CEO's Secret

Laura’s POV

"Hey, babe," I said as I answered the call on my phone.

"Please tell me you got the job?" Kora, my childhood best friend, asked.

I sighed and replied, "No."

"F*ck, what are you going to do now?" she asked, worried.

"I'll keep looking until I find something," I said, trying to sound hopeful, even though I felt completely defeated.

I walked away from the company that just rejected me, saying I wasn’t good enough for the job.

As I took a taxi home, my mind was filled with thoughts of what would happen if I didn’t find a job by the end of the month.

I’ve applied to so many companies, but I keep getting rejected. Even though it’s tough, I know I can’t give up. I have to believe something good will happen.

When I got home, I kicked off my shoes and tossed them into a corner. I was exhausted from the day’s disappointments. I couldn’t believe I had to go job hunting again tomorrow. This has been my routine ever since I graduated.

Life after graduation was supposed to be amazing, but instead, it’s been the worst experience ever.

All my life, I’ve tried to be the perfect daughter. I never got into trouble, never went to clubs with a fake ID, never got drunk, and I’ve never had sex. Probably because I don’t have a boyfriend.

I closed my eyes for a few minutes, trying to calm down, before heading to the bathroom to freshen up and find something to eat.

“Oh no,” I groaned, realizing I hadn’t stocked up the kitchen because I didn’t have enough money.

I really need to get a job before I go crazy. I have no one to help pay my bills since my dad died after I graduated. All I have left is my stepsister and my mom.

But that’s a story for another day.

The next morning, I woke up to an email from one of the biggest construction companies in the country. They invited me for an interview! I jumped out of bed, excited, humming my favorite song as I got ready.

When I arrived at the company, I couldn’t contain my excitement. “If I get this job, the first thing I’m doing is moving out of my crappy apartment,” I thought as I headed to the receptionist to ask for directions to the interview.

"What's your name?" the interviewer asked.

"Laura Ben," I replied nervously.

After a few more questions, she dismissed me. Before I even got home, I received an email on my phone.

“You have been offered the job as an office assistant at Premium Trust Company. We hope you can start tomorrow at 8:30 AM.”

I screamed in excitement, causing people around me to stare. The position wasn’t high up, but it was better than nothing. I quickly called Kora to share the good news, and we planned to celebrate.

The next day, I arrived at the office early. As I looked up at the huge building, the glass walls shining in the morning sun, I took a deep breath and walked inside.

I had done some research on the company before coming. Premium Trust is one of the most sought-after and largest companies in the country. They have completed big projects both here and abroad. The CEO, Mr. Bryan Finch, is a tall, handsome man in his late twenties who has achieved so much. He was even featured in Forbes as one of the youngest billionaires.

He’s always in magazines, looking like a model with his piercing blue eyes and gorgeous face.

I haven’t met him yet, but from what I’ve heard, he’s one of the most mysterious men in the business world. The media is always trying to find out what he’s up to.

Weeks passed, and I got used to working at Premium Trust. It’s supposed to be a place where my dreams come true, but for me, it felt like a list of tasks.

I made my way to my tiny office. My desk is piled with papers, sticky notes, and an old coffee mug from yesterday’s marathon of errands.

The phone rang, snapping me out of my thoughts. It was Ms. Thompson, the executive assistant.

"Laura, could you please get Mr. Finch a latte? Make it a double shot with extra foam. Oh, and grab something for yourself too," Ms. Thompson said cheerfully.

"Sure thing, Ms. Thompson. I’m on it," I replied, trying not to sound pissed. I didn’t really want to meet the CEO. I had heard that Mr. Finch is strict and never smiles. No one wants to get on his bad side, especially not me because it was hard to get this job.

After waiting in a long line at the coffee shop, I returned to the office and knocked on my boss’s door. I heard a cold voice saying "Come in."

I opned the door, and entered the office, I gasped at how beautiful the office was. This was my first time inside Mr. Finch’s office.

"Are you going to stand there until my coffee gets cold?" he asked, snapping me out of my daze. My hands shook, and I spilled some of the hot coffee on my skin.

"Ouch," I whimpered in pain as I quickly placed the coffee on his desk, forcing a smile.

"Who are you?" he asked coldly.

"I’m the new office assistant, sir," I answered, looking lost in his blue eyes. I felt a strange connection.

He hummed and dismissed me, "You may leave."

I returned to my office, my mind racing with thoughts of what just happened in Mr. Finch’s office. I hoped it wasn’t what I thought it was. As I tried to settle into my chair, my phone buzzed. It was a text from Kora.

"Hey, girl! Don’t forget, tonight we’re celebrating at ‘Sin City.’ Can’t wait!" she texted.

"I didn’t forget, birthday girl. But you know that’s not really my thing," I texted back.

"Come on, Laura! I promise it’ll be fun! Plus, I’ve heard the performers are amazing. Trust me, you need this. You haven’t gone out since college," she replied.

"OK, fine. But if I don’t like it, can I leave early?" I asked.

"Yeah, sure. But I know you’re going to love it. Kisses! Don’t forget, I’m picking you up at 8:00 PM," she texted back.

I couldn’t argue with her. You can never win against Kora. And maybe I did need a break, even if it meant stepping out of my comfort zone.

The day went on and on with me running errands, making copies, and organizing files. I’m the one who keeps everything running smoothly without any recognition.

At five o’clock, I quickly packed up and headed home. After a shower and a quick dinner, I headed over to Kora’s place.

"I got us entry passes to one of the most luxurious and exclusive clubs in the city," she said excitedly.

"A club?" I asked, shocked.

"Sin City is worth it, babe. I’ve heard nothing but good things. Have you seen their strippers online? It’s trending, and I managed to get us in. It’s my birthday, you can’t say no. Remember, you agreed to celebrate," she said, bouncing with excitement.

"You might even meet someone to finally pop your cherry," she teased.

"I’m not giving myself to a total stranger," I said defensively, and she laughed.

"Kora, I don’t feel comfortable in places like that," I muttered, adjusting my glasses.

"Oh, come on. You’ll have a great time, I promise," she urged me, giving me those puppy eyes no one could resist.

"Fine, but I’m not staying long," I said, and she got so excited I almost changed my mind.

Kora couldn’t stop talking about the male strippers at the exclusive club.

"Sin City," even the name sounds mysterious and a bit scary.

We arrived at the club late. The loud music and flashing lights made me feel out of place.

I noticed couples making out and dancing close together. The place wasn’t too crowded since it was an exclusive club. I even spotted a few famous faces. I almost asked Kora how she got the tickets, but I was too shocked by what I saw next.

The waiters and waitresses were practically naked, only wearing small pieces to cover the front. They had masks on their faces, and I couldn’t hide my surprise.

On stage, a female stripper was dancing sensually on a pole as the crowd cheered.

"Welcome to Sin City!" Kora yelled excitedly, laughing. I was glued to the scene in front of me.

"I’ll go get us drinks," she said, leaving me there.

After the female stripper, the lights turned red and everything went dark as sensual music began to play.

The ladies in the club screamed with excitement as a male performer walked on stage. He had a mask on and ripped off his shirt, letting water pour down on him from the ceiling as he moved seductively.

For some reason, I felt drawn to him. It was like I had seen him somewhere before, but I couldn’t figure out where.

Maybe in my dreams.

After the performance, I didn’t know why, but I found myself heading backstage, hoping to get a glimpse of him.

He walked into one of the dressing rooms, and it seemed like he knew someone was following him. I hid behind a dressing table, holding my breath. He came out and went into another room.

I quietly followed and entered the room after him. He must have felt my presence because he turned around, but this time without his mask.

I stumbled and almost fell from who I was seeing in front of me.

It was none other than my boss, the CEO of Premium Trust "BRYAN FINCH."