Falling in love with my Arrogant Boss

Chapter 6

AMBER'S POV

"Hello?" Sir Dominic's voice came through the phone.

"Um, hi, Sir Dominic. It's Amber Miller. I really hope I could still take you up on your offer," I replied nervously.

"Miss Miller, I was hoping for some good news when you called. Have you changed your mind?" Mr. Perault sounded genuinely happy to hear from me.

"Yes, sir. I hope the offer is still on the table?" I stammered, feeling a bit embarrassed about my indecisiveness.

"Of course, my dear. You have no idea how much joy you've brought me tonight. What made you change your mind if you don’t mind me asking?"

I took a deep breath, tears streaming down my face, making it hard to respond. "Are you alright, Miss Miller?"

"I-I need a job," I managed to say through my tears.

"Are you crying, Ms. Miller?" Mr. Perault asked, concern evident in his voice.

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry. I'm just feeling overwhelmed right now. My mother is in the hospital, and I recently lost my job," I explained, my voice breaking.

"Amber, if it's about money, don't worry. I can give you some right away."

"But, sir—"

"No 'buts,' Miss Miller. I can tell you're in a tough spot, which is why you called. You had made up your mind this morning not to be Phillip's secretary, but something changed. I'm here to help you. If you're embarrassed about accepting money from me, think of it as a loan. You can pay me back when you're in a better position than you are right now."

Sir Dominic's words felt like a lifeline to me. All the pain I had been feeling earlier seemed to fade away, and a glimmer of hope appeared. God truly works in mysterious ways.

"Sir, thank you so much. I really have no other choice. I promise I'll repay you as soon as I can—"

"Don't worry about paying back right now. I should be the one thanking you for accepting my offer, Amber. Your salary won't be an issue. In fact, I'll triple it. By the way, which hospital is your mother in?"

I mentioned the hospital where my mother was admitted. After I’ve said good bye to him, I composed myself nd went back to the hospital to be with my mom. I also needed to send Bea home since it was getting late, and I didn't want to inconvenience the mother and daughter any further.

"Hey Amber, it's great to see you back," Bea approached me. "Aunt Rebecca woke up earlier and she's been looking for you. I told her you went home to change. She was worried about you, Amber. She was even thinking about the hospital expenses, but I managed to calm her down until she fell asleep again," Bea said.

"Bea, thank you so much. You should head home now because Mom and I can handle things from here." Thankfully, both Bea and Sheila, the mother and daughter, have been really kind to me and Mom.

Bea didn't take long to leave. Mom is still sleeping. I sat beside her and held her hand. I gently caressed her wrinkled arm as memories of her struggles flooded back, especially since Dad passed away and I went through my own pain. Tears welled up in my eyes once again. Mom slowly opened her eyes, so I quickly wiped away my tears. I don't want her to see me struggling.

"Amber, my dear…" It was difficult for her to speak with the oxygen mask on. "Amber, I'm sorry for adding to the expenses—"

"Shhhh, Mom, don't worry about it," I interrupted her, not wanting to burden her with any more problems. "Just rest. I have a job and I managed to get a cash advance from my boss. Don't even think about the bills. What's important is getting you the treatment you need, Mom." I smiled at her, and I saw her smile back at me, even with the oxygen still attached.

I won't tell Mom about my encounter with the CEO and getting fired today. I'll also keep it a secret that I'll be starting as the secretary for that grumpy old man.

I handed Mom the fruit I bought on my way back here. That's what I also ate for dinner. I forced myself to eat even though I didn't feel like it because neglecting my health is not good. Who will take care of us if I become weak and sick?

I didn't expect Sir Dominic to suddenly show up at the hospital with his staff. I didn't expect him to come personally. Mom is asleep, so I couldn't introduce her yet.

"Um, Sir Dominic, why did you bother to come here?" I asked, looking around. There was another patient in a different bed since we were in the pay ward.

"Miss Miller, I think it would be better if I transfer you to a private room," Sir Dominic said.

"No need, Sir. I appreciate your concern—"

"Miss Miller, your mother will receive better care in a private room. Plus, think about the financial aspect. It's important for your mother to be well," Sir Dominic interrupted. I was impressed by his kindness. Despite only meeting me today and seeing me arguing with his son, he was still willing to help.

"Thank you very much, Sir Dominic. I promise I will repay you as soon as I get paid," I said with a smile. He smiled back at me and patted my arm, making me feel reassured that everything would be alright.

Sir Dominic didn't stay long and, as he said, he left two thousand dollars in cash. I was extremely happy because my problems with Bea and Mrs. Elizabeth were solved, and the required medicines and tests were no longer a concern. I prayed and gave thanks because the Lord had not abandoned me.

Sir Dominic also arranged for my mom to be moved to a private room in the hospital. Mom woke up and was surprised. I simply told her that the owner of the company helped me. I didn't mention that, in exchange for all of this, I would become his hermit son’s secretary.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as I thought about my upcoming role as Sir Phillip's secretary. On the bright side, I was relieved that I would still be able to take care of Mom once she was discharged from the hospital. However, a lingering question haunted me: what would my future hold under the supervision of Phillip Mark Perault?

…

Phillip's POV

"James, get a girl over to my condo right now," I demanded when I called him on his cell phone. It's already eleven in the evening, and I can't sleep. I'm still furious with that woman who insulted me earlier at the office.

"Sure thing, Sir. I'll be there within thirty minutes," James replied nervously from the other end of the line. He knows I'm still boiling mad, especially after I stormed out of the office earlier. I hung up the phone and tossed it onto the bed. I grabbed a beer from the fridge and took a swig.

"Damn it!" I threw the bottle on the floor, shattering the full beer. That woman! I can't stand her! She bumped into me and had the audacity to call me an old man. Good riddance to her, I never want to see her face again. The first time I saw her, I'll admit, I was captivated by her beauty. But now, all I feel is pure hatred. Screw that woman!

The girl I requested from James arrived just a few minutes later. James is an excellent secretary, taking care of my personal needs as well, like recruiting women for my pleasure. The girl he sent is attractive and has potential, she's also fair-skinned and good-looking, but she's still not quite what I'm looking for.

"Go take a shower first!" I snapped at the girl, who seemed almost panicked just hearing my voice. She's one of James' new recruits, as I only just saw her face. I asked James the other day to find me some new options for my pleasure. I've been feeling unsatisfied for the past few weeks. "After you're done showering, I want you to come to my bed naked. Make sure you're worth every penny I paid to make me happy!" I spoke firmly, and the woman quickly scurried away from me.

My phone buzzed while I was waiting. It's Dad calling. Why is he still awake at this hour?

"Hey, Dad," I answered.

"Where are you, Phil? Aren't you coming home?" I could hear the frustration in Dad's voice.

"I'm at my condo, Dad. I'll sleep here tonight and head back to the mansion tomorrow."

"And what are you doing at your condo? Wasting your time drinking? For God's sake! We need to talk, come home now!" Dad's order was strong, and I could tell he was angry. Maybe it had something to do with what happened at the office.

"In the middle of the night, Dad? Is it really that important? Can't we just talk tomorrow?" I replied, feeling bored. I need to satisfy my s****l needs first.

"I hired Miss Miller as your new secretary," Dad said.

"Who's Miss Miller?" I asked, slightly annoyed.

"Don't you remember? That girl you had a fight with earlier at the office? Amber Miller, that's her name!"

"What, Dad? Are you serious?" I couldn't help but raise my voice.

“Do you think I will call at this ungodly hour if I weren’t serious? My decision ifs final. Starting Monday, Miss Miller will be your secretary. I would look for a more suitable position for James but as of now, he’s already my secretary.”

"Dad, why are you doing this to me? I can't stand that girl—"

"Why, Phillip? What she said was true, you're getting older. I'm already getting up there in age, Phillip, and I don't want to leave this world without seeing my future grandchild. You're my only child—"

"I'll adopt, if you just want a grandchild, Dad. There are so many kids who have been abandoned and need a loving home—” My dad interrupted me.

"Why adopt, Phillip, if you're not infertile? I'm not against adoption, but it's different if the heir to Perault Land Corporation is our own flesh and blood."

"But Dad, James has been so loyal to me. He even helps me with my personal matters, I have no reason to replace him!" I said, my voice filled with anger.

"As I've said, my decision is final. You need a female secretary, Phillip, for you to learn to get along with women again. You need to find a wife before you turn forty."

"But, Dad—"

“Hey Phil, I understand that your past experiences in love have been really tough. But remember, not all women are cheaters like your Mommy and Charlotte. It's important to forgive them and move on. We all make mistakes, and holding onto grudges won't let you live your life fully. I don't want you to end up alone in the long run. Having a partner and a family of your own is something I wish for you before I pass away. Just know that I love you, my son.”

"Dad, you know that I love you, too. You're the only one I've been with since Mommy left us. But why hire that stupid girl, because you want her for me?"

“Watch your words, Phillip. I didn’t hire as your secretary for you to marry her. I never forced you to like a woman. I don’t want her to be in the same position as Megan whom you just bullied. She’s even my friend’s daughter! Besides, Miss Miller is too young for you. But if you start liking her, why not? I like her. She’s brave and very beautiful, too.:”

"Fine, Dad. I'm agreeing on your decision." My father rarely asked me for anything, and he never tried to control my choices in life. He had always been there to support me. So, when he asked me this small favor, I couldn't refuse. Having that girl as my secretary would give me the perfect opportunity to get back at her for what she did to me earlier. I'll make sure she faces some challenges along the way.

"Phillip, make sure you don't make Miss Miller suffer. She has had heart surgery before."

"Dad, don't worry. I'll head home and spend the night at the mansion," I assured him. After hanging up the phone, I couldn't help but feel conflicted about my promise to take care of Miss Miller. However, I quickly pushed those thoughts aside as I prepared to leave.

Just as I was about to head out, a girl I had planned to spend the night with arrived at my doorstep, completely naked. She had a stunning figure and flawless skin, but my frustration with my dad made me lose interest.

“S--sir, I’m ready. What should I do next? ”

"I'm done here. Figure it out yourself and leave," I snapped at her, leaving without a second glance. Once I reached the parking lot, I dialed James' number before starting the engine.

"Hey, it's me," I said when he answered. "Go to my condo now, I left the girl there. Send her home!"

Confused, James asked, "Sir, didn't you do anything? Don't you find her attractive…?"

Without giving him a chance to finish, I abruptly ended the call and drove back to the mansion.