THE CEO’ S SECRETARY

Chapter Three: Eleven Years Ago

CHAPTER THREE: ELEVEN YEARS AGO

Eleven years ago.

The classroom door opened.

"Class, we have a new transfer student," the teacher announced. "Introduce yourself."

Ember stepped forward. Eyes on the floor.

"I'm Ember Bernie. Nice to meet you all."

Whispers. Stares.

"Take the seat in the back."

She walked slowly. Sat down.

Beside her, a boy. Head in a book. Didn't even look up.

The teacher left.

"What's your name?" His voice was low. Smooth.

Ember turned, hopeful. "I'm Ember, nice to—"

"I just need it for the register." He scribbled her name down. Didn't meet her eyes. "Nothing else."

Then he left.

Ember hit her forehead on the desk.

"Ember, you're so stupid."

---

The lunch bell rang.

Everyone ran out with friends.

Except Ember. Head down. Earphones in.

Tap.

"Aren't you going to eat?"

She looked up.

The same boy from her seat.

"By the way, I'm Wade."

"I'm Ember," she said softly. "Nice to meet you."

"Same here, Ember."

For a second, they just looked at each other.

"I'm going to eat. Coming?"

"Nope. I prefer it here."

"Okay. Bye then."

As he walked away, Ember whispered to herself:

"At least one friend today."

---

After school.

"Ember, wait!"

She turned. Wade.

"Hey, Wade. Going home?"

"Yeah. But I have to go to my mom's restaurant first."

"Want me to walk you?"

"I take the bus."

"Oh—"

"I really have to go. See you tomorrow, Wade. Bye!"

She ran.

---

Night. Her mom's restaurant.

"I'm back, Mom!" She ran to hug her.

Her mom pulled away. "Guests. Go change and serve them." Her voice was sharp.

Ember sat down, hurt. "Mom, you didn't even ask how my day was."

"We'll talk at home. Now go."

She took the menus to the back. Head down.

"Good evening. Here's the menu."

"We just need more coffee."

"Okay, sir."

A few minutes later.

Two men at a table. One of them arguing with his mom.

"...you only want me to go abroad to study medicine—"

Ember poured coffee. Her hands shook.

Hot liquid splashed onto someone's hand.

"I'm so sorry! So sorry!"

She looked up.

And froze.

Wade.

Her eyes went wide. You.

"Please, the bathroom is this way," she stammered, pointing.

He followed her, silent.

As she walked away, she heard his mom whisper:

"Please be careful. That's my son."

That night in bed, Ember couldn't sleep.

"Wait... he didn't know me. He didn't even look at me in class. Is he okay?

No. He was rude to me. I should've poured the coffee on his face."

But deep down...

she was worried.