Guard of heart

The begining

Settled at my desk in the corner of the office, I tapped away at my keyboard, the rhythmic clicking providing a sense of comfort. The door to Adrian's office loomed in front of me, a sturdy barrier that separated my old world from the new. The polished wood and glass felt imposing, and I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like working under him.

Mr. Wilkins had been a straightforward boss—firm yet approachable, with an air of authority that didn’t overshadow his kindness. But Adrian? I had no idea what to expect. Maybe this was my chance to impress him and show him I was more than just another secretary.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, the shrill ring of my office phone jolted me back to reality. I picked it up, trying to project confidence. “Elara here.”

“Get in,” Adrian’s voice commanded, cutting through the line with no preamble.

I took a deep breath, my heart racing with anticipation. This was it. He was ready to assign me something important, and I was determined to prove myself. “I’m going to show him who I really am,” I thought, my spirits lifting. “I’m not just all talk.”

“Uh, okay—” I started, but the line went dead before I could finish. Well, that was rude. I rolled my eyes, a smile creeping onto my face. Maybe this was his version of a warm welcome.

I quickly gathered my things, smoothed my dress, and mentally prepared myself for whatever awaited me in his office. What if he wanted to discuss a new project or a major initiative? This could be my chance to shine.

Pushing open the door, I stepped inside to find Adrian sitting at the large CEO desk, a fortress of paperwork sprawled before him. The office was immaculate, with modern art adorning the walls and a sleek leather couch in the corner, but the air was thick with tension. He looked like he belonged there—like he had been born to command this space.

“What kind of stupid decisions is the fashion team making?” he barked, spinning around to face me, his eyes narrowed in frustration. The energy in the room shifted instantly, and my stomach dropped.

I had been ready for a challenge, but this was not what I expected. “Um, sir—” I began, but he cut me off.

“I just saw a proposal that looks like a complete failure! What kind of mistake is it to present a fall line with summer colors? Who approved this?” He slammed his hand on the desk for emphasis, papers rustling like leaves caught in a storm. “This is absolute bullshit! We can’t afford to confuse our customers. They expect a cohesive vision, not some half-baked collection that looks like it was thrown together at the last minute!”

I felt my earlier enthusiasm fade, replaced by confusion and anxiety. I had seen that proposal during a recent team meeting and even I had questioned some of the choices, but I couldn’t say that now, not while he was practically seething in front of me.

“I can certainly look into that and—”

“I don’t want to hear any excuses!” His voice was a thunderclap, filling the room and making me jump slightly. “This is unacceptable. I want you to arrange a meeting with the fashion team in ten minutes. Get them all in the meeting room. Now!” His tone was stern, and he leaned forward, intensity radiating off him like heat from a fire.

I straightened, swallowing hard. “Yes, sir. I’ll handle that immediately.”

“Do you know how crucial our image is?” Adrian continued, pacing slightly, his fingers tapping the edge of the desk as if he were counting down the seconds. “We’re launching a new line next month, and if they keep producing garbage, it will sink us! I expect better from everyone, and that includes you, Elara. You’re my right hand on this. Don’t let me down.”

His words hit me like a cold shower. My hopes of impressing him shattered, replaced by a rush of nerves and uncertainty. “Understood, sir. I’ll make sure they know we need to step it up.”

Adrian’s gaze bore into me, as if he were expecting me to dawdle. “And Elara?”

“Yes?”

“Make sure they understand the gravity of the situation. No more half-baked ideas. I want clarity. I want—”

“Got it, clarity,” I interrupted, my heart racing. “I’ll make it crystal clear.”

As I turned to leave, the weight of his expectations felt like a heavy backpack I had to carry. If this was going to be my daily routine, I needed a sturdy coffee supply and perhaps some earplugs.

Once I was out of the office, I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. The transition from Mr. Wilkins to Adrian was going to be more challenging than I had anticipated, but I was determined to rise to the occasion. After all, if I survived a conversation with a demon of a CEO, I could survive anything.

I hurried back to my desk, each click of my heels on the polished floor a reminder of the urgency at hand. The comfortable rhythm I’d found in my typing earlier had vanished, replaced by a sense of impending chaos. Okay, Elara, time to show him you can handle this. You’re capable and efficient.

Settling into my chair, I opened my laptop, my fingers hovering over the keyboard as I thought through the best way to communicate the urgency of the situation. I needed to maintain professionalism and ensure the fashion team understood the seriousness of the upcoming meeting.

With a deep breath, I began drafting the email.

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Subject: Urgent Meeting with CEO - Fashion Team

Dear Team,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing to inform you of an urgent meeting called by our new CEO, Adrian Wilkins. The meeting will take place in the main conference room in ten minutes. Your attendance is mandatory as we will discuss crucial updates regarding our upcoming fall line.

Please come prepared to address the recent feedback regarding the proposal presented earlier this week, particularly concerning the color palette and overall direction. Adrian has emphasized the importance of aligning our vision with our brand standards, and it is essential we approach this meeting with clarity and readiness.

I appreciate your immediate attention to this matter. Let’s ensure we are aligned and prepared to present solutions moving forward.

Best regards,
Elara Hailsin
Private Secretary

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I hit send, my heart pounding as I watched the email disappear into the digital ether. That’s done. Now, let’s hope they can handle this pressure.

Once the email was sent, I glanced at the clock. I had a few minutes to spare before the meeting began. A quick trip to the cafeteria for a strong coffee would help me gather my thoughts and prepare for the impending chaos. A little caffeine should give me the boost I need. I’ll need every bit of energy for what’s coming.

I stood up, smoothing my dress and adjusting my hair. Just a cup of coffee. Nothing too extravagant. I need to stay focused.

As I made my way through the corridor, I couldn’t shake off the adrenaline coursing through me. This was going to be my day, and I was determined to make it count—even if my heart still raced at the thought of facing the fashion team in a matter of moments.

I stepped into the cafeteria, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. A few of my colleagues were gathered around the coffee machine, engaged in light conversation, oblivious to the storm brewing in the conference room.

Focus, Elara. Just get your coffee and head back. You’ve got this.