CAUGHT BY THE PRESIDENT'S HEART

A PERFECT BEGINNING OR THE WORST NIGHTMARE

CHAPTER II

THIRD PERSON POV

“WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT.” Fourth whispers while shaking his head gently, looking ahead with a knowing smile.

He could not believe that his best friend fulfilled his promise three years ago. He is living a new life away from anything about love. Well, away from everything that reminds him of his first love. Completely changing from that unknown dork into the University Prince.

“Cole!” the crowd screams while giggling with their eyes sparkling towards that hunk that is approaching their way.

With his stance, and presence, he is screaming of that prince air and a sought-after billionaire bachelor. His blue eyes are captivating everyone with just a look. His smile swoons everyone with no chance to escape, and his build is placed as a Greek God. Fourth could only sigh in still utter disbelief at how his best friend become.

“Congratulations on graduating!” a group of girls approaches Cole with flowers and different gifts at hand. Along with their ear-to-ear smiles and adoring looks just for him.

“Thank you.” His gentle reply, smiling perfectly and showing just how popular he is.

“Do not mention it, and good luck. Fighting!” is one of his fans' encouraging gestures for his future path that everyone agrees and cheers him up.

“With all of this love from you all, I surely will have that perfect path.” Those perfect words once more swoon at everyone and prove that his popularity is not just carved in stone, but is even plant deep. “Then, I’ll go ahead.” Giving all of his received gifts to his butler, he headed on his way and not that long after found Fourth surrounded by a crowd and receiving his gifts.

“Fourth!” He calls out that the latter immediately responds with a nod and excuses himself. “Such a popular one.” He teases that Fourth exchange with the same thought and knowing look.

“Popular?” Fourth’s sarcastic tone, glancing towards his pile of gifts that he then asks for his butler to take to his car. “Said the University prince, former student body president, and the sought-out bachelor with the crown of the most handsome and hunk one,” Fourth added, with a teasing smile and two.

Rubbing the fact that Cole lived the rest of their three years on the same path that his first love had always been. From that timid guy into an extrovert and outspoken person.

“If I only knew that having our studies abroad would do you this good. I should have forced you during our first year.” He recalled with a dash of both regret and hope. “But if I force you back then, I think that you will not be who you are right now.” He then sighs, thinking that after all that happened, everything went well in the end.

“Let’s not talk about it.” Cole shoved all the sentiments and long gone close that chapter in his life.

“So, what’s your plan now?” Fourth, ask for clarification.

“The plan is still up. I will paint my way for my success and prove my worth to him.” Cole’s confidence and mature tone.

Foreshadow his family and the long brewed conflict of views that he had with his father. Proving his worth and finally showing that the path that he took and the decision that he made is all worth it and the best thing that he ever did.

“Then I could only support you from afar for a year or two. But don’t worry, I will follow you soon and just after I am done with my apprenticeship.” Fourth’s assurance.

“Then see you after a year or two.” He nods and does their secret bro-code handshake, bidding a temporary goodbye as they parted ways with him going back home.

“I GOT IT!” Cole’s proud tone as he relays the good news to his mother from abroad, taking through video call as the only means of communication.

“Congratulations son.” His mother’s glee and excitement relieved her worries for her only son and completely shoved her from those negative thoughts she had been thinking for months after Cole decided back to their home country.

Not to mention that three years ago, Cole was with her abroad. Then, an unexpected complete 360-degree change in him pricked that worry inside her mind. Cole’s burden and secret that she was waiting for him to open up to her.

“Do your best, as I am always here for you, son.” She added all smiles and with that loving expression.

“Thank you, Mom, and do not worry too much about me, alright?” Cole’s assurance, reading the deep worry in his mother’s eyes. “I am not a kid anymore and that old me three years ago.” He added, lifting his mother’s worries. “I can completely take care of myself alone.”

“Very well. But call me often and tell me what if something is up?” His mom’s sweet words made him want to go back and feel that miss.

Yet, his goal is what's more important now.

“I will Mom.” He assures, hangs up the call, and starts to prepare for his upcoming first day in his dream job. “James Cole Salvatore.” He reads his name on his company ID.

All are proud and excited about what is to come. Especially since he is not just any other employee, but the secretary of the owner of the top company in the country.

“Making the best out of every opportunity. That’s more than what I’m aiming for.” He whispers, full of confidence and that presence off and for perfection.

“WHO IS THAT?”

The whispers, curiosity, and star-struck expression of the employees the moment that Cole took a step inside the company. His presence and that air of being a prince made every lady dumbstruck with him, and every man felt that mix of envy and adoration for his beauty.

Added by his smile that shows his dimples and blue eyes. The epitome of a man who somehow came down from the heavens.

"I am on my way, Mr. Oliver, sir," he informs and ends the call. Heading to the top floor to meet his direct superior, the elevator closes in time as that person arrives.

Everyone bows in respect with a hint of fear as the known tyrant enters the company.

“I’m on my way.” Deep, warm, and a strict tone.

“Remember to be a little cool this time.” The other voice from the other line reminds him of the tone of scolding for being difficult. “The HR department is almost running out of options for your secretary's position.” He then sighed, then smirked, somewhat hiding something, and teasingly said. “Take some time to know your new secretary this time and do not let your anger get ahead of your decisions.”

“Let’s see about that,” he retorted, confident and knowing the power that he held.

As to who and when he can fire, someone is his right and power. Especially if they get on his nerves and do stupid things.

“If this person of yours is good, then he’ll get to stay. But if not, do not blame me for burning him in hell.” He smirks, somewhat knowing the end and counting his pile of victims as the tyrant, perfectionist, and hot-headed CEO.

“Do whatever you want, but do not blame me at the end. I already warn you. This person is someone you desperately need right now.” The teasing in his voice as the call then ends.

With a drawn smile and that dash of evil confidence that he can see behind the phone call. He then looks beside him and snaps his finger. Asking his butler turn secretary for a week now for his schedule.

“I just got the confirmation that your new secretary just arrived now, sir.” The old man’s respectful demeanor.

The only person who can tolerate his tyranny, considering that he’s been an employee of the family up to the second generation and now down to the third.

“I see. Inform Oliver that I want to meet that person after an hour.”

“As you wish.”

The private elevator that only he can use then closes. Directly to the top floor and his office. The door closes from behind as he sits in his chair and starts working. A true workaholic with little patience and hot-headed. The total opposite of who he was three years ago and since losing that person who he’s been wanting for so long.

“Just an advice from a friend. I do not think that hiding what you truly feel is the best thing. We are all friends and have been for five years now. And I do not think that they will judge you for who you want to be with. I just hope that your lying will not bring you heartache, Xander.”

“I damn did,” Xander whispers, blaming himself for all these years.

Missing his chance and losing that person who is only a step away from him. He glances beside him and opens the top drawer of his table. That distinct box is giving him the lingering hope of meeting that person again. A wish that he is now losing faith in having. His efforts still have no fruit. Like the heaven itself is telling him that he no longer has that chance.

“Mr. Altamira, sir.” A voice after a knock cut his thoughts and went back to reality.

“Come in.” he allows.

The door then clicks open as soft footsteps echo.

“Sir, your new secretary is here.” Respectful, a bit reserved, but firm.

The company HR head, Mr. Oliver, informs him. The most well-mannered and one of the few old employees of the company who is respected by all and was once his mentor in his early years.

“I am very pleased to meet you, Sir.” Hopeful, gleeful, but respectful and well-mannered tone of voice then echoes to his ear.

Familiar and somehow longingly. Intrigued, Xander turns his chair to look at the face of his new secretary, whom Perth is all proud and assured about. But.

“Damn, s****! Xander!” Cole’s cursed and bewildered expression.

As heaven and his cruel fate drops him the biggest bomb. For right now, he is face to face with his biggest nightmare.

“What did you say?” Xander’s offended and escalated anger, and fast.

He slams his hands onto the table, startling Mr. Oliver, who is about to scold Cole for what he just said.

“Such audacity.” Xander’s tone of disbelief.

Did not expect that his new secretary whom Perth is all proud about has this gut to insult and curse him. Which makes him smirk and seal Cole’s fate as the shortest-live secretary of his.

“What the hell are you doing?” Mr. Oliver finally snaps back and scolds Cole, all the while trying to cool the CEO’s anger. “Cursing the CEO?” his bewildered tone.

But enough to wake Cole back to reality.

“The CEO?” Cole’s disbelief and more, looking back at Xander with a fit of fuming anger all over his face. “What the hell.”

“You---”

“Mr. Altamira, sir. I apologize on behalf of his action just now! What he just said is my responsibility for not briefing him thoroughly and teaching him the rules and regulations of the company.” Mr. Oliver’s sudden words and apology.

Using that certain excuse in the context is unacceptable. Knowing that each company has that basic rule of respecting the higher-ups no matter what. Especially the CEO. Bowing his head that is unlike him. Surprising and puzzling Xander who never sees this side of him. Mr. Oliver’s behavior has to do with one deal and a person.

“Please, sir. I will talk to him.” He pleads that Xander after witnessing such, has no strength to reject him.

“Alright. But.” Xander’s evil smile and that threatening expression scare Mr. Oliver a bit.

All the while halfway through things, Cole is still in that bewildered state. As the back of his mind is screaming.

“DAMN! WHY DID IT ALL END UP TO THIS?”