ELENA
I followed Mr. Bernard through the airport, puzzled by our detour to a private hangar. Hadn't he said we were headed to China? Perhaps a brief layover was necessary.
Inside the hangar, a sleek private jet bearing the "Royal Group" logo awaited us.
"No way!" I thought, amazed. "We're flying in this?"
Yesterday, I was racing between meetings; today, I'm soaring between continents with my boss. Being a PA had become unexpectedly thrilling.
BERNARD
I watched Elena's excitement grow, relieved her tension had dissipated. Her happy face was a welcome change.
"Like what you see?" I asked.
"I didn't know you owned a private jet ," she said, surprise flickering across her face.
"Royal Group owns it, not me," I clarified.
"Nice, I can't wait to take it for a spin then, since it's company property," Elena said, her eyes sparkling.
I was taken aback. Was she serious?
Her laughter filled the air. "What? You said it's owned by the company, and I'm part of the company."
Elena's quick wit and humor caught me off guard, and I found myself smiling for the first time that day.
After exchanging pleasantries with the pilot, we boarded, ready to soar to Beijing.
ELENA
I observed Mr. Bernard enjoying his breakfast, struck by his refined demeanor. The wealthy often exuded polish, but he was exceptional. Every gesture – walking, speaking, eating – was deliberate and captivating.
Why did I feel tense around him? I sought to impress him, always mindful of my actions. Since working together, I'd become more conscious of my appearance, devoting extra time to my outfits and reflection. Always want to look good so I don’t feel inadequate in his presence .
Today, I even attempted makeup, a habit long abandoned.
"You haven't touched your food," Mr. Bernard noted, breaking my reverie.
Caught staring, I panicked. "I'm not really hungry," I replied partially truthfully; my appetite had vanished.
"Eat, because you might not get a chance to have lunch today ," he instructed.
Like a puppet, I began eating.
"Good girl!" Mr. Bernard smiled.
I needed to escape this helicopter. The altitude and his presence were unsettling, stirring unexplainable emotions.
BERNARD
Was she staring at me? Unlikely; she usually avoided eye contact, eager to escape my presence as if I annoyed her. I wondered what type of men caught her attention – youthful, carefree ones, perhaps.
Not someone like me, strict and detached, always issuing orders. She'd probably appreciate gentle words. God! She’s beautiful.
My gaze lingered on her as she ate, her heart-shaped lips captivating me. For some reasons I wished to be the food in her mouth. Simple yet stunning, with her understated style and natural beauty, I know a lot of ladies who with a full glam team wouldn’t look as beautiful as she is .
Carlos was right; I was drawn to her. But when wasn't he? I'd tried to deny it since her interview in the boardroom, hoping the feelings would fade.
Now, amidst pressing issues, I found myself fantasizing about my PA.
BERNARD
I finished reviewing the reports from Carlos's meeting with Engineer Greg. The resort renovation could commence soon, a welcome relief from my father's pressure.
The pilot announced our descent into Beijing, and I caught Elena's relieved expression.
Was she that eager to escape me? The thought unsettled me, unusual for someone accustomed to indifference.
Well, she's stuck with me for the next three days. I plan to make the most of it. Even I needed a break, and who better to share it with than my lovely PA?
ELENA
Relief washed over me as the pilot announced our descent. Twelve hours on the helicopter had taken its toll. I craved a bed and a break from Mr. Bernard's intense presence.
How would I acquire essentials like clothes and toiletries?
We landed, and Mr. Bernard sprang into action, his energy levels astonishing. I, on the other hand, felt drained.
As I stood, dizziness hit me. My vision blurred, and I instinctively reached out for support. A firm hand grasped my back, sending shivers down my spine. I knew without looking – Mr. Bernard.
Electricity coursed through me, weakening my knees. I swiftly regained composure, apologized, and hurried out.