"Ok Angela, remember, first impressions last." I tell myself as I step out of the grey taxi.
I brush at my peach work dress, making sure I look my best for the first day of work as Mr Cross secretary.
I fix the skinny black belt around my tiny waist, because it is feeling slightly uncomfortable.
I gaze up at the four story glass building that is now my work place.
"This is it." I say to myself before walking off.
“Hey lady, are you gonna play?" The cab driver yells after me.
I hurry back to his car, take out a 20 to give to him.
"Keep the change." I smile at him.
"There is none." He frowns at me before driving off.
I smooth down my curly shoulder-length brown hair before walking back to the entrance of the building.
Never did I dream of working at Metrosports, but here I am, about to step into a lifelong dream of mine.
I reach out to open the door, not realising that they are automatic, so they open on their own.
I glance around to make sure no one saw that before proceeding inside.
The cool crisp air from the inside hit me in the face, along with the powerful scent of a male cologne.
"Hello, maybe I help you?" A pretty blonde standing at the reception area asks.
She gives a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"I'm Angela Smith-"
"Oh, yes. The new secretary. Someone will be down in a minute to show you around."
I can see the blonde checking me out as I wait. When our eyes meet, she gives me a not so genuine smile, then peers at the computer before her.
"Angela?" Another blonde ask, as she step out of the elevator.
"Yes."
"You can call me Adele, right this way, please." She turns her back towards me and walks off.
I play with the ends of my hair, now feeling self cautious, after seeing two other blondes passing us by.
"So, I will give you the run through of how things work around here. As previous secretary and now agent, I think I am the best person to tell you what Mr Cross expects from you."
I look around the spacious building. From the outside, it didn't look like much. It had no life or personality to it, but on the inside, it is a different statement.
With blown up posters of athletes on the walls, numerous awards, and trophies in show cases.
"Wow." I say, as I pass different office areas with people busy on the phone, or busy at their task.
"Yes, in here you are an adult, so all the childish behaviour is behind you." Adele said.
"Welcome to the fourth and final floor. There are only two offices here, yours and Mr Cross. This is your office, lovely space and view if you enjoy looking at back allies. The meeting room is down the hall on your left, the boardroom is on your right."
"No one is allowed up here expect for you, and the man himself. You have two breaks, one at 12 and the other at 4. Work finishes at 7 and starts at 9 the next morning. Please don't be like the last idiot that thought she had to come back after 2 hours. She was the laughing stack for a month because of that, and quit shortly after."
"You are expected to put through only potential clients, no prank calls, no paparazzi, not even his parents. Make any and every appointments, doctor's visits, dental check up. Book flights and hotels."
"You go to all events with him, hanging off his arm like a little rich bitch and laugh at all his stupid jokes."
"And please, please, any interviews that you are going to get him booked for make sure they are meaningful. Mr Cross hates wasting his time."
"You are also responsible for getting only Mr Cross lunch. Don't let anyone else do it. Don't get anyone else's lunch either. Mr Cross likes his coffee black, with two sugars. It is to be placed on the left side of his desk. One in the morning, a soy latte at around 1 and sweet tea at 5, all in the same position."
"Work credit cards are in the centre draw, so is your work I.D. Oh and don't spend on anything too personal, the credit card is to only buy you lunch, and book your tickets when leaving the country."
I nod at all Adele said, trying to keep up because she is talking too fast and hardly gives me time to respond.
"Get it, got it, good. Have fun. One more thing, no flirting with Mr Cross. Keep it strictly business." Adele opens the door, about to walk out.
"Wait, I don't have a passport."
"Well, get one before the day is out."
“How?’’
Just then, an attractive-looking man enters my office. Adele steps aside for him.
"And who might you be?" He asks.
"Angela, she is the new secretary." Adele respond for me.
The man, whose black hair is slicked back with gel, runs his hazel eyes up and down my body. As his thin pink lips form into a lopsided grin, causing his already handsome angular face to brighten up.
"Lose the shoes. They look awful." He said, then turn to leave.
"Who was that?"
"Mr Cross." Adele give me a look, one that said 'are you for real?'
I open my mouth, but didn't get a chance to say anything.
"It's fine, just make sure you do your work and you'll be ok. The phone is ringing, the greeting is Metrosports, where stars are signed and aligned."
I place a hand on my forehead to calm myself down before answering the phone.
"Metrosports, where stars are signed and aligned.''
"Clear my schedule and get me a spot in the NBA Draft pick. There are new talents to represent and I want us at the forefront." Mr Cross said.
Moments after, he exist his office.
I rush to move his appointments to a next day, and block out the rest of the day, while sending those who had a meeting with him the memo.
I hurry to write down all the names and numbers of those that I didn’t have time to message, before running out of my office.
I make it just in time for the elevator doors to open.
Mr Cross glance over at me, then down at my shoes.
"Still wearing those ugly things I see." He said while entering the elevator.
I didn't respond as I enter as well, because I didn't think the way I dressed would have mattered.
"I have my eyes on Kylie Marks. He seems promising. What do you think?"
I rattle my brain to remember who that is. "I think he has potential."
Mr Cross scoffs, "just potential?"
"Yes, I think Ryder Jones would be a better pick. I have been watching him since his first day at UCLA. He is the best Point Guard on the team. Not to mention his jump shots."
Mr Cross smirks, "I'll take your word for it then."
I breathe out, not knowing what to expect from working with Mr Cross because his face hardly gives anything away.
While we exist the building, I notice even more blondes walking around, making me second guessing myself.
I touch my brown hair, hoping that I didn't have to bleach it and become a fake blonde with horrible roots.
I scowl at my reflection in frustration, wishing that my mirror never shows up the nasty pimple in the centre of my forehead, or the dullness of my damn hair. It is a rat's nest this morning, even though I wanted to look my best for Mr Cross today. But my appearance says otherwise. With one last attempt to control the tangled mess on top of my head, I run my brush through it but soon give up and place it in a messy up do.I left home with a newfound purpose; I am going to whoo Mr Cross. That man was finer than wine, and I intend to make him mine. He is too good to pass up.I spent most of my night after coming home, trying to read up all that I could on the famous Leo Cross, sadly he is like a ghost. The internet, not even Wikipedia, has any information on him. And despite the beautiful man being the face of his own company, there aren't much pictures of him anywhere.Despite not knowing anything about him, I am still willing to win him
When I get home, I lean on the door, biting my lip, trying to hide my smile because one thing is for certain: Mr Cross wants me. He proved that by taking me home and the questions he asked only show that he is interested in my life. He can have me in all and every way. I don't intend to hold back myself from him.The door bell rings, causing me to jump. I drop my handbag, not understanding why I am panicking.I open the door with a gasp, because there he is, Mr Cross.''Can I come in?''"I- y-'' I find myself stuttering and subliming over my words.He flashes his sexy lopsided grin, then pushes past me.''Nice place.''"Thanks, though I'm sure it is nothing compared to where you live.''He gives a rich laugh, ''I think I rather it here. It's quaint and cosy as how a home should be.''''I guess it is lovely then,'' I said, eager to agree with him.I stand there awkwardly chewing on my thumbnail, while Mr Cross gaze
When I get to the airport, and see Mr Cross sitting there waiting for me, my breath hitch and I flush at how casual yet handsome he looks. Dressed in a brown long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans, he finally looks his age.''Just make sure you get there before daybreak.'' He snaps into his phone.''No.'' His tone is cold as he once again snaps at whoever is on the other end.''Miss Smith, so glad that you can finally make it. For a minute there I thought you wouldn't have come,'' Mr Cross said, his voice now becoming soft and calm.''No sir, as your personal assistant my role is to do my job to the best of my abilities, while pleasing you in everyway.'' I said, hoping he caught onto my double meaning.He clears his throat. ''I have a photo shoot first thing in the morning, then a little clubbing event in the evening.''I write down what he said with a nod.''Will that be all, Mr Cross?''''I'm also thinking of going to the beach to
After we land, instead of going to the hotel, Mr Cross and I went to a club. I glance at my watch to see that it is after three am. The place is loud, hectic and crowded with people well intoxicated, looking to continue their night of fun in someone else's bed.Two men and a female join us, their eyes bright, no doubt from drugs and too much alcohol, but they are still in the mood to party and so is Mr Cross as he bobs his head to the rhythm of the music.I look down at my attire, feeling underdressed in my awkward style, which, for whatever reason, I thought would have caught Mr Cross's eyes.One of the man's eyes runs up and down my body, then he licks his lips. He touch Mr Cross before whispering.Mr Cross's eyes focus in on me as he shakes his head.''Not her,'' He said loud enough for me to hear.The man lets out a loud laugh.''Let's get the party started,'' The female said, before disappearing into the crowd.Moments later, she appears again with two bottles of Ciroc; one cocon
We eventually make it to the lovely seven star hotel, where they offer us hot lemon scented towels. I give a drunken giggle, while wiping at my face. "A pleasant good morning." The female around the counter beams. She says nothing more, then hand us both separate keys. I look down at them, slightly disappointed that we aren't staying in the same room together. ‘But what did I expect? He is my boss, after all.’ Mr Cross takes me by the shoulder, then leads me over to the elevator bay. "Try not to wear your emotions on your face like that," He said. I blink up at him, too drunk to understand what he means by that. He said nothing as the elevator arrives, he pushes me inside, forces me up against the wall. With both of his hands on either side of my body, he stares down at me with his face unreadable. At first I thought he would have kissed me, but he just hovers before my face. Suddenly he pulls away, mutters something under his breath that sounds somewhere along the line of 'y
I never get much sleep because by quarter to five, one of the man that was on the jet with us comes to wake me up. I sit up in bed feeling groggy, as this muscular man glances at me. "The boss wants you ready to go in ten minutes," he tells me. I nod, stretch, and yawn before throwing my covers off. When I get to the bathroom, I am made full aware that my eyes are red and puffy. There is also a present of a cold sore on the right side of my upper lip. I brush it all off as nothing. Hop in the shower to wash only the necessary areas, then hurry to get dressed and apply my makeup. When I am about to knock on the door, it is pushed open with Mr Cross standing there looking hot and dressed in a maroon colour three piece suit with a grey, black and white tie and a black shirt underneath. He looks me up and down, then smirks. "Good, you are ready and actually dressed well today.'' I feel like twirling in the lime green skirt suit I am wearing at the small complement. "I have a phot
When the food finally arrives, Mr Cross does something I never expected. He clasped his hands, close his eyes and prayed.When he opens his eyes, he is staring at me."What? Never seen a person pray before.""Actually no, it's foreign to me," I tell him.And I guess it is so for a few other people around, because they are staring as well."I grew up not having much, so I am always grateful for what I have now. And in a world like this, I have to be because there are still so much hungry people out there."I nod, understanding where he is coming from, but at the same time I never expect him to be the type of person to grow up poor. He seems to be someone who has had it all their life.Mr Cross seems like the type of man whose father created generational wealth, but turns out he is the one creating it.Which is something that I would want my children to have, a secured future and to experience the finer things in life."Is this why you give back so much?""Please eat and stop asking so
As Mr Cross and I walk further down the road to the beach, side by side, people can't help but stop and stare at us.It makes me happy to see the envious looks I am getting from all these girls. I bet they wish they were in my shoes, walking alongside such a wealthy and well accomplished man, who is also a sight to behold.Suddenly, with no explanation. Mr Cross pushes me between the space of two building.I gasp, not knowing what to expect. And before I can do or say anything, his lips are on mine. Kissing me with so much hunger, I thought we would be having sex in the dark, crammed space.When Mr Cross pulls back, he glares down at me."Miss Smith, what are you doing to me?"When he moves to pull away, I pull him back and hold on to his waist."The same thing you are doing to me, you want me just as much as how I want you."Mr Cross laughs, "you poor baby. You don't know what you are getting yourself into."He brush hair from my face then lets his hand rest on my shoulder."I'm not
Even though it has been a year since I have escaped the clutches of Leo, I still look over my shoulders to make sure that he hasn't found me somehow.I shiver as I pack the dishes into the washer. Just thinking about that man gives me chills. I am still scared of him. I am still worried that he will find me and take me back as his prisoners, maybe even kill me.I know that Raymond told me to not think about it so much and that Leo will never find me. But even with moving to a new state, and changing my name, along with bleaching my hair blonde. I still can't help but be wary. I think I might need therapy with how scared I am."Hey, babe. I'm home." Raymond comes up behind me, kissing my neck.That cause me to calm down."Everything is coming along great." He kisses my neck."That's good.""How is my little angel?" He asks."She is sleeping. I think her teeth are coming in, so she is fussy."Raymond spins me around. "I was thinking of a date night, say tomorrow. We can go to that resta
I make my way slowly through the small forest, because I wasn't aware that the place was so uneven or filled with holes. Which makes me wonder if any of them are for me.The place is also slippery, with my having to go even slower and have to hold on to the tress for support, afraid that if I fall, I might lose this baby.My phone buzz, it is a message from Layla. She met up with Avril and Adele, and is only notifying me about how far away they are.I can hear tires screeching on the pavement, then the old rusty gate opening. I pause to make sure I'm not seen by ducking down and waiting for it to drive up to the house.I then begin to run in the direction of the main road, slipping and falling as I do. Not stopping until I get to the high wall that is blocking my freedom.I peek out from the trees to see if anyone is coming down the driveway before moving to the gate. But sadly, it doesn't have a keypad like I hope, so I can't put any pass codes in.I guess he knew I would try to esca
The next morning, I am happy to know that Leo has left for work. Thanks to Pete for giving me that information.I basically run back upstairs to call the few numbers in my phone.Tye first person I call is Natasha, I don't know why but it just feel as if I should apologise to her for not returning."Angela, oh my God. Where have you been? When you didn't show up the next day, I started to worry about you. Then I tried your phone but I went to voice mail.""Because Leo went crazy and has me out in some log cabin in the middle of the woods."Natasha pause for a while. "I don't know where that is, but are you able to leave?""I will soon, before he gets back. I have to go. I have someone to call so they can come help me.""Tell me what I can do.""You just stay put. With your state, I don't want you to worry too much."I hang up before she can say anything else.Layla picks up on the first ring."Jesus Christ, where have you been? The girls and I are worried sick.""I'm fine.""No, you a
Even though Leo didn't really put his hands on me, I can't help but shake from fear. I thought he would have beaten me to anything and I would really have a miscarriage, but now that I really am pregnant I don't think he will hit me. And even so, I can't allow him to think that his child is his.I make my way to my room to let the girls and Raymond know what I happening, but before I can take out my hidden phone, Leo walks in."I mean, I when I said that I don't want you around those girls again, I don't trust Layla and I know that she must be telling you things. So to get you away from them, we are going to move.""What?""And one more thing, I want a divorce, but I won't let you leave until you have my son."My heart skip at those words."You can't do that.""I can. It is in our contract. You remember? The one you signed."I can't get any words out."You will be locked up in the new house. There will be doctors tending to you until you have my son and then I'll throw you out.""But
Right there in the living is Leo on top of Star, both of them sweaty and breathing hard. I don't know why I can't look away or leave; it is as if I'm mesmerised by the both of them fucking on the sofa.Star moans, calling his name. While Leo fucked her from the back, with one hand gripping the back of the sofa and the other gripping her waist.I am about to walk away when Leo looks up and see me."Angela, I'm glad you are home. You came just in time for the show."Star looks up in time to my name, I can see her smiling at me, she start overreacting. Moaning louder, as if she is enjoying it such but I know she is doing it only to get to me but I don't care.Leo calls me over, telling me to sit. I do as he said, not really caring about them and the act, because I don't love Leo, so Star can't hurt me. She can have him for all I care."I want you to watch this, Angela. Get this image into your mind."He starts fucking her harder and her moans gets louder.Leo makes a sound as he comes, t
When I wake up the next morning, I am glad to know that Leo has already left for work.I roll to my side. The moment I do, my stomach gets uneasy and I have to rush to the bathroom where I throw up in the sink. Not even making it to the toilet.Just as I thought it was over, it starts again.Avril comes into my room, only to see me on the floor with my head between my knees."Are you alright?"Before I can answer, I start throwing up again."I don't know. I woke up, and it's like this.""Ok, get yourself cleaned up. I'll make some tea to help settle your stomach."When she walks out, I throw up one last time before brushing my teeth and coming down to the kitchen.I am greeted by pepper mint tea, eggs, waffles, and bacon."Thank you." I smile at Avril, who gives me a look instead.I drink the tea first, but on the first bite of the waffles and getting it down. I rush to the sink and start throwing up."I think you should do a pregnancy test," Avril lets out."What?""You heard me. Whe
I make my way back to Raymond, telling him I have to go now. For some reason, I am feeling nauseous, and as if I would throw up in any second."Are you alright? Maybe you just need to lie down for a while." He said, touching the small of my back."No, I feel really sick. I don't know why, but suddenly it is as if-" I stop talking, because I can actually feel the bile rising in my throat now.All I can do is embarrassingly lose the contents of my stomach, but as soon as I do, I feel better.I wipe at my mouth. "Sorry," I tell Raymond, feeling my face heating up."Yeah, I think it is best if you go lay down for a while." Raymond tells me, taking my hand and leading me up to his room.There I lay down, and he came to lie beside me."You look pale, what did you eat?" He asks, brushing back hair from my forehead."I didn't eat anything, just had that beer. But it did have a funny taste to it.""Maybe it has expired."I shrug, cuddling up closer to him.I feel much more safe and secure with
Raymond introduced me as his girlfriend, which everyone greets me."I don't know you had a girlfriend.'' A female said, she pouts then frowns at me."It's fairly new, three months to be exact." He tells her, putting an arm around my shoulder to pull me close."I doubt it will last long." She said, then turns her head away."Janet, how can you say such a thing?" Another female said.I try to ignore that, and focus on the others that are around. Mostly on the two female I'm more familiar with."Can you excuse me a minute?" I ask, moving away from Raymond."Fancy seeing you here," I said."I can say the same. I thought you were married. Never did I expect to hear you being the girlfriend of Raymond. What was it, all a lie? Or maybe you are living a double life?""No, it's...you know, the situation I'm in."Star scoffs. "I hear your complaints, but I don't believe your words.""What? How can you say that? I show you the bruise on my stomach, and tell you all that he has done to me."Star
It has been three months now since my dear husband has been giving me my freedom, where I meet with the girls and Raymond. I have also been secretly paying for a house, thanks to the help of Avril.I get the credit card from Leo; I withdraw money which he never questions. Give it to her and she deposits it to the realtor. Then I get an alert on my burner phone about the payment. I also make sure to give her money for herself, not as a bribe but because I learnt that Leo didn't pay her much. She works two jobs and has children. I offered to buy her a house as well, but she refused.I message Raymond to let him know that I'm on my way to him. I already had breakfast with the girls and now I'm going to spend a little time with him. Not only do I enjoy the sex but also his company. He is a wise man, and always fills me in on what is happening around the world. He makes me feel included, unlike Leo.With Leo, it is all about sex. We never have a conversation, and it has always been like th