Chapter 6 "First Day at Zuiqe"

The door opened. But not even in a second, it closed with a loud “Thud.”

“I’m seeing it wrong,” Selena denied.

The doorbell rang again.

Brow’s creasing, she stared at his face on the intercom.

“Why is he here?”

Seeing he had no intention of leaving, Selena opened the door again. Upon opening it, she was welcomed by a broad chest covered in a navy-blue suit. Her gaze traced up to his small face, to his foxlike eyes under his glasses, high nose bridge, and full lips.

The man before her is the executive secretary of Zuiqe’s CEO, Trey Lincoln.

Selena knew him well. For years of being an executive secretary of Mercian, there’s no way she won’t recognize their enemy’s right hand.

‘It’s too early. Maxwell must have asked him to come here.’

Masking her nervousness with a composed look, Selena tossed him a question.

“May I ask what you are doing here, Sir Lincoln?”

“I came here to give this to you,” said Trey, looking nonchalant.

Swiveling her head down, she took the bunch of documents in Trey’s hands.

“This is the list of employees and clients on Zuiqe. It also includes the file of works you need to continue. We already informed the chief secretary. She’ll guide you.” Tugging his glasses up, Trey continued, “You can start working tomorrow. You can do that, right?”

Selena kept her gaze down and didn’t speak.

After the short silence, Trey spoke, “Now I gave it to you; I’m done with my job. If you’ll excuse me.”

“Why me?”

Trey ceased walking upon hearing her.

In contrast to her crazy and loud state last night, the stature of the woman in front of him was calm. It was as if the traces of her drunkenness had disappeared.

“Why me?” she asked once again. Yet, her heavy tone had failed to hide her emotions.

“I’m only an employee,” Trey responded indifferently. “So, for your question, seek the answer from the president.”

“Also, as a piece of advice, it would be better if you answered his calls right now.”

There was a subtle change in Selena’s expression after he mentioned that. Making Trey’s guess correct.

‘She remembers it.’ Not wasting any seconds, Trey left Selena.

….

Selena’s Pov.

Just a few seconds ago, my mind was in frantic mode. But now I looked at the documents that belong to Zuiqe, I was able to calm down.

What’s important right now is not the fact that Dwaine betrayed me, nor the fact I just assaulted Maxwell.

What I should think first was the reason why Maxwell wanted me in the first place. And on why he needs to go to such lengths just to have a mere secretary.

I glanced at my phone that keeps ringing from his call that was soon stopped after I shut it down.

To know the answer for all this ridiculous thing that’s happening in my life, I must meet him as Zuiqe’s employee tomorrow.

……

Monday.

It was a perfectly fine morning.

The clear sky was filled with beautiful, warm rays from the sun. Constant movement from the crowds, people's hushed voices, and noises from countless cars and buses made the bustling city alive.

However, under the warm sky and amidst the busy crowd, here I am, feet stuck in the ground as I stared at the massive building in front of me.

Zuiqe.

How many times have I already read that name? How many minutes had passed since I fixed my eyes on those five words? And how much longer should I stand here?

I don't know.

Everything feels unreal.

It had only been three days since I saw Zuiqe as our rival. But now, funnily, I’m one of them.

After I showed my ID to the receptionist, I was guided to the chief secretary's office. While on my way, I wandered my gaze around. Even though the interior was different, the ample space and luxurious ambiance this place offers were just the same as Mercian's. The only big difference was the fact that this is Zuiqe.

That alone was enough for me to feel that I didn't belong here. It was as if I was forced to enter an enemy's base in the middle of the war while camouflaging myself as one of them.

As for my mission, it was to know Maxwell’s intention. And if the reason were just as shallow as 'romantic feelings or desire,' I'd make sure to crush it immediately and leave this company.

"This is her office," the receptionist said after stopping at the door of Lawson's chief secretary's office.

"Thank you so much," I said with a sincere smile.

"You're welcome."

After the receptionist left, I looked up at the sign that showed the name of Chief Secretary Sharon Wade.

Breathing in and breathing out, I knocked on the door twice and latched my hands at the door. When I opened it, I heard her gentle voice.

"Yes, sir. I already notified the other secretaries about the schedule on..." Noticing my presence, Sharon looked at me. Continuing her phone call, she pointed her hand at the couch and gestured for me to sit.

Following her instruction, I sat on the soft sofa and patiently waited. While waiting, I quietly glanced my eyes around. The white ivory colored wall and simple yet stylish decorations of this office already give me some vibes of how she likes to keep things clean and neat. Both in her workplace and private life.

When she ended the call, she walked towards me with a nonchalant look.

"You must be Selena Moore."

Straightening my legs, I greeted her back with a smile.

"Yes, I am. It's nice to meet you, Ms. Wade."

"Ms. Sharon," she offered her hand. "Just call me that."

"Yes, Ms. Sharon," I replied, shaking her hand.

Now that I looked closely at her face, she was quite a beauty. Enough to make me unconsciously stare at her for a moment.

"How old I am?"

I momentarily blinked my eyes at her sudden question.

"This is your first test, Ms. Moore," Sharon added.

I know that she's not serious about it. Yet, I still quickly scanned her face. Even though she looks young at first glance, the lines and the wrinkles on her face show she's older. I think she's between thirty-seven and forty.

The safest answer would be,

"Thirty-nine. You looked thirty-nine, Ma'am."

"You're wrong, I'm forty-five."

Forty-five? She looks too young for her age.

"If your next sentence would be, you look too young for your age, Miss Wade," Sharon crossed her arms. "Don't bother. Such flatteries won't work for me."

"Don't worry, I won't. Since things that are obvious don't need to be talked about," I replied with a light smile.

Sharon's brows lifted.

Staring back at me, she added, "Things that are missing, do. That's a quote by Ron Kaufman."

Uncrossing her arms, she walked past me.

"You passed my test. Come with me. I'll train you."

 "Yes, ma'am."

She is certainly the type of person who loves compliments.

And before going out, I peeked at Ron Kaufman's picture on her wall.

And an avid fan of him.

….………

Conference room, cafeteria, marketing department, design department, and the other departments; Ms. Sharon showed me all of it. Now that I had almost toured the whole company and the other departments, the only places left were the secretarial department and the executive office.

The moment we got to our second last destination, which is the secretarial office, Ms. Sharon clapped her hands to gain the attention of all the busy secretaries.

"Can I have all your attention for a second?"

Hearing Sharon's voice, the secretaries who were looking in our direction rose from their seats and greeted the chief secretary. The next thing, all their gazes shifted on me.

"I won't take your busy time, so..." turning to me, Ms. Sharon tapped my shoulder and introduced me to everyone. "I'll introduce our new executive secretary, Miss Selena Moore."

On cue, I bowed my head.

"I'm Selena Moore, please take care of me."

Silence.

A complete silence welcomed me.

As I lifted my head, what came next was an uncoordinated and insincere clap from the other secretaries. Accompanied by some whispers, all of them sent me an indifferent look.

Somehow, I felt some Deja Vu.

I guess all secretarial departments in different companies are the same.

"Okay, that's all. Get back to your work." Ms. Sharon commanded.

"And Selena," she called, shifting my attention to her. "I have a high expectation that you'll get along with them. So don't fail me."

"I knew that very well. So don't worry, I'll get along with them," I lied with great confidence.

Back then, to maintain a good image, I invested my time and effort in having a good relationship with the other secretaries on Mercian. Though a few of them still didn't like me, I still think I succeeded in maintaining a good foundation with our department.

But now, I don’t need to do that.

Since I’ll leave this place soon.

.....

The moment I was waiting for came.

‘Executive Office Maxwell Lawson’ That’s our last destination.

Behind this massive, dark door was Maxwell Lawson. The man who bought me for two million dollars. And the man behind Dwaine’s betrayal.

However,

“Sir Lawson is on a business trip right now. So, you’re lucky that you’ll able to look at his office with ease,” said Sharon.

The man I wanted to meet right now was gone.

I guess I’ll wait for him to come back.

If I would describe Maxwell's office in one word, it would be 'Powerful.'

A large, luxurious office that shows how powerful his position in the company is. The cold tones and elegant choice of furniture in the office have matched well with his personality.

"Once the president comes back from the trip, you'll start working with him immediately. That's why I expected you to be familiar with the company's structure and its room."

I nodded my head in response.

"Your tour ends here. We are now heading to your official training." Sharon started to walk while continuing, "Your first training would include Sir Lawson's likes and dislikes, his personality, moods, hobbies, rules, history, and lots of information about him. As his personal secretary, knowing your boss well is the most basic and important."

Halting her steps, Sharon tossed me a glance.

"That's why, listen attentively and remember all of it. Especially, I won't repeat it twice, understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," I replied while taking my notes out.

It was when we went out of the office that Sharon began talking.

"First, Sir Lawson is very sensitive. He doesn't like employees who are not attentive. The moment you lose your concentration," she held her hand up to her neck and slid it. "You're done."

Nodding my head, I quickly wrote the words, 'Be not attentive.'

"Second, he likes people who have great time management. So don't dare to be late. He also dismissed employees who like to goof around during work hours. Ahh, also, don't make him repeat his words. He hates it the most."

Still writing, I added, 'Came late and goof around. And make sure to make him repeat his words.'

Sharon stopped walking and scanned me with her gaze. She gave me a satisfactory smile. "You have a good sense of fashion; keep it up."

"But," she paused briefly and pointed her fingers at my clothes. "As much as possible, I hope you wear Zuiqe's clothes more."

Wearing Zuiqe's brand. I feel weird hearing it.

"Returning to our discussion, the president likes to keep things neat and clean. Remember to check your clothes and make sure they're not wrinkled. Don't wear clothes that are too tight and skirts that are too short. You're his secretary, so your outer appearance also represents him. And please, don't wear strong perfume. If you don't want him to shower you with cold water himself."

Although she whispered the last part, I heard it clearly.

"Did he actually do that?" I asked out of curiosity.

After some silence, Sharon subtly answered,

"Just don't wear strong perfume if you don't want to experience it."

So, he did.

Well, it’s not surprising. He even beat up his guard in the hotel as if it was a normal thing to him.

"Also, don't ever do this to him if you want to live."

There's more?

"And what is it?"

Sharon sighed. "Farting and burping."

My lips parted with a silent 'what' word.               

"Sound like a joke, but it's true," she said after seeing the surprised look on my face.

Well, that's unusual and funny to hear. Now, I can't help but be curious about what happened.

As if she read my mind, Ms. Sharon shared, "It was a day when Sir Lawson was in a crucial meeting when his secretary accidentally burped right into his face and farted at the same time." weaving a sigh, she cast a pitiful look into her eyes. "Sir Lawson's expression that day still vividly plays on my mind. It was… sigh… you won't imagine it."

"So, did he also fire him?"

Sharon shook her head at my question.

"He didn't have the chance. Since the poor guy handed in his resignation of his own volition right after that day."

For him to be threatened to the point he resigned, Maxwell is really a walking devil.

“That’s why,” Sharon pointed me and firmly said, “Don’t ever do something that would harm and displease Sir Lawson. Is that clear?”

I can’t bring myself to answer her question.

Since I already grabbed his hair and pulled his pants down.

As my gaze automatically landed on my phone in my dress pocket, I gulped.

Although he already stops on calling me, I still can’t help but to reminded of the dark aura that loomed on his face that night.

I shook my head in my mind.

I’m drunk that time. I can use that as an excuse for not remembering it. Also, don’t forget that making him annoyed was part of your plan, Selena. This is only the start, Maxwell Lawson.

I’d be lying if I said that I’m not scared of him. Even right now, I can feel my hands turned cold as I think of my bleak future with him.

"Let's head to the snack room," Sharon's voice brought me away from my thoughts.

When we arrive at his personal snack room, Sharon showed me inside and told me all the rules.

"The president doesn't like coffee. So, refrain from serving him one." She then pointed her hand at the table full of healthy drinks, "He usually drinks decaffeinated black tea and orange tea."

"Our president also doesn't like desserts that are too sweet and foods that contain a lot of cholesterol."

So devils can also be health conscious sometimes.

"Oh, they're here," Sharon said while looking at her phone. Tapping my shoulder, she smiled and spoke, "Let's head to your second training. Follow me."

But who would have thought that the training she was talking about was,

"Please kindly take off your clothes, Miss Moore."

Was this kind of training!? What in the world is happening!?