His Secretary, His Wife

lTristan's pov “I'll choose my own wife” I said simply and exited the room without a response, leaving my father seething in rage. I punched the steering wheel as I settled in my car. So much for always being composed. Dad was getting to me and oh, how much I hate this. I freaking need him off my back. I really need to do something about this or he'll never get out of my hair. To cool off my head, I drove to my girlfriend's apartment. She'll calm me down. She always did. My heart raced. I have never been a man of impulse but as I stood at the entrance of the apartment, I knew something was off. Melissa never left shoes outside her house. ….And the shoes were obviously not hers. Brushing it off as nothing, I unlocked the door with the key Mel had given me months ago. I stepped into the house and was greeted by the strong smell of cologne. My face paled as a sweat crawled down my back. The cologne was clearly not mine. Still keeping my composure intact, I slowly walked into the hallway. Then I heard it. The unmistakable sound of moans. Having mixed thoughts now, I hesitated but went further in and opened the door to the bedroom and there she was…. My girlfriend. The supposed love of my life. The woman I had fought my father for barely an hour ago. The woman I had planned and dressed to marry. And she was so into it, she didn't even notice my presence. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears. My hands fell to my side and I so badly wanted to tear my eyes away from the scene. But I couldn't. “Yes. Right there” she said to her partner, enthusiastically. “You like it baby” he replied with equal vigor. That voice…I knew that voice. Was that…...Bruce? As if hearing my call, Bruce turned around and found me staring at him. “Sir?” He called out, fear etched in his voice. Mel sat up and grabbed the duvet to cover herself… “Babe. I promise it's not what it looks like….” She defended frantically But it was. It was exactly what it was and I had seen it all. I forced my feet to move as I dropped the key on the dresser by the door and walked out without a word. I patted my pocket as I stormed to my car. It was a struggle but I saw Erica’s contact. “Bruce is fired and get me a new secretary by Monday” I texted, then turned off my phone and drove off. This is it. I am done. I was done with this thing called love. ***** Layla's POV I had long lost hope in miracles. But as I stared at the tall building, I was confident it would change my life. I took a deep breath. Without wasting time, I stepped in through the double glass doors and stated my business to the receptionist. As the receptionist's critical eyes studied the email expressionless my stomach sank into a pit. Have I been tricked..? Was the e-mail a prank..? Did one of my classmates send it to play a prank on me….? Several thoughts swirled in my mind as I flashed back to last night. I had adjusted my glasses and re-read the email over and over. “We're not looking to accept interns. Wishing you luck with your internship though- WalkerTechInc” …displayed on the screen in huge fonts. My heart sank. I had really hoped to get this internship to increase my chance of getting employed after graduation. I had shrugged my shoulders. “I could always try somewhere else.” I told myself. I removed my glasses, rubbed my eyes and stood up to go to bed but heard a ding. I hurriedly put my glasses back on and saw another message from Walker “Huh, did they make a mistake?” I muttered as I opened the message: “Hi, Miss Layla. I'm pleased to inform you that your internship application was accepted. Congratulations. Please reports to the Human Resource department Monday morning for your placement - and don't be late” I read over and over not believing my eyes. I jumped up and squealed in excitement. “My chance finally came. I'll finally get out of all these.” I had told myself But the more I thought about it, the paler I became. When the lady finally looked away, she stepped aside to make a call without a word to me. My heart was racing frantically. Soon, a lady appeared from the side door… “Good morning, I'm here to escort you to HR, come with me” she said sweetly to me. Relief coursed through my body as I greeted her back with the sweetest smile I could muster. “Good morning” I followed her to the elevator and quietly watched as it took us to the sixth floor where the human resource management was situated. I was asked to sit and wait to be called. The same lady reappeared and led me to the manager's office. “Good morning ma'am” I greeted, tapping my feet nervously. “Have a seat,”the HR manager said warmly. I looked at the name tag on the table. It read Erica. “Your results are impressive and we look forward to you making an impact in Walker while learning” “Thanks ma'am” I replied with a warm smile. Making an impact seemed to imply I'll be posted to the strategy department which is exactly what I wanted. “I'll direct you to the CEO's office where you'll resume as his secretary” It felt as if I was stabbed with a needle. “A secretary?” I asked, astounded. ‘I clearly applied to be a junior strategist’ I mused inwardly, scared I'll offend her if I voiced my feelings. “My apologies, Miss Layla. The only post available at the moment is that of the secretary to the CEO.” Erica said with a nervous smile. “I'm very okay with running the small errands at the strategy department…” I said, hoping to convince her. I really need this internship to build my portfolio. I not only need to be in Walker, I need to gain experience for the future and secretary to the CEO doesn't sound promising. “That's very enthusiastic but that's the only position available” Erica said with a tone of finality. I wasn't sure but I could sense desperation in her tone. Is there something she isn't saying? Unease stirred in me as I stared at her. I need experience to strengthen my report or I'd have to take an additional class for extra credit. “You'll get paid…” Erica added. And just like that, all my doubts disappeared at the mention of money. “I'll do it,” I replied in a heartbeat, shocked at myself. I'll take a million extra classes if it guarantees I'll be able to make some money. The thought of settling my mother's outstanding bills was enough for me. ‘Besides…’ I thought. ‘.....how bad can being a secretary be?’ Little did I know, I was walking into a storm.