Like cats and dogs—that’s how Nick and Jessica’s relationship was. Jessica became Nick’s temporary secretary because his male secretary had to take a leave. Nick was allergic to female secretaries, believing that none of them were trustworthy and that they all had hidden agendas. That’s why he never hired a female secretary. But this time, he had no choice—he couldn’t handle everything on his own without a secretary. And Jessica was the only one available, personally trusted by his best friend, Andrei. Even though he was "allergic," he had to endure it—after all, it was only for three days. But how could he possibly endure it when, in less than a day, she was already making a mess of things? She was only proving his belief that female secretaries were unreliable. And how could Jessica prove that she was a professional and skilled secretary if her temporary boss—grumpy and seemingly carrying the weight of the world—had already judged her without giving her a chance? How long could they put up with each other? And could love possibly bloom when, from the very beginning, they already had the worst impression of one another?
view moreNick's POV
Shit! Sir, aahhh! Aaahh! It's so hot. Aaahh, please go slower. Aahh aahh. It hurts, wait, Sir. Stop!!! I suddenly slammed on the brakes of my car because of my secretary's scream. My eyes widened as I looked at her. I couldn’t believe she just yelled at me. I shot her a sharp glare. "Sorry, Sir, but I got burned. The coffee I was holding spilled on my leg, and it’s really hot. Also, you're driving too fast," she explained while wiping her wet skirt. I didn’t know why my body suddenly heated up, was it because of the way she reacted earlier, as if she was moaning, or because I saw her fair legs? "Fix yourself! So careless," I said angrily before stepping out of the car to get some air. I loosened my necktie while waiting for my secretary to finish fixing herself. This was the first time I had been affected because of my secretary. I didn’t know why. I hate female secretaries, and I have my reasons. That’s why almost all of my secretaries are men. I don’t trust female secretaries. To me, they are vile. To release my frustration, I called George. "Yes, Nick. How are you.?" I didn’t let him finish. "Find me another secretary! The one you lent me is useless. Imagine,.. she can't even hold a cup of coffee properly," I shouted. "Whoa, wait, wait. Relax. What happened? Jessica is my gem. That’s why I lent her to you. She’s professional and very keen on her work. If you weren’t my friend, I wouldn’t have let you borrow her. What exactly happened?" he asked. "Just find me a new one!!!" I yelled before hanging up. I didn’t wait for his response. I couldn’t understand myself,.. why was I so irritated? This was the first time I couldn’t control my emotions. If only Dominic, my male secretary, hadn’t had an emergency, and if I had another male secretary available, I would never have agreed to have a female secretary. Too much of a hassle. "Sir, I’m ready now. We can go. I’m really sorry," she said. "You better be. You’ve already caused too much trouble," I snapped before getting back into the car. My secretary carefully got into the passenger seat. "Sir!" "What!!" She was so startled that she spilled her coffee on her skirt again. "Aah!" "Please throw that damn coffee away," I said in irritation. She quickly stepped out of the car and threw the coffee into a nearby trash bin. I watched through the side mirror as she looked flustered and restless. I didn’t miss how she smirked, raised her eyebrows, and seemed to be muttering something bad about me. "Hah! Unbelievable. She’s the one who's mad? I’m the one who was inconvenienced! And she’s supposed to be the best? She can’t even hold a simple cup of coffee properly," I muttered to myself. As soon as she got back in, I immediately started the car. "Wear your seatbelt," I ordered. "Yes, Sir!" "Sir, I can drive if you want," she offered. "No! I don’t want to entrust my life to you. I am not comfortable. Besides, how can you drive in that tiny skirt you’re wearing? Are you trying to seduce me? Hah! Dream on. I won’t fall for that kind of cheap trick," I scoffed. I saw the shock in her eyes. Even though her glasses were thick, her glare was sharp like she wanted to stab me. I was also surprised at myself. Why did I say that? Why can’t I control my temper with this girl? "Sorry, Sir, but it’s not my fault that I couldn’t change. As far as I knew, we weren’t supposed to leave until early morning. I was still at work when you suddenly told me we had to leave right away. I didn’t have time to change because I didn’t want to keep you waiting. FYI, Sir, what I’m wearing is not for you. Sorry to disappoint you. And for the record, I have no intention of becoming part of your collection of women. SOOO CHEAP," she said firmly. After saying that, she turned toward the window and positioned herself as if she was going to sleep. Huh! My eyes widened. The nerve of this girl. Wait, I’m the boss. I don’t deserve this. No one has ever spoken to me like this before. I gripped the steering wheel tightly and shot my secretary a sharp glare. I wanted to say something, but I held myself back. I had to admit, I needed her right now, and our working relationship was already off to a bad start. On the other hand, I had promised George that I would try to work with a female secretary. It wouldn’t be a problem since it was only for three to four days, just for this project. But now, I felt like I had made the wrong decision. Three days ago, I went to George’s office. It was a surprise visit. I just dropped by after my business meeting. I mentioned that I needed a secretary. When I stepped out of the restroom in his office, I saw Jessica talking to George. I noticed how serious and sincere she was while talking to him very professional, no flirting whatsoever. I was impressed. So when George said he could lend me Jessica for four days, I agreed. I don’t know what came over me to accept a female secretary. I know she’s a professional, so why am I losing my temper with her? I asked myself. And besides, why did I suddenly change our travel schedule? I always follow my schedule, but with Jessica, I changed it. This is not good. This woman is occupying too much space in my mind. This is not good. I have a project to focus on. That’s the only thing I should be thinking about. I need to compose myself. Inhale, exhale.Jessica's POVAfter a while, I started enjoying skating. My fear was gone. Rich and I just laughed whenever I fell. Somehow, during those moments, I forgot about Nick. Like now, Rich was happily showing off his skating skills. I could see he really loved skating. I just smiled while watching him, already tired from all the skating. After a few rounds, he skated toward me.“When did you learn how to skate, Rich? You're really good at it,” I asked.“Hmm, let me think.” He stroked his chin like he was deep in thought.“I think I started during elementary. I was challenged to skate because my friends teased me. It took a while before I could skate without holding onto someone,” he said with a smile.“I still remember how many times I fell. Too many to count. I almost gave up. Hehe.”“Did you join competitions?” I asked.“I fell in love with skating, so yes! Eventually, I got good and joined competitions.” Rich’s eyes sparkled as he said that, reminiscing about one of the happiest times in
Jessica’s POVI glanced in the direction of Nick and Ate Andrea before getting into the car. I saw how bright her smile was while talking to Nick. I was holding back my tears. It hurt. Nick didn’t even want to listen to me. I sadly got into Rich’s car. Rich looked at me and smiled. "You know what? I know a place where happiness exists," he said cheerfully. I forced a smile."And where’s that?" I asked, a little doubtful. "Trust me! It’s a surprise. So, are you in?" he asked excitedly.It took me a while to answer. Maybe I did need a little distraction. If I went home now, Nick wouldn’t even talk to me. I’d just sulk in my room. It was only seven o’clock. I took a deep breath."Okay, let’s go," I said with a smile.A few moments later, I noticed Rich’s car pulling into a mall. I looked at him curiously."Have you tried skating?" he asked."No," I replied."Come on!" He pulled me toward the skating rink. I noticed there was no one else around. Just us. I looked at him questioningly.
Nick’s POV “I think we should eat. The food’s getting cold,” I said firmly. Both Andrea and Jessica looked at me at the same time.“Oh yeah! Sorry, Nick! Let’s eat!” Andrea said sweetly.I was observing Jessica earlier while she was feeling embarrassed by Andrea’s remarks. I think it was a mistake to agree to have dinner with Andrea. Here I go again. Instead of staying mad at Jessica, my protective instincts are kicking in. I hate it when people mistreat her.I kept watching her as she ate. I felt like she hadn’t eaten again. She always does this and it annoys me.“Here, Nick, this one’s really good. Try it,” Andrea offered me some seafood and even peeled it for me. I just let her. “Thank you,” I replied briefly. She smiled at me so beautifully. I saw Jessica shoot a subtle glance at Andrea. I couldn’t help but chuckle at her expression. Then she pouted and quietly kept eating, focusing on her food. I could tell she was slicing her meat with so much intensity.Even the way she was
Jessica’s POV I was shocked when I saw Nick entering our company building. I had just returned from lunch and was in the lobby. I was about to greet him, but I noticed the serious look on his face. His eyes narrowed when he saw me, so I stopped walking halfway. Nick really has a strong presence, especially when he’s in business attire. So powerful. I could hear whispers from people behind me.“He’s so handsome! Who is he??”“Oh!? Is that Nicholas Ford? Why is he here? I thought our companies were rivals?” “Damn! He’s even more handsome in person,” someone squealed with excitement. A few moments later, I saw Ate Andrea greet Nick with a smile. She even kissed him on the cheek, and Nick just let her. My fists clenched. “Oh-em-gee… this is hot gossip!! Could Ma’am Andrea be his girlfriend?? Wow! They’re such a perfect match! The Princess of the Construction Business and the King of Design. Perfect combo, even their heights match! Ayiiee, I’m getting giddy,” a flamboyant guy behind me
Andrea’s POV Jessica and I arrived at the office at the same time. I could see how downcast she looked, walking into the elevator like she was in a daze. She didn’t even notice me. I smirked in triumph. I know I’ve successfully stirred conflict in their relationship. And I’m just getting started. I won’t let them get back together. I know Jessica, and I know Nick. I can play them both in the palm of my hand. I smiled to myself. Jessica’s steps looked so heavy. She left the elevator without even lifting her head. She just kept looking down. When I arrived at my office, I happily greeted all the employees there. I noticed them exchanging glances. Haha, they’re not used to seeing me cheerful and in a good mood.Once I got into my office, I called my secretary. She came in right away.“Kindly set a meeting with Nicholas Ford of AMT Construction,” I said.“Okay, Miss Laviste.” She was about to leave, but I suddenly thought of a great plan. “Wait! Ask if we could have the meeting here at
Dominic's POVWe were still joking around in the pantry with one of the secretaries when we saw Sir enter the office looking grim. We quickly stood up from our seats and rushed to greet him. “Good morning, Sir!!” we greeted him with smiles.“Call the marketing team and the designers. We have an emergency meeting!!!” he said firmly.I felt nervous from Sir Nick’s aura and tone of voice. It’s been a long time since he acted like this. The secretary beside me looked at me with questioning eyes. I simply shrugged in response. I followed behind Sir Nick as he walked into his private office.“Sir, it’s not even eight yet, so some people aren’t in the office yet,” I said. He went straight to his chair and looked through the documents I had placed on his desk.“By the way, I’ve already set an appointment with Sir Carlos San Fernando. He said he’s available tomorrow night.”He looked at me for a long moment before speaking.“We didn’t get the project, so we don’t need a major investor anymor
Jessica’s POVMy steps felt heavy as I walked out of Nick’s condo. My tears wouldn’t stop falling. I never expected Nick’s anger to run that deep. When I stepped out, I turned around to glance at his door. I couldn’t bring myself to walk toward Scarlett’s condo.I didn’t go home last night because Dad didn’t want me to. He said I should just go home in the morning. I was too busy taking care of Rich anyway. Dad insisted that I attend to Rich while he and Rich’s father played chess. So I showed him around the house. Some of my paintings were displayed there, and I proudly showed them to Rich. I loved how much he understood art, his knowledge of it was impressive. We were in the middle of a cheerful conversation when Sister Andrea arrived. I saw her walk in, clearly drunk, swaying as she entered. I was about to help her, but she gave me a “shh!” sign, reminding me not to mind her. Rich and I just watched her walk past. When I looked out the window, I thought I saw Nick’s car. I shook m
Nicholas' POVI turned my back when Dad told me he loved Elena, even when my mom was still alive. I covered myself with a blanket and ignored him. I felt so betrayed. I was hurting for Mom. I couldn’t even bring myself to question Dad.“Let’s talk tomorrow, Nick, when you’re no longer drunk. I have something important to tell you too. Get some rest for now.”I didn’t respond, so he left me alone. He tapped me before walking out. After that night, we never got to talk again. I booked another ticket back abroad. Dad wasn’t there when I left because he had an emergency at the company. Since that night, my relationship with Dad changed. I became distant. I focused on studying and got into other extracurricular activities. I forced myself to take my mind off the Country and forced myself to be happy.Eventually, Elena and Dad got married. Dad sent me an invitation, but I didn’t go. I made up an excuse. Dad didn’t push me either. I spent more time abroad than at home. Elena treated me well,
Nicholas' POV~~~~ Flashback – 16 Years Ago ~~~~After Mom’s burial, I went back abroad. I didn’t have the time to investigate what I had overheard. Life went on despite the tragedy in our family. From being a happy-go-lucky guy, I became more serious about life. I was already in my second year of college studying architecture when I decided to go back to the Philippines for a vacation.I missed Dad. I wanted to spend time with him. I was excited to see him, so I decided to give him a surprise visit at his office.I happily went up to his office. The long-time employees in the company recognized me, so they let me through without a problem.When I entered Dad’s office, I ran into his assistant. I gave him a quiet signal since I wanted to surprise Dad. However, when I opened the door, I was the one surprised. I saw Dad kissing a woman. The woman was sitting on his office table. They were kissing passionately. Dad quickly pushed her away when he saw me standing at the door.“Nick!” he g
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