The Devil's Secretary

Everyone sat stiffly on their seats. Tensed and scared.

My hands started sweating, but I kept myself composed as I sat behind the boss that was now making everyone tremble in their seats.

I looked in front, seeing one of our employees almost crying as he stood in front of the boardroom. Poor Allan.

"Did you think about this properly, Mr. Smith?" Mr. Troy Sanford, the CEO of the biggest, fast-rising group of companies in the industry, pierced his bright brown eyes at Allan who had just finished his marketing presentation.

The boss sat firmly on his seat at the head of the long table in the boardroom. And even in his sitting form, he looked big and tall. Intimidating. Most especially with those striking eyes.

I couldn't help but grimace at the situation. The devil is showing up again.

"I want all of this redone." Sir Troy suddenly announced that garnered collective gasps around the room.

Yup. Like I said, the devil is on the rise.

"B-But, Sir. W-we only have 2 weeks before the launching-" Allan started protesting, sweat trickling down his forehead and cheek despite the air conditioning in the room. But the boss cut him off with that rich, and deep commanding voice of his.

"I gave you and your team 6 months to think about this, and yet you gave me a presentation that even a middle schooler could pull off. Do you think this is a kid's play?" The entire room fell silent altogether at how icy the boss's voice was.

Allan swallowed, seeing how serious Mr. Sanford was. Even I, who wasn't in his direct line of vision got the chills.

"Two weeks won't be much of a difference, considering your incompetence." Blossoms of red flush crept on some of the employees faces at the boss's harsh words. Both in shame and anger.

I grimaced. That was real harsh and shameless of him to say. But what do I expect? He's not called the devil for nothing.

"With all due respect, Sir,"

We all turned to Ria, one of Allan's team members, when she suddenly spoke. It was evident in her face how she was getting mad. But still, she should know better than interrupting the boss.

I shook my head. I just know she'd regret this later.

"We've worked our brains so much for this. We worked hard for this launching-" she emphasized each of her words, but Sir Troy cut her off.

He stood up from his seat, towering over everyone like the boss that he was. I started standing up either.

"Then show me the workings of that brain. Let your presentation show the efforts you've made. Not this low-quality output that you've worked so hard on."

And like I said, Ria had nothing to say after that. She couldn't, when she knows she can't speak her way through the boss's high standard.

Mr. Sanford's piercing brown eyes watched everyone in the room. "I don't want to see incompetence in my business. If you continue wasting my time, consider wasting your time in another place."

The room went icy silent at the threat in his voice. No one dared speaking again. The man knows many people want a spot in his company, so firing people isn't much of a bad thing for him.

"Adjourned," he said and immediately strutted out of the room. I quickly followed behind him, my heels clicking on the floor.

The boss had already exited the room when I heard the people in the room start murmuring. "How can he do this to us? Is he insane?"

"What a freaking devil!"

I could only sigh and continue following the boss that had already opened his personal elevator towards his office. I got inside as quickly as I could. The tension in my body is still not getting out of my system.

I have my own reason. I need to tell him something today. Great. I could have picked another time, but I can't. Not when I already told him I'd do this today.

"Sir," I spoke amid the silence in the elevator with just the two of us.

"Lia," the boss called as an acknowledgement, but I couldn't help the chills running around my body at how he said my name.

He's never one to call everybody with their first names. For professional formalities, he uses surnames all the time. But I guess I'm an exemption. After all, I've been his secretary for quite a while now.

And it's probably just because of the echo around the enclosed elevator that made his voice sound more... intense.

I swallowed and took a deep breath, composing myself.

"I mentioned about telling you something important today." He nodded.

I let out the breath I was holding. Here goes nothing.

"Sir, I am resigning. I have already made the necessary documents for my exit, but rest assured that I will not get out of office without training the person who will be your next assistant," I said, immediately adding the last sentence to iron out any creases that might hinder his organized work and schedule.

I waited for the boss to say anything or give a reaction, but even as the elevator finally opened to his office floor, he just stood in front of me, not even moving an inch.

"Sir?" I asked, curious. But what he did next was something I did not expect.

He turned around and stared at me. I met his intense eyes, feeling like seeing liquid gold around his orbs.

I stepped back when Sir Troy suddenly came closer, towering over my smaller figure.

I was never close with the boss even after five and a half years working with him-at least not on a personal level-so having him this physically close was something I wasn't used to.

"You're not leaving, Lia," he said with the most serious look and voice I've heard of him. I swallowed, suddenly assaulted by his presence.

"You're staying with me."

I heard bad hair days were a bad omen.

My girl friend Freda said that, and she's a hairstylist, so that may explain why she's made that statement. But since almost every day of my existence has been a 'bad hair day' (more like bad hair years. Except maybe when Freda finally convinced me to at least get my hair rebonded to avoid the usual messy dry-curls I was having), yet I was still able to keep my life together (barely), I might say that this day is just another day of my usual bad hair day mornings.

"Ow!" I groaned as I combed my hair in place. I looked at my watch and my eyes immediately widened when I saw it was just a minute before the boss came.

"Rachel!" I called one of my colleagues, seeing her walking by the hallway almost in a rush. Before I could even ask for her report, she said.

"He's here! He's in the elevator!" She whisper-shouted that and ran to her office. I chuckled. Before she got out of the place, she once again did that whisper-shout thing, "I promise I'll give you the report before lunch!"

"Tell that to the boss, Rach!" She groaned with my reply. She knows the boss does not like late reports, or anything late at that matter. And as his little secretary, I am here as the messenger between his wrath and the poor employees that have to deal with it.

"I don't know how you endure him, Lia. You're a monster." I heard her still groaning voice as she faded in the distance. I smoothed my hair down again, making sure the pins were secured as I spoke.

"Yeah, with this hair, I surely am." I mumbled to myself, knowing she wouldn't hear anymore. I continued straightening the strands of my hair, until I heard the elevator open.

"Lia," I immediately stood up straight when I heard that rich, deep and very familiar voice. If I didn't know who the owner of that velvety voice was, I'd probably drool over it. But knowing the man, drooling wasn't an option. Crying was one.

Over the years of knowing him, I realized that the impact of his voice is exactly what I want in an alarm clock. You'd totally get up and get out of the bed just to make it shut up.

"Good morning, Mr. Sanford." I plastered the most professional smile I could pull on my face, making sure I looked vibrant as the morning sun. The boss just stared at me with an emotionless face.

I didn't mind the look on his face and took the still hot cup of coffee on my table and glanced at my watch.

As usual, the boss is still right on the dot.

"Here's your coffee, Sir." Mr. Sanford, although just in his late twenties, looked as serious as any veteran in business. Stern, cold, formal, and every other adjective that could possibly describe a stone.

Although, some would fancy calling him a Greek statue. Well, the thing is still made of stone. So... anyway.

"Thank you," I widened my smile as he spoke, basically grinning at him, when he took the coffee. I saw how his eyes briefly flashed in curiosity with my smile, but it immediately went away.

As usual, he covers every emotion in his face with that 'business-as-usual' face. I shrugged.

"Run me through every schedule I have today." I nodded. I took my tablet, ready for the task. Well, I've done this for the last 5 years of my life.

Mr. Troy Sanford, in his gloriously crisp black suit that I knew very well since I was the one who bought it with his other personal assistant, Bran, walked his way to his wide office. I followed through as fast as I could with his big steps. Geez, the man had long legs with his 6 foot 2 inches height.

The boss sat on his swivel chair and immediately took one of the folders piled neatly on his desk. In fact, everything in his office is very neat and organized.

Through the years, I have learned to be organized, but Sir Troy is on another level of organization and clean. Sanford Properties Inc. wouldn't be as big and successful if he wasn't an OC anyway.

"Begin," Sir Troy said without even glancing at me. I still smiled widely and started reading his schedule from my tablet.

"You will have a meeting with the investors at 9 to 9:30 AM, Sir. Next would be with the team of contractors for the on-going projects on the expansion of S Malls at 9:45 to 10:25. Next meeting will be about the Christmas event with the other executives in the boardroom at 11 AM... " blah blah blah. I ran through his schedule like it was my monologue for another 5 minutes, until I finished.

"That would be all for today, Sir-and, oh!" I said, almost forgetting about the newly added schedule for today's already jam-packed set.

"The lunch meeting with Mr. Peterson and his daughter were scheduled today, so I inserted it during your lunch time, Sir."

Mr. Troy Sanford finally looked up at me, and I was met with his intense, bright brown eyes that perfectly matched that dark blonde hair he has. If only I hadn't worked for this man for most of my professional life, and I haven't gotten an immunization with his looks, I swear I could have passed out or ran out of this room this instant.

His eyes look like it could glow sometimes. Most especially if he gets real angry. Like a wolf. Woof! Woof!- Alright, stop.

But I plastered the biggest smile I could give, like I usually do. It definitely works like a charm. I could make myself believe there's nothing scary about being with the scariest person to be working with in the business, and a secretary at that! There's nothing scary, really.

Fake it 'till you make it!

And I'd like to set a mood in this gloomy office. Nothing is worse than an office that couldn't pass the vibe check.

I continued on with my report with a smile, putting my tablet down on my side. "I will be waiting here in the office for your scheduled interview with the media regarding your cover..."

"Come with me."

"...magazine-w-what? I will?" I stared up at him. Sir Troy's eyes were already on the paper he was holding after he spoke. But he looked up at me again. And with that no-sh*t-Sherlock face of his, he repeated.

"You are coming with me." I started fidgeting as he continued silently on his reading after saying that, as if he wasn't reading about major problems he had to deal with a multi-billion dollar company, and as if he just didn't tell me I was going to what basically was a 'meet the parents' type of thing with his girlfriend. What the!

"Uhmm, but Sir..." I started, but he continued reading the sales report from last month. I tapped on my tablet that I was now cradling with my other hand. "That might be... a little private. Would bringing your secretary be fine? Wouldn't Miss Annika mind?"

Sir Troy finally took his eyes from those papers. I know it must be hard, since that would be his own version of love letters. But he has to hear me out on this!

Miss Annika Peterson has been his girlfriend-fling, or whatever they are-for months now. She has become the longest reigning lady of the Sanford empire in four months. Yup. Four months, and that's a record! In my five-almost six years of working with the boss, I've never given a bouquet of flowers twice for a single girl. Annika Peterson was the first. And Sir Troy might have dated some celebrities here and there, but Miss Annika is probably the most important figure he has ever dated.

She's the daughter of Mr. Samuel Peterson, the owner of the biggest real estate business in the country. And having that connection with him would be very beneficial for Sanford Properties Inc. It could extend the company further-which is what the company's goal has always been.

So, having Miss Annika as his official girlfriend-as awful as it might sound-is one way of getting what exactly he wants for his company. And so I don't understand why he has to ruin it by making me come with him!

"Do you not want to come with me, Lia?" Mr. Troy Sanford leaned on his swivel chair and put both his hands down on the table as he intensely stared me down. I swallowed.

Well, I never said I was totally immune to his gorgeous face despite his stone cold gazes, so I immediately shook my head, even when I had other plans for lunch today.

"N-No, Sir-I mean, yes! Of course I want to come with you." I enthusiastically said, compensating over my first statement. Sir Troy raised an eyebrow, sensing my lie and reluctance. I bit my tongue.

"You are coming with me to this meeting, Lia," he said with finality. I sighed.

Dang. I guess I have to reschedule my lunch date with Freda and her dogs today. And we had this scheduled for a long time. Ugh.

I guess bad hair days are truly a bad omen.

"Oh, come on! We prepared so much for this! I trained Mia how to walk with shoes for today, only to get canceled!"

I clutched my phone harder on my hand as I pinned it closer to my cheek.

"I know. I'm so sorry, Freds. I promise I'll make it up to you and Mia." I whispered, making sure the boss wouldn't hear me as he sat in front with Bran in the car.

"Don't forget Louisse! He's gonna be pissed." I chuckled, hearing the frantic frustration in her voice. Both her poodle dogs had an attitude, and I like hanging out with them.

We were on our way to the restaurant to meet Mr. Peterson and Miss Annika, when I was finally able to get a hold of Freda who wasn't replying to my texts nor answering my calls earlier. She said she had a client, so she couldn't get to her phone earlier.

"Say sorry to Louisse for me. I swear I'll give my entire day off to you guys," I said.

"You better! It took us months to finally get this scheduled and now it's canceled." Even when I couldn't see my red-haired best friend, I know she's rolling her eyes and flicking her hair in frustration.

It has indeed been hard setting dates to meet when both of us are working adults and have very different schedules. Being broke was our problem about hanging out before, now it was the conflicting schedules. We couldn't even see each other anytime we wanted. It was so much easier when we were still in school.

"I promise. I'll see you on Sunday. I'll get you macaroons." I whispered, looking over at Sir Troy, who was talking with Bran about some article they both were reading.

I heard Freda gasp on the phone. "Don't bribe me with macaroons, Malia! You cheeky... girl dog!"

I couldn't help the small laugh that slipped on my mouth at my best friend's words. She even sputtered out my full name. I know how much she loves macaroons. She loves everything with coconut in it.

"Bye, love ya," I said.

"Fine, love ya, too! I'll see you on Sunday, or else!" I chuckled. "Alright. Tell Mia and Louisse, I love them too."

"Yeah, yeah. Go and let that hot devil of a boss you have drag you into his workaholic ways. Just because he's gorgeous doesn't mean he can do whatever he wants. Tsk! He's keeping you away from me! You still have a life, you know."

"I know," I said silently, glancing at the boss and Bran in front.

"Alright, I have to go now. Take care!" Freda said before we both hung up after I said my goodbye. I sighed and sat back on my seat, knowing she was right.

If Sir Troy wasn't out with his girl of the day-or week, or month, or months-he's always in the office or traveling for business. I've never personally seen him party (I've only heard of it and seen it in some tabloids-I know it's weird since I've been his secretary for five years), and I've only seen him drinking with other business people without getting drunk. He always has his cool and is very professional. He knows what he's doing and he knows what he wants, and is very determined to achieve it. And as his secretary, I have to keep up.

The last couple of years as his secretary was very tiring, but to be completely honest, I have enjoyed it too. I learned a lot at work, I learned a lot about myself, too. I was able to develop professional skills due to how hectic Sir Troy's schedule is.

It was hard working for him, especially the first year, but at that time, I couldn't afford to hunt for more jobs again so I did everything I could to make sure I wouldn't get fired. The salary wasn't something I could easily find too. And I guess my efforts paid off. After all, I was said to be the longest working secretary the Sanford empire's CEO has ever worked with.

And to keep that position, I had to become a workaholic, too. Which I honestly didn't think it was too bad. Not until recently.

"We're here, Sir." I heard Bran say as he sat straight, looking out the window. Sir Troy put his tablet and phone inside his thin cloth-like briefcase and immediately went out the door after Bran.

I took off, too, putting my phone in the pocket of my dress. I looked at the restaurant in front, and I silently thanked myself for picking a dress today to wear. Thank goodness I at least wouldn't look so out of place.

"Enjoy your meal, Sir." I looked at Bran when he stayed behind us with the driver.

"Wait, you're not coming?" I asked, confused.

Part of the reason why I wasn't so bothered about the thought of coming with Sir Troy for this lunch anymore was I thought Bran was coming too as his personal assistant. Also, he was the one Mr. Peterson's secretary called to have their scheduled lunch to meet today.

Bran, with that calm yet gentle demeanor, despite his huge build (I call him Papa Bear sometimes), smiled at me. "No, Ms. Hill. I have a meeting to attend too, in place of Mr. Sanford," he said. My hands immediately started sweating.

"C-couldn't we just-" I was just about to start convincing Bran to not leave and ask him if we could possibly reschedule the meeting he had to attend-not that it was my place to say, but still. I'm desperate!-but the boss interrupted me.

"Let's go." I looked in front and saw Sir Troy walking ahead, not wasting time. He was quick to make distance with his long strides. I watched as a lady in uniform was guiding him inside towards the reserved table.

I exhaled a defeated breath and waved Bran goodbye with a sad and nervous face. The elder man just smiled at me.

I turned my back against him. This is going to be very awkward.

I stepped inside the restaurant, and just as I expected, it looked as expensive as it smells. The entire room was lit with warm golden lights and there was classical, soothing music playing for the people dining.

The servers were in uniforms, the ceiling had great chandeliers and I couldn't specify how fancy this place was, nor could I thoroughly enjoy the luxurious experience of eating lunch here instead of being in a park with poodles that had an attitude as fiery as their owner. I was too nervous to appreciate the place.

"This way, Sir." The lady who was escorting Sir Troy guided us to a stairwell, and there we both turned to the side where what looked like a VIP section of the restaurant was located.

And as soon as I saw the two people who were already sitting there, waiting for us, my heart immediately jumped inside my chest.

To say that Ms. Annika Peterson hates me is an understatement. She loathes the mere mention of my name. If she could, she would throw me to the pits of hell and laugh like a villain who finally killed her archenemy.

I thought at one point, I was getting immunized by rude comments and threats of the girls that the boss has dated whenever I would be instructed to not let them bother him again, but when Miss Annika came, I was proven wrong. The girl could move mountains if she really wanted to.

She had asked for me to get fired so many times, and if not for Sir Troy's nonchalance about her complaints, I think I would have probably been thrown out a long time ago.

I was kind of afraid because she is basically the longest running title holder as Mr. Troy Sanford, the billionaire bachelor's lover. And what if Sir Troy was truly serious with her and would soon get over his professionalism and just fire me to make Miss Annika's complaints stop?

If not for the fact that she is an heir of a multi-billion dollar company, that could possibly affect my entire professional career, I wouldn't be as scared as I would be. But she is, and I can't have that kind of problem. I have a hamster to feed! Along with a brother that could pass as a hamster with his squeaks!

Kidding aside, I just don't really want to lose my job. I need the money for something I have always dreamed of, and could possibly free me from these hectic schedules and overworking ways as a secretary.

It's not that I don't love it, I just really have had this ultimate dream since I was a kid. To be a great baker, like my Mom. And I am finally working on making it happen.

"Mr. Sanford," Mr. Peterson immediately greeted us as soon as he saw us. It took me out of my own thoughts and I focused on them.

I've seen him before, but not up close like this. He was a big man, and even in his fifties, he wore himself like a man who was still so ready to challenge the wile ways of society; confident, strong and smart.

Like Mr. Sanford, he's made a name for himself in the industry, even years before Mr. Sanford did. He's one of the most formidable businessmen in the country. He takes care of his company's welfare as much as he takes care of his loved ones' well being-and that is what makes me more nervous right now.

He is known to be a family man. Known to love his only child, Annika, so dearly that he gives her whatever she wants, and spoils her.

And seeing his lovely daughter's face as she openly glared at me right now, I wonder what kind of spoiling he would soon do to her.

"Miss Hill, I see you've accompanied your boss." I looked away from Annika's piercing blue glares and looked at her father. Like her, the man had blue eyes, but is currently less violent than hers right now.

"I made her come with me," Sir Troy butted in before I could speak. Both those blue sky-like eyes went to him, one amused, one murderous.

I honestly don't know which one I would like to investigate further.

"We're talking business today, aren't we, Mr. Peterson?" Sir Troy stated, more than asked.

I looked at Mr. Peterson, and he was still smiling almost good-naturedly. The smile created lines beside his eyes. Despite that, he looked handsome. Annika, for sure, got his father's good looks, except for the dark hair. She had light blonde strands.

"Sit down. Let's eat first before we get to that, shall we?" The elder Peterson said and sat on his seat. Mr. Sanford nodded and followed suit.

I was about to take the seat in front of Mr. Peterson when he beat me to it. I glanced at Miss Annika, and saw she was already killing me in her head. She just had this piercing look.

I grimaced. Maybe she's gutting my stomach in her mind right now. That could be the reason why I suddenly feel kind of sick.

I sat in front of Miss Annika, and I let her be. I looked at the menu instead.

"Waiter," Mr. Peterson called and a waiter immediately came to us.

"What would you like Ms. Hill?"

I looked up from the menu when Mr. Peterson suddenly asked me. "I...uhm," I looked back at the menu, not really knowing which to pick.

So I smiled at Mr. Peterson formally. "You can order first, Sir. I would love to hear some ideas from your choices."

"Of course you do. You've never been to anything like this." Miss Annika suddenly inserted with a snort.

"Annie," Sir Samuel looked at his daughter. Annika's raised brow immediately mellowed a bit at her father's slightly reprimanding tone.

"It's alright, Sir," I said, which made them both look at me again. I smiled a little again. "It's true I haven't been in places like this that much. So I honestly don't know which would be best to order."

"Well, then. I would suggest a few of my own picks, but you may not like them. So why not give her the best course you have here, Jason?" Mr. Peterson suggested, addressing his last sentence to the waiter who immediately nodded.

I leaned on my seat and sighed, realizing I was kind of stiff earlier.

I looked at everyone as they all ordered, and I let myself breathe for a while.

Well, this isn't so bad... maybe. Mr. Peterson seems sensible.

It wasn't long before the food came. We all started eating and conversations were made at the table-at least between Sir Samuel and Sir Troy. Both Miss Annika and I were just eating silently as they talked about news and business, avoiding looking at each other.

Or maybe just me. I could still feel her piercing gazes on my skin.

I was still eating my dessert, enjoying it like a kid, when Miss Annika finally decided to speak her mind.

She slammed her spoon on the table that made a loud clunking noise. I grimaced. "I don't understand why she's here, Troy. You know I don't like her."

I looked at her, and surprise, surprise! She was still glaring at me. Even harder now. Her nude pink painted lips in a firm line, and a shade of red blooming from her neck to her face.

I must say, even in an angry state, Miss Annika Peterson is still a beauty.

She hates me to the core, though.

"Lia is my secretary," Sir Troy said a matter of factly, as if that would explain everything. Even I, don't truly understand why I'm here.

That seemed to infuriate Miss Annika even further. "And that stupid secretary of yours is ruining what supposedly is a great lunch with my father. Why can't you just fire-"

"I am here for a lunch meeting, Annika. And the stupid secretary you are talking about has saved you from trouble a couple of times from the media, due to your own scandalous affairs. Wishing her to be fired due to things unrelated to her work is not something I could tolerate. She is my employee, not yours."

Take that! I wanted to scream those words and point a finger at Annika after Sir Troy said those words. He didn't even mind he was saying those in front of her father who was just silently looking at them both.

Mr. Peterson drank his water and put the glass down slowly. He stared at Mr. Sanford, and gone was all the good-naturedness I was getting from him earlier. He had gone so formal and serious all of a sudden. The air in the room immediately felt thicker to me.

"Now that I've heard both your sentiments," the elder man paused and gestured to his still fuming daughter.

"What really is your relationship with my daughter, Mr. Sanford? I've heard you've been with her for a couple months now. But I know you're much of... a ladies man," he said, sizing up Sir Troy with an intense look. A look that only a protective father could give.

Now, this is getting awkward.