The Billionaire's Wife Is His Secretary

Ericka took a moment to assess herself in the mirror, satisfied with her appearance for the day. As the executive secretary to the president, she had held this position since her graduation. Her parents, including her father who was once the right-hand man of Señor San Miguel, perished in an accident that left Señor San Miguel disabled.

Following the tragedy, he took on the responsibility of her education and placed her in a boarding school, where she graduated with honors. Despite tempting offers from other companies, Ericka chose to stay loyal to the San Miguel family due to a sense of gratitude. Initially thinking she would be the personal assistant to Señor, her fate changed when Monte, Señor's eldest grandson, selected her. There was a mysterious attraction she felt, perhaps stemming from a crush since their school days. Monte had always defended her from bullies, earning him the nickname "popper fish" due to his unique traits.

She took another look in the mirror, revealing a stern expression. Satisfied, she headed out, each step resonating on the staircase. Ericka proceeded straight to the kitchen.

"Ah, Miss Ericka, i'm so sorry, we do not change the bed sheet. I did not know that you're coming back," explained Nanang Perlita.

"I was also surprised when Sir Monte picked me up last night. He mentioned it's more convenient for us to be under the same roof so he can easily ask me questions or vice versa. Besides, he said I really live here, this is my house too," she clarified.

The older woman teased, "Maybe you still have a crush on him, huh?"

"This is purely work-related, Nanay," Ericka responded.

"Ericka..." they heard the call from the elderly San Miguel.

"Oh, it's you, sir," she smiled, approaching to bow. "Allow me to push your wheelchair."

She guided him to the center of the table. She signaled Nanay Perlita to start serving.

"How are you, hija?" he asked.

"I'm good. Getting beautiful... hahaha," they shared a laugh at her joke.

"Your term is incorrect. It's not just getting beautiful; it should be getting even more beautiful," he corrected playfully.

"You and your jokes," she chuckled. "How are you, sir?"

"I'm glad you're back home; at least, I have someone sensible to talk to. Monte is always busy with work. I think he was surprised to realize that he's truly taking over the company, and I won't be involved anymore."

"I could have stayed elsewhere, i have my home, but sir insisted," Ericka explained.

"I personally asked him to bring you back here."

She felt a sudden sadness, realizing it wasn't Monte who wanted her back.Indeed the man seemed oblivious to others' feelings.

"I would have been content at my own home, Señor. Yet here I am, letting you feed me again. I eat a lot, you know."

"That's fine, hija. I'm used to you eating a lot, hahaha," Señor chuckled.

"Coffee?"

"Yes, please, and make it your way. I've had enough of Perlita's inconsistent brew."

Ericka briefly left the elderly man. As she entered the dirty kitchen near the sink, she overheard a conversation between an older house helper and Leona, the new helper.

"It's true that she's the señor's daughter." the elderly helper said with envy in her tone.

"Ow?, some say she's the señor's mistress," replied Leona.

"Her mother is the señor's mistress; that's why she's always around. She didn't finish school but got hired as a secretary. I guess her mother's beautiful looks played a part."

"Sir Monte is her boss now, right?"

"She wants to seduce him to become wealthy."

"So, she's flirtatious?"

"Yes, she is..."

"Eheeem.." their conversation was abruptly interrupted, and they both looked surprised.

"Uhm... Have you been there the whole time, Ericka?" Manang Lorie recognized her.

Manang Lorie worked alongside Ericka's mother and, being naturally intelligent, became the señor's secretary. The rumors about Ericka's mother being the señor's mistress had circulated for a long time, but they chose not to entertain such issues. For her parents and the señor, such stories were superficial. Perhaps that mindset still persisted today. She felt Manang Lorie's intense gaze, sensing that she was being judged.

"Not really... I just arrived," she smiled at them, grabbing the coffee condiments.

"I'll do it, Miss Ericka," Leona offered.

"Don't call me Miss... we all receive the same salary here," Ericka replied.

"The señor might get upset," warned Leona.

"Even Manang Lorie just calls me Ericka. You can do the same, or maybe 'ate' so you'll feel more comfortable, as I'm staying here again."

"Huh? You're coming back?" Manang Lorie asked.

"Yes, is that okay with you?" Ericka faced them.

"Well, um, yes. I'm happy that you're coming back."

"I'll just bring this to the señor. He prefers the taste of my coffee."

As she turned away, she caught a glimpse, out of the corner of her eye, of the two whispering. She promised herself she would talk to them later. Her once peaceful parents' lives were disturbed by idle people. If only she could wake them up and make the household staff realize the truth.

She found Señor and Monte engrossed in what seemed like a serious conversation. They glanced at her as her heels tapped on the wooden floor. Señor's face was shadowed, a sign that he might not be pleased with whatever he and Monte were discussing.

POV: Monte

His grandfather wanted him and Almira to get married, unaware that they were no longer together. This morning, as he descended, he heard his grandfather asking Ericka to prepare coffee. He approached when the woman left.

"Good morning, Lolo," he said, taking a seat beside him.

"How was your sleep in your own house?" his grandfather teased.

"Lolo, I came back, and your question sounds sarcastic."

"You're too sensitive," his grandfather chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Coffee?"

"You're already having Ericka prepare it; she probably brought a thermos."

"When is your wedding with Almira?"

"Lolo, I'm not ready to get married."

"You're at the right age, Monte. I want to see some little ones running around before I leave this world."

"What if I just adopt?" he joked.

"Ah, this kid is crazy," his grandfather playfully slapped his hand. "That's not good."

"Just kidding."

"I want Almira. You've been dating her since college, and she comes from a prominent family. It would be better if you marry her. She's beautiful, and your children will surely be stunning."

"Oh no, lolo, are we dogs that need to be bred?"

"You're really philosophical, Monte. Perhaps you're like that in the office too. How will your subordinates respect you if you're like that?"

"I'm different with you. You're the only one I can be affectionate with." Since his sister's disappearance, he became distant from people. Even with Ericka, their conversations were strictly business.

Almira's family had many connections, especially in politics. However, he wasn't ready for marriage, and Almira was not the one he wanted as a wife. He was still investigating what truly happened to his sister, and he felt Almira was somehow involved.

Their conversation halted as they heard the sound of Ericka's heels. They turned to look at her, and Monte wondered about her peculiar attire-long skirt and raised hair, making him curious about its length.

This quiet person seemed to have changed. Montana often observed them at the office, always with a smile now. His contemplation was interrupted when he was called by Señor.

"Will you have coffee, Monte? Ericka has been asking you for a while now," the old man tapped him.

"Yes, please," he replied, avoiding eye contact. Did she notice that he was looking at her? Embarrassing, he hoped she wouldn't think he was being inappropriate.

"Any creamer?" the woman asked.

"Half a teaspoon," he responded.

As the food arrived, they were surprised by the abundance. Even Ericka seemed taken aback.

"Señor, do we have a visitor?" Ericka asked.

"No, hija, it's your first day, so I prepared your favorite dishes. I'm sure you don't get to cook like this at home," Señor said with a smile.

"Oh, I might gain too much weight here..."

"That's okay; you'll still be beautiful even if you gain weight."

They laughed together, and Montana, just observing, could easily mistake them for a father and daughter. If he didn't know them and his grandfather, he might believe the rumors he hears. But he knows his grandfather deeply loved his late grandmother. After her death, he rarely saw his grandfather at home; he went straight to the cemetery after work.

"Oh, Monte, something's wrong?" Señor asked.

"Nothing, Lolo... let's eat," he said, slightly embarrassed. He let the two go first and get their food before he did.

Having home-cooked meals is truly something he missed. He initially resisted returning home to avoid memories of his younger sister, but his grandfather's affection convinced him to come back.

He realized that his grandfather, in old age, seemed to seek the care of loved ones. His mother was alone, and his father was no longer in their lives, leaving them with few close relatives. While he had second cousins, he rarely interacted with them as most were abroad. He mainly conversed with friends.

Ericka thoroughly enjoyed the shrimp dish. If she didn't have a napkin on her clothes, they might be stained with moisture. She laughed because his grandfather imitated her. She smiled when Señor asked where she learned such table manners.

When his grandfather suggested Monte try it too, he attempted to eat with his hands. However, he noticed this woman was different, and he found himself noticing many things about her. Although she wasn't his usual type, there seemed to be a unique attraction. He excused himself, Ericka offered to go with him, he refused to and asked her to finish eating.

As he left, he saw Mang Turing tending to the car.

"What happened?" he asked the elderly man with his back turned.

"Senyorito, it's you. There's an oil leak; it needs to be taken to the casa."

POV: Ericka

"Sir, I think Sir Monte is upset," she paused in devouring shrimp.

"Just let my grandson be, he's already thirty-two, might be going through menopause," the old man chuckled.

"You really are quite the joker," she laughed. When it's just her and the old man, she can converse playfully. But in front of others, it's a whole different story. Dealing with an authoritative figure.

"Alright, go ahead, eat. My grandson might develop veins waiting for you," he chuckled at what he said.

After eating, she brushed her teeth and washed her hands before going out. She's annoyed with her braces. It's hard to clean.

Before she went out, she pushed the old man's wheelchair into the garden and instructed the gardener to call the nurse if the old man wants to go inside.

When she went out, she found Monte with a dark expression again. Like the weight of the world's problems is on his shoulders.

"Are we leaving, sir?" she called his attention.

"My car broke down, so we'll use the other one. Get my files inside my car and transfer them to that red van," he pointed to another vehicle.

She approached Mang Turing, busy cleaning the car.

"Mang Turing, I'll just get Sir's things."

"Sure, dear. I placed them on the back seat." the old man replied.

"Thank you." She opened the door.

"Sorry, I can't help you. My hands are dirty." Mang Turing apologized.

"It's okay; I can handle it." She took the attache case and closed the door. But her stiletto got stuck in a hole, causing her to lose balance and fall on the bricks that served as the garage floor. "Ouch!" she cried.

"What happened?" Monte approached her.

"It's nothing sir, i can manage.." she tried to stand up, but she was struggling.

"Can you stand and walk?" Monte checked.

"Ah..ye...yes sir.." but she fell again, hitting the bricks. Something hurts. She took off her shoes and saw that her left ankle was swollen.

"Are you that lame?" Monte frowned. "Let me help you." He lifted her as if she were made of paper and sat her on a bench by the pool. "You just arrived, and you're already in an accident? This is inconvenient."

She felt frustrated, as if she wanted this to happen. As if it were her fault. If he had just taken his things and transferred them to the car immediately, this wouldn't have happened. Her boss seemed lazy. She kept quiet while Monte massaged her foot. It hurt.

"Ah, sir, I'm okay now," she reassured him.

"Are you sure?" he asked, furrowing his brow and raising an eyebrow.

"Ye...yes sir..." she nodded slightly. She subtly pulled her foot, wearing the stiletto shoes.

"Why are those shoes that high? You are already tall. You don't need to wear something like that," he commented.

She chose not to respond. She stood up and adjusted her slightly wrinkled skirt. She walked towards the van, where Mang Turing was waiting for them.

"Are you okay now, Miss Ericka?" the old man asked.

"I'm okay now."

Shortly after, Monte got into the passenger seat on the other side.

"Let's go, Mang Turing," Monte said.

The old man started the car. She took out her tablet and opened it.

"Sir, you have a schedule today at 9 am with Mr. Amado from the trade groups of the company, 10:30 with Mr. Diaz from the glass factory, 12 noon lunch with your grandfather at Manila Hotel, 2:30 with Miss Almira Madrigal, and..."

"With what?" he interrupted with a furrowed brow.

"With Miss Almira, sir," she replied.

"And who the hell made that schedule?" he turned to her.

"Señor did, sir."

"Cancel that."

"But sir, you have reservations..."

"I don't care! Just cancel that stupid schedule!" he raised his voice.

"Aaaaah, o... okay," she set an alarm to remind her to cancel.

She picked up the company phone and called Almira.

"Yes? Who is this?"

"Ma'am, I'm from SM Corporation. Our CEO has rescheduled your meeting with him."

"What?!" she nearly went deaf from her loud voice.

"I'll just call you if there's an available slot."

F*ck!! tell him to....

She hung up. She didn't understand why Señor liked this woman, considering her squammy attitude. Monte's instruction was clear: don't entertain when someone speaks negatively, especially Almira.

"What did she say?" Monte asked.

"A lot," she replied. He understood what she meant.

"Mang Turing, let's drop by Monica's first," he commanded.

Monica was his friend who owned a boutique. She often designed their outfits for events.

"Do you have an appointment with Monica, sir?" she asked, knowing it wasn't on his schedule.

"I just need to pick something up," he answered.

The boutique was closed, but there were people inside. She saw a beautiful woman with her back turned. When the car stopped, Monte invited her.

"Mang Turing, wait here. Come, Ericka."

Though puzzled, she hurriedly got out of the car. She adjusted herself and walked with small steps. Monte opened the door and let her enter first.

"Monica," he called the woman.

"Oh, you're here," she approached and kissed him on the cheek. "Hi, Ericka."

"Hi, you seem to be getting more beautiful, especially after having children," Monica greeted her.

"Not too much, you know, marriage suits me well... Can you tell that I have three kids?" she chuckled.

"If I didn't know you, I would think you're a model," she replied with a smile.

"Stop that cheeky chitchat," Monte interrupted, "I might actually think you two had a relationship."

"Oh, and you're jealous already," Monica teased.

She noticed Monte giving her a stern look. The woman just shrugged and laughed, then turned to her.

"Why don't you get the message I sent you?" Monte said.

"Right away, sir," she saluted playfully.

Monica was one of Monte's close friends since she started working for him eight years ago. She was kind and good at giving fashion advice. She never made her feel like she was of lower status.

"Here it is," Monica handed her a shoebox.

Monte opened it-a pair of women's shoes. He handed it to her.

"Try it on," he ordered.

"Me, sir?" she pointed at herself.

"Yes, should I try it on? Of course, it's for you," he answered sarcastically.

She took the wedge-designed shoes with low heels. They fit. It felt like Cinderella trying on shoes.

"There, it suits you. I got the message that you need a pair of shoes.I knew our foot sizes match. I designed those," Monica happily explained.

"Is this for me?" she asked in amazement.

"Yes, pointed heels are hard to wear. There are many small holes outside the house," Monte explained.

"Let me pay for it, sir. "

"No, consider it as part of your bonus. Just keep it for events. But for the office, those are what you'll wear."

"Thank you, sir," she didn't refuse. She knew that if she argued, her boss get mad.

"How much is that?" Monte asked.

"Just 23,000 for you," the woman replied.

"Ha? Why is it so expensive?" Monte asked.

"Do you want it cheaper?" Monica replied.

"You're haggling with me again," Monte responded. "20,000 then?"

"You're really a businesdman! Fine, but in cash, okay?"

The man took out his wallet and counted the money-brand new bills.

"Oh," he handed the money to Monica.

"You seem unhappy about it," she snatched the money from Monte's hand. "Leave before you change your mind."

"Alright. Thanks," Monte left first.

"Thank you very much, Monica," she smiled.

"Thanks to you. I made a sale," Monica said with a grin and a wink.

Monte's car sped away, and he suddenly thought of checking the box. The packaging was beautiful, but his eyes widened at what he saw.

"That b*tch!!" he muttered, half-smiling.

"Why, sir?" she asked, puzzled.

"As usual, Monica fooled me again, look," there was a price tag on the side.

His eyes widened, and he burst into laughter. 15,500 pesos..

POV: Ericka

They were immediately greeted by other assistants outside the building. Everyone greeted them as they passed by. Many were in line for the elevator, but they used it first. No one attempted to join them and the two male assistants. Their office is on the 26th floor. Monte resides in the penthouse, but he was sent back home for an unknown reason.

The door opened, and there were few employees on that floor because Monte disliked crowds. The cubicles had ample space, with cabinets on each side.

They stood up when they arrived.

"Good morning, Sir, good morning, Ma'am," they greeted.

She smiled and nodded to them while Monte maintain a focused gaze alongside the other assistant. They reached the door, and nearby was Marie's cubicle, her secretary. She was at her desk.

"Good morning, Sir, good morning, Ma'am."

"Good morning, Miss Marie, could you please bring the files I assigned to you?" she asked.

"Okay, Ma'am," she smiled.

She was affectionate with her colleagues, unlike other supervisors and managers who seemed to inherit the company when giving orders. That's why she was more requested for organizing team building and events. She wasn't bossy.

The two assistants placed their belongings on the side. Monte arranged for a designated area for their bags, keeping it within reach.

"We'll be leaving now, Sir, Ma'am," they said.

"Thank you very much," she replied. "I'll just call you later if we need anything."

She took his seat at the table. All the cabinets were on the side, creating an open space in the office. There was a sofa and a center table inside for visitors. The blinds on the glass wall were always raised, allowing a view outside. It felt like they were perched on the sky due to the height of the building they were in.

She began working, and there was no conversation between her and Monte. Suddenly, her smartwatch alarmed, breaking the silence in the cool office.

She stood up and retrieved files from the cabinet. Approaching Monte, who was adjusting his collar, she helped him button his coat and fixing his tie.

"Mr. Amado is already in the conference room, sir."

"Did they offer refreshments?"

"Yes, sir. I discussed it with Marie yesterday."

"Okay, let's go!"

She carried Monte's briefcase, opened the door, and closed it behind them. Marie stood up and followed. The two assistants greeted them and brought their belongings. The conference room was on the 10th floor. Upon opening the elevator, they were surprised by a beautiful woman wearing a clinging outfit-a low-cut halter dress that reached mid-thigh. Her hair was curly, and her lips were a vivid shade of red.

"Baby," she immediately greeted, kissing Monte on the lips.

"What are you doing here?" the man asked.

"I miss you. It seems like you're avoiding me," she said, sweetly.

They didn't enter the elevator because of this woman.

"Miss Ericka, the meeting is recorded. Can you take Almira to my office?"

"But sir, we have two meetings today," she protested. She didn't want to accompany her. This woman was arrogant and felt entitled to everything.

"It's okay. I'll take care of that. Marie, go with your boss."

"Yes, sir," her secretary replied.

The elevator opened, and Monte boarded with their assistants.

"This way, Miss Almira," she said unenthusiastically.

"You're quite now, Ericka. You even have a secretary," the woman sneered.

She ignored the taunt. This woman was a literal bully. "I remember when you were still a popper fish, and your skin was so dark. But now, you're so fair. Did you bleach?"

"Ah, Miss Almira, please don't..." Marie couldn't continue as she was interrupted.

"Shut up! I'm not talking to you. Is that the manner you learned from this girl? When people are talking, don't let the dog interfere," she rudely replied. "Oops... I guess I'm the only human here."

She gestured for Marie not to respond. She opened the door, letting the woman in.

"Miss Marie, I will call you if we need anything."

"Yes, ma'am," Marie replied.

She opened the door and ushered in Almira.

"Care for coffee or juice?" she asked Almira, indicating a seat.

"Ice coffee," she replied, taking a seat and crossing her legs. Only then did she notice how short her attire was.

She walked to the table with the intercom. Pressing number 2, Marie's line.

"Miss Marie, kindly ask Miss Beatrice to send over some ice coffee for Miss Madrigal."

Is it the same as before, ma'am?

"Yes, please," she said, ending the call. "Feel free to look around. I just have some things to attend to."

"You know what?" the woman stood up. "I wonder why you still work with San Miguel's when there are many companies eager to hire you, right?"

"Pardon?" she furrowed her brow at the comment.

"Don't get mad. I'm just asking. You're smart, Ericka, but your life seems to revolve only around this company. How will you ever find a boyfriend that way?"

"Do you know the meaning of the term 'gratitude,' Almira?"

"Of course!"

"So, you should know why I'm here."

"I feel like you're using that 'gratitude' as an excuse to get close to Monte!" she retorted dramatically.

"And why would I do that?"

"I know you like him. Montana told me. That's why you chose him to escort you on your debut. But anyway, your plan did not work because he chose me."

"Why?"

"I told him I was sick," she said, smiling.

Ericka gave her a blank expression, unsure of what to think or feel.

"And?"

"What 'and'? I ruined your plan."

"The past is past. I can't move forward if I keep dwelling on the past. Let me tell you this, Almira, if you base your life on a bitter past, you won't have a bright future ahead. What happened back then was a small thing. I've forgotten it. You're still holding on to it. Is it so hard for you to be kind to people who are beneath you and to let go of the past? Yes, you're beautiful, wealthy, educated, but manners? That's free, you just need to apply it, which you still haven't done."

"You're really bold now," Almira scoffed. "What are you proud of? Being slaves to Monte?"

"Slaves indeed, but at least I'm living under the same roof with him," she teased.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm living with them again."

"What?" Almira's eyes widened in shock.