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16.66% The CEO's Secretary: Return of the Heiress / Chapter 3: Chapter Three- Cover Up!

Chapter 3: Chapter Three- Cover Up!

Not typical.

Not typical…

What I need isn't exactly typical…

After he has left the office, I continue to ponder over his last words.

What did he mean when he said he may require me to do things that aren't typical? Surely, he doesn't need me to do anything illegal right? I hope not.

I'm very desperate right now and this job seems like my last saving hope. I have been applying for jobs in different companies all over the country for the past five months now but not even one considered me for an interview.

There was this one time I almost got a job though. I was scheduled for an interview but a day before the interview, the hiring manger called to inform me that I could not be interviewed because apparently 'something' came up.

No other words were spoken but I knew it was because of my family's reputation no one wanted to employ me. Once any prospective employer heard my last name, they always connected me to my family and turned me down immediately. Probably because they didn't want to give their organization a bad reputation.

Ever since the mind-blowing scandal that involved my family at the beginning of this year, my life has been one downfall after another.

To stand on my two feet again and escape the stigma, I had to make a lot of hard decisions – like changing my surname from Hartfield to Cole, moving to another state halfway across the country to start a new life where I practically knew no one– and taking a huge loan from someone I had previously vowed never to talk to again. I'm sure the threatening note from this morning was sent by him. Life does have a way of making you do certain things you're not proud of.

Also, I had been applying for high job positions like managing, directing and even the role of a COO once but since I wasn't hired, I swallowed my pride and decided to apply for minor roles instead, which is how I got this secretary position.

Obviously, Mr Crane doesn't know about my family's reputation or my real identity which is why he hired me. So, if he asks me to do anything unusual, I would gladly do it without saying a word. I will do ANYTHING to keep this job.

"But how far are you willing to go, Aria?" My subconscious whispers."What if he asks for something truly out of line? I shake the thought off, I can't afford to think like that. Not now.

Even the salary is enough reason for me to work efficiently. Two months worth of work should be enough to cover my debt and I'm pretty sure there are other work benefits too.

My legs are cramped from sitting too much so I stand up and pace around the room. I come back to my chair but instead of sitting, I stand at the foot of the desk to look around some more.

Opposite the cityview which is on the right side of the room, there is a door that leads to, I don't know, maybe a restroom?

The massive mahogany desk is surprisingly scanty for an executive. A few files are stacked up at the bottom left. The other items on the table are a leather-bound book that looks like a journal, a bottle of water and some customized stationary. There are several pens, I pick up one which has 'NC' boldly engraved on it. Nolan Crane. I quickly stuff it into my pocket.

What? It's not like he'll even notice.

There's only one other object on the table and it grabs my attention. It looks like a glass turtle and it shimmers from the sunlight coming in through the glass.

I look through the glass walls overlooking the hallway to see if anyone is passing. No one is out in the hallway so I pick it up to take a closer look at it. Oh, it's heavy. I gingerly turn it around and let my hands slide all over the smooth surface.

A sudden shrilling sound startles me and I'm so shocked that before I have time to properly compose myself, it slips from my hands and crashes to the floor.

Shit!

I put my hands over my face and close my eyes. I can bet it shattered into a million pieces but I'm too scared to take a look. Mustering all my courage, I slowly open my eyes and take a peek between my fingers.

It lays on the floor at the side of the desk, unbroken.

Oh sweet mercy.

I drop my hands and take a deep breath of relief. The shrilling sound came from an antique clock on the wall behind the desk which now says 12:00.

I frown. It's over an hour already? Have I been thinking for that long?

I quickly bend down to retrieve the glass turtle and I hear a low ripping sound.

What is it again this time?

I ignore the sound and squat, picking the turtle up and cradling it in my hands. As I stand up once more, I hear the sound again, louder this time.

It surely can't be…?

I think my pants just ripped. Uh-oh.

It's at that moment that Mr Crane coolly walks into the office, hands in pocket, with a woman in tow, holding some files. His deep blue eyes first fall on me, then to the turtle in my arms before coming back to me again. He looks angry. I gulp.

"You can drop them and leave." he says sharply to the woman.

The little woman hurriedly drops the files on the table and scampers out of the office, looking flustered.

"What is that doing with you. I told you to sit still, Miss Cole." I can sense annoyance in his voice.

"I'm sorry. My legs were cramped and I just stood up to stretch my legs."

"Which explains the why that is in your hands." He says drily.

"Oh, uhm…it looks really nice. I just wanted to have a closer look. I am quite an avid lover of art and I appreciate artistic pieces like this."

"I see" He pauses briefly before adding "Keep your hands where they belong, Miss Cole. I don't appreciate people getting all over my stuff especially since your stay in my office is now permanent."

"Excuse me?"

He shoots me a look. "You heard me right, Miss Cole. All my previous secretaries stay in the office next to me and I wanted to have it set up for you but I've changed my mind. I want you to stay here so I can keep an eye on you at all times." 

Stay here? With him? At all times! I really don't understand what is going on. First, he wanted to handle my interview personally and now he wants me to stay in his office? Is there something I'm missing here?

I open my mouth to speak but nothing comes out.

"You are my secretary after all. You should stay with me. Or you don't want to?" he raises an eyebrow and folds his arms across his chest.

Damn, when he raises his eyebrow like that, it makes him look so hot. NO! NO! I reprimand myself. Now is not the time to think of that. Stop it, Aria.

"Yes… I mean, no it's okay" This comes out as a croak. I clear my throat awkwardly.

"Good." He nods approvingly. "We still haven't discussed the terms of your employment though. Your salary was included in the job description but there are still other things that must be discussed. You appointment is yet to be formalized and there is so much else to do. You'll have to meet with the hiring team." He pauses "But first I need to show you something."

All I can do is nod.

"Are you going with that?" he points at the turtle.

I quickly put it down on the table as he walks to the door.

He opens it and stands aside, directing me to go outside first. I walk out to the hallway and he follows suit, shutting the door behind me.

"So, where are we going sir?" I ask, in my most polite tone.

No response.

"Sir?" I turn around to see him looking intently at me.

Sweet mercy! Why is he staring at me like that? His gaze is intense and unsettling... and yet, it's hard to look away

 "Sir?"

His gaze lingers for some more seconds until I'm forced to look away.

"I have no restrictions to the outfits my employees wear provided it's quite decent, Miss Cole." He says at last, his tone husky all of a sudden "But I think this is a bit too much. If you plan to keep everyone's eyes on you, maybe save that for a less… professional setting."

I'm struck dumb. What is wrong with my outfit? "I don't understand" I say.

"Don't you think you should cover that up? People will stare." he says , with a bemused tone in his voice.

Uh?

Cover up what? I look down at my shirt which is buttoned all the way to the top. Only the first button is open to let in room for air. Does he want me to button this up too?

"Oh." I quickly tug at the top button.

"No, not that." He snaps in exasperation, then raises an eyebrow. "You really don't know, do you?"

Know what?

"Miss Cole" He says rather gently as if reprimanding a child. "Your pants are ripped at the back. It's exposing quite a lot and your uh… and I don't think it's appropriate to move around with everybody seeing that!"

My jaw drops. What in the world?

My pants. Oh no!


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
TheEnchantrexxx TheEnchantrexxx

Oh wow! is all I can say.

What do you think? Comment it and let me know.

Lots of love xx.

Chapter 4: Chapter Four- A Tiring Day

My ripped pants! I've totally forgotten about that.

Panic floods my chest as I'm hit with the realization I don't even have any underwear on! Great job, Aria. First day and you're already exposing yourself to your boss. Just fantastic!

My cheeks turn a deep red. He must have saw…I'm so embarrassed right now.

Why do unusual things keep happening to me? And it's only my first day at work. I have such bad luck, honestly. 

Mr Crane is still standing there looking at me. His eyes are glinting with…anger? amusement?

In my confusion and embarrassment, I quickly bolt back to the office. Once in, I try to even out my breathing. I feel the back of my pants with my fingers and gasp. The tear is quite big. I hear his footsteps coming back so I quickly open the door on the left side of the room and run in, locking it behind me.

It is a large bathroom, even larger than my bedroom back at home. It is sterile and entirely covered in white. White walls, white floor, white tiles, and a wide mirror, over the sink, reflecting all the white. The effect of it all is making me a little dizzy. I notice a bathtub at the far end of the room in a shower stall. There are also a few towels hanging on a rack.

Does he occasionally take baths in here? How weird.

"Miss Cole?" he raps on the door.

I don't say anything.

"Running won't change what's already happened."

"You don't need to be embarrassed. I'll send someone to get you something else to wear. Just stay in there." With that he walks away briskly.

About twenty minutes later, I hear another knock.

"Yes?"

"Miss Cole?" It's a feminine voice this time.

I timidly open the door and peek out. Standing there is a woman who looks to be in her early thirties. She's Asian and her jet black hair is swept back in a bun.

"Why do all the female employees here look like models straight off the runway?" I think, as I admire her navy blue blazer, grey fitted skirt which stops just at the knee with matching blue heels. She's quite tall too. I notice an engagement ring on her finger.

She holds out a bag and I quickly collect it from her, while muttering a barely audible "Thanks." She gives me a polite nod, eyes scanning me from top to bottom, with a look that's almost sympathetic… almost. Before I can say anything else, she's gone, leaving me standing in the bathroom alone.

Taking a shaky breath, I peer into the bag. There's a pair of sleek black pants folded neatly. I change quickly, feeling the soft fabric of the new pants, it's nicer than anything I currently own. I have sold all the nice designer outfits I used to own, along with my shoes, jewelry, pretty much everything I used to own and yeah, my pride too.

I glance at myself in the mirror, straighten my blouse and fold the old pants into the bag. No more slip-ups. I'm going to make it through this day.

As I step out of the bathroom, my heart still racing from the embarrassment, I find Mr. Crane leaning against his desk, arms crossed. "Nice of you to finally join the land of the living, Miss Cole. I was beginning to think you'd decided to make that bathroom your new office."

"No." I murmur.

He glances down, inspecting the new pants with a cool, critical eye, then his gaze lifts to meet mine, his expression unreadable.

"Good. And don't worry. If anything else needs 'adjusting,'" he says, emphasizing the word with a raised brow, "I'll be sure to let you know."

"Uhm, I do have a question though?

"Which is?"

"How did you know my size?"

"It's one size fits all, I guess. Mia got it." Mia must be the Asian woman.

"Thanks," I say.

He's been very nice and I can tell I'm going to enjoy my stay here as his secretary. I've read many stories about him in the paper and they always passed the same message. Nolan Crane is a dangerous man and a ruthless employer. For the few hours I've been here though, I think he's quite the opposite. Maybe a little harsh sometimes, but still not bad.

I'm proved wrong when he suddenly snaps at me. "This is only your first day here but all this is happening, Miss Cole. Had it been anyone else, I would have fired them because I don't like distractions."

How do his moods change so quickly?

He continues. "The only reason why you're still standing in front of me right now is because I find you entertaining."

My cheeks heat up, but I bite back a reply. Entertaining? What does he think I am, some kind of sideshow? The audacity!

"Right," I mutter, keeping my tone as steady as possible. "Glad I could provide the day's entertainment, Mr. Crane."

He smirks, a hint of satisfaction flickering across his face. His mood changed again. "Oh, don't flatter yourself, Miss Cole. I've had far more amusing distractions in this office than you and your...mishaps."

My jaw tightens as I force a polite smile. "I'll be sure to make fewer 'mishaps' in the future, sir."

"See that you do." He moves back to his desk, picking up a stack of papers and handing them to me. "For now, sign these documents. We'll go over them tomorrow. They are the terms of your employment."

I sit and place the bag on the table. "I though you wanted me to see something?"

"Oh nevermind. I'm not in the mood anymore now. But there's one more thing though…" He pauses, his tone dropping. "Stay away from the other employees. I don't want you picking up any bad habits—or hearing any rumors that don't concern you."

I raise an eyebrow, "Rumors? About what?"

He just gives me a flat look, effectively silencing me. "It's irrelevant, Miss Cole. Keep your head down, do your job, and don't go poking around where you don't belong. Understood?"

I nod, feeling a bit chastised. "Understood."

He gestures dismissively. "Good. Now, back to work." Just as I start to head to my desk, my stomach betrays me with a loud growl. That's when I remember that I haven't had anything to eat all day. I freeze but when I look up, Mr. Crane's gaze meets me.

"You haven't eaten yet?" he asks, his tone somewhere between exasperation and curiosity.

"I, uh… hadn't had the chance," I stammer.

He sighs, clearly not thrilled with this additional distraction. "Sit down. I'll have something brought up. I'd prefer not to have you wandering around to the cafeteria and running into more… incidents."

He picks up his phone and calls someone to bring food. A few minutes later, the tray of food arrives. Pasta, fresh bread, and a side salad. I can't help but look at Mr. Crane, who has resumed his usual stern demeanor.

"Go on," he says, nodding at the tray. "Eat. Just don't turn this place into your personal dining room."

"Thank you," I mumble, sitting down and taking a bite, grateful but too overwhelmed to say much more.

After I finish, he stands, checks his watch and frowns. "I'll be out of the office for the rest of the day. You'll get your official acceptance letter tomorrow along with your employee ID card. Someone should be here shortly to collect the forms you signed."

After a beat he adds, "You can go home anytime you want today since tomorrow will be your official first day at work. You'll be introduced to the team tomorrow. I have your email, I'll send my schedule for this week there so you can study it. "

"Okay sir," I reply. 

"We still have so many other things to discuss. But that will all be for tomorrow. Got it?"

"Yes!"

Two men in business suits walk into the room then.

"We're ready to go." They both echo. With a curt nod, he turns to leave the office. As he reaches the door, he turns back and gives me a pointed look. "Do not rip anything while I'm gone Miss Cole"

It's only when he leaves that I finally exhale, relieved and a bit baffled by the whirlwind of my first day.

After sitting idly for an hour or so playing games on my mobile phone and pacing around the room, I realize I'm bored so I gather my things, ready to go home. 

As I step out of the building, the warm afternoon sun feels almost blinding. And suddenly, a strange feeling creeps over me, like someone's eyes are on me. I look around, but the streets are quiet, and I try to brush it off.

Standing at the curb, waiting for a taxi, the unease doesn't leave. My heart picks up, and I start scanning the area, hoping it's just in my head. Then, just across the street by the little coffee shop, I catch sight of someone. They're mostly in shadow, but I feel a shiver run through me. Are they watching me, or am I just imagining things?

I shake my head, trying to steady myself. I'm probably overthinking it. I take a deep breath, waiting for a taxi to pull up, but the feeling doesn't fade, it sticks with me, like I'm not as alone as I thought...


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
TheEnchantrexxx TheEnchantrexxx

Decided to end with a cliffhanger. What are your thoughts on this chapter? Please do let me know by dropping a comment.

Lots of love xx.

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