Chapter 4

Ivy walked into TechNovation, and her heart pounded with nerves. It was her first day on the job as the personal secretary to the CEO, and she didn't want to mess it up.

She hurried through the sleek and modern lobby, as her heels clicked against the marble floor.

She rushed through the crowded office, dodging past colleagues and muttering apologies as she went. She could feel the sweat starting to bead on her forehead and knew that she was cutting it close.

Finally, she approached the reception area and skidded to a stop in front of the receptionist's desk.

As she reached the reception desk, a young woman in a business suit looked up and smiled. "You must be Ivy," she said as she stood up. "I'm Sarah, the HR representative. "You're late, we've been waiting for you."

Ivy felt a flush of embarrassment rise to her cheeks. "I'm so sorry," she stammered. "I got lost on the way here."

Sarah smiled reassuringly. "No worries. We'll give you a quick tour and then get you settled in. Follow me."

Sarah led Ivy through the bustling office, pointing out various departments and introducing her to some of her new colleagues.

Ivy followed Sarah through the company's vast and impressive offices. They passed by rows of cubicles, conference rooms, and private offices. Sarah pointed out the break room, the gym, and the rooftop garden. Ivy tried to take it all in, but she felt a bit overwhelmed by the sheer size and scope of the company.

The company's culture was clearly one of innovation, hard work, and success. There were inspirational quotes and posters on the walls, celebrating the company's achievements and encouraging employees to strive for excellence.

Finally, they reached the CEO's private office.

As they approached the CEO's office, she gave Ivy a quick rundown of the CEO's schedule and responsibilities.

Sarah knocked on the door, and a deep voice called out, "Come in!"

Ivy took a deep breath and stepped inside. She was struck by its grandeur. The large mahogany desk, the floor-to-ceiling windows with a panoramic view of the city, and the luxurious leather armchairs all spoke of power and success.

Sarah walked over to the CEO, who was sitting at his desk with his head buried in a stack of documents. "Mr. Hudson, I'd like to introduce you to your new secretary, Ivy," she said, smiling.

The CEO looked up and their eyes met. A feeling of recognition washed over Ivy as she realized that she had met this man before, at a club, two nights ago.They had shared a passionate night together at his penthouse and she had never expected to see him here of all places, let alone as her new boss.

Dario's expression mirrored Ivy's as he also recognized her. He struggled to maintain a professional demeanor as he seemed to be just as shocked as Ivy. He quickly composed himself and stretched his hand to shake her.

"Ivy, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sure you'll do great here," he said, with a hint of unease in his voice.

Ivy couldn't help but feel a mix of shock and embarrassment. She felt Sarah's curious gaze on her, but she forced a smile and said, "Thank you, Mr. Hudson. I'm looking forward to working with you."

The awkwardness between the two of them was palpable, and it was clear that they were both struggling to maintain a professional demeanor in the face of their shared history.

As Sarah went on to explain Ivy's new role and responsibilities, Ivy couldn't help but think back to the previous night, when she had met her new boss at a club. They had shared a passionate night together, but neither of them had mentioned anything about their respective professions.

Sarah led Ivy out of the office. Ivy couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen next. She had never expected to see the CEO again, and now she was going to be working with him every day.

She knew it was going to be a difficult and potentially awkward situation.

Just as they were about to leave, Dario called out to Ivy.

"Can I speak to you for a moment, Ivy? Sarah, can you excuse us please?"

Sarah nodded and left the room, closing the door behind her. Ivy's heart was pounding as she turned back to face her boss.

"You have got to be kidding me," she exclaimed. "You're my new boss? I can't believe it.

"What are you doing here?" Dario asked, looking surprised.

Ivy looked up, shocked to see him. "Oh my God, I had no idea you were my new boss."

Dario's mind raced as he tried to process the situation. He remembered the passionate night they had shared just two nights ago at a club, and now she was his secretary. He knew he had to handle this carefully.

"Please let's keep what happened between us two nights ago a secret" Dario responded

"Keep it a secret? You want me to pretend as if nothing happened between us?" Ivy couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had thought they had shared something special that night.

Dario looked at her, his expression was serious. "Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. We can't let one passionate night get in the way of our professional one."

Ivy felt her anger rising. "One passionate night? Is that what you're calling it? You used me, Dario. You knew I would be in a vulnerable position at the club, and you took advantage of it."

Dario's expression softened, and he leaned forward in his chair. "I understand why you're upset, Ivy, but it's not like that. I fucking didn't know who you were, and I had no idea you would be my secretary. I certainly didn't use you.

He emphasized on the word "use" as he explained. "What happened between us was mutual and enjoyable for the both of us."

Ivy's anger dissipated a little, but she still felt hurt and confused. "Then why can't we acknowledge it? Why can't we talk about it? Why do we have to pretend like it never happened?"

Dario hesitated, looking as if he was searching for the right words. "Because it's complicated.

Ivy stood there, her mind racing. She didn't know what to think or feel. All she knew was that she was hurt and shocked.

Dario reached across the table and took her hand. "Can we meet at my penthouse tonight after work, so we could talk," Dario said as he looked up at her.

Ivy looked away from his face as she responded. "I'm not making any promises. She said, pulling her hand away.

"Please" Dario pleaded as she stormed out of his office.

Ivy stormed out of Dario's office, her emotions still in turmoil. As she walked down the hallway, she saw Sarah waiting for her outside.

Sarah asked with a concerned look on her face, "Is everything alright, Ivy?"

Ivy took a deep breath, trying to compose herself before responding. "Yes, I'm fine."

Sarah showed her her new office space, just in front of Dario's office, where she would be working as his secretary. Ivy couldn't bring herself to even look at the office, feeling a kind of way.

As Ivy settled into her new office space, she felt a heavy weight on her chest. She couldn't shake the feeling of confusion she felt, as the man she just shared a night of passion with was now her new boss.

The door to her boss's office was just a few feet away from her, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread as she thought about the passionate night they shared together. She took a deep breath and tried to push the thoughts out of her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling of embarrassment and confusion about what happened with her and her new boss.

Just then, the door to the office opened, and a beautiful, well-dressed lady walked in majestically. Ivy looked up and saw a woman with dark long hair, dressed in a stunning, floor-length gown as she walked into the office.

The gown was a deep red color, made of a luxurious, satin fabric that flowed around her body as she walked. The bodice was fitted and had a sweetheart neckline that accentuated her curves and showed off her cleavage.

She accessorized her outfit with a pair of diamond earrings and a matching diamond necklace. She carried a small clutch bag that matched the color of her dress. Her hair was styled in loose waves, cascading down her shoulders, and she had a red lipstick that matched the color of her gown.

She looked like a goddess as she walked into the office, exuding an air of elegance and glamor. Her presence commanded attention and it was clear she was not someone to be underestimated. She walked into the office and marched straight towards Dario's office.

Ivy quickly got up from her desk and hurried to intercept Kim before she reached Dario's office.

"Wait," Ivy called out, trying to sound calm and friendly. "Excuse me ma'am, can I help you?" She asked, trying to sound friendly.

Kim stopped and turned to face Ivy, a look of annoyance on her face. "I'm here to see Dario," she said curtly. "And it's none of your business."

Ivy hesitated. "Ohhh, Can you please tell me who you are so I'll inform him?"

Kim looked at Ivy, not saying a word but with a cold expression on her face. She pushed Ivy aside and walked past her, heading straight towards Dario's office.

Ivy stumbled back, taken aback by Kim's behavior. She quickly regained her footing and followed her as she made her way to Dario's office.

"Could the day get any better?" Ivy murmured as she ran behind Kim, following her to Dario's office.

She reached the door to Dario's office just as Kim was closing it behind her. She pushed the door open and stepped inside as her heart raced with anxiety. She was meant to inform him if anyone was coming before letting anyone in as his secretary. She didn't want anything to ruin her first day after the surprise she had in the morning.

Dario looked up from his desk, surprised to see Ivy standing there just as Kim entered. "Ivy, what are you doing here?" he asked, with his voice filled with shock.

"I'm sorry, I wanted to…." with her voice shaking slightly as she opened her mouth to apologize and explain but was interrupted as Kim rushed to Dario's side.

"My cupcake, I've missed you so much" Her voice filled with excitement and affection as she kissed him.

Dario grinned and wrapped his arms around her tightly, returning her kiss with equal fervor. "I've missed you too, my sweet," he murmured.

Ivy stood there, her heart heavy and hurt as she watched them kiss passionately. Her mind raced as she tried to process the scene in front of her. She felt a lump forming in her throat, and tears welled up in her eyes.

She didn't know when she let out the words. She stammered as she tried to find the right words to express her shock and hurt. Her voice trembling, as she finally managed to spill out the words,

"Your.. your girlfriend?"