The Billionaire’s Assistant

“The New flame”

The McCarthy enterprise loomed before me like a magnificent fortress, its shiny mirror-like exterior reflecting the world around it. It was my second week at this place, and the weight of my struggles was hidden behind an "all is well" mask that I wore diligently. My eyes were concealed behind the dark circles of sleepless nights, and my ego bore the bruises from the hardships I faced recently.

I kept my struggles to myself, even from Jane, my flatmate. Working for a devil in human form was a choice I had to live with, and it was a burden I carried alone. Today, determined to make the most of my day, I had carefully planned my bus routes and schedules, ensuring I would be early for everything. I couldn’t shake off the fact that I was missing something but it wasn’t coming to mind.

As I walked towards the McCarthy building, my reflection in the glass caught my attention. I couldn’t resist the Nigerian urge to check out myself at any mirror-given opportunity except at the market of course. Those were created for soul and destiny snatching as we heard growing up. The white chiffon top I wore made me feel elegant, and I was grateful that the orange camisole underneath added a touch of vibrancy to my outfit. In my busy life juggling work as an assistant to a devil and long nights slaving away in a McDonald’s kitchen, there was hardly any time for personal indulgence.

I decided to abandon the first entrance and head towards another entrance, hoping for better luck after it has failed to let me in after several trials. As I briskly made my way to the next entrance, I couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration at my luck. Why was it that the universe seemed to conspire against me on a day as crucial as this?

As I approached the second entrance, I noticed a group of colleagues chatting and laughing together. The camaraderie they shared only emphasized my status as the new girl who knew no one. The people in this company had a Ph.D. in minding their business as they just took other entrance rails leaving me to battle with rail number 7. With a deep breath, I attempted the key card once again, praying that this time it would work its magic but still no luck.

The key card must be broken I thought to myself, as I had done everything possible yet to no avail. I cannot be late today, I had done everything right today and we had a board meeting in which I was required to take notes. This fueled my anxiety as I consistently hit the card on the sensor making the beeping sound somewhat rhythmic. I got people’s attention with the sound, yet no one asked to help me out.

Then finally,

“Easy tiger” a voice finally came from behind me. It was Klaus from the coffee stain day. He lorded over me with his height and I got close enough to perceive his scent. It wasn’t masculine but sweet like a vanilla flavored ice-cream. He broke off quickly leaving me tasty for more.

“Breaking our state-of-the-art security system isn’t your only job description is it?” he asked as he gently swiped his card against the sensor urging me to go in first, then he swiped mine so I could be clocked in. It was then I realized that I had been doing it all wrong as there was a black dot on the card that should be directed to focus on the sensor light.

Was I that stupid?

And was I just basking in luck these past few days?

It was literally written there but like me and most Nigeria’s we barely read instructions and just wing our way through whatever it is. It is faster that way.

“Thanks,” I said masking my shame in my voice.

“Anytime,” Klaus said.

Relief washed over me as I stepped inside, grateful that I wouldn't be late for the board meeting.

As I entered the building with Klaus's guidance, I couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. His observation of my previous struggle with the key card made me realize that my luck had been running quite high lately.

"Don't worry; it happens to the best of us," Klaus said.

I couldn’t help but watch the movement of his lips how gentle yet precise it was, his mannerisms, and also how he smiled when our eyes met. His caramel skin and the spotting waves on his hair. I always caught him smiling and there was a certain light in his eyes that radiated all day long. He had slowly become my favorite person to look at while at work and most of all he never looks like he is having a bad day.

I chuckled nervously, trying to regain my composure. "Yeah, I guess I had a bit of a rough start. Thanks for rescuing me back there."

"No problem at all. We all have our moments," he replied, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "By the way, I must say, you've got a knack for attracting coffee stains."

I blushed, realizing he remembered our first encounter when I spilled coffee all over myself. "Yeah, I have to admit, I'm not the most graceful person sometimes."

Klaus laughed, and his melodious laughter echoed through the corridor. It was infectious, and I found myself laughing along with him, forgetting for a moment all the stress I had been carrying.

As we walked towards my workspace, I couldn't help but steal glances at Klaus. He seemed confident and approachable. I wondered if he could sense my unease and the struggle I faced in this new environment.

"So, how's your experience been so far at McCarthy enterprise?" he asked, genuinely curious.

I took a deep breath and decided to be honest. "It's been challenging, to be honest. But I'm determined to make the most of it and grow in this role."

"That's the spirit!" Klaus exclaimed, his enthusiasm contagious. "This place can be tough, but it's also full of opportunities. Just stay focused, and you'll do great."

His words filled me with newfound determination. It was reassuring to know that someone in the company had faith in my potential.

“Drinks after work today at Joe’s?” Klaus asked while I was still mesmerized by the hero function he had just played.

“Sure,” I said

“But it has to be before 7 pm” I added.

“Do you turn into your true form after 7 pm?” he asked.

“You just have to wait and find out” I replied.

“It’s a date then,” Klaus said.

Throughout the day, I found myself thinking about Klaus and how he effortlessly put me at ease. He seemed like a ray of sunshine in this otherwise challenging environment. As the board meeting commenced, I took notes diligently, feeling more confident than ever before.

As the meeting progressed, I couldn't help but let my mind wander back to the upcoming evening at Joe's. The thought of spending time with Klaus outside the office made my heart race with excitement. Despite my earlier teasing about turning into my "true form" after 7 pm, I found myself secretly hoping that the evening would be magical.

The conference room was filled with the aura of power and authority, as influential figures discussed strategies and decisions that could shape the future of the company. I felt like a tiny fish in a vast ocean, trying my best to absorb as much as I could from the discussions.

I walked into the meeting faced down and through the back door. Thankfully there were a lot of director’s and CEO’s assistants in attendance so I was able to blend in smoothly.

Amidst the serious conversations, my mind kept drifting back to Klaus and the mysterious charm he exuded. I wondered if his ever-present smile was a facade or if he genuinely had a secret to being perpetually happy. He was like a puzzle I couldn't wait to unravel, and our impending rendezvous at Joe's felt like the first piece of that puzzle.

Why do the rich decide to meet so early? Are they really that unhappy in their homes that they prefer to have breakfast at work than with a loving family?

“BREAKFAST!” it rang in my head as soon as the thought came in, that was what was missing. I remember Veronica giving me strict instructions that when the chef is on a break Anthony only has food bought directly for him and from specific places. He never has food from a general buffet just like the one we had now. I was completely screwed. I could either leave now and risk being seen by Anthony or risk my head being chopped off when he stepped into his office that morning and his breakfast from June Café wasn’t sitting pretty on his desk. Either way, my incompetence would be glaring.

I couldn’t be at two places at the same time but I knew someone who loved me enough to be at the second place for me, Jane. I sent Jane details of the café and the breakfast reservation that was made. She had it picked up and as soon as the meeting was over while Mr. Anthony was still exchanging pleasantries I dashed to collect the package from Jane at the reception.

As the meeting finally concluded, I quickly made my way out, not wanting to be caught in any post-meeting discussions with higher-ups.

I bussed myself into Antony’s office to drop it off before he notices it wasn’t there in the first place. I made sure to leave the lights off as I peep-toed to his breakfast table at the side of his office.

Soon I heard a voice and my heart pounded loudly in my chest as I turned around to face the source of the voice. There stood Mr. Anthony, his imposing figure casting a shadow over me. The disappointment in his eyes was palpable, and I knew I had messed up big time.

"I... I'm sorry, Mr. Anthony," I stammered, my voice barely audible. "I didn't mean to overstep any boundaries. I was just trying to make sure your breakfast was here."

“You must think you are smart don’t you Karen?” a voice came from behind me and at the same time the lights in the room came on with a clap and I was caught right in the act with evidence.

I had goosebumps appear on my skin, I was not only frozen and unable to move but I was also tongue-tied and unable to speak. Anthony walked towards me slowly giving a clap with each step. This made the lights flutter and solidified his image as a demon in my mind.

“You haven’t answered my question? You think you are so smart that you can fool anyone right?” he asked again this time gesturing with his hands.

“You had my breakfast which you were trusted to pick up from the café given to a delivery person!” He yelled.

“She is a friend, not a delivery person,” I said back, immediately wishing I didn’t.

“That sharp mouth of yours still needs a lot of work,” Anthony said.

He was at least right about that but cutting off my freedom of expression wasn’t in my contract, I double-checked.

“Take that poison you kept on that table and get the hell out!!” he yelled.

Feeling the weight of my mistake bearing down on me. It was clear that Mr. Anthony was disappointed in me, and I couldn't blame him. I had jeopardized his routine and possibly his trust in me. But he was too harsh and mean all the time.

I picked up the breakfast box and hurried out of the office but something looked different. Anthony’s eyes were red and his fingers were folded into a fist and it was shaking. He looked like he did believe what he was saying. He believed the food could kill him. I could see fear in his eyes, an emotion I had never seen before.

I hurried out, got rid of the food, and got another box personally from the June Café and delivered it to his office. He made no comments as I dropped the meal and I walked out silently.

It was 5 pm and I looked weird as the only one who seemed eager and ready to leave the office. Well, my joy was fueled by the fact that I had my first date with Klaus today before my night shift. I began to clear my desk and place things in the drawer as having a neat workspace to come to the morning was crucial for my optimal function.

I heard footsteps walking towards me. It could only be Veronica. She was the only one on the executive floor who could pull off such quick steps in six inches stiletto heels. She always made an entrance wherever she stepped into. Veronica walked up to me and she hit her right hand on my desk intending to shake me up and make me magically afraid of her.

“You asked someone to deliver Anthony’s breakfast?” she asked.

Who knew the devil-man was also a gossip and a loudmouth? Tattling on me to your receptionist. I thought the flow of information was upward in this company not downward.

“It will not happen again,” I said as opposed to my mind yelling “It was Jane, you have met her, does she look like a hired assassin?”

“It shouldn’t,” she said. She scanned through my desk noticing how clear it was and my fully packed bag resting on the side. It was pretty clear I was ready to head home and in my case for a date with Klaus but she didn’t care as the next thing she said was.

“We have a meeting with the Chinese investors in five”

That was not in the schedule, doesn’t my plans count?

“You coming?” Veronica asked as she noticed I wasn’t walking behind her.

As Veronica led the way to the meeting with the Chinese investors, my mind raced with conflicting thoughts. On one hand, I couldn't help but feel disappointed about potentially canceling my date with Klaus.

“Yes,” I said trying to figure out a way to cancel the date with Klaus and I remembered I had not even bothered to take his phone number. This was going to be a disaster.