Greatest Lie [ON-GOING]

2: Secretary

I followed the new CEO, who I now know is named Crimson, into his office. I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions - confusion, curiosity, and a hint of nervousness. Why was I suddenly being appointed as the secretary to the new CEO? And why did Zack recommend me for this role?

As we entered his spacious corner office, He gestured for me to take a seat across from his desk. I sat down, trying to maintain a professional composure despite the swirl of questions in my mind.

"Miss Zamora, let me start by apologizing for the abrupt change. I know this must be quite unexpected for you," he began.

I nodded, deciding it was best to let him continue before I voiced any of my concerns.

"I've heard a lot about you from Zack. He says you're the best secretary he's ever had."

I smiled politely, "Thank you, sir. I do my best to be efficient and reliable."

"Good. That's exactly what I need right now." He leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze fixed on me. "I'm taking over as CEO of this company, and I need someone I can trust to handle things smoothly."

He smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes, "And Adrianna, I expect nothing less than perfection from my secretary. Don't disappoint me."

"You can count on me, sir." I said confidently, though inside I felt a twinge of nervousness. This was a big responsibility, and I couldn't afford to make any mistakes.

"I've been thinking, and I have a proposition for you."

I felt a twinge of unease, but I kept my face neutral. "A proposition, sir?"

"Yes." He clasped his hands together, his eyes gleaming with something akin to mischief. "I've been very impressed with you."

I nodded, unsure of where he was going with this. "Thank you, sir. I'm glad my efforts have met your expectations."

"Which is why I have a unique opportunity for you." He paused, his lips curving into a smile. "How would you like to become my personal assistant?"

I blinked, caught off guard by his offer. "Your personal assistant, sir?"

"Precisely." He leaned forward, his gaze intensifying. "I need someone I can trust implicitly, someone who can handle the demands of my... shall we say, more personal affairs."

I felt my heart rate quicken, but I tried to maintain my composure. "I'm not sure I understand, sir."

"What I'm proposing, Adrianna, is that you move in with me. You would have your own suite, of course, but you would be on call 24/7 to attend to my every need." His smile widened, and I couldn't help but feel a chill run down my spine. "Think of it as a... mutually beneficial arrangement."

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. "Sir, I'm flattered by the offer, but I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the... personal nature of the role you're describing."

His eyes narrowed slightly, and I could see a hint of steel behind his charming facade. "Adrianna, I don't believe you understand the gravity of this opportunity. This is a chance to advance your career in ways you've only dreamed of."

I opened my mouth to protest, but he held up a hand, silencing me. "Now, now, let's not be hasty. I'm a very generous man, and I'm willing to make it worth your while. I'll triple your salary." His gaze swept over me, and I felt a shiver of discomfort. "All I ask in return is your complete loyalty and discretion."

I sat there, stunned, as the implications of his offer sank in. This was no mere job promotion - it was a Faustian bargain, one that would bind me to him in ways I couldn't even begin to fathom.

"Sir, I... I'm not sure I can accept this." I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

His expression hardened, and I knew I had made a mistake. "Adrianna, I don't believe you understand the position you're in. This isn't a request - it's an order."

I felt my heart racing, the weight of his words pressing down on me. I knew I couldn't refuse him, not without risking everything I had worked so hard for. But the thought of living under his constant scrutiny, of being at his beck and call, filled me with a sense of dread.

"I... I understand, sir." I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Excellent." He leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "I'll have my driver escort you to my penthouse this evening. You may leave. "

As I left his office, I felt a growing sense of unease. I had made a deal with the devil, and I wasn't sure if I would be able to escape unscathed. But for now, I had no choice but to play along, to maintain the facade of the perfect, loyal assistant.

One thing was certain - I would need to be more vigilant than ever. Sir Crimson was a man who thrived on control, and I couldn't afford to let my guard down, no matter the cost.

•

As I exited the CEO's office, I found Zack waiting for me in the hallway, "Hey, Adi. Can we talk?" he asked, his voice low and hesitant.

I raised a brow, crossing my arms over my chest. "I think madami tayong dapat pag-usapan, Zack. Starting with why you recommended me for this position without even consulting me first."

Zack winced, running a hand through his unruly curls. "Look, alam kong it was a bit...sudden. But I really think this is a great opportunity for you. And I know you're more than capable of handling the job."

I studied him for a moment, trying to gauge his sincerity. "Okay, I'll give you that. Pero bakit di mo manlang ako ininform? I was completely blindsided back there."

He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "The truth is, I didn't have much of a choice."

I crossed my arms, "What do you mean?"

"Crimson's been putting a lot of pressure on me to find him a capable secretary."

"But why me specifically?, ayaw mo na ba akong maging secretary?"

Zack hesitated, "Because.. Crimson has a reputation for being a bit of a playboy. He's known for charming his secretaries and then firing them when he gets bored. I knew you were the only one who could handle him and not fall for his tricks."

I felt my heart sink. "So you basically threw me to the wolves to save your own skin?"

"No, Adi, it's not like that! I care about you, you know that. I just... I couldn't say no to Crimson. I didn't have a choice."

I shook my head in disbelief. "Unbelievable."

"I know, I know. I should have handled it better." Zack reached out, gently placing a hand on my arm.

I felt my resolve starting to waver as I met his earnest gaze. Zack had always been one of the few people who truly believed in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself.

"I...I don't know, Zack. It's a lot to take in," I admitted, running a hand through my hair in frustration.

"Just think about it, okay?" he urged, giving my arm a gentle squeeze.

I nodded slowly, unable to ignore the glimmer of hope that had sparked within me. "Alright, I'll consider it. But I'm still a little pissed at you for not giving me a heads up."

Zack grinned, the familiar mischievous twinkle returning to his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

I couldn't help but smile, shaking my head in exasperation. "You better, you jerk."

As I made my way back to my desk, my mind was whirling with the implications of this new offer. On one hand, it was a chance to take on a more challenging and rewarding role, with a significant pay increase to boot. But on the other, it meant leaving the relative comfort and familiarity of my current position.

I sank into my chair, staring blankly at the empty desk in front of me.

"What am I going to do?" I murmured to myself, chewing on my lower lip.