Scandal In The Office

Chapter Eight: Front Cover Engagement

Chapter 8—Front Cover Engagement

Three weeks later, Harper and I were on a Starbucks run when a magazine cover caught my attention. I rushed to the woman reading it.

"Um, excuse me," I said, lightly tapping her on the shoulder. "Could I please see that for a second?"

"Sure," she said, handing it over.

"Thanks."

I flipped to the page with the cover stories and read a short article about Colton and Lucy.

After rumors swirled around about a potential affair with a secretary, there is nothing but newfound trust and love between these two. Colton Daniels and Lucy London are engaged. The two are set to tie the knot in two weeks. Talk about not being able to wait, but I guess that's what happens with high profile couples in the business world.

"Iced grande hazelnut coffee," Harper said, handing me my drink. "What's that?"

"It's an article about Colton and Lucy."

"Did they break up?" she asked.

I shook my head. "Worse. They're engaged."

"Oh no, I'm sorry, Elena."

"Here's your magazine back," I said to the woman I borrowed it from.

The woman studied my face for a moment and then asked, "Are you that secretary?"

"W—what?"

"My cousin works in the accounting department for Lewis Daniels Inc. and she showed me an article weeks ago about Colton's potential affair. You're the other woman, aren't you?"

"I—I was his secretary, but we...never had a relationship or affair or whatever," I lied.

"Too bad. That Lucy London girl doesn't belong with the son of Lewis Daniels."

"Why do you say that?"

"She has no talent. I mean, all of these so-called businessmen and celebrities and what not. Most of them marry for publicity and more money, and the girl is usually after the same thing."

"Are you saying that Colton should've ended up with the secretary?" Harper asked.

"Well, I'm saying that if Colton did cheat, then that wasn't right. But if he had the decency to break up with Lucy first and then go out with the secretary, then I don't think I'd mind."

"But aren't you a little turned off by the whole cliché affair with the secretary?"

"Stuff happens. If they really liked each other, then what's the big deal? I mean, if I was a secretary and I had a nice sweet and cute boss, then I'd probably fall for him too."

I smiled. "Yeah, I...agree."

"It is you, isn't it? You're the secretary. Don't lie to me."

"Um, maybe," I replied quietly.

"I knew it," she said. "Especially by the way you were so disappointed. Tell me, did you love him?"

"I never confirmed that there was a relationship between—"

"But your denial was a lie, I assume. Come on, just tell me. It's old news, anyhow."

"Yes, I did love him," I finally confessed. "I was deeply in love with him. I loved him so much that I decided to let him go. After what he told me about wanting to please his father by marrying Lucy for the sake of the company, I wasn't sure. I was stupid enough to think that our relationship had a future. Then that whole rumor thing started, and—"