STIMULATED

Chapter 1

Standing in front of the mirror in her room, Elena shook her head not believing that she actually resorted to trying out a job opportunity based on unreliable gossip from the loud ladies in her neighborhood.

She dressed smartly, smiling at her beautiful self but frowned again on remembering that she now had a lot of bills waiting to be settled including her expensive rent.

"Good lord!" She took a deep breath and stepped out of the house, flagged down a cab and prepared herself mentally for any embarrassment.

She stepped out of the cab after paying the driver. Though she had seen the building in front of her a few times before, she had never been so up close. It seems that the rumors about the beauty of the company were true after all.

"Excuse me, ma'am! Are you here for the interview?" A tall and domineering-looking man asked and he seemed to be on his way out.

"Yes sir" she bowed slightly, thinking that he was the famous bossy man she had heard of through gossip from her neighbors. The man smiled as if pleased by her and took out his phone.

"Hey man, I know you don't like the stress but there's one more lady I brought as a surprise. She's coming in!" He said and cut the call before the person at the receiving end could reply.

"I just did you a favor since you're polite enough. But beware of him since he might be pissed right now, keke" he waved to her and left.

Elena just stood there listening to him without uttering a single word till he left. She wondered if he just did her a favor or made things harder. She couldn't completely process what had just

happened but she carried on.

As soon as she stepped into the building and asked about the interview, she was directed upstairs to the exact office of the CEO.

"Please come in," a decisive voice said as soon as she knocked. Upon entering, what she saw was the man's back. He sat on an executive chair tilting himself ever so slightly, he gave off a feeling of someone who does what he wants however he wants.

"Please have your seat, I know Brian didn't bring you here. I was watching from the CCTV but let's get it over with" he turned to face her.

"Thank you sir for the opportunity" Elena gave a gentle smile.

" You've already passed the first test and for the second criteria, fill in this form" he tossed it to her.

"I'm done, is that all?" She wondered if the first test was about her dress or looks.

"You're the third and last lady I'll pick today, I can't drag things for too long. My last secretary got fired since she dared to go against my command, "If you're applying for this job then you had better have it in mind not to go against my wishes" he flashed her a stern look and added that she met the requirements for the job after checking the form she filled and handed her document.

Elena was startled but tried composing herself and quickly browsed through the document waiting for further instructions from the pissed-looking man who seemed about the same age as her.

She wanted to leave his presence as soon as possible, it seemed what Brian- his friend did pissed him but all he had to do was just decline, so why was he now behaving so pissed?.

On the last page, she saw his name as Ezekiel Rudolf.

"Leave immediately, you'll get an email with further instructions," he said in a commanding tone.

"Alright sir, I'll be expecting" Elena carefully stood up not letting the chair make much movement since she was so nervous.

As soon as she left his office, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She then remembered his facial features, very calm and charming face but what an intense demeanour.

"I don't blame that former secretary," she said after she had gone downstairs. The cleaners, receptionist, and other staff she could see apart from the executives who were in various offices stared at her as she exited the building as if they expected something depressing to have happened. She just ignored their stereotypic reactions and went home.

*******

Ezekiel heaved a sigh of relief, preparing himself mentally to test different ladies hoping that he would get what he wanted. Raising his hand-buried head, he made a call to send some details to the applicants.

"Luckily, there are no meetings this month. Should I be happy all my executives are currently tied up with this huge contract or what? Haha, anyway. I have a chance to carefully pick a new secretary, the three ladies aren't bad at all" he smirked and stood up to leave.

Ezekiel left the office, ready to go home. As he walked past everyone, no one dared to speak carelessly lest they would be handsomely dealt with.

He was well aware that they all were wary of him but he cared less as long as they always do his bidding without objections. His company's manager Mr.Bernard was a smart man with patience and had his way around words but Ezekiel would rather attend all the big and small business meetings himself, leaving other things to Bernard.

Ezekiel started using his car's horn even before getting close to the gate. The gatekeeper opened the gate swiftly as his boss drifted in.

"No one is to bother me for the rest of the day except it's necessary" Ezekiel commanded and left without awaiting any response.

Kenzie opened the door and welcomed him with a kiss as they exchanged pleasantries.

Ezekiel looked at her with impatience written all over his eyes, he felt like devouring her right there.

"I'm hungry, what did you cook?" He asked trying to get to the kitchen.

"Wait! Hold up, are you hungry or are you hungry!!" Kenzie flashed a lustful smile that made him almost lose it.

"Erm both" he replied with brevity.

"Uhn un.. You always try your best to hold back even though you still come to me. Don't worry, I'll give you a good time" She hung her arm on his shoulder caressing his face from the side.

"Hmm, I'm going to eat first. Get me a bailey while you're at" he said decisively not wanting to display the boiling desire that shone straight out from his eyes as he lavishly consumed her with his gaze.

"I'll bring your food then" She smiled at him slowly brushing her hands down from his shoulders before leaving for the kitchen.

Ezekiel rushed to his room for a quick shower. He came to the dining to meet his food already served warm.

He ate slowly as Kenzie thoroughly watched him eat, admiring his facial pulchritude, salivating over his broad shoulders and fit stature.

"It seems your impatience has become one with you," He said, standing on his feet and cleaning his mouth after taking two full glasses of Baileys at a go.

"Alright, I'll clean up here first" she smiled owing to what he just said.

Ezekiel went to the bathtub again for a shower as per his habit. He stood there under the shower for a few minutes thinking of how to test all three ladies who applied for the job.

Water droplets splashed all around him and he seemed to have calmed down a lot until Kenzie unexpectedly hugged him from behind.

Don't you know that your clothes will get wet?" He turned around to see her and she was naked.

"See?" Now just relax and be entertained.

Ezekiel didn't look like he would reject her so she made her move.

Chapter 2

Elena was full of orange juice so much that you'd think she had a big lunch.

From her perspective, meeting with Mr. Ezekiel was mentally exhausting. He seemed like he could peer into her soul and pry out information if he wanted to.

'He's good-looking. Arrgh but so suffocating too, I don't believe that I can't change my situation with him but I have to get the job first'

She thought to herself. She took her glass of juice with her to the bathtub and stayed in there for a while wishing she had someone to give her a calming massage but she then remembered her cheating partner and her canceled marriage.

"Mtcheww" she hissed, flinging her hair backwards. Her phone beeped and it was an email with the details of her test. She wrapped her towel around herself as she slowly lifted her legs out of the bathtub.

She was scheduled as the last to have her test. The document stated that each potential secretary would be tested per week one after another.

"Isn't this too long? What would I be doing before the end of two weeks?" She facepalmed in annoyance and continued reading.

The document further read that regardless of the result, each person will be paid for their time. This part caught her attention but the amount wasn't mentioned.

So the job opportunity was a short-term offer for the three ladies and also a long-term opportunity for just one of them.

"This is quite good, the compensation price shouldn't be pathetic considering the company's influence" She left her phone on the table In her room when a call came in. She ignored her phone once she saw who the caller was.

A guy who has been confessing his undying love and promises to take perfect care of her but she already resolved to not rely on men for the time being.

Elena paid no attention to the call and went to the parlor to watch a movie before going to sleep.

For the first week, some of Elena's friends came to visit. They stayed for the entire week making her feel occupied and entertained.

"Tomorrow's the beginning of another week" Elena looked like boredom would ravage her once the new week started.

"Aww, cheer up darling. I know you've been looking for a proper job, Why don't you be the ambassador or my eatery for a while?" Trisha grinned playfully.

"Thanks but no thanks. I'm not giving up on Mr. Ezekiel yet" Elena said without much thinking

"Oh did someone already make you an offer?" Bella asked with glowing eyes.

"More like listening to gossip gave me an opportunity" Elena smiled weirdly.

Bella and Trisha glanced at each other at the same time and then back at Elena not comprehending her statement.

"What are you yamming about?" Trisha asked with her hands folded.

"Well, I applied for a job at DreamState company. I got quite lucky you see" Elena smiled awkwardly.

Bella and Trisha looked at each other again and burst into laughter.

"That's a good one Elena, way to console yourself" Bella cleaned the tears dripping from her eyes from laughing.

"Yeah, Elena, vacancies in such companies require some sort of connection. How could you have gotten that information?" Trisha raised her eyebrows getting more curious than Bella.

"Haha. Is that so? It seems my neighbors have insider information about lots of big shots and their inner circles" Elena said.

Her friends further burst into laughter thinking she was topping what they thought was a joke all along.

Elena facepalmed and showed them the emails she got.

"Oh my God, for real!?" Trisha exclaimed looking back and forth and Bella.

"You've seen it but still don't want to believe it?" Elena smirked.

"Just where are those neighbors of yours?" Bella asked so seriously as if she was ready to kidnap and keep them forever.

Elena and Trisha looked at her in surprise and started their bout of laughter with tears streaming down their eyes.

"Don't be greedy Bella! You're already engaged. You should only think of your upcoming wedding"

Trisha smiled with a hint of a sly expression.

"I heard the manager of that company is a big shot. What's he like?' Bella asked with curiosity overshadowing her expression.

"Don't expect too much though" Elena sighed.

"What do you mean by that, isn't he handsome and tall and sexy?" Trisha asked.

"Well... he's very good-looking and tall from what I've seen though he was only sitting on his big chair but how'd I know if he's sexy?" Elena gave Trisha a 'do I look like a shamaan' look.

"So why then should we not expect much?" Bella raised her fingers to make air quotes.

"His aura is intense and kinda bossy" Elena spat.

"Ohh oh oh, an alpha male? I like it!" Trisha smiled enthusiastically.

Elena shook her head. If only they experienced how it was to be in front of him, it was like standing naked in front of a puppet master.

"Just forget about it" Elena looked in another direction pouting.

"Best of all luck in the world to you babe, I hope your plan succeeds' ' Bella rubbed her hands together maniacally.

"What do you mean by plans" Elena gave a scary look.

"I can't believe you're getting married soon... You sound so devious Bella, I take pity for your man" Trisha breathed exhaustively.

"That's enough of teasing everyone, You both still have a lot a lot back to. Your businesses and men, yuck" Elena said.

"You'll get entangled with that CEO soon. So shall it be according to the power of Valak" Bella said with a horrifying look on her face.

"You've just seen too many horror movies and now you're spouting nonsense" Elena retorted and closed the discussion about her job application and Mr. Ezekiel.

Although it felt like work just staying beside him, she wanted the job.

After her friends left, she decided to spend most of the new week on fitness, so the first three days of the week before her test were used for working out at the gym.

On the third day, after her morning session, she got another email from DreamState stating that her test would start tomorrow and it was signed by none other than Ezekiel Rudolf himself.

She flinched, the message didn't even seek her opinion on whether it was a good time to do so since there was already an agreed time for the test.

She was not even his secretary yet but he was behaving like he could do anything.

"Gosh," she sat on the bench in the gym and took some minutes thinking before she left.

She felt nervous throughout the whole day, based on the fact that she had no idea what the test would be about and how to prepare for it and something happened since her test was coming earlier than it was supposed to.

"Did he change his mind? That man is such a bother, has' ' Elena hissed again and just decided to not think about it anymore. If she got the job fine, if not then there's still the compensation so there was nothing to lose.

With a new blank face, she sat on her couch feeling drained and slept off.

.....

Elena woke up on the couch the next morning, thinking of how to start the day when it occurred to her she was to be at DreamState for her test soon. Without much thinking, she dashed upstairs to

prepare herself.

"Damn it, he just had to shift things suddenly. Son of a ****" She cursed in annoyance.

In less than an hour, she was in front of the company again. She still had about forty minutes till the agreed test time.

Elena walked inside and no one stopped her as she slowly but graciously made her way up the stairs.

The security and other staff must have been informed. She gave the door a gentle knock upon reaching it.

"Come in" a relaxed voice emitted and she entered with smiles and an unwavering eye.

"Good morning sir" she greeted.

"Hmm.. your test came a little earlier but I'm sure you don't mind. Take this paper, it has my signature on it. I want you to go get me something from my executives. Take your time and don't interrupt their work. Wait a little if you have to" Ezekiel said to her waiting for her to get right to it.

Elena was confused, was this the test? Was she already his secretary? There was no way, he was just ordering her however he liked.

'I'll just do this quickly and get to the test ' She said in her mind and without questions, she left to carry out the task. "Alright sir" she replied and left.

Ezekiel smiled slightly as he watched her leave, he was expecting her to ask a few normal questions but she didn't. He felt the urge to ask her if she had any questions like why she was given a task without being employed yet or why the test was brought to earlier.

"Hmm... just what was she thinking about?

In any case, she has to familiarize herself with the surroundings and get those files I requested from various offices" he sat back with his face towards the ceiling and an interesting anticipation on his face wondering how she'll go about it.

After about twenty minutes, she was back knocking at his door. He wondered who it could be so he checked the CCTV outside and Brian's car wasn't there.

"Come in," he said and he got surprised.

"Is there any problem?" He asked her.

"No sir, these are the files you requested" She laid them on the table with a blank expression.

He didn't even notice the files she was carrying before she spoke about it. He quickly flipped through the files and made sure they were what he wanted. How on earth did she get through those busy men?

A normal person would be frustrated just waiting to get those numerous documents.

She's quite good, just what he had been hoping for; someone good at efficiently carrying out his orders and satisfying his demands. She would make a good secretary.

Since the first test was such a breeze for her he didn't delay further, especially since she delivered without arguing.

"Ahem! Alright sit down and sign here and here" he made gestures to two blank spaces on a piece of document he pulled out from the drawer beside him.

Elena wondered what it was. She read the heading of the document and it was a contract of appointment. Her lungs were powerful enough to hold back the screams about to erupt from her esophagus but she smiled. As soon as she was done signing, Ezekiel spoke.

"For some annoying reason, the other ladies are no more qualified applicants so it all fell to you. You'll be my secretary for now so prepare yourself, If I'm very dissatisfied then I will have to relieve you of your work" Ezekiel smiled a little, a smile that lasted for only two seconds.

"Thank you, sir, I'll surely do my best" It seemed to Elena that rather than needing a secretary, he wanted someone who would mindlessly heed his commands like some kind of minion.

"Sure, sure. You can always ask appropriate questions as long as it doesn't stand to defy my orders" Ezekiel smiled again for about two seconds.

"Okay, may I ask when I'm to start?" She asked straight away.

"Oh oh, for today you just have to stay with me and get to know a lot of things about Dreamstate and all our shareholders, executives, and important stuff" he flashed her a wicked smile that lasted for about five seconds.

'Good lord' Elena said in her mind. After the whole orientation and orders, she got a payment according to the test contract. She went straight to the swimming pool to rest even though it was evening and she hadn't eaten properly since dawn.

Chapter 3

The next day wasn't any different. She had to familiarize herself with everything and she must do so with at least a week, no less as instructed by yours truly, Mr. Ezekiel.

She would always get home feeling exhaustively drained. After the supposed orientation week, she became a proper secretary.

Ezekiel studied her thoroughly during the week which was the real test unknown to her. He was satisfied, though she seemed wary of him like the others, she was smart, witty, and a fast learner but most importantly, she never defied his orders.

The next week was different, he took her around to meet most of his business partners on a friendly visit and the following week was the same. It started to become more comfortable for Elena.

The first actual official meeting she was supposed to attend was already at hand. She came early as usual and her boss wasn't around so she called him but he wasn't answering his phone.

Frustrated and pissed, she took it upon herself to arrange the VIP space upstairs in advance since the meeting would be held right in the company.

An hour flashed by quickly but still no Mr Ezekiel so she decided to see Mr Bernard.

Bernard shifted a bit away from the screen and keyboard in front of him as he stood up to get some water when a knock came in.

"Yes?" He said.

"It's Elena Sir" she answered before entering.

"Good morning our little secretary, How may I help you?" He said noticing the impatience in her expression.

"Sorry to bother you this moment but are you aware that there's a meeting today? Sir Ezekiel still isn't here and I'm afraid the people we're to meet will arrive soon" she said with all the worry she could muster.

"This has never happened before, I'm sure he either had something more important to attend or he is in a situation where he can't answer or make calls" Bernard reasoned out and also tried calling but the phone only rang on and without an answer.

"These people are not registered partners of ours so this first meeting is rather crucial," She said

Although I understand the situation, I've long been told not to interfere in matters concerning the meetings so if he doesn't make it in time then the decision is all yours, No orders are inhibiting you from handling this situation right? Bernard said with a smile.

In a way, Elena became less worried. Bernard didn't look as panicked as she was and he spoke so calmly like he had no worries in this world.

"Hmm, alright then. Thank you, I'll do my best" she said and left.

When the people they were to meet with arrived and Ezekiel still hadn't shown up, she took a deep breath and led them upstairs to the VIP space. There were three of them, all men and they stared at her

"Ahem! Due to unforeseen and special reasons. I'm unhappy to let you know that Mr Ezekiel has

matters very urgent to attend to" She said standing.

One of the men sipped the coffee in front of him slowly. "So did we just waste our time coming here?"

"No way that's the case, my good sirs. I am here with his stamp to append any necessary documents" she replied.

"That's quite appalling, Do you realize we haven't discussed this in detail?" the man who was sipping his coffee spoke up.

"I am not incompetent sir. I am not just your average secretary, I know all about your dealings. I won't dare put myself on the same level as my boss but I am not bad either" she replied.

The other men lamented that it was highly inappropriate but she apologized stating that it wasn't Ezekiel's wish to ditch the meeting as something unavoidable happened.

"If I'm comfortable and satisfied with your negotiation and knowledge then I'll be more than happy to be in a competent lady's care," the man said, taking another sip of the coffee.

"Then shall we get started?" She smiled, completely absorbed in the moment. She took control of the situation and started a lengthy discussion with them. She called for a break after a long while and excused herself, also giving them room to talk amongst themselves.

As soon as she exited the large room, the manager was walking towards her.

"You didn't reschedule the meeting and give them a suitable explanation?" Bernard asked I took things into my palms you see" She took a deep breath before she realized it

"Well, he just arrived outside. I didn't know you'd be here either" Bernard replied.

"Were you able to stall them for a while?" A familiar voice pierced the surrounding air and they both turned back to meet gazes with Ezekiel.

Elena felt stunned but Bernard tapped her shoulder.

"Well yes sir, they're discussing inside at the moment" she explained that they were taking a break.

Ezekiel gave them ten more minutes before surprising his guests with his presence.

As soon as he made his way in, the men stared at him for a while without a word. He looked back at Elena wondering why the men were in a daze.

"Sorry for the delay gentlemen, I hope my little lady here didn't make things harder for you?" He spoke first to break the silence and the mem seemed to me jolted back to life.

"Ah yes yes, we were surprised to see you. We didn't know you'd still make it but we've already concluded the process and made our decision" the man said finishing his coffee.

Ezekiel gave Elena a very serious look wondering what kind of scandalous things she had done or said to make the men conclude even discussing with him. He sighed a little.

"I don't know what happened here Mr Brown but I'm sure that there's still room for..." He got interjected by the man who loves coffee.

"It's fine good sir, you seem to have capable people in your base here. Even your secretary can make do in your absence, surely I would love to work with reliable people" Mr Brown smiled and stood up.

Elena moved to the table to retrieve the amended conditions and conclusions she proposed, she never knew they would agree so suddenly. She handed it over to him and he examined every aspect of it.

"Can I assume that Miss Elena here has communicated your mind?" Mr Brown asked.

"Of course, these conditions are great" he replied.

"We would have left immediately. Thank goodness she calmed us and made us realize that the good name of DreamState wasn't just all talk" one of the other men added with a smile.

Ezekiel glanced at Elena again wondering just what she had discussed with them and how she did it.

"I look forward to the cooperation" Ezekiel stretched and shook hands with the three men before escorting them to their official vehicle.

Elena and Ezekiel walked back.

"You saved us that contract, good job. This is what happens when you listen to me" he said with pride imbued in his walking step.

Elena thought he would finally give her credit for something but he decided to direct it back to himself eventually but he wasn't wrong. It was because of the forced, full-fledged orientation that she had more than enough knowledge to pull off a successful meeting alone.

"Even though you had some knowledge, pulling that off without proper experience is praiseworthy. Still don't you dare get conceited or brazen" he said to her all of a sudden.

"I'll always have that in mind" She smiled heartily because he was being petty in a way.

When it was time to go home, Ezekiel came to her and told her to follow him.

She asked where since it was already time for her to get off work but he shrugged off her questions.

The driver that conveyed them to their destination stopped in front of an expensive eatery. A table was already set aside before they came. It seemed to her as if it was normal for him to frequent the place.

"Before you ask any more questions, the men from earlier today told someone about my secretary and how reliable DreamState is so she requested a casual meeting. It's a thing big people often do so get used to it" Ezekiel explained.

Even though the men from earlier in the day were satisfied, just what kind of influence did they have that could trigger another big shot to reach out on the same day and even for just a casual meeting at that?