A Night with Mr CEO

Adrian's POV

I am Alexandrian Romano. A well-known successful businessman and known for being a good man. There was also a rumor that I am having an affair with my personal assistant. But, it's just a rumor.

Women say that my facial features were almost beautiful. My sharp eyes are deep and expressive like an eagle. And my lips are luscious as if inviting for a kiss. With a muscular body that looks perfectly on black pants made of expensive fabric and a suit made by a well-known brand, I am indeed a dashing six feet bachelor.

"What is my schedule today?" I asked Mary Ann, my personal assistant.

"Sir, today you're going to interview the applicants for my position," Mary Ann responded.

"When is your last day?" I asked as we enter the lift.

"In two months, sir," she answered back.

"Hopefully, we can get someone who would be worthy to be your replacement," I said with a shake of my head.

"I'm sure there is," Mary Ann said.

"You are so confident to answer me, you truly want to leave me," I replied and gave her a pleading look.

She scoffed. "Don't tell me that you don't understand the purpose of my living?"

"I know! You are getting old, and you want a family," I said, and we laughed. "Am I younger than you?"

The woman shook her head. "No, I am older than you."

We went straight to my office without looking at the long line of the applicants in the hallway. I sat on my chair and pressed the intercom to speak. I told my secretary to bring me coffee. When she came in, I instructed her to call the first applicant for an interview.

Mary Ann was my personal assistant since I became the CEO of Romano Corporation. She's been with me for six years, and she's like a big sister to me. Now, she's resigning because she got engaged with my best friend, John.

John is only one year older than me and the same age as Mary Ann. He courted Mary Ann for more than a year. And after three years of being in a relationship, they decided to get married.

Now, Alexandrian, the CEO of Romano Corporation, has to find a new personal assistant to fill all Mary Ann's duties.

_____________________

Lily's POV

I sighed and looked at my nameplate. It says Lilibeth, but I wanted to be called Lily. I am one of the applicants sitting outside of the CEO's office. When the interview has not yet started, I decided to go to the washroom first. I have to make sure that I looked pleasant and perfect for this position.

With my formal attire, I knew I looked presentable. When I got out of the washroom and went back to my chair, I caught a glimpse of a man.

"Oh! He looks elegant, is he going to be my boss?" I asked in a gasp. "He also looks familiar..."

After five minutes, a woman carrying a coffee cup came into the hallway and entered the room. As soon as the woman came out, she immediately called the first applicant. I watched the first woman entered the room. I patiently waited for my turn. I have to be the CEO's next personal assistant.

I left my daughter at home with my mother because Vincent wasn't home today. My daughter didn't go to school today because she is not feeling well because of a cold. Vincent gives happiness to my daughter. He gives everything she wishes, and he couldn't say no to her.

Vincent and I have been married for five years. I was pregnant with Angela when we agreed on getting married. He was my best friend. We met when we were in tenth grade. He was a new student in our school: quiet, shy, and introvert.

One day I forgot my notebook in our classroom. I need to go back for it. I saw Vincent peeking outside of the window. I got interested and looked at what he's peeking at. I saw our English instructor walking in the hallway. I glanced at Vincent's expression. He was like a girl gazing for her ultimate crush.

I stood on his side for barely five minutes, but yet, he didn't discover my presence. I patted him on the shoulder to call his attention. He was shocked to see me caught him daydreaming. I asked him if he has a crush on our English instructor. Of course, as expected, he denied it, but I saw him blushed.

I told him that I had been standing there for more than five minutes and I saw everything. He can't deny it to me. Then he bowed his head and begged me not to let anyone know. I have no habit of interfering in other people's business... From that day on, we became friends. Our classmates started teasing us because of our closeness.

And on the same day, I discovered Vincent's secret. Even his own family, especially his parents, do not know about it. So when I got pregnant, he did not hesitate to marry me. And in those times, only Vincent knew what had happened to me,

_____________________

At last, the door from the CEO's office opened, and one applicant walked out of the room. Her shoulders were down, and she looked dismayed. I started to feel uncomfortable.

"Miss Lilibeth Dela Cruz," the woman called. "Follow me, please."

I rose from my seat and fix my hair before I follow the woman into the room where she entered. She held the door opened for me as I walked in.

The room was enormous, with a black leather couch around an oval table. There were a few pieces of the magazine over the table. And in the corner near the glass window was a long table with six chairs. Beside the bookshelves was Mr. Romano's table and swivel chair.

The man sitting in a swivel chair with his arm resting on the table stared at me. The man looks tall and powerful. The outline of his face was firm but not too rough, which made him incredibly handsome. He has sharp, deep beautiful eyes like an eagle.

The beautiful woman gave my CV to Mr. Romano. She must be his personal assistant. After the man took my resume, she left the room.

"Good morning, sir," I greeted and waited for him to tell me to have a seat. I felt nervous even though it was not my first job interview. I hope this is the right company for me. But why do I feel scared?

Adrian's POV

The moment that the applicant came in, my gaze went to the woman's bracelet. I knotted my forehead, her name seems familiar except that she is married and has a child. Or perhaps it just looks similar... Fifteen years have passed, maybe this bracelet was just a replica? It's impossible; it was a customized bracelet. And only one person has it...

The woman has a pleasant heart-shaped face, gorgeous hazel eyes with perfect eyebrows. Her nose was small that matched with plump lips. She had dimples when she smiled, and her long and shiny hair lay perfect on her shoulders.

"Good morning, please sit down, Ms. Dela Cruz." I said and smiled at her. "I'm Alexandrian Romano, the CEO of this company."

The woman smiled. "Glad to meet you, sir."

I shifted on my seat. "Your CV is very impressive. You've done well in your academics." I cleared my throat. "I have only one question and I want your honesty. I know it's an irrelevant question, but I just want to know."

Her hazel brown eyes focused on me. "W-what is it, sir?"

"Where did you get that silver bracelet that you are wearing?"

The woman's pretty face showed confusion to my question. Unwarily, her hand moved to cover the bracelet in her wrist as if caught in the act of stealing something. I looked at her intensely and waited for her to speak. When she remained silent, I asked again.

"Miss Dela Cruz, where did you get that bracelet?"

She avoided my gaze. "W-why do you want to know, sir?"

I leaned on my chair and looked at her. "It's just looks familiar for me."

She was surprised, it's obvious. "This was given to me by an old friend, sir..."

Her gaze is unfathomable. And I know that no one can explain what I am thinking or what was on my mind right now. After a few seconds of staring at her, I picked up the phone on my desk and pressed the intercom.

"Mary Ann, come here," I said and reverted my gaze at her.

_________________________

Lily's POV

I watched the CEO as he picked up the phone and speak. Why did he ask about my bracelet?

The woman, whom he called Mary Ann, went inside. "Teach her about everything she needed to learn," he said coldly.

"Yes, Mr. Romano," the woman replied and looked at me as if I've made a bad decision. But I was wrong when she approached me and took my hand. "Congratulations, Miss Dela Cruz."

I turned around to Mr. Romano with a confused expression. "I-I'm hired?" When he nodded, I gasped. "Thank you, sir!"

The corner of his mouth quirked up, but I wasn't sure if it's a smile. "Mary Ann will instruct you about everything that you need to know."

The lady introduces herself to me. She's Mary Ann, the personal assistant of Mr. Romano. And I'm the one who will replace her with this job. She told me to back tomorrow so she can teach me everything I should know. After a month, she also wishes that I have learned everything about it because her wedding will be next month.

I smiled sweetly. I'm lucky today.

______________

Adrian's POV

After the newly hired applicant left my office, I unlocked my desk's drawer and took the small box. I opened it and saw the silver bracelet with a half-hearted fringe with 'sweetheart' written on it.

Fifteen years ago, I gave one of its pair of heart bracelet to the girl I loved at a young age, who was ten years old at that time, while I was thirteen years old. It was her birthday, and as promised, I told her that I will marry her when we grow up.

"If am right that Lilibeth was my childhood sweetheart... Then, how can I marry her if she's already married to someone else?"

Is this our destiny? Did our promises end that day fifteen years ago? I looked again at Lily's CV. There was clearly written that she had been married for almost five years, and he had a four-year-old daughter.

I was interrupted by someone knocking on the door. I put the bracelet back in the box and put it back in the drawer.

"Come in," I said.

It was Mary Ann who came inside. She delivered some documents that needed my signature.

"Have you talked to your replacement?"

"Yes, Sir. I told her to begin tomorrow so I can instruct her everything she has to know," she replied.

"That's good."

"Sir, can I ask a question? If you don't mind?"

"What is it?"

"Of all the applicants, Ms. Dela Cruz is the only one who's married."

"Yes, you're right," I said and smirked. "I chose her so that there will be no rumors that I have an affair with the employee or that my employee is flirting with me. I remember that we encountered this rumors numerous times," I explained. "Particularly if we are attending a party or any business-related occasion."

Mary Ann laughed. "And there are still rumors that we have an affair. It's a good thing that John wasn't affected by any of those."

"It's because John knew my taste in women." When Mary Ann glared at me, I laughed.

"How could you say that to the woman that served you in years?" she said in a dismayed tone, but I know that she was just kidding.

"I'm thankful that my dad got me a very hard-working personal assistant," I said and smiled at her.

"My Aunt was your father's personal assistant and he only wanted the best for you," she laughed. "I hope Miss Dela Cruz can quickly learn my job in a month so that I can have an enough time to prepare for my wedding."

"I really hope so," I said." Otherwise, I will mess up your honeymoon."

Mary Ann pouts her lips. "Please do not spoil our honeymoon."

I just laughed at what she said. "By the way, how is the preparation for your wedding?"

Mary Ann gasped. "Oh, I forgot, I've got an appointment with our wedding planner."

"It's late, I'll take you there," I offered.

"No, but thanks," she refused. "I'll just take the cab."

"John won't pick you up?"

"Nah, he's in a business trip," she said and took out her phone. "I gotta go."

I rose from my seat and grabbed my car keys. "I will be your driver." And when she refused, I insisted. "I am the best man, anyway."

***

Fifteen years ago...

My father promised he will be back, and we will be taken to their place to introduce him to his family and live there with him. So my mother and I came here to the province to find him. But my mother failed to see my father. I was just a newborn then, before we ran out of money, my mother decided to work as a housemaid.

Our house is small. There's a tiny room with two beds. There was a cabinet where we put our clothes on and a small table. The living room is also small with a double seat and single sofa-a tiny kitchen with one small refrigerator, single burner stove, and dining table with four stools.

Anyway, we're not always at home. Because most of the time we're in Lily's house. My mother was there the whole day and after school.

One afternoon, I saw Lily in the canteen with her friend Nica. They're both holding juice-im-pack in pineapple flavors. Pineapple is Lily's favorite fruit.

After I purchase my snack, I sat at the table near them. I am in grade six, and Lily's in fourth grade. When I have my first bite of chicken sandwich, Lily glanced over me, and she smiled.

I was fascinated by her beauty. I like her pleasant heart-shaped face, gorgeous Hazel eyes, lovely nose matched with plump lips. She was beautiful from any angle. I like her cheekbones and her cute dimples. Her overall appearance is very appealing. She's extremely beautiful. At a young age, she has plenty of admirers, and I am one of them.

My advantage among those who like her is that I am always with her. When there are no classes, we often play at the park or climb up a hill. Ego to school every day and walked home together. When mom goes to work, I'll go with her and requested her to drop me at Lily's house.

Lily is an only child. Her mother was a professor in our school, and her father was a government employee. Ever since my mother works her part-time as a maid in Lily's house, we played together. Or, I will help her with her assignments. But I never felt that she was my younger sister. Because at a young age, I have a unique emotion towards her.

"Alex, Saturday will be my birthday!" Lily told me. "I am ten years old and there will be a party."

I can see the happiness on her face. "That is the day after tomorrow."

"By the way, what is your gift for me?"

I narrow my eyes at her. "Secret."

Lily pouted. "I can't wait for my birthday."

You'll see my gift on your birthday," I said and laughed. "And, I know that you will like it."

______________

Lily's birthday has finally arrived. After I ate my breakfast, I went into the bedroom and took my medicine to the table. I opened the cabinet and took the small box.

Mom and I arrived at their house when everyone was busy. My mother goes straight inside the house to assist them, and I went directly in front of the house.

"Alex!" I heard Lily called me,

I looked back and saw Lily in front of the house with her friends. I ran towards them and greet her with a smile. "Lily, happy birth-"

"Come on, let's eat," she cut off and offered me the tray of cupcakes. "I thought you wouldn't make it on my birthday because you got sick."

I grinned. "I will never let you pass without me with you."

She beamed. "Silly! I can understand if you wouldn't come because you're sick," she said and pouted. "You remember my promise?"

"Yes-"

"Lily! Can you go to the kitchen and have a taste of the main course?" Her mother called her.

Lily looked at me. "Come with me, Alex."

"Sure," I said. "Did your mother cook our favourite food?"

Lily nodded. "I'm sure," she said. "Come on. Let's go to the kitchen."

I followed Lily to the kitchen. But I wonder why she's not asking for my gift to her that I promised I will give her on her birthday. As we enter the kitchen, I held her hand to stop her. She looked at me in a knotted forehead.

"Why?" she asked and studied my face. "You're having an upset stomach?"

"Huh?" I asked back.

She laughed. "You looked like you're constipated."

I touched my face. "Silly," I said and looked around the kitchen. Her mom wasn't yet here, maybe busy with the guests. "Lily, I want to tell you that I am happy I made it on your birthday."

"I am happy too," she said and smiled sweetly.

I took the small box out of my pocket and showed it to her. "Happy birthday, my Lily."

Lily gasped in surprise as she looked at the glittery pink box in my hand. "Is this your surprise for me?"

I nodded. "Finally, I am able to give it to you."

She took it and held it preciously in her hand. "Thank you, Alex..." she said in teary eyes.

I stepped closer to her and held her hand. When she looked up at me, I capture her lips in a feathery kiss. I know she's surprised with what I did, but this is how I really feel. When I pulled back and looked at her, I was taken aback by her reaction.

"I'm sorry-"

"Don't say sorry," she said and wiped her tears. "I love you, Alex."

"I love you too, Lily," I said and pointed at the box. "Open my present now."

She opened and took the bracelet out of the box. "Wow, it's very beautiful. but why it's pendant is only half heart?" she asked in a knotted forehead. "Where is the other half?"

"Guess it where?" And I winked with a soft smile.

"Is it in you?" she asked.

I smiled and nodded. "Who else has the right to take the other half?" I jokingly asked. "Don't worry, when the right time comes, we will put them together."

***