CHAPTER 2
1067 Words
I received the clothes that Mr. Ivanov sent to my apartment. It was a backless midnight blue dress; it had a slit on the side that could reveal my legs. I looked at myself’s reflection in the mirror and couldn’t help but be in awe at how it looked good on me. I applied light makeup and put my hair in a messy bun.
I looked at my phone, but I didn’t receive any message from Mr. Ivanov if he was there already. I checked myself one last time before I decided to step outside my apartment when I was ready to go.
My lips parted when I saw his car outside my apartment building. Did he wait? Oh my goodness.
I immediately get inside his car. He glanced at me for a moment before he looked away and started the engine of his car. I couldn’t help but check him up. He was wearing a midnight blue suit. I looked away, I was scared that he might catch me staring at him.
“I’m sorry for making you wait, Sir,” I said apologetically.
“Don’t make it a habit, Miss. Andromeda. Stop making people wait.” His deep voice was cold and serious.
I bit my lower lip before I swallowed hard and nodded. “Yes, Sir.”
Stepping into the party felt like crossing into a different world altogether. The room pulsed with upbeat music, its rhythm vibrating through the floorboards. Colored lights danced across the walls and ceiling, creating a kaleidoscope of hues that shifted with every beat.
I could see people looking at us as we made our way inside. My hand was holding his arm. I maintained my forced smile just to hide the panic I felt inside.
“Calm down,” he whispered. “I could feel your cold hand trembling.”
I felt embarrassed all of a sudden. I just hate crowded people; I’m still not used to it even though I’ve been working as his secretary for two years already. It was suffocating me but I should get used to this. This is my life now.
“They are not gonna bite you, Miss Andromeda.” His voice was firm and low as he said it without looking at me. He sneaked his arm on my waist and pulled me closer to his side. “Remember... you’re with Zacreus Ivanov.”
I could feel a weird sensation spread throughout my body. I sighed deeply and calmed myself. I saw a group of businessmen approached us. I know them because they are my boss’s friends and I often see them at the company.
“Hello there, Miss Secretary!”
I smiled when one of them approached me. It was Conrad. He’s the most approachable among them. He always has that playful and bubbly attitude.
“Hi!” I greeted back with a smile on my lips.
“You look hot.” He even winked at me.
“Shut the fück up, Conrad. Your voice is fücking irritating.”
I almost flinched when I heard Mr. Ivanov’s harsh voice. I pursed my lips as I was feeling nervous inside. They all just laughed at Mr. Ivanov’s statement.
I bid them goodbye because I know that they will talk about something confidential. I just sat on the chair and drank wine peacefully. I saw three women approaching me with a smile on their faces but I knew it was fake. I already know what they want.
They greeted me as they got seated and introduced themselves. They started what they wanted by asking me how I’d been doing. I just answered them kindly and with a forced smile.
“What does he like?”
Here we go.
I smiled at Tiara warmly. “I’m sorry but my boss said not to disclose any personal information about him,” I said apologetically.
I saw how her face crumpled; she didn’t like what she heard, but she still gave me a fake smile.
“Did you receive my invitation for him?” It was Cressida who asked now.
“I did but Mr. Ivanov is busy. He can’t attend, I’m sorry.” My voice was formal and apologetic as I said it.
Again. She also didn’t like what he heard. I was shaking my head mentally. Why can’t they just leave me alone? They will just gain nothing from me.
“Can you do me a favor?” Clea looked at me with puppy eyes.
I couldn’t take it, so I acted, looking at my phone before I stood up. I gave them one last fake smile. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Ivanov is already looking for me.”
I looked around but I didn’t see him. I headed to the bathroom to fix myself. I sighed in relief when I got out of the crowd. After I fixed myself, I walked towards the door to go back to the venue but I couldn’t open it. My forehead creased as I tried to twist the doorknob again but it still didn’t open.
I’m the only one here. I was starting to panic as I tried many times to open the door but failed. My heart was beating too fast and my hands were trembling as I grabbed my phone from the pouch I was holding. I tried calling Mr. Ivanov but it only rings.
He declined my call!
I was about to call him again when the lights here suddenly shut down. Panic began to gnaw at my chest, my breaths quickening in the oppressive silence. I could feel the cold sweat trickling down my spine as I pressed myself against the wall, seeking a sense of security in its solidity.
I couldn’t breathe properly. I tried to fight what I was feeling but I failed. I collapsed on the floor, chasing air. I heard a loud sound. I wanted to open my eyes, but I was afraid of what I would see, and my body felt so weak.
“Fück!”
I felt someone’s arms carrying me in a bridal style. At that moment, I felt safe in someone’s arms. My inside started to calm, and the beating of my heart started to slow down.
“I’m sorry for being too late.”
My lips stretched into a smile despite what I was feeling. I let myself pass out in his arms.
- Writer
