BACK IN YOUR ARMS

SABRINA'S POV

I was running out of breath when I entered the elevator of the company I was working in. I woke up late because I stayed awake last night and could not remember when I slept. Gosh, I am sure Sir Anderson will scold me for being tardy. As the elevator opened, I immediately ran to my work cubicle and checked the clock. Shoot, I am three minutes late.

My co-worker commented, "Oh jeez, girl, you looked like you were passing out," when she noticed me.

"Almost. I woke up late," I explained while struggling for air.

"Why? Have you had dinner with your boyfriend last night?" my co-worker maliciously asked.

"Yeah, that wasn't the reason. I was exhausted from accompanying Sir Anderson to his meetings yesterday," I responded.

"It is tough to be the CEO's secretary. Look at yourself; you seem sluggish," my co-worker jokingly commented.

"There is no sense in making myself beautiful; there is already someone who fell into my charm," I replied, then started laughing. The comment made my co-worker laugh as well.

"You're driving me crazy, girl. Make yourself presentable, and Sir Anderson may call you later in his office. Apparently, he arrived before you," she said, shocking me.

"What?" My heart nearly dropped, but I managed to calm myself down.

Oh, no! I can now be confident that he will scold me. Argh! I saw my co-worker attempt to speak, but she immediately froze. Her eyes were also filled with nervousness as she looked at me. Seeing where she was looking caused me to turn around, which I immediately regretted.

"In my office!" Sir Anderson ordered coldly, and he walked away. He returned to his office. Since I knew he wouldn't want to wait for a long time, I managed to stand up despite my nervousness.

"Good luck, girl!" She encouraged me before heading back to her cubicle. A sigh escaped my lips as I walked toward Sir Anderson's office. I knocked on the door three times.

"Come in!" I heard him exclaim, so I rushed in.

I caught him standing near the glass window while talking to someone on his phone. Keeping my feet firmly on the ground, I moved closer to his table.

"All right, Mr Hudson. We will handle that for you. Thank you." He said this before ending the call with whomever he spoke with.

With his symmetrical jawline and straight face, he looked at me. Women are drawn to his brown eyes, which are a great attraction.

"Stop daydreaming, Miss Cruz. As I enjoyed the view, he coldly interrupted me, swiveling into his chair and abruptly sitting down.

"I apologize, Sir!" I lowered my head quickly in embarrassment.

"You know I cannot resist you if you keep staring at me that way," he pointed out, making me glance at him. Grinning widely at me. "What do you need, and why did you call me here, sir?" His wide grin disappeared when I asked seriously.

"I just wanna check out my schedule for the day. You know, I am a bit drained because of what happened yesterday." His eyes gleamed seductively at me.

"Stop being flirty. We are in the office," I replied to deter him from acting mischievously.

"Psh, so impatient. So, my schedule today is as follows?" He pouted shortly before asking. Then he raised his left eyebrow.

"You have a meeting with the Marketing department at 9:30 AM, then a meeting with the sales department at 1:30 PM. Lastly, dinner with your parents and the Hudson Family," I spoke immediately while reading what was in my journal.

"Why do I have long meetings?" he muttered, then began to massage his temples.

"I will remind you of the reason. You are rushing some meetings because you will leave the country to attend the business summit in Singapore the day after tomorrow." I answered his question.

"Have you finished packing your things yet?" He asked out of nowhere.

"For what?" I asked in puzzlement.

"I will take you to Singapore with me. I told you about it last time," He thoughtfully explained.

"I couldn't join you because you would leave much work in the office. You cannot take me with you even though I am your secretary. "While you're away, I will be your direct communicator here," I maintained my straight face as I explained my reasons to him.

He quietly stood up and walked closer to me, which made me walk backward. Oh my gosh, his eyes hypnotized me. My nervousness increased when I felt that I was hitting the table already. I could not move back anymore. He moved closer to me until it was only two inches before our lips could meet.

"Who said that I would take you on as my secretary? I want you to be there as my girlfriend." He sweetly said while smiling, and immediately stood up straight. I felt like all the blood in my body rushed to my cheeks because of what he said. Yeah, Mr. Anderson is my boyfriend. However, no one in the office knew about us. I also stood up straight because I had bent my head to avoid his stares.

"Stop teasing me." I protested. I also hit his shoulder and glared at him.

"You look more beautiful when you blush." He commented, then chuckled.

"Back to work," I asserted firmly, changing the subject.

"Fine, but I still want you to be there." He said before going back to his swivel chair.

"As much as I would like to, I just can't. Aside from that, it was my grandmother's birthday just a few days from now, so I had planned to visit her," I explained to him after observing him closely.

"Fine, but behave yourself!" He said seriously.

"Huh? I should be the one telling you that," I snapped and raised my right eyebrow.

"You are the only one I love. And if someone tries to lure their bodies and seduce me, I won't give in to their charms. I'm yours, and no one can change that," Aiden said with passion in a soft and dulcet voice.

"Stop being so cheesy, Mr. Anderson." I blushed, and my heart palpitated.

My blush intensified when Aiden sweetly said, "Okay, fine, Mrs Anderson." In order not to blush in front of him, I faked coughing and checked the clock on the wall of his office.

The meeting will begin in a few minutes, so you should prepare yourself. "I'm leaving now, Sir," I explained politely.

"All right, please bring me a cup of coffee before you leave." He then turned his attention to the reports that the marketing department sent.

Although he did not see me, I nodded and marched straight to the pantry in his office. I suppose people began to wonder how I got to be a CEO's girlfriend. During our college years, Aiden and I were classmates in a few subjects, leading us to become friends. After some time, we decided to take our relationship to the next level. It was not my intention to become his secretary. I knew that when our secret was revealed, it would destroy his reputation. Then, when my grandmother was fighting for her life, I found myself desperate for a job. I did not hesitate to accept the offer. Although I was his girlfriend, I told him that I should be treated the same as his other employees. I grabbed some cupcakes from his pantry before returning to his table, holding the coffee he asked me to blend. The moment I placed the coffee and cupcake on his table, I turned around and walked toward the door.

Before I left his office, I took a glimpse of him once again. I smiled slightly because of what I was seeing. While reading the reports and taking notes in his notepad, he displays a serious yet charismatic expression. Perhaps he is making notes in preparation for the comments and suggestions he intends to present later in the meeting. I gently closed his office door and returned to my work cubicle.

TO BE CONTINUED!

SABRINA'S POV

It was almost nine in the morning, so everyone in the office was busy doing their tasks. Since Aiden will leave for Singapore in the next few days, the schedule of different department deadlines has become tighter. It was because Aiden did not want to go with an ongoing project in the company since it would also cause a delay to the employees' benefits.

" Ms. Cruz?! "

I almost jumped from where I was seated because of the loud voice I heard. I raised my head to see whoever the jerk was trying to surprise me. However, I gulped when I realized who had called me. His dark aura and his eyes that could eat a person alive made me shiver in fear.

" Sir Anderson," I called his name after I stood up.

" Daydreaming in the workplace is not allowed, Ms. Cruz. " He lectured me in a serious manner. However, when our eyes met, I recognized that he did not mean to talk to me like that, but he had to.

" I am sorry, sir!" I apologized and smiled slightly to show him that he was doing what he needed to do.

" Just do not do it next time. Is the conference room ready? " He asked.

" Yes, sir. I also asked a staff to buy us some snacks in case the meeting will be longer than it was intended," I politely explained to him.

" Good. I will go ahead first in the conference room. Follow me after you get the folders on the top of my table." He instructed.

He did not wait for me to reply because he immediately turned his back on me. I hurriedly put the things on my table before I went to Aiden's office. When I entered, I went to the table to get the folders he asked for. One truth about Aiden is he does not want anyone to make him wait long, especially in terms of our careers.

I dropped the folders I was holding when I felt someone hug me from behind. Based on the smell of his perfume, I immediately recognized who he was. I secretly smiled because of what he did.

" Aiden," I called his name.

" Hmm, " He hummed because he continued to smell my hair and the back of my neck.

" Aiden, stop! It tickles me, ohh," A slight moan let out in my mouth because of what he was doing.

" I am addicted to your smell. " He seductively remarked.

Before anything more could happen, I faced Aiden. The gap between our lips was almost two inches apart. I slightly pushed him to create some space between the two of us. Due to my slight push, he did not have a choice but let go of his embrace for me.

" Why are you still here? You should be in the conference room already, right?" I asked.

" I was not at ease since I lectured you earlier," he admitted, which made me smile a little bit. I was too lucky to have him as my boyfriend.

" Do not be. You are doing the right thing. " I encouraged and smiled at him to make his heart at peace.

" Somehow, it was your fault. What were you thinking during working hours that made your mind daydream that deep?" He lectured me again. Sometimes, he was really fast in shifting his mood.

" I was just sleepy earlier, which made me stare to nowhere," I lied because I was sure if he knew what I was thinking, he would not stop pestering me.

" Do you want to end this day early? Do you want to work only in half day?" He worriedly asked me.

" Do not worry about me. I can still handle it," I replied to him, smiling. I also held his cheeks.

" Do not overdo yourself, especially on your job," He reminded. Well, he was right. Being a secretary to a CEO, my life offered too much stress.

" I will remember that," I assured him.

He pulled me closer to him and hugged me tightly. I also embraced him. After a while, I let go because I remember that he still need to attend a meeting. However, he seems to have no intention of letting go of me.

" Aiden, your meeting will start in a few minutes," I told him while removing his hands from my waist, but he was not moved even a bit.

" Aiden!" I called him once again, but with authority this time. I heard him chuckle.

" What was funny, mister?" I irritably asked.

"Nothing. I simply found my wife so cute when she was irritated," Aiden explained before letting me go. I

pouted because of what he said.

" Stop pouting. I might forget that we are still in the office," He seductively stated. I hurriedly closed my mouth because of that seductive threat.

" Well, I might be the one make you remember that you were in the office!"

Aiden and I were shocked when we heard that loud but deep voice. We looked around in the door direction, which the voice came from. My eyes widened when I realized who the two visitors Aiden had were. I lowered my head due to embarrassment.

" Mom! Dad!" I heard Aiden call them happily.

" G-good m-morning Mr. and Mrs. Anderson." I stammered while greeting them.

" Good morning, Secretary Cruz. " Aiden's father greeted me back with an emphasis on the word secretary.

" Dad! " Aiden warned his father.

" What is wrong with that Aiden. She is really your secretary. " Aiden's mother interrupted them.

" She is my girlfriend, Mom. " Aiden tried to correct them.

I slightly held Aiden's hand to calm him down. I do not want to be the reason for their misunderstanding. Unlike now, Aiden's family loved me when we were still students. However, they changed how they interacted with me when I became Aiden's secretary.

" This is a workplace, not a dating site. She should know her place. " Aiden's father irritably stated. His words were like needles carved in my heart.

Before they could fight because of me, I gathered all my strength to look at them and excused myself.

" I should take my leave now, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson. I will go first to the conference room, Sir," I stated before I looked at Aiden.

" Much better! We wanna talk with our son in private. " Aiden's mother arrogantly told me while looking at me from head to toe.

Why are there some rich people who judge other people? I let out a fake smile and looked at Aiden once again. His eyes conveyed different emotions. I ignored what I saw and walked my way toward the exit.

AIDEN'S POV

After Sabrina left the office, I irritably looked at my parents. Why did they hate her?

" Are you happy destroying my happiness? " I irritably asked them.

" Watch your mouth, Aiden. " My father warned me.

" You know I love her. " I emphasized.

" She is your secretary, Aiden. It is a shame " My mother commented. She acted like Sabrina was something gross.

" She was my girlfriend before she became my secretary. You love her before, why you cannot love her now? " I could not hide my frustration anymore.

" Because she is your secretary! It is a disgrace Aiden. A respectable CEO just end up with his secretary! " My mother shouted.

" You are underestimating her because she is a secretary? You are unbelievable! " I could not really believe what they were saying.

" You are the heir of Anderson Group of Corporation. It will be a disgrace to our family if anyone will hear about you marrying a secretary! " Dad exclaimed with unbelief.

" I would rather have no inheritance than not to be able to marry the woman I love," I bitterly stated.

" Watch your mouth, young man! I can take away everything to you!" My father raised his voice louder. His aura also showed that his threat was not a joke.

" Go ahead! Sabrina is my everything. " I bravely replied before turning my back to them and walking towards my office's door.

My mother tried to stop me by holding my arms. I bitterly looked at her before I removed her hands from my arms. Afterward, I left my own office. I went to the conference room immediately after leaving my office to shift my attention. I would rather supervise Marketing Team's meeting than have a wasted discussion with my parents about something they should not be involved with. Sabrina is my life, and I will do everything to protect her, even if it will cost everything to me.

TO BE CONTINUED!

SABRINA'S POV

" Because she is your secretary! It is a disgrace, Aiden. A respectable CEO just ended up with his secretary! " I heard Aiden's mother exclaim in a disgusting way.

Those words from her mother kept on stabbing my heart. I know it was bad to listen to other people's conversations, but I simply could not help it. I made a small gap enough for me to hear their conversation. However, I immediately regretted it because their words about me were like a knife that stabbed my heart.

Before Aiden and I graduated from college, his family supported our relationship. Maybe it was because I somehow changed their son, and my standing in our school was at its best since I was running for summa cum laude during that time. However, the way they treated me changed when I started working as Aiden's secretary for their company. Before, I was really clueless about why their attitude towards me changed, but now I realize the reason.

" Go ahead! Sabrina is my everything."

I heard Aiden defend me once again. I also heard footsteps walking towards the door, so I hurriedly left the door and went to the comfort room. When I entered one of the cubicles, my tears started flowing down my cheeks. I did not know if it was because of the painful words I heard from Aiden's parents or if I was happy because I was assured that Aiden would fight for me until the end.

After a few minutes, I felt my phone vibrating. I hurriedly took it out of my pocket and checked who had sent me a message.

Sent by Aiden: Where are you? The meeting will start in a bit.

I hurriedly fixed myself and checked my reflection in the mirror before I went to the conference room where the meeting would happen. When I arrived, I bowed my head when I noticed that I was the only one they were waiting for. I sat beside Sir Aiden, and the meeting finally started.

AIDEN'S POV

The whole duration of my meeting with the Marketing Department, it was noticeable that Sabrina was not her usual self. It was because she repeatedly erased things from her notes. Even if others could not notice it, it would not pass through my attention since she was sitting beside me. Besides, I know her better than anyone else in this room.

" All right! That is it for now. Meeting adjourned!" I announced after I signed the recommendation project the Marketing Department representative presented earlier.

" Thank you, Sir."

" Thank you"

I heard the staff thanking me for the fruitful discussion we had. I only responded by nodding since my attention was on Sabrina. The employees from the Marketing Department started leaving the conference room. Sabrina stood up and was about to leave when I grabbed her arms. She almost jumped in, shocked because of what I did.

" Are you okay?" I frowned while asking her.

" Huh? Ah, yes. I am fine," She replied and looked away.

" Are you sure?" I asked.

" Yes," Sabrina replied shortly.

I moved her body to look at me because I was not convinced she was all right since she could not tell it while looking at me. Our eyes met, and I could clearly see the sadness in her eyes.

" Sir, maybe someone could see us," She said in a cold manner before looking away from me. Her behavior made me frown.

" I know you heard the conversation I had with Mommy and Daddy earlier," I remarked, which made her look at me.

" It was not my intention," Sabrina admitted.

" But, how did you know?" She asked in confusion.

" When I approached the door, I saw the slight gap from it. You were the only one left the office," I explained.

" Sorry. " She almost whispered her apology before bowing again.

" How long you eavesdropped to us?" I asked.

" I heard everything," Sabrina replied without looking at me.

I held her chin and made it higher until my eyes met her calm eyes. I smiled slightly to make her feel that everything was all right.

" If you heard everything, I meant it. I can trade off my life and what I have for you. " I seriously told her.

SABRINA'S POV

" If you heard everything, I meant it. I can trade off my life and what I have for you. "

After Aiden uttered those words, the tears from my eyes started flowing. Aiden seemed surprised because of my reaction after hearing what he said.

" Hey, what is wrong?" Aiden worriedly asked. Then he pulled me closer to him, and I felt his warm embrace.

" It was because of you," I replied and hit his chest weakly. I heard his soft chuckle after what I did.

" What was funny?" I asked while frowning.

" You are the only woman that cried every time she felt giggling," He responded, so I glared at him.

" How did you know? Did you make other women giggle?" I asked him in a serious manner, but of course, I did not mean it.

" One more joke, and I will kiss you," Aiden seriously warned me. I hurriedly closed my mouth. I know that he would do that. Aside from the fact that he did what he said, I am sure he really wanted to kiss me.

" Hmp! You should apology to uncle and auntie later," I sweetly told him. I felt how his expression changed as he removed his hands around my back.

" If I apologize to them, they will tell me that they were right about what they thought about you. I will protect you. I will fight for you," Aiden seriously told me. I massaged my temple because of what he said.

" Haist! We are already in the 21st century, there is no such things like you and me against the world in this era. I could not handle seeing your relationship with your parents ruined because of me. Apologizing first does not mean you are weak or they were right. Apologizing means whatever the differences on your opinion, whether they were right or wrong, love conquers all of that," I explained thoroughly to him, which made him smile a little bit.

": I could not think of any reason to God blessed me with someone like you," Aiden stated in much amusement, which made me laugh.

" Stop throwing punch lines. Again, apologize to your parents, especially the way you sarcastically replied to them," I advised.

" Fine, I will do it for you. " He said. I shook my head.

" Never do anything for me. Always do everything for yourself. I am just here to support you. " I smiled.

" Come here," He said.

I smiled because of the way he looked right now. He was like a kid asking for an embrace from his parents. I saw how he pouted because I did not move any inch from where I was. I was laughing while approaching him I. embraced him.

After a while, we decided to go back to our designated places before anyone could see us. Aiden went back to his office to finish some things he needed for his other meeting while I came back to my desk. The whole afternoon passed, but Aiden and I did not see each other anymore since he had a consecutive meeting. He went there alone. According to him, he can do it alone, and he also asked me to do something in preparation for tomorrow.

It was almost five in the afternoon when I finished all the things I needed to do for Aiden's meeting tomorrow. I hurriedly put my stuff in my bag and tapped my ID to the time-checker machine in the company. I sent a message to Aiden saying I am going home before I rode on a jeepney.

After almost one hour, I arrived at my condo. The distance between my condo and Anderson's company was not that far from each other. However, because of the traffic and the reconstruction of the highway, it took me an hour to get there. I only changed my clothes, then I hurriedly faced my laptop. I wanted to fight my love for Aiden in the way I knew, so I immediately searched for companies looking for fashion designers. I planned to build a clothing line before. However, when my grandmother got sick, I set aside that plan. But now, I think I have a reason to pursue my dreams again.

TO BE CONTINUED!