The CEO’s Secret Addiction

Lena’s POV Cross Enterprises Headquarters. I stood in front of the tall building, staring at its floor-to-ceiling windows. The magnificent structure stood proudly amongst others, like it was claiming its territory. I had finally landed my dream job. Becoming the secretary to Julian Cross, a legendary business tycoon and billionaire in his own right, was a dream come true. He singlehandedly brought his father’s company back to life after his death, turning it into something unimaginably huge. Julian Cross had such a strong presence in the business sector that working for him would add so much value to your portfolio, and I intended to do just that. I snapped out of my thoughts and walked straight into the building. I was heading to the boardroom where a meeting was currently taking place. I entered, earning a few questioning glances from my soon-to-be colleagues, and it was understandable because it was my first day anyway. I went ahead to sit beside a nice-looking young lady. “It’s your first day, right?” she asked. “Yes,” I replied, giving her a nervous smile. “You’ll be fine.” The meeting started shortly after, and by the look of things, the boss was not yet here. Figures, shares, and dividends were being discussed, taking everyone’s focus, including mine, when suddenly the door opened with a loud bang. The boss was here. Julian Cross walked in with his usual poise. His suit looked like it was specifically tailored for him, quietly showcasing his manly structure underneath. Everyone stood up as a sign of respect and waited for him to take his seat before following suit. The meeting continued after the short interruption. I found myself stealing a few glances at him, just to get a hold of his magnificent face. Halfway into the meeting, the discussion moved to advertisement. The manager kept mentioning big figures that had been set aside for the same purpose. Personally, I felt like it was unnecessary, so I raised my hand to say something. I was his secretary anyway, so I should be able to. Everyone looked at me, including him, but then I noticed something. When our glances met, his eyes suddenly flew wide open, and his lips parted like he wanted to say something but stopped himself. He looked at me like I was a treasure he had lost. Maybe it was my imagination though, because I could swear that I hadn’t met him before. I stood up and began to speak. “Good morning everyone, my name is Lena, and I just resumed today. I would be working as Mr. Julian’s assistant. Forgive me, but I have a few things to say concerning the resources allocated for advertisement. Firstly, this company is well known. The name is already a household name that speaks for itself. Secondly, I personally do not think that paying huge amounts to celebrities who end up adding little to no advantage to the company is a good idea…” “Stop right there, Miss Assistant,” a delicate-looking lady said. She continued, “I am the marketing director of this company and that was my idea. Besides, you just got here. Why not relax and let the pros do the work?” Before I could respond, Mr. Julian raised his hand in a dictating manner. “Let her speak,” he retorted. I was shocked, but I quickly found my voice and continued. “Thank you, sir…” “Julian,” he said. “You can call me Julian.” “Um… okay. Thank you, Julian.” He nodded in approval. “As I was saying, this company is like a bridge between fashion and entertainment. Our wears can be advertised through boutiques, outlets, billboards, and even trade fairs, and it’s cheaper. The more we put ourselves out there, regardless of the status or the medium, it will do us a lot of good.” I paused slightly. “Besides, if anyone should be paid for advertising here, it should be our boss.” I ended my suggestion with a knowing look. Everyone laughed and clapped for me. I was happy I had made an impression… too bad I didn’t do it without pissing off the marketing director. The meeting ended soon after, and everyone started leaving the boardroom. “Not you, Miss Lena. I haven’t been properly introduced to my secretary yet,” Julian called out. “Oh, of course,” I said, immediately taking my seat again. He continued, “My name is—” “I know who you are, sir… um, Julian.” “A witty one, I see,” he said, smiling. My heart immediately stopped. His smile… it was dazzling. Breathtaking even. I was captivated. “Have you been briefed about your duties?” he asked. “Yes, Julian.” “Alright then. That would be all for now.” ***** Julian’s POV Lena. The name kept ringing constantly in my ears, like it was a broken radio forced to be put on repeat. She reminded me of someone. Someone I didn’t even want to think about. Someone who seemed to be on my mind daily. Evelyn. My late ex-wife. They looked alike… too much for me to ignore. I loved my late wife. Loved her so much that I couldn’t get her off my head. Still can’t. That was the reason why a total stranger was making me feel such a way. When I saw Lena earlier today, I was overwhelmed. Partly because I hadn’t bothered to get involved in the process of employing a secretary. I left everything to my advisor, so that meant I didn’t see a picture or anything whatsoever. Now, after laying my eyes on her, I was afraid. Afraid that she was about to wake something I had buried for years. I needed to know everything about her. Where she lived, what she ate, who she spoke to… But the question was, who was she? I picked up my phone and called a friend of mine, a private investigator. He only did jobs for me. “Get me everything you can on Lena Hart.”