Chapter One: The Secretary

Third Person’s POV

“Good morning, ma’am!”

Marissa Dela Cruz briefly bowed her head to the employees greeting her in the lobby. She was holding her handbag while flawlessly wearing her black bodycon dress. Her dress was a huge contribution to tracing her curvy body and matched her light makeup. A call came from her cellphone, so she answered it.

“Yes, this is Secretary Dela Cruz. How may I help you?” she asked with a smile.

“I have been looking for Chief Executive Director Montero. This is from Gregory Corporation because our annual meeting is approaching. Can you please remind him?” the other party informed.

“You do not have to worry, sir. I have all his schedules in control,” she said before she dropped the line.

After that important call and a long minute of constant greeting the enthusiastic and productive employees, while walking through the lobby, she finally arrived in the elevator and rode to the sixth floor where her office is just near her boss’ office. She picked a button before the elevator closed.

“Good morning, ma’am. Mr. Montero is already looking for you,” one of her trusted employees said when she stood by its cubicle.  

“Thank you, Ms. Gonzaga. I will go to his office,” Marissa said and smiled politely.

Marissa’s heels rang through the hallway. She even looked outside the huge windows of the building to see the fantastic view of the city. After pausing for a bit to appreciate its beauty, she continued walking towards her office. It did not take too long to arrive in her silent and fresh transparent office.

Two shelves containing business books and a variety of brochures were standing beside the glass door. A coffee maker was near her desk since she was obsessed with Americano. What she loves are the drawers found near an indoor green plant because she likes her papers organized and stashed properly. A comfortable sofa was also in the center of the office and in front was her coffee table.

Everything inside was already common to her… except her fresh bouquet of flowers being plastered on her desk that was filling her nose. Excitement washed over her as she already knew who delivered them. Violet roses that were wrapped in red cover. She smelled the beautiful flowers and their scent reminded her of her handsome suitor. A card was hanging at the end of the cover, so she read the message on it.

From: Brylle

I got roses for you. They have always been your favorite flowers, so I hope you like it!

Marissa slowly picked up the bouquet and caressed the petals of the roses. She was appreciating them while thinking about Brylle. He did not have to be so sweet, she thought. But then again, he never missed a day of delivering something to put a smile on her face whenever she went to work. It started when he began to court her. She must say that Brylle Ferrer is a man who she wants to be her partner in the future… if she becomes ready for a relationship.

Marissa was about to withdraw her cell phone to call Brylle to express her gratitude and appreciation for the flowers. Before she could do that though, she was interrupted by the strong ringing of the telephone on her desk. She had two telephones: one for such employees or parties inside and outside of the company; and one is personal for her boss. The ringing came from the personal telephone she would use for communication with the CEO, Diego Montero.  Without further ado, she easily forgot the bouquet, set it aside in her lamp, and picked up the phone to answer her boss. She cleared her throat before speaking.

“Hello?” she said.

“Ms. Dela Cruz,” a chilling and dark voice emerged from the other line. “Where are you? I need you in my office.”

Her boss sounded mad, so she guessed that he would provide bad weather in the company, metaphorically. It will affect the moods of his employees, just like the usual. On the other hand, the bad weather will only be worse, a storm to be termed, for she discovered something that she will reveal to her boss later on. For now, she will try to appease him.

“I am already here in the company, sir,” Marissa answered simply.

“Then go to my office! Right now!”

After that aggressive and demanding request, Marissa did not waste time and hastily grabbed her planner before she went outside her own office. She fixed her hair by waving it behind her head while walking through the hallway toward her boss’ office. When she was in front of the door, she heaved a heavy sigh before opening it.

The Devil’s Lair, she called the door of her boss’ office.

“What do you mean they turned their back on signing the contract? What happened?” Diego exclaimed while confronting a manager. “I am sure I have put all of the important details about the project. Their company will even more prosper when they for allegiance to our corporation. So what is wrong?”

The emphasis of every word her boss was saying echoed inside the office. It made Marissa’s skin crawl and intimidated her a long time ago when she was still starting to be a secretary. But now that she has been used to it for three years, it does not affect me anymore. I do not know with the person her boss was talking to, though.

“They just emailed me, sir, that they are not interested in building the project anymore,” the manager answered while gulping and her hands behind her, playing them due to anxiety.

Inside the office was Diego Montero talking to a manager of the email marketing department. His expression was dark and unimpressed while looking down at the manager. The nerve-wracking atmosphere matched the grey suit he wore today. He tilted his head and crossed his arms to show domination.

“And what reason did they give to justify their refusal?” Diego asked.

“They did not give anything, sir. They just said they will not accept your proposal-“

“What if I do not like your report and urge you to leave my office until you give me information that is worthwhile, huh?”

“I am really sorry, sir.”

The moment Diego groaned in anger silently and shut his eyes tightly, Marissa felt that she should interfere with the conversation before anything else happened. She started stepping forward with her planner on her chest and galloped toward them. Diego ruffled his hair as if frustrated using his long, strong fingers. He started raising his voice.

One thing that the CEO hates – refusing his proposals and projects that he plans. Of course, he is reputable for being a great business tycoon in the business world.