Chapter 8 Purely fake

"Your work is taking all from you, Leslie." My mum told me as I walked past through the door to the kitchen. She had no idea how I'm working my crazy ass off to meet up with our creditors.

"Ma it's work, I had to do extra today," I said, knowing fully well she's not happy with me working at Coastal, she had wished I secured a job at the embassy or worked with some non-governmental organizations instead, her life was a living hell, feeding at the expense of other when she knows she's working for her earns but it is not appreciated, she never wished for any of that for me. Yes. I know she wants what's best for me. It's not as if I haven't tried applying but got an optimistic response. I'm stubborn headed right, I should have applied continuously instead of backing away after a single attempt.

Maybe I should resign. No, I can't do it, it's too cowardly. A real woman, the woman I'm becoming looks challenged in the eye and winks. I squirmed the thought out of my head.

"Mum, I need to work for us," I reassured her, pecking lightly on her cheeks. Coming home to meet her healthy after the incident that day I have reduced my naggings.

"But it must not be Coastal, that family doesn't care what you have to offer." I saw my mother's eyes wane in pain. She ducks back inside the sofa to watch the television, and I paced closer to her, my hands wrapped into hers.

"I understand how you've worked and I promise you I will try my best to be a good daughter. I will probably quit after I get some money to settle our accumulated bills." I told her.

"I'm going to bed, I had a stressful day ma." I jumped from where I sat beside her, carried my bag from the table, and warm wy into the room like I've got zero vigour left in me. My mother's worry about my career bothers me. What if she hears I have a crush on Xander? She will nd yell at me, that's why I kept it a secret from her that I have a crush on him, worst of all I'm his secretary.

The thought of what happened earlier today kept ricocheting off my head. The thought of Xander's cologne and his masculine well-sculpted body pressed against mine made me bite my tongue in admiration and desire for more. What the hell are you thinking you slut! I shook myself back to reality.

'That's never possible' was my goodnight word to myself. Wait, was I seducing him or was he seducing me earlier today.

My work has had quite an impact on me. The mixed feelings of seeing Ian and his taunting attitude. I have no control over my emotions now. I want to be by his side. I know what I'm thinking is never going to happen. He's my boss and I'm his secretary. Besides, Xander isn't a friendly type, he cold and cruel but I wanted to be loved by him despite knowing his personality. He's so arrogant.

He smiled and focused on his computer like I wasn't even there. I felt confused with the whole scenario as if he's some kind of thought monitor. He called me, but today I haven't heard his command, maybe it's part of his taunting attitude, I just stood there like a statue. I'm trying my best to gain these six months to my advantage, it doesn't matter to me what he does. But why would Ian offer me his special trial? I wish I could ask him, but to be very honest this first month is getting on my nerves. I don't see any chances of getting on his good side.

"What are you thinking about Miss Leslie?" His concerned voice brought me out of my thoughts.

"Nothing. I was just... thinking."

"About what?" He asked, looking into my eyes.

"Uhm nothing," I said, shaking my head while looking down.

"Really." He arched his eyebrow. Why does he seem concerned about asking all these questions? I asked myself rhetorically.

"It's a surprise," I mumbled while pushing a piece of my hair behind my ear.

"I see you've finally settled down today." A woman voiced as she approached me with two red jackets in her hands.

"Yes, I have." I smiled at her, setting my table in order.

"Hello, I'm Michelle from the digital department." She introduced herself with a smile as gentle as the doves Her most striking features were the mole on her cheek, her short blonde hair and her tall slim physique. Her skin was so pale she could never get a tan no matter how long she stayed under the sun, but I don't see her as the summer type. I didn't have to guess her department before knowing what suits her.

"I'm Leslie the new..." I now looked at her, my mouth wide open. It's no doubt I'd be popular besides Xander, who was the boss employing an ordinary person from a regular university.

"Personal Secretary." She didn't even allow me to finish before quoting me, I then realized I'm more famous here than I could ever imagine. She simply asked for Lunch together probably right now. It's obvious, that discussion during work hours is a big offence, we may both end up getting suspended rather than losing our jobs over talks that barely mattered. But how could I reject her gesture?

"Guess you already know me," I said as I rolled my eyes.

"Your appointment was a huge rumour." She replied.

I'm nearly hyperventilating, I try swallowing my saliva but my mouth is dry and swallowing sticks in my throat. I just couldn't wait to have a discussion with her over coffee to convince her that they were having the wrong perception I could I wouldn't do something this terrible, using people to get what I want. My mum never brought me up to be such a coward.

"Are you coming or...?" She asked, smiling at me. Something tells me her smile is purely fake. "Hey, it's almost time, minutes to lunch."

"Wait, wait, sure I'm coming. Gimme some seconds." I stacked the files on my desk and carried my tab along with me before trailing behind her.

The intercom buzzed severally, but I wasn't there to answer, somewhere I knew my boss was going to fry me if he finds out I left before my break.