Between The Walls

Chapter 29

Kevin, Mr. Valentia's driver seems to be oblivious to the tension existing on the backseat of the car as he bops his head to Freaky Friday. Isabelle does not know where she is being taken, but she notes how the driver appears to be jollier than usual.

The ride was quite long but they finally reached their destination: A huge building situated right in the middle of the city.

Valentia, it written on the front of the building in big golden letters.

The car headed straight for the building's underground parking lot. They alighted and headed silently for the elevators, going straight to the top floor. A beautiful woman with long blonde hair and a very pregnant belly immediately greeted them upon their entrance.

"Isabelle, this is Hannah," Mr. Valentia nodded, "My secretary. She is due for a maternal leave in a week. And your job is to pick up where she left of."

Isabelle's eyes widened at the turn of events. Hannah gave her a curt nod and held out her hand for a handshake.

"Nice to meet you, Isabella. Come, I'll show you around." with that, Mr. Valentia's secretary turned around and walked away.

Mr. Valentia walked away as well, leaving Isabelle no choice but to rush after his secretary.

Best of luck, Isabelle. Mr. Valentia thought. 

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Isabelle is a fast learner. she adapted fast, much to Hannah's surprise. She's not in the same level of proficiency as her, of course; she frequently make mistakes, and is very visibly confused 70% of the time. But for an amateur, her performance is quite impressive.

Hannah wondered what her backstory is as she watched the girl hunch over the small notebook she provided. Her current task is to take notes for Mr. Valentia's 3-hour meeting.

Isabelle Williams, whoever this girl is, she must be something.

Mr. Valentia just randomly decided yesterday to move Lisa - the woman who was supposed to temporarily take her position - to another department and told her that she will have to train somebody else for the position instead. He handed her a folder with Ms. Isabelle's information, and left. No more further instructions came after that.

The meeting ended, and she saw the girl sigh in relief. She clenched and unclenched her hands, trying to get the feeling back to her fingers. She stood and showed the attendees out before walking back to the conference room, more than ready to pack her things and call it a day.

Mr. Valentia remains seated at the head of the table while Isabelle stood quietly beside him.

"Hannah," Mr. Valentia nodded, "what do you think?" he asked, referring to Isabelle.

"Well, her lack of experience is evident, and she definitely still has a lot of things to learn. But for someone like her, I would say that she had performed well."

Isabelle smiled at the compliment while Mr. Valentia merely huffed.

"Well, I think you did poorly." Isabelle's smile vanished. "You fret and panic under pressure. You fidget a lot and show lack of confidence. Is your existence really that embarrassing?"

Isabelle shrunk at the lecture.

"Remember this Isabelle, whether you think you can or you think you can not, you're right. Oh, and for the last time, double space does not mean clicking the space bar twice."

Hannah let out a snort at the remark. She immediately cleared her throat and apologized.

Mr. Valentia continued. "Today marks the first day of your training. Tomorrow, you will have the same schedule as you did today. Hannah will be here to supervise you for a week but after that, you're on your own. Any questions?"

"N-no?..."

"Right. And as for you, Hannah, I want you to make daily a report on her progress and insufficiencies. Submit those right before you leave. Any questions?"

"No, sir."

"Good. You're dismissed."

Hannah bowed and silently left, leaving her boss to reprimand his new secretary some more.

She entered her office, shrieking as she felt a pair of strong arms wrap themselves around her pregnant torso.

"Boo" Kevin deadpanned.

"You d!ck, do you want me to pop this baby or something?" she gritted, reaching up and twisting his ear.

"Ow! Ouch! I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Kevin grimaced, and pulled her for a hug. "I missed you, wifey" he grinned, kissing her on the cheek.

Hannah rolled her eyes, hiding the fact that her stomach still bursts with butterflies even after 5 years of being together. "Ass," she muttered. "Hey, do you know the woman Mr. Valentia brought with him?"

"Isabelle? Of course I do," he snorted.

"Really? who is she? Why did Mr. Valentia wanted her to be his secretary?" she asked, mentally reprimanding herself for forgetting that her husband is basically her boss' shadow.

"Alright, I'll tell you, but promise me that you'll keep this between us."

"Of course."

"And promise me some loving loving."

"You bast-"

"Kidding! Just kidding!" Kevin chuckled as he tried to cover his ears from his wife's pinching. He gawked at his wife's chests as she heaves as if the act restraining herself from hitting him took every ounce of her will.

Ah, what a blessing to mankind.

"Well?" Hannah crossed her arms, causing her breasts to push up. Kevin grinned.

"Okay, so this is what happened..."

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Isabelle almost cried in happiness the moment she finally got back to her room. Today had been one hell of a ride; comparable to a rollercoaster whose only direction is downhill. Dear god, she fears for the day when Hannah will finally leave her alone with Mr. Valentia.

She sluggishly took of her shoes and clothes, only leaving herself in her camisole and underwear, before throwing herself on the bed.

"Ow!"

She shrieked when instead of landing on the soft comfort of her bed, a sleeping body buried beneath her covers took the brunt of her weight.