His Secret [Completed]

Chapter Four

She expected her first day back at work to be nothing less than awkward and she felt constantly on edge, wondering when her boss would call her into his office and scold her for her being unprofessional. As she worked replying to emails (Linda had left her while she went to lunch), she caught sight of the woman standing at the end of the long corridor, waving her hand in a 'come here' movement.

"Mr McKenzie wants to see you in his office," Linda said and a sudden panic erupted in Sophia's chest. She knew this was the moment she'd been waiting for all day, and as she straightened her uniform, she realised this may be her last day working for McKenzie Times. Over the days after New Years Eve, she became aware that her boss had time to recall her insanity when she called his phone number- unknown to her at the time that it was his. But it also gave the question; why did he message her? The possibility that he'd sent a generalised message to all employees crossed her mind, but the fact that he'd have over one thousand employees phone numbers in his personal phone seemed unlikely, and she wondered why he didn't send an email instead.

As she walked into his office, the sudden drop in temperature caused the hair on her arms to stand straight. The air conditioning was on full blast and she was grateful that the noisy machine would mask her shaky voice when she finally spoke.

"Take a seat," he said and her mind flashed back to her interview. "Are you feeling better?"

His question took her by surprise, but she knew they were on the same level about where the conversation was heading. "I wanted to apologise for my actions-"

He quickly stopped her from talking. "An apology isn't necessary, what you do in your own time is your business. I'm just glad I could help."

"Thank you," she said, but was lost for any other words. Their conversation had taken a route she hadn't expected, and on one hand she was grateful that her job wasn't at stake - at least she hoped not - and on the other hand, Sophia couldn't help but wonder why he was being so kind to her, as it was extremely out of character.

Noah walked around to the front of his desk and rested against it, his body language relaxed. "I need a favour." His words came out natural as if they were two friends having a chat. "Ms Roberts is leaving earlier than expected; her husband is having an operation, she has to care for him during his recovery." Sophia nodded as he continued to speak. "I would like you to start earlier. Your wage will, of course, be increased accordingly and Linda will make sure you know the ropes over the rest of this week. I know it's a lot to ask, but with your college degree, I'm sure you can handle it."

"Yes, of course."

"Excellent." Sophia retreated out of his office, releasing a breath of relaxation. Over the following week, Linda did as Noah had said. She showed Sophia how to use the database, which included how to log meetings and appointments. She also taught Sophia how to effectively take notes in the meetings she would attend with Noah as his personal assistant and secretary. By the time the week was up, Sophia's knowledge of the job was impressive, and it came to her as if it were second nature; anything she was asked, she could do without an issue. However, when it came to a task as simple as making a cup of coffee for her employer her knowledge was cut short.

Sophia searched the top floor for the staff lounge, where the majority of the employees made themselves beverages and eat their lunch; but due to the fact Linda's office had its own fridge, she hadn't any idea where the staff lounge was. After only five minutes - which felt like fifteen - she located the staff lounge, but was met with a long queue of people waiting for the coffee machine. It didn't take long for the queue to finally disperse, but she knew she had been gone too long and was keeping her employer waiting. Mr McKenzie had told her he takes his coffee with a splash of milk and as she was reaching into the refrigerator, a muffled sound startled her. A tall man was stood by the side of the appliance and she realised that she had just rammed the door into him, indicated by his hand that was rubbing his forehead.