Married My Secretary

The sound of loafers screeched throughout the hallways of a company. A handsome man with an athletic body wearing a perfect suit clung to his body. His legs were tall and slender. It did not diminish the charisma that radiated from his perfect face. His eyes were neither narrow nor round. His thick eyebrows are like an Arab prince. Her sharp nose and blushing pink lips with no any lipstick. His skin is white like a vampire. His sharp chin with a sexy protruding jawbone.

His broad shoulders and seductive arms. Visible muscular veins filled her large hands. His jet-black hair with bangs towering upwards. His charm bewitched everyone, both women and men. His authority in every step he took thrilled the hearts of all who saw him.

Wildan Kusuma or better known as Mr. Wil, his forty years of age, did not make him hasty in finding a partner. Even though all the rumors kept coming to him. Even the elders who endlessly match him. Mr. Wil never wavered from his heart, which had never been by any woman. He only focuses on his work and pursues success.

His secretary hurriedly pressed the elevator button. She bowed to give way to Mr. Wil to enter first. All the employees who had been waiting in line, no one dared to get into the elevator. And let Mr. Wil and his secretary ride the elevator. Arriving at the main floor, Rafida, Mr. Wil's secretary, opened the door to Mr. Wil's room. Mr. Wil sat in his throne chair in an authoritative style. On his desk were piled up several documents awaiting his approval.

"Mr. Wil today you have a meeting with the chairperson of the Wing group at ten in the morning, and a meeting with Mr. Stuart to discuss the contract extension with his company at twelve in the afternoon. After that at two in the afternoon, you get an invitation to the opening of the Jaya Abadi group leader's daughter's newest cafe. And at six in the afternoon, your extended family asks you to attend a family gathering. Important," Rafida said, talking about Mr. Wil's schedule that day.

"Haah... Why is it so busy? Isn't today Wednesday?" said Mr. Wil looking at his phone.

"That's right, Mr. Wil, it's your schedule to visit your friend. Unfortunately, today's schedule is so important that it is impossible to spare a little time for your friend."

"Geez, even to see her who has been in Indonesia for three days, I still can't. Ah... how about you postpone the meeting with the family? I'll meet my friend at 5pm," said Mr. Wil happily.

"No way. You've postponed the family meeting so many times. In fact, this is the fifth invitation," Rafida snapped.

"Then it's just a matter of postponing it again, isn't it? I have signed everything except this one, telling Wisnu to meet me at four in the afternoon. I think I should tell him where he went wrong straight away."

Mr. Wil got up from his seat and walked back out of his room. Rafida sighed at Mr. Wil's arrogant and arbitrary attitude towards the schedule that Rafida had worked so hard to arrange.

"Yes, Mr. Wil," Rafida replied resignedly.

At noon, Rafida was already at the cafeteria with his office colleagues for lunch.

"Ah... should I just go out?" complained Rafida at lunchtime. She rested her head on the cafeteria table. Her face looked very dull.

"What makes you look so old?" reprimanded Steven, who was a friend from college.

"I just want to quit. I'll write my resignation, Steven," said Rafida desperately.

"How long have you been Mr. Wil's secretary, huh?"

"Three years... And it's very difficult and excruciating."

The sound of Rafida's cell phone message made her jump in surprise. She bulged her eyes and ruffled her long hair dizzily.

"What, why do you look so frustrated?" asked Steven confused and panicked.

"Those parents keep forcing me to go with them," Rafida replied weakly.

"Where to?"

***

"Where to?" asked Mr. Wil when Rafida asked for permission to take a half-day off.

"A family event and I couldn't refuse their request. Just today, really," Rafida explained hopefully.

"But my schedule is tight today."

"That's why I've made all the arrangements. Mr. Steven will replace me as your driver and secretary for the day," Rafida said with a sweet smile. Hoping Mr. Wil would give him permission.

"No!"

"Mister..." Rafida looked at him with her cat eyes.

"I told you no, didn't I?" Mr. Wil stood up and walked towards the door. He stopped and looked at Rafida with his sharp eyes.

"What are you doing? Open the door!"

Rafida snapped out of his reverie and immediately opened the door to the room. When they reached the lobby, Rafida thought of something. Mr. Wil had already gotten into his car, and he was puzzled that Rafida hadn't gotten in.

"Rafida! What are you doing?" shouted Mr. Wil and suddenly someone came in and sat in the driver's seat.

"Who are you?" asked Mr. Wil.

"I'm Steven Mr. Wil. I'll be replacing Rafida just for today," Steven said with a little fear.

"Hahh... That woman, why is she so respectful of her selfish family? They could have even given Rafida to a rich old man. How stupid," muttered Mr. Wil, a worried look on his face.

***

It was half-past five in the afternoon. Mr. Wil was at a café. He ordered a cup of espresso. He repeatedly looked at the clock in his hand. The friend he was waiting for did not come. In fact, it was already six o'clock in the evening.

"Huh... should I meet him at his place? He doesn't even pick up my calls," Mr. Wil complained.

***

In a house so grand and luxurious. Walls and rooms are decorated with very luxurious and expensive decorations. The servants were busy preparing the dishes for dinner. The evening program was very unusual. All the family members were seated at the dining table with tense faces. They kept glancing at the clock in their hands. Confirming whether or not Mr. Wil would come.

Until the visiting family entered the house. The elders entered the mansion one by one. With one young lady in between. Her beautifully flowing hair was a lustrous brown color. A stunning above-the-knee dress that fit her sexy body perfectly. Walking gracefully, the heels matching the brownish-gold dress made a sound that diverted all the focus of the anxiously waiting family.

The clock struck half past seven in the evening. The food was served neatly and filled the long table. There was not even a sound in the room, as if waiting for something very special that night.

Brak!

Suddenly, the dining-room door burst open. A shining man entered the dining room.

"You've finally come," said the family elder. Grandpa Brimo.

"Good evening, sorry to be late," said Mr. Wil and prepared to sit down.

"Still got the manners," murmured Mrs. Lia. Mr. Wil's mother.

Mr. Wil ignored his mother's words, which were clearly heard by everyone present that day. Until someone's gaze made Mr. Wil feel disturbed and turned his head towards a woman who was glaring at him.

"Mr. Wil?" the woman said in surprise.

"Rafida?" said Mr. Wil who was equally surprised.

"Mr. Wil?" the woman exclaimed, surprised.

"Rafida?" Mr. Wil responded, equally shocked.

"What are you doing here?" Mr. Wil asked coldly, his eyebrows knitting together.

"I..." Rafida glanced at the two elders sitting beside her.

"Okay, it seems our bride and groom already know each other. Because of that-"

"What?" Rafida said, startled.

"Wait a minute, bride and groom? Grandpa!" Mr. Wil shouted, taken aback by everything happening that evening.

"Did you just yell at me? Look at your age! Isn't it time you provided an heir for our company?" Grandpa Brimo shouted back, his eyes glaring sharply.

"This is my life. I may choose my path. It's enough that you control me through the company, and remember that I saved the company from bankruptcy ten years ago. That means you have no right to dictate my life. Isn't it enough that my father was your sacrificial lamb?"

Mr. Wil stood up and left the dinner table abruptly.

Everyone felt awkward. Rafida still in shock, hurried out to follow Mr. Wil.

"Mr. Wil... wait," Rafida shouted as she caught up.

"Please listen to my explanation, sir."

"I don't want to hear anything from you. You're fired!"

Mr. Wil dismissed Rafida arrogantly and got into his car. Rafida, even more shocked, almost lost her senses.

"Eh-Mr. Wil, wait a moment, please listen to me. Mr. Wil!"

Rafida knocked on Mr. Wil's car window, walking alongside the car. However, Mr. Wil ignored her and sped off, leaving Rafida alone, still calling his name.

"Oh God... What should I do? Mother," Rafida murmured sadly.

***

Mr. Wil arrived home and slammed his apartment door shut. He walked to the glass cabinet full of neatly lined up, expensive, and luxurious red wine bottles. He grabbed one and drank directly from the bottle.

"Ugh... Annoying. What's wrong with everyone? Even Rafida betrayed me. That means she's been deceiving me all this time, hahaha... How could I not realize it?" Mr. Wil said angrily.

***

The alarm kept ringing loudly. Mr. Wil, who had fallen asleep in his office, turned off the alarm and woke up abruptly.

"Ah, I'm late again."

Mr. Wil got up and headed straight to his bathroom. He took off all his clothes and stood under the shower. His eyes were still red from last night's drunkenness. His muscular body was covered with scars and stitches. There was even a small tattoo on his arm that read 'Rachel.'

"Arghhhh..." Mr. Wil screamed, remembering everything that happened yesterday.

At the office, Rafida, who had come in, walked back and forth nervously. She was very anxious about meeting Mr. Wil that day.

"Good morning, Mr. Wil!" greeted Mr. Ronald, asking about today's meeting as Mr. Wil was about to enter his office.

"Good morning, Mr. Wil. I've prepared your favorite green tea and some sweet snacks. Did you sleep well, Mr. Wil-" Rafida's words trailed off. She was so nervous she could barely breathe.

"What are you doing here? I clearly fired you," Mr. Wil asked firmly, startling Ronald.

"What? You fired her? But why? Mr. Wil," Ronald entered Mr. Wil's office, still complaining.

"Do you know how hard it is to find a secretary who suits you, huh? Do you know how many secretaries you've had before, Rafida? And she's been with you the longest. And you say what? You fired her? Wow... I can't believe it. When we have so much work, and you easily fire your own secretary? Tell me, what was her mistake this time, huh? Did she delay giving you a document? Spill your coffee? Or did she fall asleep on the job?"

"She betrayed me-no, she's been deceiving me since she first started working here."

"What? How could she deceive you? What are you talking about?" Ronald asked, confused.

Knock... Knock...

"Mr. Wil," Rafida called again.

"What now?" Ronald got even more annoyed by the interruption.

"It's me. Can I talk to Mr. Wil before I truly leave?" Rafida asked, looking resigned.

"Hah... what now? Hey Rafida, what did you do? Why did you betray and deceive Mr. Wil-"

"Ronald, can you step out for a moment?" Mr. Wil interrupted.

"Oh... So this is serious? Okay, goodbye. Talk it out, and I hope you leave after we find your replacement. Wow, seems like I have to announce a job vacancy," Ronald babbled and left Mr. Wil's office. But as he closed the door, Ronald pressed his ear against it.

"What do you want to say? Don't waste time. Get to the point and don't ask for for-"

"Please forgive me and help me, Mr. Wil," Rafida interrupted, looking desperate.

"What?"

"I know what happened last night shocked you, and it shocked me, too. I knew nothing about this arranged marriage. And I really had no ulterior motives since I started working here. Honestly, please... Help my family, Mr. Wil," Rafida explained.

"I don't understand. Why should I help your family when my life is at risk?"

"We only need to be married for three months, then I'll file for divorce. And after a month, we'll part ways and never see each other again. Please."

"Are you crazy, or have your eyes turned green knowing you're arranged to marry me?" Mr. Wil accused, looking at Rafida with suspicion. He thought she was shameless.

"It's not like that. I might be old, but I'm only a guarantee because my grandfather owes a huge debt to Mr. Wil's grandfather. So, please, just for three months. I'll find a way to pay off the debt and divorce Mr. Wil."

"I still don't get it. If that's your reason, you can find another way without marrying me. Why get married if it's going to end in divorce? I don't want that. Now get out!"

Mr. Wil refused to accept such illogical reasons.

"Then give me one chance," Rafida pleaded.

"No!" Mr. Wil pushed Rafida out of his office.

"I will make Mr. Wil fall in love with me!" Rafida proposed, making Mr. Wil glare sharply.

"I will make you fall in love with me, Mr. Wil," Rafida offered, causing Mr. Wil to glare at her intensely.

Mr. Wil walked closer, narrowing his eyes. Rafida stood frozen with fear as Mr. Wil stopped just one inch in front of her. He lowered his face to look directly at Rafida, who avoided his gaze. His large hand lifted Rafida's chin to make her look at him, and his other hand pulled her closer by her waist. As he drew his face nearer, Rafida closed her eyes, trembling.

"Don't play games with me; you will regret it," Mr. Wil whispered and then pushed Rafida to the floor. He turned and left her there, struggling to catch her breath.

***

Mr. Wil was in the company's designated smoking area. He took out a cigarette and lit it.

"Haah..." Mr. Wil exhaled the smoke, his face looking very serious.

"Something wrong?" asked another person smoking beside Mr. Wil.

"None of your business," Mr. Wil snapped, annoyed, and immediately put out his cigarette. He walked away, leaving the other man watching him with a blank expression.

***

Mr. Wil was in his office, busy on the phone with one of his clients. Suddenly, the sound of high heels echoed throughout his office. A woman in a white mini dress above the knee, with her black hair down and wearing dark sunglasses, entered. Her bright red lipstick was striking.

The woman's beauty radiated brilliantly, dazzling everyone who looked at her. She stopped right in front of Mr. Wil's office.

Knock... Knock...

"Come in," Mr. Wil said without asking who it was.

"Good morning, Mr. Wil," the woman said, removing her sunglasses. Mr. Wil was startled by what he saw.

"Rachel..." Mr. Wil said with a broad smile.

"Hi, how have you been?" Rachel said warmly, immediately hugging Mr. Wil, who returned the embrace. They even exchanged cheek kisses as a sign of their closeness.

"Of course, I'm good. Where have you been? Do you know how long I waited yesterday, huh?" Mr. Wil scolded.

"Haha... You haven't changed, Wil; you're still as talkative as ever," Rachel laughed heartily.

"I had an urgent matter. Would you like to have coffee with me? I'll treat you as an apology," Rachel offered.

"Okay," Mr. Wil agreed.

Now they were in a cafe ordering their drinks.

"So, what made you ask me to see you immediately after I arrived in Jakarta?" Rachel asked.

"I need your help. You know my family is trying to find a match for me?"

"Your age is indeed appropriate to have a partner, even to have a teenage child. If I hadn't lost my daughter, she might now chat about the boys approaching her."

"Rachel...."

"Hahaha, sorry. If you want me to marry you, sorry, I can't. But we can pretend to be engaged. How about that?" Rachel suggested.

"I knew you wouldn't accept my proposal. So, I've prepared this."

Mr. Wil took out a small box containing a pair of rings. He took one and placed it on Rachel's ring finger, then did the same with his own.

"Today, we are officially engaged, Rachel," Mr. Wil said with a straight face. Rachel smiled bitterly.

"Ah... So you really intend to fake an engagement with me," Rachel said, looking at the ring.

"Tomorrow night, I'll take you to meet the elders. I'm exhauted of being forced to meet women I don't know."

"For how long?" Rachel asked.

"What?"

"How long do I have to be your fake fiancée? I won't be here long."

"Until your business here is finished, then we break up."

"Hmm... I'm curious."

"Curious about what?"

"What kind of woman they've arranged for you? Can I outshine her?" Rachel asked, sipping her coffee and glancing sharply at Mr. Wil.

"I don't know. I don't care what she's like. All I know is that I don't want to see her again," Mr. Wil said with a blank expression, clearly disturbed by Rafida's presence in his life.

"Again? Does that mean you've met her?"

"Yes, and she's a woman I never expected. I mean, their trick is truly unexpected. They sent a secretary for three years, then she becomes my candidate. Aren't they amazing?" Mr. Wil explained, full of emotion.

"Wow, I'm speechless. So, will they accept me?"

"Don't worry. You are the chosen woman and pass all aspects. Why wouldn't they accept you?"

"Because I'm fake?"

"Rachel!"

"Haha... I'm joking. Alright, I think we're done. See you tomorrow night, then."

Rachel excused herself. She got into her car, giving Mr. Wil one last look.

"Unfortunately, I don't want to be your fake fiancée," Rachel murmured.

***

Night fell, and Mr. Wil was at a party held by one of his colleagues. He was deep in conversation with several executives from various countries. Everyone was captivated by perfoming a singer who had just finished. The audience applauded enthusiastically.

"Well then, excuse me," Mr. Wil said, concluding his discussion.

Suddenly, the lights went out. Everyone was surprised, but the sound of footsteps caught their attention. A spotlight illuminated a woman's presence. With each step, she appeared very elegant in a long, glittering black gown. Her hair flowed beautifully, adding to her charm.

Click... Click... Her steps shook everyone's hearts.

"You are so perfect. In my eyes, you are so beautiful. You make me always adore you...."

Mr. Wil was stunned by the woman's beauty. Especially when she started singing with her melodious voice. The twinkling lights glowed, and the room's lights came back on. Everyone focused on Rafida, singing on stage.

"What is she doing?" Mr. Wil muttered in disbelief. He turned away, but Rafida's steps stopped him. Rafida continued singing, making Mr. Wil the subject of her song. Mr. Wil stood still, staring sharply at Rafida.

"Perfect," Rafida sang the final lyric.

Mr. Wil and Rafida looked at each other in silence. Rafida smiled gracefully.

"Mr. Wil, will you marry me?" Rafida asked, still holding the microphone. Everyone present was as shocked as Mr. Wil.