Chapter 1
"Come on, Senora, hurry up! The boss will be here any minute, and everything needs to be ready in the boardroom," our management director urged, her voice laced with a hint of urgency.
It had been two weeks since I started working as an acting assistant at Exclusive Clothing Junction in New York City. Everything was still new to me, and I was struggling to keep up. I was slow at everything, and the exhaustion was starting to take its toll.
As I frantically printed out papers for the board meeting, my mind wandered to my boss, Hubert. He was a force to be reckoned with - a no-nonsense, larger-than-life figure who commanded respect. Whenever he walked into the room, I felt like I couldn't breathe. He seemed to suck the air out of me with his intense presence.
I shuddered at the thought of facing him, wondering what the day's meeting would bring.
After finishing the prints, I rushed to the boardroom and arranged everything in order. Feeling accomplished, I even complimented myself, "Good job, Senora, good job." Just then, our management director, Mrs. River, walked in. She looked at me, then at the arranged papers, her expression puzzled.
"Have you ever worked before?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. I bit my lower lip, feeling a sense of dread. "No... why?" I replied. Mrs. River shook her head, "I can see that. One paper per head, not 20. How many papers did you even print?" She picked up the stack, and I forced a smile, "About 2000 copies."
Mrs. River couldn't hold back her laughter. "You are very stupid, Senora. You're stupid. That's why you took so long. I said 20 copies, do you even listen?" She scolded, shaking her head. "I don't even know what I'm going to do with you. How can you work in a big company when you don't even know how to focus?"
As I watched, Mrs. River picked up the scattered papers. "And why did you open the windows so wide? Look at the wind!" She closed the windows, and I thought to myself, "Serena, you're doomed. How am I going to pick up all these papers alone? If I don't get fired today, it'll be a miracle."
Just then, Mrs. River turned to me and asked, "Did you make the five roses tea I told you to make?" My eyes widened as I remembered her instructions. I stuttered, "N-no, Mrs. River."
"Oh, you will be the death of me, Senora," Mrs. River exclaimed, clutching her head in exasperation. I didn't know what to say, so I offered, "Can I go and make the tea now?" I took a step towards the door, but Mrs. River stopped me.
"No, no, wait. Don't go. I think the boss is already in his office. He has one rule: his tea must always be ready before he arrives. Now, go to his office and apologize," she instructed, finishing up the paper arrangement. I stared at her, my mouth agape, my heart racing like a drum.
I couldn't believe what she said. "Go where, Mrs. River?" I asked, stalling. Mrs. River's expression turned stern. "Senora, stop wasting time. Do as I say. The meeting starts in 20 minutes. Do you want to get yourself fired, young lady?" She didn't even glance in my direction, her anger palpable.
I knew I had to follow her instructions. I took a deep breath and started walking towards the door, my heart pounding in my chest. I felt like crying, thinking about the consequences of getting fired. How would I pay for college? My mom was already struggling to provide for my siblings, and my stepsister was in the hospital fighting for her life.
As I stood outside Hubert's office, I composed myself, trying to decide what to say. My brain told me to lie, but my conscience warned me against it. What if Mrs. River told him the truth? I waited for three minutes, then two more, before I heard his deep, baritone voice, sending shivers down my spine.
"Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to come in?" he asked, his tone firm but hinting at amusement.
I stood frozen, unable to speak. Tears streamed down my face as I stared at the floor, afraid to meet his gaze. His beautiful blue eyes seemed to see right through me, and I felt lost in their depths.
Hubert's voice cut through my trance. "Of course, I have cameras, Senora. I even know what you did. Care to tell me where the hell is my tea?" His tone was firm, with a hint of amusement.
I looked down, playing with my foot, too scared to meet his eyes. He had gorgeous blue eyes that seemed to hypnotize me, making me feel like I'd entered my own world.
Hubert's patience wore thin. "Is the door refusing to be closed, Senora?" he asked, his voice rising. I hastily closed the door, but it slammed shut with a loud bang.
I wanted to run, but my feet felt rooted to the spot. I felt his gaze on me, and everything seemed to grind to a halt. Tears poured down my face as I managed to stammer out a weak "Sorry, Sir."
Hubert's voice was firm. "Look at me, Senora. I asked you a question. I hate silence. Are you here to work or play? Look at me!" He banged his fist on the table, making me jump.
I slowly met his gaze, taking in his chiseled features, flawless skin, and straight nose. He looked like a Greek god, his white shirt open at the collar, revealing a glimpse of his hard chest. His furious eyes seemed to bore into my soul.
Hubert's expression turned disgusted. "Are you done drooling over me? You know what, Senora? I'm sick and tired of your childish behavior. I don't even know why my mother said I should hire you. You're careless and clumsy. For the past two weeks, it's been like dealing with a toddler."
He stood up, towering over me. "I'm going to the meeting now. Please stop crying, as if you're pregnant." He turned to leave, but I blurted out, "What if I am pregnant?"
Hubert's laughter was unexpected. He laughed so hard he had to hold his stomach. "Who in the world, in their right sense, would want to sleep with you? Having sex with you would be...unpleasant. You can't even take care of yourself. Look at the way you're dressed – an 18-year-old who doesn't even know how to iron her skirt."
I met his gaze, trying to control my emotions. "You," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Hubert's expression turned serious, his face shocked. He grabbed his jacket and said, "You're fired, Senora. And I'm not your friend. Don't play games with me."
