THE SECRETARY'S REVENGE

Sophia's Point of View

I am aware of all his secrets, yet he is unaware that I love him.

The time on my desk clock reads eight thirty

Everyone else went home hours ago. The big office building feels empty and quiet. Only the soft hum of computers and the city lights outside keep me company.

I open Nicholas's calendar for tomorrow. Meeting with the bank at nine. Lunch with Mr. Peterson at noon. Conference call with London at three. I write little notes next to each one. The things he needs to remember. The files he should bring. The coffee he likes best.

This is what I do. I make his life perfect.

Nicholas Blackwood sits in the big corner office. I can see him reading documents under his stylish lamp through his glass door. His dark locks cascade over his brow when he focuses

He runs his fingers through it when he thinks hard. I have watched him do this a thousand times.

I love watching him.

The security guard walked by ten minutes ago. He waved at me through the glass doors. "Working late again, Miss Chen?" he asked. I just smiled and nodded. He doesn't understand. This isn't just work for me. This is love.

I sort through Nicholas's mail. Bills for his fancy car. Letters from his lawyer. An invitation to a charity dinner. I know which ones are important. Which ones can wait. Which ones will make him smile?

There's a photo on my desk. Nicholas and I at the company party last year. We're standing apart, being professional. But I can see it in his eyes. The manner in which he gazes at me. As if I am the sole individual present in the space.

My computer beeps. A message regarding the board meeting scheduled for tomorrow. I went over it twice to ensure I comprehend everything

Nicholas will need the financial reports. The presentation slides. His lucky pen. The blue one his father gave him.

I notice these small details because I am observant. Due to my unique feelings for him that no one else shares.

My phone vibrates. A message from Nicholas. "Could you step in here?"

My heart leaps just as it always does.I smooth my skirt and gaze at my hair in my small mirror. I wish to seem perfect for him.

I rap on his door. "Enter," he replies, not raising his gaze.

The scent of his cologne fills his office

Expensive and warm. The leather chairs. The wooden desk that costs more than my car. This is his world. A world I get to be part of because I work here.

"Sophia, you're still here," he says. Now he looks at me. His blue eyes are tired but he smiles. "You work too hard."

"I wanted to finish your schedule for next week." I place the papers on his desk. Our fingers touch when he takes them. Just for a second. But my skin tingles.

"What would I do without you?" he asks.

Everything inside me glows warm. He needs me. I really need it.

"The Peterson meeting got moved to one o'clock," I say. "And your dry cleaning is ready. I can pick it up in the morning."

"You think of everything." He leans back in his chair. "Sit down. You make me tired just watching you work so hard."

I sit in the chair across from his desk. The same chair where important people sit. CEOs and lawyers and people who make millions of dollars. But tonight it's just me.

"How long have you worked for me now?" Nicholas asks.

"Three years and two months." I know exactly. I remember my first day. How scared I was. How kind he was to me.

"Has it really been that long?" He smiles again. "Time flies when you have the perfect assistant."

Perfect. He called me perfect.

"I ordered dinner," he says. "Chinese food from that place you like. Want to share it with me?"

"You don't have to"

"I want to."He rises and relaxes his tie. "Additionally, someone needs to ensure I have food." "You constantly mention that I miss too many meals."

This is the way it began six months back. Collaborating late into the evening. Exchanging meals. Discussing career, existence, and aspirations. That evening, he walked with me to my car. Under the illumination of the parking garage, he kissed me.

"We must keep this confidential," he remarked following that first kiss

"Office relationships are complicated. People might think I'm giving you special treatment."

I understood. He's the boss. I'm just his secretary. People would talk. They would say mean things. So we keep it secret. Our special secret.

The food arrives. We eat from the containers like we always do. Nicholas tells me about his day. The problems with the new client. The board meeting that went too long.

I pay attention to every word. This is the part of the day I cherish most. When it's merely us. When he speaks to me as if I matter. As if I am important.

"What about yourself?" he inquires. "What was your day like?"

I informed him about arranging his files. Regarding the arrangement of the conference room for tomorrow. Regarding the blooms I requested for his mother's birthday. Minor details. Yet he nods as if all my words are captivating.

"I cannot envision my existence without you, Sophia." He reaches out his arm across the desk and takes my hand

"You're more than simply my assistant." "You're... unique."

My heart beats so strongly I fear he may hear it. Unique. I hold a unique significance for him.

"I ought to leave," I murmured. It's nearly ten o'clock.

"Just five more minutes." His thumb glides over my knuckles. "I enjoy your presence here."

I like being here too. In his world. In his life. Even if no one else knows.

We clean up the empty food containers together. He escorts me to the elevator as he typically does. In the deserted corridor, he draws me near and kisses me. Gentle and swift.

"Be careful on the road," he says. "Message me when you arrive home."

"I shall."

The elevator doors shut in between us. His kiss lingers on my lips.

My apartment seems cramped compared to his large office

I text him like he asked. "Home safe."

He texts back right away. "Sweet dreams, beautiful."

I press my phone to my chest. Gorgeous. He believes I'm lovely.

I prepare for sleep, contemplating the day ahead

About seeing him again. About being the person he needs. The person who makes his life perfect.

I know all his appointments. His favorite coffee. His mother's birthday. His biggest fears and dreams. I know everything about Nicholas Blackwood.

At least, I thought I did.

I plug my phone in to charge and notice something strange. A notice that I haven't encountered previously. Nicholas's phone likely synchronized with my computer while I was updating his schedule.

It's a message sent via text. From an individual called Alexandra.

My hands shake as I read the note that will change everything: "Excited to see you tomorrow evening." "I really missed you, my dear."

Sophia's Point of View

I gaze at the message until the letters merge into a blur. Alexandra. The name sears in my thoughts like flames.

"Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow evening." "I longed for you dearly, sweetheart."

Baby. She called him baby. The same word I whisper to him when we're alone. The identical word that brings him joy and draws me nearer.

My hands keep trembling. I placed the phone on my nightstand as if it could snap at me. Yet I cannot cease gazing at it. The message remains intact

Still real. Still destroying everything I believed about Nicholas and me.

Alexandra Sterling. I am fully aware of her identity. Attractive and slender with blonde hair that always appears flawless

She handles Nicholas's social events. The fancy parties. The charity dinners. The meetings with rich people who matter.

I always thought she was just good at her job. Professional. Nothing more.

Now I know the truth. She's been with my Nicholas. My secret boyfriend. The man who tells me I'm special.

Slumber fails to arrive. I lie back on the bed staring at the ceiling. Each time I close my eyes, that message shows up

Infant. The term resounds in my mind until I feel the urge to yell.

At five o'clock in the morning, I stop attempting to sleep. I prepare coffee with trembling hands. The flat seems overly compact. Very silent. Like a trap that's tightening around me

I require additional information. I require clarification on what this signifies. Perhaps it isn't what I believe. Perhaps Alexandra is referring to another person. It's possible that Nicholas's phone was unintentionally exchanged with another person's.

However, deep inside, I understand I'm fooling myself

The communication was unambiguous. It was intended for him.

I get dressed for work early. My image in the mirror appears awful. My eyes are swollen and irritated. My complexion is light. I applied more makeup to conceal the harm, yet nothing can mask the hurt in my heart.

The office building appears unchanged as usual

The security guard waves at me. "You're early today, Miss Chen."

"I wasn't able to sleep," I say. It is the reality.

The ride in the elevator to the forty-second floor feels never-ending. My heart races more rapidly with each floor we pass

What will I tell Nicholas when I meet him? How can I act like everything is fine?

The workspace is vacant and silent. Nicholas will not arrive for another hour. This allows me to ponder. Moment to strategize. Moment to determine what my next steps will be.

I remain at my desk and attempt to do my tasks. However, the figures on my monitor are puzzling

The emails blur together. All I can think about is Alexandra and Nicholas and that terrible message.

At eight thirty, Alexandra arrives. She appears stunning as usual. Her hair is glossy and flawless. Her gown is costly and fits perfectly. She presents herself as if she fits perfectly within this realm of wealth and influence.

She strides by my desk with a cheerful grin. "Morning, Sophia!" "You arrived early."

I want to shout at her. I would like to ask her about the message

Instead, I return the smile and reply, "Good morning."

She is unaware that I'm aware. She is unaware that her hidden message broke my world apart last night. She simply walks to her desk as if nothing has altered.

But everything has changed.

Nicholas arrives at nine exactly. He always does. Timely and competent. He gives me a nod while walking by my desk. "Good morning, Sophia."

Any urgent messages?"

His voice sounds the same as always. Warm and familiar. If I didn't know about the message, this morning would feel normal. Perfect, even.

"Nothing urgent," I manage to say. "Your coffee is ready. The board meeting materials are on your desk."

"You're the greatest." He offers me that grin that typically makes my heart soar. Today it simply makes me feel nauseous.

He vanishes into his office. I see him adjust himself at his desk through the glass door. He lifts his coffee cup, the blue one I gave him for his birthday. He takes a sip of his beverage and exhales contentedly.

This is our routine. Our normal morning. But nothing feels normal anymore.

I respond to calls, arrange meetings, and compose letters. However, every several minutes, my gaze wanders to Alexandra's desk. She types on her computer, speaks on the phone, and appears completely composed.

How long has this persisted

How long has she been with Nicholas while I thought he was mine alone?

She chuckles at a remark he makes. The noise sensations hit me like a blade in my heart.

He briefly places his hand on her shoulder. Fast and airy. The manner in which he caresses me when others aren't watching.

I wish to turn my gaze, yet I am unable to. It's comparable to observing a vehicular collision. Awful yet unignorable.

They conclude their conversation. Nicholas returns to his office. Alexandra surveys the office briefly before grabbing her purse.

"I'm returning in an hour," she declares to no one specific. "Having coffee with a client."

She leaves. The elevator doors close behind her.

An idea forms in my mind. A terrible, wonderful idea.

Nicholas is in his office with the door shut. The other staff members are occupied at their workstations. Nobody is noticing me.

I rise gradually. My legs feel unsteady, yet I push myself to approach Alexandra's desk.

Her computer is secured, but she has left some documents disorganized

Nothing interesting. Just boring work stuff.

Her phone was left on her desk.

I glance around once more. Yet nobody is observing. My heart pounds so fiercely I'm certain everyone can detect it.

I grab the phone. It's secured with a passcode, yet the display reveals recent notifications. SMS messages. The latest one is from Nicholas.

"Excited for this evening." "You have a way of making me overlook everything else."

My universe leans to the side. I clutch the corner of her desk to keep my balance.

Additional messages exist. I can view the alerts even when the phone is locked.

"Last night was amazing."

"Can't stop being preoccupied with you."

"You make me thrilled in the most delightful way."

All from Nicholas. All sent to Alexandra. All the sweet things I thought he only said to me.

I placed the phone down with shaky hands. My chest is heavy, making it feel like I can't breathe correctly.

"Sophia? Are you okay?"

I spin around. Maya Rodriguez stands behind me, looking concerned. Maya handles business development. Aya manages business growth. She is intelligent, driven, and consistently maintains professionalism.

"I'm okay," I falsified. "Simply verifying if Alexandra has sent any important messages for Mr. Blackwood."

Maya slightly furrows her brow. "She just departed for her coffee meeting." "Is there a problem?"

Everything feels off; I want to shout. However, I simply shake my head.

"No, nothing wrong."

Maya studies my face. "You look pale. Maybe you should sit down."

I nod and return to my desk on shaky legs. Maya watches me intently, yet she remains silent.

I take a seat and act as if I'm working. But all I can think about is those messages. Nicholas's words to Alexandra. The same words he says to me. The same promises. The same lies.

How could he do this to me? How could he tell us both the same things? Make us both feel special? Make us both believe we were the only one?

My computer alerts me with a new email from Nicholas. "Could you step in here when you get a moment?"

I look at the message. How is he able to behave so normally? How can he invite me into his office as if nothing is different?

However, I must leave. I must act like everything is okay. I must be the ideal assistant unaware of his hidden messages to other women.

I get up and straighten my skirt. I examine my makeup in the reflection of my screen. I may look awful, but it will suffice.

I stroll to Nicholas's office and tap on the door.

"Enter," he says.

He's seated at his large desk, appearing attractive and accomplished. The man I believed only loved me. The man I was willing to do anything for.

"Shut the door," he says. "I would like to discuss something with you."

I shut the door and turn to look at him. My heart is pounding, but not out of joy as it did before. Currently, it's filled with fear, rage, and sorrow

"Please take a seat," he says softly. He motions toward the chair situated opposite his desk. The identical chair we used for our dinner yesterday evening. Where he mentioned that I was unique.

I take a seat and place my hands in my lap to conceal their trembling.

Nicholas bends forward with a solemn look. For a brief moment, I believe he's about to reveal it all. Share details about Alexandra. Clarify the reasons behind his dishonesty towards me.

Rather, he utters something that leaves my heart utterly still.

"Sophia, I require your assistance with something." "An important and secret matter." He stops and gazes straight into my eyes. "Please reserve a hotel room for tonight." The Ritz-Carlton Presidential Suite.

Under a false name."

The room spins around me. "A hotel room?"

"Yes. For a private meeting." His voice is calm and businesslike. "Make sure no one knows about this. Not even Maya or Alexandra. This has to stay between us."

He would like me to make a hotel reservation. This evening. That same evening, Alexandra's text expressed her excitement to see him soon.

He's requesting that I coordinate his covert meeting with another woman. The woman who refers to him as a baby. The woman who feels for him as I do.

And he wants me to carry it out discreetly. To be unwittingly involved in his deception.

I begin to speak, yet no words escape. I start to talk, but no sounds emerge. How can I show him I know about Alexandra without admitting I looked at her phone?

"Can you do that for me, Sophia?" he asks. "I trust that I can count on you for sensitive matters."

Confidence. He's discussing trust while deceiving me directly.

I compel myself to agree with a nod. "Certainly." "What name am I supposed to use?"

"Smith." "Mr. and Mrs. Johnson." He speaks as if it's no big deal. As if he's been through this previously.

Like booking secret hotel rooms for affairs is just another part of my job.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. He'll act as if he's married to Alexandra. Even if it's merely a false identity, it feels like another blade in my soul.

"I'll handle it immediately," I manage to respond.

"Thanks a lot." He grins at me. That familiar warm grin I once cherished. "You truly are the ideal assistant, Sophia." "I can't imagine my life without you."

Flawless. That word has come up once more. Yet now it has the flavor of venom on my tongue.

I rise to depart, my legs surprisingly supporting me even though they feel like gelatin.

"Oh, and Sophia?" Nicholas shouts after me.

I look back, wishing with all my heart that he's ready to reveal the truth. That he is on the verge of clarifying everything and ensuring it all is understood.

Rather, he speaks the phrases that utterly shatter the remnants of my heart: "Ensure the room is filled with champagne and roses."

Red roses. They're her favorite."

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Sophia's Point of View

Red roses. Her favorite.

The phrases resonate in my mind while I return to my desk. My legs act on their own, yet internally I'm crumbling

Nicholas wants me to buy roses for another woman. The woman who gets his secret messages. The woman who calls him baby.

I sat down to work on my computer and looked at the screen. My fingers near the keyboard, yet I couldn't move them. How can I change a hotel room for the man I care about to see another woman with him? What can I do to assist him in breaking my heart?

But if I insist , he'll know there's probably somewhere. He'll ask questions. He might figure out that I saw Alexandra's phone.

So I type. The Ritz-Carlton website loads slowly, like even the computer doesn't want me to do this terrible thing. I click through the room options. Presidential Suite. Tonight. Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

As I click , each of the clicks feels like a betrayal to me.

An email confirmation drops in my email inbox. Room booked. Champagne included. I'll have to call the florist about the roses later.

"All done," I called to Nicholas through his open door.

"Perfect. Thank you, Sophia."

That word again. Perfect. I wonder if he calls Alexandra perfect too.

The remainder of the morning creeps along like an unpleasant nightmare. I respond to calls and compose emails while acting like everything is fine. Yet within, my universe is disintegrating bit by bit.

During lunch, Nicholas exits his office while putting on his coat.

"I'm stepping out for a bit," he says to me. "Delete my meeting scheduled for two o'clock."

Move it to tomorrow."

"Should I reschedule lunch with Mr. Peterson too?" I ask.

"No, that is still happening." He looks at his watch. "I'll return by one."

He just left through the main elevator. Five minutes later, Alexandra stood up from her desk.

"I'm leaving for my lunch break," she said . She takes her pricey handbag and moves toward the same elevator.

They are gathering for lunch.

Right now. While I sit here booking hotel rooms for their secret night together.

Something within me breaks.

I wasn't comfortable sitting here any longer. I can't pretend as if I don't know what's going on anymore.

I have to witness it myself. I need to know the duration of this situation.

"Maya, could you take care of my phone?" I inquire. "I 'm going out for a while.

Maya raises her face from her laptop. Certainly. "Is everything alright?"

"I simply require some fresh air."

I take my coat and handbag. The elevator appears to take an eternity to get here. Once it eventually does, I hit the button for the parking structure.

My vehicle is a compact blue Honda. No extravagant cars like Nicholas's black Mercedes or Alexandra's white BMW. However, it begins, and that's precisely what I require at this moment.

I lack a strategy. I simply head to the upscale area of the city where Nicholas prefers to have lunch

The part with expensive restaurants and valet parking.

Three blocks away from our office building, I see his Mercedes parked in front of Bellmont's. It's the sort of place where a single lunch exceeds my weekly food expenses

The kind of place Nicholas takes important clients.

The kind of place he would take a woman he's having an affair with.

I park on the other side of the road behind a delivery vehicle. My hands are trembling once more, but this time it's not only due to sorrow. It's also from anger.

I can see the large front windows of the restaurant through my windshield. The tables indoors are draped with white fabric and elegant flowers. Individuals in costly attire consume gourmet meals and laugh as if worries don't exist.

I scan the tables near the windows. There, in one corner , I saw them.

Nicholas and Alexandra sat beside each other. She's putting on a red dress that is more expensive than my house rent. Her fair hair catches the light from the shining chandelier up their table.

Nicholas moved closer to her , talking to her with that same great look he gets when we do have our dinners alone. His hands were moving around Alexander's body as he talked, like they always do when he's really into something.

Alexandra's laughing about what he was saying, throwing her head back. Even from here, I can see her smile, she looks amazing. She's just right for Nicholas. I am feeling my chest hurting, as if my heart is being tampered. A waiter serves them wine; the luxurious variety in those fragile glasses.

Nicholas lifts his glass to Alexandra, a toast. She mirrors him, and their glasses chime.

What are they toasting? Their secret affair? Their hotel room tonight? The fact that I'm sitting in my cheap car watching them while I booked their romantic evening?

Nicholas extends his arm over the table and grasps Alexandra's hand. Just as he grasped my hand last night while we were having Chinese food

The same gentle touch that made me feel special.

But I'm not special. I never was.

They hold hands and talk. Sometimes Alexandra laughs. Sometimes Nicholas smiles that smile I thought was just for me. They look comfortable together. Natural. Like they've been doing this for a long time.

How long? How many lunch dates have they had while I sat at my desk thinking I was the only woman in Nicholas's life? How many secret messages? How many lies?

I want to walk into that restaurant and face them both. I feel like shouting and weeping and seeking explanations. However, I'm unable to move. I can only remain here and witness my heart shatter in real time.

The server delivers their meal. They dine, chat, and giggle. An ideal pair enjoying a flawless lunch outing. Alexandra says something that causes Nicholas to laugh so much he nearly spills his wine.

I have never caused him to laugh in that way. Our talks always center on work, his issues, or his aspirations. We discuss important matters in soft tones. We don't share laughter and humor as if we're truly delighted to be together.

Maybe that's the difference. Maybe Alexandra makes him happy in ways I never could.

They finish eating. Nicholas signals for the check. This is it. They are about to leave. A piece of me wants to start my car and drive away before they see me

However, I am unable to. I must find out how this concludes.

Nicholas settles the payment as Alexandra applies some lipstick in a compact mirror. Even partaking in something simple like that, she seems elegant and sophisticated. She belongs perfectly in this world of high-end restaurants and shining chandeliers.

They get up to go. Nicholas assists Alexandra with her coat, his hands resting on her shoulders. She shifts to confront him, and they are standing quite near each other

Too close for just coworkers. Too close for just friends.

And then it happens. The element that shatters any remaining hope I had.

Nicholas bends down and kisses her. Right there in the diner, in front of all. Not a brief kiss on the cheek as you could with a buddy. An authentic kiss. Extended and gentle and brimming with emotion.

Alexandra holds his neck under her arms. She kisses him in a way that reveals her real love.

As she adores him.

I produce a noise that is part sob, part gasp. I quickly use my hands to cover my mouth, but it's already too late. The audio is not working. The reality is revealed.

Nicholas is kissing Alexandra Sterling just like he kissed me in the parking garage half a year ago. Just as he kissed me in the elevator yesterday evening.

I'm not unique

I never was. I'm just one of his women. Maybe there are more. Maybe Maya gets secret messages too. Maybe every woman in our office is sleeping with Nicholas Blackwood while thinking she's the only one.

They break apart and smile at each other. Happy. Content. In love.

In love.

That's what I'm seeing. Not just an affair. Not just a fling. They're in love. The way Nicholas looks at Alexandra isn't the way someone looks at a secret on the side. It's the way someone looks at the person who matters most.

She matters most. Not me.

They walk toward the restaurant's exit, still standing close together. In just a few moments, they'll step outside. They may notice me parked in my vehicle, observing them as if I were a stalker

I need to leave. Now.

I start my vehicle with trembling hands. The engine produces a deep sound that resembles wailing. I shifted into drive and left the curb as the restaurant door swung open.

In my rearview mirror, I see them exit together. Nicholas's hand is placed on Alexandra's back, guiding her toward the valet section where their high-end cars are situated.

I come back to the office with tears streaming down my face. Upon arriving at the parking garage, I'm sobbing so deeply that I can barely see.

I remain in my car for ten minutes, attempting to compose myself. I can't head upstairs dressed like this. I can't allow Maya or anyone else to witness me breaking down

In the end, I utilized my phone's camera to inspect my face. My cosmetics are messed up. My eyes are inflamed and puffy. I appear to be precisely what I am: a woman whose universe has just collapsed.

I adjust my makeup as well as possible and head back upstairs. Maya glances up as I come back to my desk.

"Are you feeling better?" she inquires

"Much better," I lied.

Nicholas comes back after twenty minutes. He's softly humming, appearing more cheerful than I've noticed him in weeks. The kiss from Alexandra has lifted his spirits greatly.

"What did you think of lunch?" I inquire, as that's what an excellent assistant would undertake.

"Great," he states

"Very productive."

Productive. Is that what he calls kissing another woman?

"Any messages while I was out?" he asks.

Right now, all that's on my mind is how those lips were pressed against Alexandra's just an hour back.

"Ah, prior to my lapse," he remarks nonchalantly. "Have you handled that unique project we talked about?"

The room at the hotel. He wants to confirm that I arranged his romantic night with the woman I just saw him kiss.

"Indeed, everything is set," I reply.

"Including the... extras you requested."

"Perfect. You really are amazing, Sophia."

Amazing. I'm amazing for helping him cheat on me. For buying roses for his real girlfriend while pretending to be his girlfriend myself.

He enters his office and shuts the door. I observe him through the glass as he takes his phone and sends a text message. Most likely informing Alexandra about his enthusiasm for this evening. How he is eagerly looking forward to seeing her at the hotel I reserved for them.

I return to my computer and attempt to concentrate. All I can focus on is that kiss. The manner in which they gazed at one another

The way Nicholas touched her like she was precious.

The manner in which he has never laid a hand on me.

A text message makes my phone vibrate. For a wild moment, I consider that it could be Nicholas sharing something nice with me

Something that proves I still matter to him somehow.

But it's not from Nicholas. It's from my phone company, confirming my monthly bill payment.

I stare at the screen and laugh. A bitter, broken sound that has nothing to do with humor. Even my phone company cares more about me than Nicholas does.

That's when I notice something else. Another notification I missed earlier. Another sync from Nicholas's phone to my computer.

A new text message. Sent twenty minutes ago. Right after he got back from lunch.

It's to Alexandra.

And it states: "This evening will be flawless." I've had you on my mind all day long. Sophia managed everything exactly as I expected her to. She is unaware of the true situation.

See you at eight."