The CEO's Assistant

My grandmother has worked for Valencia Enterprises since as far back as I can remember. I grew up surrounded by fabrics and sewing. In fact, my main dream since I was a little girl was to become a prestigious fashion designer, but life had different plans for me. From a very young age, I learned to seize every opportunity that life gave me. So, when my grandmother told me that one of her bosses would sponsor my studies, I didn't hesitate to take the opportunity. Mr. Aníbal Valencia had a great affection for my grandmother because she had worked for several years in the company.

From the beginning, I was subjected to constant humiliations from my schoolmates because it was evident that I didn't belong to their social circle. However, I didn't care; I was focused on studying and getting my grandmother out of work. I wish I had never deviated from my goals, but I did. I had the misfortune of crossing paths with the Valencia cousins, the heirs to the number one company in the fashion sector. Both cousins were like day and night; one was arrogant, egocentric, and apathetic, while the other radiated light, transparency, and warmth. However, appearances can be deceiving.

For years, I was in love with Diego Valencia. I considered him the most handsome and perfect boy, but all I received from him was contempt. He repeated to me day and night that he would never stoop to date someone like me. However, despite his humiliations, Diego is not the owner of my disgust and hatred. To have someone mistreat and humiliate you constantly hurts, but to have someone treat you with affection, let you think you are the most important thing in their life, and then shatter your heart. That kills you.

Fernando Valencia cruelly and painfully murdered me. First, he feigned friendship and affection to win my heart, only to then ruthlessly destroy me. Cruelty and malice are the words that define him, the words that define the man who bet my virginity with his cousin and friends and then, after winning it, abandoned me without caring about anything, not even thinking for a second about our son. I can't understand how I could have been so wrong about him. When I discovered his deceit, I couldn't bear so much pain and decided to end my life. At that moment, I couldn't see any other way out. I found out that everything was a deception and that the only person who had given me love in my life was only pretending to win a car, that's what I was worth, a car.

However, I didn't achieve my goal, and I was rescued by my uncle. Fortunately, my cuts were not deep. The doctors, besides saving my life, restored my desire to live it because they informed me that I was pregnant. When my grandmother realized the situation, she was furious. I was only sixteen and expecting a child, and Fernando and I were never official. No one knew about us. That's why my grandmother considered me an easy woman. She proposed two options to me, the first was to get rid of the child, and the second was to give him up for adoption. I was practically a child and didn't have too many options. I didn't have a job, I hadn't finished my studies, and I didn't even have a family to turn to because the only ones I had in the world were my grandmother and my uncle, and they were both furious with me.

As a last resort, I wrote an email to Fernando confessing everything, but he replied that I should have an abortion and that surely the child wasn't his. I felt alone in the world, but I had made a decision: my child would be born, regardless of my grandmother or that coward. With a heavy heart, I gave him up for adoption to my uncle. My son became my cousin; they didn't even allow me to breastfeed him in the first days. They snatched him from my arms without any consideration. There is no greater pain than hearing another woman being called "mom" and that woman not even loving him, not taking care of him as I would.

Seven painful years have passed since Aaron's birth, but I am no longer the same. I am no longer a girl; now I am a woman. I finished my degree in Business Administration and I am determined to get him back. I need to show that I can provide economic stability for him, and for that, I started working at the Galván & Valencia company. I am the personal assistant to Diego Valencia, the guy who humiliated me and started the bet. I know it will be hell to work with him because he hates me for some reason I don't understand, but I wouldn't mind subjecting myself to the worst humiliations; I would do anything for him.

First chapter

Today is my first day as Diego Valencia's personal assistant. The CEO of the country's most important textile company. Today marks the beginning of the journey that my life will become.

For several years, I worked as a seamstress to pay for my university education. From a very young age, I witnessed my grandmother's work, which is why I know every part of the process of fabric selection and sales.

I tried to find a position related to my career in various companies, but they were looking for experienced women. That's why I'm grateful for the opportunity Mr. Aníbal is giving me. Being the CEO's assistant and moving up the ranks means a lot to me. I almost cried when Mr. Valencia informed me about it.

It signifies the possibility of getting my son back and giving him the life he deserves. If I prove that I can hold a stable job and hire a good lawyer, I'm confident I could regain custody of my little one.

Diego has slept with several of his secretaries and has caused many problems, especially with Mariana, who is his fiancée and the daughter of one of Mr. Edward Galván's main business partners.

I suppose these circumstances are related to my hiring because it's no secret that Diego despises me. He hates me, and I would be the last person he'd be interested in. That's why I'm the perfect fit to be his assistant.

Honestly, I don't put too much effort into my appearance. I don't want to draw attention to myself, so I hide my brown eyes behind large glasses, I have a slender body, and my hair is curly. Although I don't have a great body to show off, I'm quite thin and unremarkable, very different from the models who work here.

When I arrived at my workstation, I noticed that Diego's former secretary was packing up her belongings. The red-haired woman with a deep gaze looks at me as if she wants to kill me.

Verónica assumed that despite the changes the company underwent when Diego was appointed CEO, she would remain in her position as personal assistant. Before handing over the position to his son, Mr. Aníbal's only condition was that he would choose his secretary.

"You won't last long, eyesore," he warns me before walking away.

"We'll see about that," I murmured to myself and then focused my gaze on a blonde woman with a bright smile, proceeding to introduce myself, "Good morning, I'm Belinda Uriarte."

"Good morning, I'm Cielo, Mr. Ariel's secretary," she returns the smile.

Ariel is Diego's right-hand man. His one and best friend, he also holds an important position in the company.

"Do you know if Mr. Valencia has arrived at the company?" I inquire, uncertain.

"Fernando or Diego?" she asks, puzzled.

I roll my eyes, hearing that name burns inside me" Diego.

"Mr. Diego is always an hour late. I was his secretary for some time," she clarifies, "I know his background. He's usually very kind, but sometimes has a complicated personality."

I nod. "Yes, I know Diego quite well."

"He prefers bitter coffee and cookies with chocolate chips. You'll find his favorite lunch at the Real restaurant," she informs me, and I take notes in my small agenda, "Be discreet and efficient with him, or you won't keep the job."

"Thank you very much, Cielo."

I settle my belongings in my place, and as the hour Cielo indicated passes, Diego arrives, holding onto the arm of his fiancée.

Mariana is very beautiful, her hair is golden, and her eyes are blue. Her blue reminds me too much of her brother. I hate that they resemble each other so much because I'll have to see her every day, and it would be like seeing him.

When we were children, she was my friend. However, during adolescence, she changed completely towards me, and now she hates me. I never understood her drastic change in attitude, and I won't deny that it still hurts me to this day.

The company is divided between two main partners: Aníbal Valencia, Diego's father, and Edward Galván, Mariana's father.

Aníbal only had two children: the little Megan, who is the same age as my sunshine, seven years old, and Diego, his firstborn and only son, who will therefore inherit most of his businesses.

Aníbal also had an older brother who was Fernando's father, but he died several years ago when his son was a baby.

Not long after her husband's death, Olga, Fernando's mother, married Edward Galván, his partner, and two years later Mariana came into this world.

That's why Fernando and Diego are cousins and brothers-in-law at the same time.

I don't consider it bad because Diego and Mariana don't share blood ties, but it's strange to me. I think their marriage is an agreement between both families to secure the future of the company.

I waited patiently for the couple to finish their kiss and then followed Diego to his office.

"Mr. Valencia, good morning, would you like me to order your breakfast?" I inquire, focusing my gaze on his, but he's engrossed in his phone, his green eyes scanning.

Diego is handsome, however, he uses his looks and power to deceive and mock women. I'll never fall for a man from his family again; that's why I see him only as my boss, someone I need to please, or he'll fire me.

"Mr. Valencia," I reply, raising my voice.

"Don't get comfortable, Eyesore, you won't last long," he responds curtly without looking at me.

"Could you please give me your personal agenda? I need to manage it," I requested, ignoring the threats. "If you need anything else, I'm at your service."

He doesn't respond, and I leave the office. The rest of the day, I dedicated myself to inputting his schedule into my computer and taking calls on his behalf. Besides investors, several women, whom I assume are his lovers, have called.

"Good morning, Belinda, congratulations on the promotion," Ariel Cisneros greets me with a smile before entering Diego's office.

"Thank you very much," I nod.

I've known Ariel since childhood and we shared some classes. He's Diego's best friend and was, of course, part of the bet. They're similar in personality; with beautiful women, they're flirtatious and cynical. The difference with Ariel is that he's kind to me and doesn't have a hefty bank account.

His parents lost everything due to a fraud some time ago, which complicated their financial situation.

"Do you need something?" I inquire upon entering the office; he called me a few minutes ago.

"Yes or I wouldn't have called you, Eyesore," he replies mockingly.

"Her name is Belinda," Ariel reminds him.

"She's far from pretty," he comments to his friend, completely ignoring my presence. I feel completely invisible to him.

"What do you need?" I retort with the little patience I have left.

"To disappear from the face of the earth, but you won't, employee," he taunts and hands me a paper, "Go to this restaurant and get my favorite lunch."

"But it's on the other side of the city," I exclaim incredulously.

"I didn't ask you. It's a pity, but you won't have time for lunch. Although now that I think about it, a few extra pounds wouldn't hurt. Do you want to order something, Ariel?" he asks his friend.

Ariel shakes his head; I can see pity in the way he looks at me.

I don't care what I have to do, I won't give up. I would do anything for him, for my sunshine. I'm aware that this is just the beginning of Diego's humiliations, but I'm stronger than he thinks.

Fortunately, the company messenger had some errands in the city and agreed to take me to the restaurant. There, I bought the lunch and charged it to Diego's account since he didn't give me any money.

The driver kindly took me back to the company. He went on with his duties, and I headed to the elevator. I was in a rush because of the traffic, and I knew I would be late.

I was about to enter the elevator when someone exiting pushed me, and I fell to the ground. I don't mind hurting myself, but my bad luck struck, and the lunch was ruined.

"I'm sorry," he extends his hand toward me, but I refuse and stand up on my own.

I lock my gaze onto his, disguising that my heart is about to leap out of my chest.

I hate that after all these years, this despicable being can still affect me like this. I should hate him with all my soul, not tremble in his presence.

I know for a fact that he returned to the country several months ago, but I had the good fortune of not crossing paths with Fernando Valencia.

He looks at me so sweetly that I risk forgetting all the damage his contempt caused me. It's incredible that behind a man who appears angelic, the very demon hides.

I picked up the order from the floor and tried to salvage it, but it's pointless now because the food has gone bad, and I don't have the money or time to buy another lunch. I'm sure Diego will be very angry.

"I didn't see you, Bell..." he apologizes.

"Don't say anything, Mr. Valencia," I plead without even looking at him. I'm making a huge effort not to shout at him everything he deserves.

I never thought I'd see him again after what happened and that he'd have the audacity to speak to me as if nothing had happened. He's the king of deceit.

"My cousin will be angry with me because of you, and he'll fire me," I reproach him angrily.

"Diego won't fire you over a lunch mishap. Tell him it's my fault, and I'll have one of the employees..."

I shook my head, not allowing him to continue. I don't want to hear any of his lies. I'm making a superhuman effort to restrain myself and not spit out my hatred.

"I'll fix it," I respond expressionless.

"I didn't know you worked in this area. It will be lovely to see such a pretty face like yours every day. How long have you been working here?"

"That's none of your concern, sir."

"You're mistaken, I'm interested in everything about you, Bell. And please, don't call me 'sir'."

"I can't address you in any other way because you're one of my bosses. Otherwise, I wouldn't even speak to you, sir," I reply coldly.

"Do you hate me that much?"

"You have no idea how much."

"Fer!" Mariana exclaims as she approaches her brother and greets him with a hug. They've always had a very strong relationship.

"What's this mess?" he snaps, giving me a stern look.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Mariana, I'll clean it up," I respond, shrugging my shoulders.

"I bumped into her," Fernando admits.

"Of course, you'd bump into her, she's a nuisance," Mariana laughs mockingly. "Let's go have lunch, Diego's busy, and you can't leave your spoiled little sister alone."

"Of course not," he responds before walking away with her, not without giving me a glance.

Fernando left, and I locked myself in the bathroom, releasing the tears I had held back. Seeing him brought back every memory of what happened. His words of love, his kisses, and his caresses, the way he made me feel like I was flying. But of course, I also remembered how miserable I felt when I heard from his own lips that it was all a game.

In my mind, his words are drilled when I overheard that conversation I should've never heard; he was bragging to his friends that he won the bet and that it was a big sacrifice to sleep with me.

"I ordered chicken, not empanadas," Diego snaps, annoyed at his lunch.

"I had an accident, and your lunch fell, so I'm giving you mine. My grandmother made it. When he was little, he loved her empanadas," I reminded him.

"When he was little, not now," he exclaims.

"Alright, should I take them then?"

"Just go, I need you to translate the file I sent you in the email."

"Yes, sir," I nodded.

The rest of the day, I focused on doing the work, but I couldn't finish it due to lack of time.

***

When I got home, I noticed my aunt and uncle having dinner with my grandmother. I'm exhausted, but I'll still stay for dinner because what I want most is to see my little sunshine. It's been over a week since I last saw him, and I already missed him. If it were up to me, I wouldn't leave him for a second.

José Luis is like the father I never had. He was my mother's only brother and the only father figure I've had. As for Graciela, she's a very special woman, perfectionist, snobbish, and grumpy. She's not the loving mother I'd wish for my son, but I have no alternative.

I headed to the garden and watched him play with his toy cars. He turned to look at me, drawing a smile on his face, dimples forming on his angelic cheeks. I love every part of him"his wavy brown hair, his smile, his little voice, and his gaze"although it resembles that jerk's.

My little sunshine has nothing to do with that jerk.

"Belly!" he yells before hugging my legs. I lift him up and plant several kisses on his cheeks.

"My little sunshine, how are you?"

"Hungry," he answers simply.

"The food will be ready soon, my love."

"But I want to eat now," he gives me puppy eyes, and I adore that shade of blue.

I spent time playing tag with Aaron in the garden. He's not the kind of kid who wants to spend the whole day on a cellphone; he's active, or rather, hyperactive. He loves playing soccer, video games, and outdoor activities.

My grandmother says my uncle and mom were like that when they were kids, so being clumsy is a family trait. When I finally caught him, I smothered him with kisses and tickles, making him laugh.

"Not fair!" he exclaims.

"I won, so I can give you all the kisses I want, my little sunshine. But tell me, how was school?"

"Bad."

"If someone bothers you, they'll have to deal with me."

He shakes his head. "It's not a kid."

"You're bothered by a girl?" I ask, incredulous.

"She doesn't want to be my girlfriend," he replies sadly.

I laugh heartily. "You're too little for those things. When you're older, you'll have all the girls at your feet, my handsome boy."

"Belinda, Aaron!" my uncle calls.

I carry Aaron in my arms, and we go to wash his hands before heading to the table. My aunt, uncle, and grandmother are already gathered there.

"I love that we're all together," my grandmother exclaims.

"Me too, Mom. And how was your first day at work, Bell?" my uncle asks.

"Very good. Mr. Diego is lovely, treats me very well." I blatantly lied because if my uncle knows the truth, he might confront him.

"I'm glad," my grandmother says. "Diego and Fernando have been such sweet boys since they were little. I still remember when they used to run around the company."

"Of course, Grandma," I internally roll my eyes.

"Aaron, you got messy!" Graciela scolds, seeing him covered in sauce.

"He's a kid covered in sauce," I laugh as I wipe his face with a napkin.

"It's not funny, Belinda!" she exclaims, annoyed.

"You're right, Graciela, but he's little," I remind her, making a big effort not to shout at her what she deserves.

"Let's not start like every day," my uncle requests.

My fights with my aunt are an everyday affair; I endure her only for my uncle and Aaron"I couldn't live without them.

I'm annoyed by how little patience she has with my little sunshine. I'm a calm person, but if someone messes with my son, I'm capable of anything, even killing. I made a huge sacrifice for him to have a happy life, and I won't allow that woman to mistreat him.

It's been two weeks since I became Diego's assistant. Every day with him has become a new ordeal. He only pretends when his father is around, but I know he despises me.

He hasn't stopped repeating that I only inspire disgust in him"those were the words my father used before he left. It hurts, it burns to hear them. It seems to be my destiny to be despised by men, but I don't care. The only man I'm interested in is my son; no one else.

I'm gathered with Cielo and another secretary, an older woman who was a friend of my grandmother's when she worked at the company. We're having lunch at the cafeteria across from the company.

"It's a shame Maria couldn't join us for lunch. Mrs. Mariana has her overwhelmed with wedding preparations."

"Maria is Fernando's secretary," I reminded them.

"Yes, but she helps Mariana because her secretary is useless. That woman only spends her time showing off her legs to the lawyers, especially Diego."

I didn't imagine they were informed about Diego and Mariana's relationship. That poor woman has no idea that her fiancé and her best friend are deceiving her.

"I imagine it must be very nice to get married in love," I commented.

"She's in love, but he's not," Cielo informs me. It seems they are well informed about the executives' lives.

"Cielo," Mrs. Nélida scolds her.

"It's the truth, Diego cheats on her with any woman wearing a skirt, right, Belinda?"

"I don't know."

Actually, I do know because I've witnessed Diego's nighttime escapades. I've even heard moans in the office, and afterward, one of the receptionists comes out. But if I confirm the rumors, I could get into trouble.

"You should have been here ten minutes ago!" Diego grumbles when he sees me entering the office.

"The lunch break is one hour according to the statutes," I reminded him.

"You'll be wrong soon, Belinda," he warns me without any expression on his face.

"I know he doesn't like me, but he has no choice; he'll have to tolerate me until my trial month is over."

"I already offered you to resign so you can avoid these problems."

"I know you wouldn't understand the word 'need.' You've always had everything without effort, but my life is very different. I have to take care of my grandmother and... "

"Of whom?" he asks, confused.

"It doesn't make sense to talk about this, sir."

"Diego!" Mariana enters the office, slamming the door, accompanied by her brother.

"Please tell me it's not true," she begs, sobbing.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he feigns confusion.

"Don't deny it, Diego. I saw you last night with a girl entering a motel," Fernando declares.

"You need glasses, little Fernando," he mocks and then focuses on his girlfriend. "Mari, my love, you can't believe your brother more than me. You know he's hated me since I won the presidency against him."

"You're an idiot, Diego. Even if you're my cousin, I won't let a liar like you deceive my sister," Fernando growls, annoyed.

I chuckle inside because Fernando should bite his tongue before speaking of deceit.

"I don't want to argue in front of the employees," Mariana glances at me. This woman is incredible because no matter how hurt she is, she never stops humiliating me.

"I don't mean to intrude, licenciados, but Licenciado Diego was with me last night," I interject, capturing the attention of all three.

Mariana asked me to join them in Diego's office. Fernando shoots me murderous looks, and Diego gazes at me in a very peculiar way, without a hint of hate. He knows that at this moment, I hold the power to destroy or save him.

"You don't need to lie, Belinda," Fernando asserts.

"I'm not lying, Licenciado Fernando. We stayed working on the new project until late, and he dropped me off at my house around..."

"Midnight," Diego completes my sentence. "Then I went to my apartment."

"Please," Fer rolls his eyes. "You're not considerate with your employees, and even less so with Belinda. You can't stand her. You're probably forcing her to lie."

"We're getting along much better. I've found that Belinda is very efficient and intelligent," Diego praises me.

"Please promise me you were with her, my love," Mariana pleads, tears streaming down her face.

"I promise you. You know I decided to change, and I'd never deceive you," he hugs her and plants a kiss on her forehead.

Fernando slams the door and then leaves. I couldn't contain my laughter as I exited the office.

Cielo tried to extract information from me about my meeting with the executives, but I didn't let a word slip. I'm aware that if they discover my lies, they might fire me, but I couldn't contain myself, and it was an excellent move to score points with my boss.

Furthermore, I don't care if they're cheating on Mariana and she's living a lie. It's the least she deserves after the humiliations she's subjected me to. And let's not even mention Fernando, who has earned my disdain through and through.

When I finished my tasks, I headed back to Diego's office because he requested to see me before I left. I noticed he's sitting at his desk, looking me up and down as usual. I must admit he manages to make me nervous.

"Continue, Belinda," it's the first time he's addressed me by my name in years.

Diego wasn't always a jerk. When we were kids, we had a sort of friendship. I used to play with Fernando and him here at the company because my grandmother couldn't watch over me, so she brought me along. However, as we grew up, he turned into an arrogant and condescending person, treating others as if they were beneath him.

"What are you aiming at, Belinda? Why did you lie?" he inquires coldly.

"You wouldn't guess," I reply ironically.

"I suppose a woman like you must be very sexually repressed. Tell me, how long has it been since you've been with a man?"

I chuckle and shake my head. "I'm not in need of your services, sir."

"Do you actually think I'm a prostitute?" he asks, indignant.

"All I want is to work in peace, to continue being your secretary. If you respect me, I'll do the same," I assure him.

"If I don't, will you tell the truth to Mariana?"

"I'd come off as a liar if I tell her or Mr. Fernando."

"Don't mention that idiot!" he exclaims, annoyed.

"During these two weeks, I've heard and seen many things. However, I've never said anything, sir. I believe it's much more beneficial for you to have me as your secretary. Mrs. Mariana wouldn't see me as a rival, so there'd be no scenes of jealousy, remember what happened last week?"

Last week, Diego was chatting with an executive, and Mrs. Mariana caused a huge scene, almost ruining an important deal.

"I suppose you're right," he says hesitantly.

"I know I'm not the most beautiful or presentable woman, but I promise I'll give my best effort because I truly need this job."

"If you need something for Doña Matilde, let me know," he offers. For the first time in his life, he behaves kindly.

"I appreciate that, Licenciado, but it's not necessary. I'll think about it. The trial month will be up soon."

"If you remain just as efficient, you'll stay, Belinda. Now you can leave."

I think it's an excellent strategy. It's in my best interest to have Diego as an ally instead of an enemy. Of course, I don't tolerate him, but I need him close. I might even be capable of pretending I like him when I actually despise him, just like I do with his cousin, his fiancée, and every member of his family.

I don't like to generalize, but all the wealthy people I've met behave the same way"humiliating others. It wouldn't be bad to teach him a lesson to deflate his ego, but for now, I have to fake a smile and kindness.

I have to become his right hand, and if possible, his friend.

What could possibly go wrong?