The Gingerbread Man is My Billionaire Boss

Chapter 9: The Boss Personal Assistant

I sat in my old car, repeatedly turning the key in the ignition, hoping to hear the engine roar to life as beads of sweat formed on my carefully made-up face. The screeching noise of the car refusing to start heightened my frustration; I silently pleaded for it to work, just this once. In the backseat, Bella observed quietly, and I struggled to mask my irritation.

Tommy had failed to uphold his promise of a new vehicle or an increase in my allowance, both of which were part of our agreement when we opened our marriage. The thought of his negligence only fueled my aggravation.

“Damn you, Tommy!” I muttered under my breath, memories flooding back of him leaving two days ago with a travel backpack. He had hoped to sneak out early, unaware that I had awakened just in time to see his blurred figure slipping away.

Disappointment washed over me. He had not returned since, and he had never stayed away for an entire weekend before. It felt like an additional punishment for my unknown sins. I felt like giving up at that moment, but I turned the keys one last time.

The thundering sound of the engine coming to life lifting my spirit to tears of joy.

“Thank you, thank you!” I cried in relief.

Today’s Bella’s first day at daycare, and my first day as the director's new personal assistant.

After dropping Bella off, I managed to grab a coffee, attempting to dispel the anxiety bubbling within me as I entered the Bank. I made an effort to project confidence, straightening my shoulders and holding my head high as I greeted my colleagues. However, my spirits sank as I noticed their frosty reception; they regarded me with barely concealed disdain, whispering among themselves.

“I heard she used to work here as a customer representative. Now she’s back to be the boss’s handy girl,” one co-worker murmured.

“She’s probably just a gold digger. It won’t be long before she tries to spread her legs for the boss, who will use her like a rag doll, then fires her, like he did with all the others,” another scoffed.

“But wait, isn’t she married with a child? That makes her a cheap w***e. Her poor husband must be devastated by the drama she brings,” chimed in a third voice.

Determined not to let their gossip rattle me, I continued toward the manager's office. Just as I approached the door, a striking young woman stepped into my path, blocking my way. Impeccably styled with flawless long blond hair, she almost looked like a supermodel.

“So, you’re the Director’s new personal assistant?” she queried, looking me up and down with a sneer. “You’re just a classless woman who doesn’t know how to coordinate her outfits.” She gestured dismissively at my cream skirt suit and light blue shirt. “I hope your work ethic isn’t as poor as your fashion. You won’t want to disappoint the boss.”

“It’s important that you know that I’m Elisa Monroe, your Accounts Manager and the backbone of this company. I bring in the major clients while you’ll probably just be making coffee and running errands for the Director. In other words, we’ll never be on the same level. And just so you know, Mr. Briggs is mine. Don’t you dare think for a second that you can make advances toward him, because you will be playing with fire. Consider me your worst nightmare. I find out that you, as much as breathe on him. I’ll ensure he fire you without a second thought!” she warned, jabbing her finger against my chest before striding away with an air of confidence.

I knocked lightly on the Branch Manager’s door and announced my arrival. To my surprise, Terrance wasn’t alone. The director was also seated opposite him. I swallowed hard, my heart racing.

What is he doing here?

“Well, hello again, Mrs. Shelly Johnson, right?” he greeted, his deep voice steady and commanding.

“Yes, I’m Shelly Johnson,” I replied, trying to sound confident as I moved toward him, shaking his outstretched hand. His soft grip made me hesitant to let go.

He gestured for me to take a seat while Terrance beamed with pride. “Shelly, this is our Director, Mr. Braylon Briggs.”

“We met before in the Lobby.” I said shyly.

How could a Director be this young? I thought, smiling at the intriguing prospect. My brown eyes locked onto his piercing gray ones.

“Let’s not waste any time; I have a meeting in less than an hour and a lot on my plate. Allow me to show you to your office!” he said briskly, rising to his feet. I caught Terrance’s encouraging wave, prompting me to follow Mr. Briggs.

In the elevator, I noticed he pressed the button for the sixth floor, the building's top level. I swallowed again as my chest tightened.

“I hope you can handle busy schedules and tedious tasks,” he remarked.

“I’m sure no task will be too tedious,” I replied with a smile of confidence and he returned it. I could tell he was a bit nervous as he continuously fixed his pen onto his shirt pocket until he lost his grip and the pen fell to the floor.

I immediately stooped to pick it up, but he also did the same. His hands grazed mine as he also tried to reach for the pen. The surprise in his eyes that his hands grazed mine caused my heart to skip several beats. The awkwardness between as grew as I grabbed the pen; we both stood up together. I swallowed hard as my hands trembled giving him his pen. I broke eye contact quickly as the awkwardness grew.

We exited the elevator, and he led me to a spacious office.

“This is my office, and that’s yours,” he pointed to a glass door. He walked over and slid it open, revealing my small but comfortable office space right next to his.

“Your job is straightforward: answer the phone promptly, manage my schedule, respond to emails after consulting with me, and accompany me to most meetings. Ensure all paperwork is neatly organized for scheduled meetings. Tardiness is unacceptable. And lastly, I like my coffee black,” he said in one breath.

“Yes, sir,” I responded quickly.

As I settled into my office chair, I couldn’t help but realized my view was entirely of him, diligently focused on his paperwork.

“Don't forget! Coffee on your way in,” bellowed Mr. Briggs as I gathered my belongings to take my leave.

“Got it, have a great evening.” I smiled as I pulled the door open, calling it a day.

To my surprise, I was met by Elisa, the same look of disgust was smeared across her face as she shoved me aside, making her way in towards Mr. Briggs, shifting her demeanor to a beaming smile.

“Braylon, I hope your new employee is treating you nicely!” She chirped, as if they were old friends.

“She is great. Thanks for asking!” Responded Mr Briggs, causing a smile to creep across my face hearing his words.

I wished I could have lingered a bit longer to eavesdrop, but I was in a rush to pick Bella up from daycare.