Love after Death (S1) [Completed]

Chapter 4: Bruises on the Heart and Wrist

PRESENT DAY

It was 12:45 PM when I decided to head back to Liam's office. I gripped the stainless steel handle of the glass door and took a deep breath before pushing it open.

The scent of his cologne hung heavy in the air, but when I looked around, the person I expected to see-sitting on his "throne" and smirking at me-was nowhere to be found. I searched every corner, but he was gone. Yet, why did it still smell so strongly of him? Perhaps his scent just lingered here like a ghost. I decided to take a seat and scan the office while I waited.

I couldn't help but be amazed by the sheer scale and beauty of the place. Three shades of blue blended perfectly, making the walls look incredibly crisp and clean. The chandelier hanging directly above the Chairman's son's desk was blindingly beautiful. The air conditioning was much colder here than in any other office I'd visited today.

I checked my watch; it was past 1:00 PM, and he still hadn't arrived. I stood up and wandered over to the two-layered bookshelf I'd wanted to check earlier. I scanned the titles-mostly work-related-but as my eyes drifted to the end of the shelf, they widened. There, tucked away, was a book labeled "Sex Books."

"He reads things like this?!"

I pulled it out in shock. Upon flipping it open, I was greeted by a photo of a woman with no clothes on. Startled, I dropped the book.

Fuck!

I scrambled to pick it up and shoved it back into its place. My heart racing, I hurried back to the chair in front of his desk.

"You have your own office, didn't you notice?" a voice called out from behind me.

I stood up immediately, bowed, and then looked at him.

"You are the secretary of the top-ranking executive officers," he added, pointing toward a hallway I hadn't noticed earlier. "That is your office, as my secretary."

"I didn't notice," I replied.

"How could you notice, when you're just focused on me?" he answered seriously.

I quickly looked away.

"It seems like you carry the weight of the world even more than I do," he said, knitting his brows. "Go check your office now. I have something important to do."

"Do you need my help, Sir?"

"No... I'll call you if I need you. There's a meeting with the board members and executive officers... and they need me there." He organized his desk. "Please take these to your office. Study them for me. When I get back, I want a three-page summary."

"Noted, Sir."

"Good."

He brushed past me.

"Here's my calling card, Sir."

"No need. I went to see your dad, which is why I was late getting back. I'll just get your number myself."

"Good luck, Sir!"

Seven minutes left.

"Mr. Thompson? Sir Liam wants you in the conference room."

"He also said to bring the summarized documents at exactly 2:40 PM."

Two minutes left.