The Billionaire(A workplace romance)

Marie

I was awoken by my alarm clock, ringing and vibrating. God, I hate Mondays! I pull the covers off my body and head to the bathroom. I look at myself in the mirror and decide to take a bath, honestly, I look like shit. I put on a knee length black skirt with a V-neck white top. I put on a pair of black heels and decide to leave my hair open and all natural today.

Once I'm properly dressed, I head to the kitchen and make myself a bowl of oatmeal. After finishing breakfast quickly and cleaning the dishes I grab my car keys and head out the door.

My office isn't too far, about 10-13 minutes so I don't really have to hurry. I work at one of the biggest companies in America, Allan Establishment, I work at one of its branches in New York as Mr. Carl Rodgers, the CEO's assistant. At 22 I'm pretty happy with my professional life, a stable job at a good company, a good boss and friendly colleagues. I also earn pretty generously, people my age are usually struggling to find a suitable job but I'm happy.

I park my car in my usual parking spot and head inside the building. I reach the elevator and I'm greeted by my co-worker, Adam Smith. "Good Morning Marie. How are you?" He asks politely.

"Morning. I'm good. You? How was your weekend?" I ask.

"Very peaceful actually. We sent the kids to spend the weekend at their grandmother's place! Kids tend to get on your nerves, even though you love them." He says with a dry laugh.

I slightly laugh along with him. Almost immediately the elevator stops at my floor, "Here's my floor. Goodbye Adam!" I say stepping out of the elevator.

"Bye Marie, have a good day!" He says as the elevator door closes.

I walk into my office and put my things down. I reach for the landline phone on my desk and dial a number, "Hello Steve, Marie here. I'm good you? Yeah the usual for Mr. Rodgers and I. Thank you so much. No he isn't here yet. Okay. Byee!" I hang up. I know how irritated Mr. Rodgers can get without his morning coffee. One of the only times Mr. Rodgers had actually snapped at me was when I forgot to get him his coffee.

Mr. Carl Rodgers has been working at Allan Establishment for nearly 10 years now. He's literally the best boss anyone can ask for. Kind, polite and fair. We all love him. I honestly thought working as the CEO's assistant in such a big company would be hard work but Mr. Rodgers is a really good boss, never burdens me or anything, one of the reasons why I love my job.

There was a knock on my door, I get up and open it and there stood Steve, the coffee guy "Thank you so much!" I say with a smile as Steve hands me two cups.

"Marie, it's my job. Stop thanking me!" Steve smiles and heads to the elevator.

I go to Mr Rodger's office which is right next to mine. I place the cup of coffee on his desk and head back to my office. Before I can enter my office, I hear someone very loudly say my name, "Marie Rodrigo!". A smile instantly appears on my lips as I know very well who that voice belongs to.

I turn around and greet my best friend with a smile, "Hi Nina!"

"Don't "Hi Nina" me! Where have you been? You didn't call me back the entire weekend, I was worried!" Nina narrows her eyes at me, clearly showing that she was pissed off.

"Sorry, I was super busy. It won't happen again. I promise!" I say flashing her with my best apologetic look.

Nina cools down and gives me slight smile. She moves towards me and gives me a hug, "It better not! I'll see you at lunch. I'm somewhat late! I have super important clients coming in. Byee!" Nina says pulling away and heading to the Accounts Department.

Nina Kelly and I were together at the NYU Stern School of Business. She was junior while I was a freshman but we became very close. Nina had actually recommended me to Mr. Rodgers for the job as his assistant as she had been working here for longer. She works as the Chief Financial Officer. Most of my friends are either in Texas or moved to different parts of America after college. Nina is the only one who's close by and one that I trust with my life.

As soon as I enter my office I get back to work. The telephone on my desk ran and I picked it up,"Mr. Rodger's Office, Marie speaking. How can I help?" I ask in the most polite manner possible.

"Marie, it's Carl. Please come to my office." He says.

"Okay Sir" he hangs up and I head to his office.

I knock on the door and hear a barely audible "Come in" and walk inside.

"Good Morning Mr. Rodgers" I smile.

He returns the smile, "Good Morning Marie. Marie now tell me, how long have you been working as my assistant?" He asks.

"Uh about a year now sir?" It comes out as a question.

"Exactly and how many times have I told you to call me Carl?" He asks.

"Sorry sir. I forget." I say looking at the ground.

"It's alright, it's just that Mr. Rodgers is too formal for my liking." He says and I nod, he tells everyone to call him Carl, I always forget.

"Now I need you to schedule all the meetings we have on Wednesday to another day. We can't have any meetings on Wednesday." Carl says.

I scrunch my nose in confusion and look at him, "Why? Is Wednesday a public holiday or something?"

"No, No. It's just that on Wednesday Mr. Allan is coming for an inspection and would like all meetings of that day to be cancelled."

"Mr. Allan...is? A very important client?" I ask not knowing who this man is and why he has so much authority.

Carl chuckles, "Marie, he's the The owner of Allan's Establishment, Mr. Karter Allan himself!"

My cheeks redden in embarrassment, I can't believe I'm so stupid, "Oh. So he's going to be there for the entire day?"

"Yes, since you've never met him Marie, I'll warn you Mr. Allan can be very cruel to people who fail him. So try to be on your best behavior. He won't have any problem with you I'm sure of it but be extra nice" Carl says.

"Okay sir. Anything else?" I ask.

"That's all for now Marie. Thank you!" He says.

I nod and exit his office and go back to mine.

At around 12 there was knock on my door, "Come in!" I say.

Nina walks inside with a McDonald's bag in her hand, "I got lunch!" She says with a smile.

"You got me McDonald's?" I pout at her, "I love you so much Nina! Thank you! You're like the best thing that ever happened to me." I say with the biggest smile ever.

Nina takes a seat in front of me and laughs, "God you're so dramatic M"

"So how come you had time to go out before lunch to get McDonald's?" I ask stuffing French fries in my mouth.

"Well, the clients called and postponed the meeting for tomorrow. So technically I could have taken a day off but I decided to stay and do some inventory." She says and I nod.

"Nina do you know about Mr. Karter Allan?" I ask out of the blue. She's worked here for three years now, she probably knows about him.

"Well duh! Who doesn't? He's the owner of our company and not just that he's the youngest billionaire in America! Everyone knows him Marie" She says.

"Well not me. I just found out about him today. He's coming for an inspection on Wednesday and demanded that all meetings were to be cancelled." I say.

"He's coming? Oh shit!" Nina's smile is immediately replaced with a worried expression.

"Why what's the matter?"

"That man is cruel, whenever he comes, he fires about half of our staff. That man is scary! And I hate to say this but he's insanely hot!" Nina says.

I slightly laugh at her, "Hot? Isn't he like 50?"

"50? No, he's like 32 or something. Like I said youngest billionaire! You know you're lucky that you're Carl's assistant, the rest of us are dead. We all have to step up our A-game. I don't want to lose my job!" Nina says frantically.

"C'mon! The guy can't be that bad right?" I ask.

Nina simply shrugs. The guy can't be such a tyrant I mean, he can't, right?

Who is this Karter Allan and why is everyone so petrified of him? I mean why is he so terrifying?

Marie

Once again, I was awoken by my alarm clock ringing and buzzing. God, I hate waking up at 8 am! What's the point of graduating school when you have to wake up for work at 8? I honestly used to think that after school you can like wake up whenever or something. Life is so unfair. And I'm so stupid! I pull the covers off my body and head to the bathroom.

I examine my face in the mirror. Ugh. Why can't I wake up looking stunning? So I can actually tell people, "I woke up like this!" Damn you Beyoncé. I decide to put on a grey pantsuit with black heels and a black undershirt. I don't feel like washing my hair today so I just tied it in a pony tail.

After finishing my bowl of cereal and washing the dishes, I head out. I really could have called in sick or something, Mr. Rodger wouldn't have said anything but the fact that our tyrant boss man Mr. Allan is coming tomorrow, we have a ton of work to do and I know everyone is terrified so I can't just sit at home and relax when we have so much to do. Sigh.

On the way to the office I stop at Starbucks and pick up coffees for Mr. Rodgers and I. I was craving Starbucks today. I mean I love Steve but this coffee is heaven. I'm pretty sure Starbucks coffee would be available in heaven.

I reach the office, park my car at the usual spot and walk towards the elevator. The elevator is almost closing when I yell, "Hey! Hold up the elevator!"

The doors open as I walk inside. I'm greeted by a smiling Mr. Rodgers, "Good Morning Marie!"

"Good Morning Mr. Rodgers" I pause and quickly correct myself, "I mean Carl" He gives me a sheepish smile, "You're here early today?" I ask.

"Well a lot of work has to be done before tomorrow."

I nod, "Your usual" I hand him his coffee.

"Thank you Marie" he smiles, "How come you didn't ask Steve to get coffee today?"

"Oh no reason. I was kind of craving some Starbucks so I thought why not?" I say and Carl simply smiles.

We reach our floor and head to our separate offices. I pull out my laptop and start my work.

I had a few files I had to give Carl before Lunch so I head to his office. I knock on the door and hear a "Come in" and head inside.

Carl is on the phone with someone, he gestures for me to take a seat so I take a seat in front of him and just wait for his phone call to end.

Carl lets out a rather loud chuckle, "Don't worry Karter! All will be well! Yeah. Just try to control your temper a bit? You know what I mean mate, yes okay. Goodbye Karter. See you tomorrow!" With that Carl hangs up the phone.

"Sorry about that Marie. That was Mr. Allan" Carl says.

"You two seem very friendly. I mean I thought he was an evil tyrant or something!" I ask with an amused smile.

Carl slightly laughs, "Well he does have a bit of a temper issue but he likes me. I had actually started working here as his assistant about 10 years ago and this company as well as a friendship flourished. He really is a mastermind. Long story short, we got close and became good friends. He's not really an evil man as everyone says he is or thinks he is he's just very closed off towards everyone. Plus, he's also British like myself so we had a lot to bond over" Carl says. Well that makes a lot of sense.

"Some people are like that, opening up is hard for them" I say, "Here are the files that you asked for." I hand him the files.

"Thank you Marie" Carl smiles, "Shouldn't you be out for lunch now? It's 12:15."

"Yeah, I just have to wrap up a few things and I'll be gone." I smile.

"Anything else I can do for you?" I ask.

"No that's all. Thank you. If I need anything, I'll call you." I nod and head out of the office and into my own.

I get back to my work trying to finish it as soon as possible so I can head for lunch. I'm honestly starving. Fifteen minutes later I was finally finished. I was closing things up as I heard a knock on my door, "Come in!" I say looking at the clock, my back facing the door. It's 12:30. Everyone is out for lunch at this time. Who could it be?

"Delivery for Ms. Rodrigo?" I turn my attention towards the door and I'm greeted by a very familiar face.

My boyfriend of three years now. Daniel Ross. He's a 26 and he's a lawyer. We actually met when I was in college and was still underage and really wanted to sneak into this club. He helped me and soon asked me out. Gradually we fell in love and we've been together ever since.

"Daniel! What are you doing here?" I smile and walk towards my boyfriend. I wrap my arms around his neck as his wrap around my waist. I lean in and place a kiss on his lips.

"Well I wanted to surprise my girlfriend with food!" He says with a smile.

"You know me so, well don't you?" I smile at him and pull him towards the desk. I take a seat beside him.

"I was afraid you might have already left for lunch with Nina but I decided to take my chances!" Daniel says.

"I was just about to leave. How was your day so far?" I ask taking a bite of my food.

"Oh, you know, same old, same old. You know the case I told you about? The man who was falsely accused of killing 12 people?"

I take a sip of my water, "Yeah?"

"Well we won! We proved him innocent." Daniel says with a smile.

"See I told you would! I knew you could do it!" I smile and place a kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you, baby!" He smiles.

"So, are you still worried about Mr. big bad boss? What did you say his name was?" He asks.

"Karter Allan" I say.

"Yeah him. I've actually read about him" Daniel says with food stuffed in his mouth.

"You have?" I ask raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah the man has sure made a name for himself. He's considered one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world and not to mention he's on the Forbes list of the richest people alive!" Daniel says.

"Honestly everyone has heard of him, it's like I'm the only one living under a rock!" I sigh.

Daniel laughs and grabs my hand, "It's alright M. Plus he probably isn't that bad. And I mean you're one of the best employees here, Carl says it too. I won't be surprised if you get promoted soon. Why would he fire you? You're great at your job!"

I smile, "I guess you're right."

After a while Daniel decided to head back to his office and I got back to work.

Right when I was packing things up, the phone on my desk started ringing.

"Mr. Rodgers office. Marie speaking. How can I help?" I ask politely.

"So, Carl has a new assistant? That's good I never liked the old one, I mean, I think. Honestly, I don't even remember if it was a he or a she." I raspy British accent spoke through the phone.

"I'm sorry who is this?" I ask.

"Karter Allan."

So, it's the big bad wolf. I'm not scared I mean I shouldn't be. Daniel is right, "How can I help you Mr. Allan? I'm sorry but Mr. Rodgers is in a meeting at the moment." I say professionally.

"That would explain why he isn't answering his cell. Marie darling, tell me how long have you been working here?"

Instead of a snappy remark I decide to answer him plainly, "A year now sir"

"Oh, no wonder I've never met you."

"Anything I can do for you sir?" I ask.

"Well no not really. As soon as Carl finishes the meeting tell him that I had called. Will you be able to do that?" He asks.

I roll my eyes, at his condescending tone, what does he mean will I be able to that? I'm not stupid. "Yes, I will Mr. Allan" I say with slight annoyance laced in my voice.

"Thank you then love. Hope to see you tomorrow!" He says.

"Goodbye Mr. Allan" I say and hang up. I haven't even met the man and I can't stand him. I mean he seems like such a douche. I'm not even looking forward to meeting him whatsoever.

Marie

I was awoken by the beaming light coming from the windows hitting my eyes. I move in my bed and rub my eyes. Wait what time is it? I pick up the phone and check the time, it read "8:45". My eyes quickly widen. Oh shit! Why didn't my alarm go off today? It should go off at 8! I have to be at work at 9, oh my goodness I can't be late today, it's Wednesday. I don't want to lose my job. I immediately pull the covers off my body and run to the bathroom.

Luckily, I showered last night so I was good. I quickly put on a nice black and white knee length dress. I simply brush my hair and get it out of my face. I put on my favorite pair of white heels and decide to apply some light makeup to make myself look extra presentable.

By the time I was done it was 8:55, I had to skip breakfast and quickly head to work. By the time I park my car and reach the elevator it was 9:10. Oh shit. Can't this elevator move faster?

Finally, the elevator opens and I walk towards my office. Suddenly I hit a hard chest and something hot spills on my chest. Really? The one day I decide to wear white! Ugh, fuck my life.

"Can you watch where you're going?" I look up to see a green-eyed man with long curly hair and a British accent giving me a glare. A quite attractive man.

"I was watching where I was going Mister" I snap narrowing my eyes at him.

I look at my shirt as I spot napkins in the man hands. I snatch it from him and try to clean myself up. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood. I'm usually not very forgiving love" the man says.

I look up at him with a cold glare," I don't need your fucking forgiveness, last time I checked you spilled YOUR coffee on my white dress. So, thank you so much!" I snap.

"This is really not my fucking day! I have to meet my wicked cruel boss looking like this. Ugh." I mutter. The man seems to hear and slightly laughs.

"What's so funny?" I ask still focused on my dress.

"Nothing" he says with a smirk. Who the fuck does this man think he is? I ignore him and head to the restrooms trying to fix up myself.

I reach the restrooms and put my stuff down. I pick up my phone and dial a number fast.

"Hello?" Nina answers immediately.

"Hey. You at work?" I ask.

"Yup had to come early today. Sup?" She asks.

"I have an emergency, can you please come to the bathroom on my floor?" I ask.

"Sure, be right there!" She says and I hang up. One of the perks of working in the same building as your best friend.

Within minutes Nina walks into the bathroom, "Hey What's wrong?" Her eyes land on my dress, "Oh!"

"Yeah this dick spilled coffee on me and didn't even bother apologizing. Also, I'm late today. This day is going great!" I say angrily.

"Look don't worry. I can fix it up a little. I mean the stain will be there but it'll go away once it's dry. Hold on!" Nina says talking something out of her bag.

"The one day I decide to wear white. Like fate loves me!" I say sarcastically and Nina laughs.

After a few minutes Nina moves away from me, "Here it's better right?" She asks.

I look at the mirror, it's smaller. Still very visible but quite better. I smile at my best friend, "Thanks so much Nina. You saved my life!"

"It's nothing. Now go before something bad happens!" She says.

"Right!" I pick up my things and rush to my office. As soon as I reach, the phone on my desk starts ringing.

"Mr. Rodger's Office. Marie speaking. How can I help you?" I say while heavily breathing.

"Marie you're here finally! I thought you might have taken a day off or something. Please come to my office. Mr. Allan is also here he would like to meet you!" Liam says.

"Yes sir. I'll be right there." He hangs up and I make my way out of my office.

I take a deep breath and fix my dress a little. I knock on the door, I hear a "Come in" and walk inside.

"Good Morning Mr. Rodgers!" I say.

I look at my Mr. Rodgers smiling at me with someone sitting opposite to him with his back turned towards me. I could see a black suit and long brown curls. No this couldn't! He couldn't be the guy who spilled coffee on me and didn't bother apologizing!

"Good Morning Marie, I was getting worried. You're usually never late!" Carl says.

"I'm so sorry. I over slept. I'm sorry I didn't get your coffee!" I say apologetically.

"Oh it's alright. What happened to your dress?" He asks observing the stain.

"I almost reached my office when someone bumped into me and spilled coffee on my dress. So I took a little help from Nina. She made it a little better" I nervously let out a laugh.

"Well it's alright. Marie this is Mr. Karter Allan and Karter this is my long time assistant Marie Rodrigo" Carl says.

The man turns around and I automatically turn red in anger. Great it's the jackass who spilled coffee on me. Why the fuck am I surprised? Mr. Allan walks over to me and extends his hand to me which I shake.

He's smirking, "Karter Allan. Owner of Allan Establishment It's a pleasure!"

I put on my best fake smile, "Marie Rodrigo, the girl you spilled coffee on and didn't bother apologizing"

"Karter you did that?" Carl asks furrowing his eyebrows.

"Carl, I'm in a good mood today so I didn't fire her for bumping into me!" Karter says winking at Carl.

"And you sure have a feisty assistant!" Karter smirks checking me out head to toe. I automatically cringe my nose in disgust.

"Mr. Rodgers, could I be of any other assistance?" I ask trying to ignore this man in front of me who was smirking at me.

"Actually Marie, I need you to show Karter around. All the departments and everything. Since the last time he was here several things were different" Carl says. He shots me an apologetic look as he can tell I don't like Karter very much.

"Sure thing Mr. Rodgers" I say with an obvious forced smile.

"Shall we Ms. Rodrigo?" Karter asks stepping closer to me.

"Sure, follow me sir" I say.

"Oh, I like a woman who takes control" he says smirking. I roll my eyes and fight the urge to punch him in his face right now.

I'm not going to lie; I didn't think Mr. Allan would be this young. I mean I think he's probably 30 or something. Also, he's very attractive with those emerald green eyes and amazing hair. It's his arrogance and personality that disgusts me.

We walk into the elevator and I press the button to the first floor.

"How old are you Ms. Rodrigo?" Karter asks suddenly. I can feel him slightly move closer to me.

I don't bother turning around,"22 Sir" I say plainly.

"Wow you're young" he says under his breath.

We reach the first floor and step out of the elevator, "This is the Accounts Department and right down the hall is Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Kelly's office."

"Are you familiar with Ms. Kelly Marie?" Mr. Allan asks.

That's a personal question isn't it? I mean he could fire me. What could I possibly lose? "Yes she's a very close friend"

Karter raises an eyebrow, "Fascinating, so please the way to her office."

I nod and walk to her office. I knock on the door and after hearing a "Come in" I walk inside.

Nina looks at me and smile, "Hey M, what brings you here?" She asks.

"I'm giving Mr. Allan a tour thingy." I say rolling my eyes showing her my annoyance. Nina slightly laughs as Mr. Allan, Karter walks inside the office.

"Ms. Kelly. Hope you are doing well. I'd like to see the financial records for the past year."

"Right away sir. Just a minute" Nina walks to the cabinet in her office and digs into the files.

Karter moves closer and stands next to me and he looks at me and smiles. I return it with a very forced one. He simply laughs at my reaction.

After about 40 minutes of Karter and Nina talking about business, it's finally time to head to the next floor.

"Good Job Ms. Kelly, looking forward to seeing a even higher profit margin next time I'm here, have a good day." Karter slightly smiles and walks out the outside.

"Nina! Save me please!" I whine. She just laughs and opens her mouth to speak when we hear Mr. Karter voice from the hallway.

"Marie! The next department now sweetheart, c'mon now."

Nina raises an eyebrow at me, "Sweetheart?" She asks in a whisper, trying very hard to control her laugh.

"I honestly don't know anything!" I say, "I'll catch you later!" I wave at her and walk out of the office.

This is day is so long and exhausting and it's not even 12 yet! Kill me now!