he was helping were sold out to rich men in other towns or abroad.

  But even after some negative speculations, he didn't give even a single idea of his personal life and his past, making the public think and persist for an answer. That became a reason for new companies to send their best journalist or reporters to cover up an interview with him and try if they can get something.

  They have been doing those one on one interviews with him whenever he's attending to charities event, but no one was able to get even a single information. Researchers also failed to get anything, his records were protected, it was as if he did not exist before.

  I was willing to try and get a chance to talk with him because I believe in my abilities, but the company where I am working tolerates favoratism and using of connections. Hence, the unfair treatment to their employees.

  And now that I've had enough, I resigned and decided to take this chance and apply for the secretary position, with a thought in mind that this might be the key for my success, to show them that I can.

  I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

  "Wait for me, Mr. Caleb Craige, because I'm going to unravel your secrets. Your secrets that are key for my success."

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107 Chapters
BEGINNING CHAPTER
  "Sir, please. Give the chance this time. Please..."  My chief editor's expression did not change and remained stoic. I've been trying to plead him to give me this project for almost an hour now, but I got nothing.  "Hazel, I said someone was already assigned for this. Just go and focus on your designated work."  I shut my eyes tight and blew out a loud breath. I know exactly what that means, Stephanie, the chairman's daughter was already on this project. Again.  But it's unfair, really unfair. She has been covering this project and trying to make it successful for two years now and yet she got nothing. I tried to volunteer to do this and told them that maybe if the company will send a new journalist to cover this interview, it would be successful.  "Sir, Stephanie has been trying to win this one for two years but still, nothing. Why not try to send a new one and see what will happen?" I suggested. 
last updateLast Updated : 2021-10-09
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CHAPTER 2
  I looked at my reflection through the mirror one last time, making sure that I will look presentable and professional enough, and perfectly fit for the position I am aiming for.   Yesterday was the cut-off for submitting applicants resume, and tomorrow will be the last day for the interview before Mr. Craige make his decision. I was scheduled for the interview today and because I found out that Mr. Craige was the one who does the interview, I practiced everything to be perfect.   Practicing for my answers in a job interview was not my style, even when I was in my internship as a journalist. I want to answer each question on the spot and honestly, but this one has to be done perfectly.   I need to make sure that I will pass the interview and be chosen to be his secretary. It needs to happen to be able to execute my plans.   The lobby of Craige Inc. was big, it has the usual
last updateLast Updated : 2021-10-11
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CHAPTER 3
  "Are you sure you are ready?"  I was holding my phone while strapping my sandals to my ankle. I was getting ready for work, and this would be my first day.  "Yes, Geraldine. I was able to pass the interview, and now here I am, getting ready for work. I'll be close with Mr. Craige physically, and this secretarial position would give me plenty of time to gather the information I needed for my project."  "Have you created the draft?" she asked.  I nodded as if she could see me. "Yea, I saved it on my flash drive. Saving it on my laptop would be a wrong move, hackers could hack in it."  "And don't you think hackers can hear our conversation at this moment?"  I rolled my eyes. "Come on, Ge. Of course not. They don't have enough reason yet to tap in my devices."  "Okay, okay. If that's what you think, that's what you want. Good luck with your work."  "Yea, you too. I'm about to g
last updateLast Updated : 2021-10-14
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CHAPTER 4
  I looked at my luggage where I have put all the things I'll be needing. He sent me a message this morning that if I couldn't bring all of my things today, he could pay for someone to do it.  Well, I only need to bring my books with me, old documents, clothes, and my accessories. The furniture and equipment in this apartment were all part of the rental, I signed a contract for this one.  Two luggage, and three black duffel bags. I puffed an air and one by one, brought them to my car as Mrs. Gallarpe, the landlady watched me. I messaged her last night and told her that I'll be moving. She told me it was all of a sudden and unexpected, I told her that I too, did not expect that my boss would ask me to stay with him.  "It's a part of your job."  His voice and those words played in my mind again. Until now, I can't still get over it. It was obvious that I put meaning in this set-up, and he reminded me that it was for work. A slap
last updateLast Updated : 2021-10-17
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CHAPTER 5
   I woke up with a mild headache, my head felt heavy and whenever I try to move, the back part of my skull ached badly. Then I remembered that I cried till I fell asleep last night.  Only then did I realize too that I was in a different room, and consciousness kicked in, knocking my brain to remind me that I agreed to stay with my new boss since I wasn't just a secretary but also his personal assistant.  With that, I jolt up which made my head spin. I sat again and waited for a while before everything got back to normal. Then I looked for my phone which was just waiting on the bedside table. I checked the time and got alarmed when I saw that it was already 9:30 am.  My duty starts at eight! I'm late!  Carefully but also in a rush, I ran to the bathroom and turned on the shower, took a quick bath, and dressed in a black pencil skirt and white v-neck blouse which slightly showed my cleavage.  While in
last updateLast Updated : 2021-10-23
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CHAPTER 6
   It has been a week since I started working as Caleb's secretary. So far, my experience with this job was doing good, given that he let me stay in his penthouse which lessen my expenses.   A day after the incident in his living room happened, he called me in his office and gave me a printed copy of his house rules. He said it was to prevent things like the previous night to happen.  Written on the house rules were; I wasn't allowed to pry on his things— personal things; I should ask for permission first if I can touch or look into the albums in his living room; avoid sticking my nose into unnecessary things.  I sighed when I reminisce what was written on the house rules and resumed jotting down on my notepad for his schedules. He's currently on a meeting with the board of directors again, and four more meetings with important investors this afternoon.  For the first week of my job as his secre
last updateLast Updated : 2021-10-30
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CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 7  "W-what?"  It was the only word that came out of my mouth when I heard what he said. My mind was still thinking if I heard him right or my ear was just playing with me, but when he smiled and said it again, air left my lungs.  "I said I like you."  And it was enough to make my brain malfunction. His words played in my head as if an old scratched tape. He likes me. A multi-billionaire CEO likes me. Was this a joke? Because if it was, then he'd better stop it now.  "How?" I asked when I recovered from the shock. "How did you like me?"  I gave him a challenging look. Now that I recovered and my brain is functioning well as it should, he wouldn't be able to trick me. Was this his hidden agenda for being too kind to women? He would befriend them, and when he think that they trusted him enough, he would make them fall with his flowery words and leave them in the end?  Oh, boy. If this was
last updateLast Updated : 2021-11-01
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CHAPTER 8
  My gentle smile and nod was the only thing he needed. Happiness was written on his face when our eyes met. He then shouted a 'yes' before he gleefully leaned in and I felt his soft lips to mine.  It was as if there were fireworks inside my stomach as our lips touched. His arm circled on my waist as he pulled me closer, and it was my cue to snake my arms on his neck and place my hand on his hair as I pulled him closer to me.  "Hazel," he mumbled as he pulled away from the kiss, but only a half-inch away, "You don't know how much happy I am that you gave me a chance."  Genuine happiness was all I can see in his black orbs, and there was a slight pang of guilt in me for I knew my intentions weren't clear. I have my hidden agenda for this one, I was taking advantage of his feelings for my own benefit.  Mentally, I shook my head to push that thought away and focused on the man whose happiness couldn't be explained by simple words
last updateLast Updated : 2021-11-05
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CHAPTER 9
  A soft yet wet thing on my neck woke me up. I purred and moved my head to see what it was— who it was, and it was no other than the man who completed my womanhood.  Caleb.  "Hey, good morning, baby." his voice was low and sexy, awakening my senses.  I smiled, "Good morning,"  He pushed himself up and supported his weight through his elbows. He planted a soft kiss on my forehead and whispered to me what time is it. My eyes widen when I realized we were two hours late from work. I instantly moved to get ready but he gently pushed me on the bed, making me lie again.  "But hey we're—"  "Sshh, baby, relax. I've already informed them," he said.  My brows furrowed, "What? You informed them? Who?"  He shrugged. "The VIPs I was supposed to have a breakfast meeting with. I emailed them and informed them that our meeting will be canceled due to some important reason."
last updateLast Updated : 2021-11-09
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CHAPTER 10
  I was silent on the passenger seat as Caleb drove through the highway at a speed that was enough for me to remember each landmark and enjoy the scenery as the car goes by. We were on our way to the therapy center he was talking about, the one where his mother was currently in. He hasn't told me yet where exactly it was and I also couldn't figure out where.  The song Passenger Seat was playing on the radio in enough volume which sounded as if a background music of a romance movie. It was a perfect song for the mood that we have right now and I knew he felt it too because he was smiling as he sang with the band.  A smile made its way on my lips when I heard him singing along, it wasn't loud enough for me to hear but I liked it. He looked relaxed and at ease as he drove and sang, he wasn't even aware that I was staring at him.  When the song stopped, that was when he looked at me and a blush crept on his face as he realized that I was stari
last updateLast Updated : 2021-11-09
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