In Love With My Secretary

Chapter One: New Beginnings (Katherine’s POV — First Person) The elevator doors glared at me like a mirror of doom. “Level 28 — Austin Enterprises,” the digital voice announced as the doors slid open. I smoothed my skirt for the fiftieth time, pretending it would somehow iron out my nerves. My first day as a secretary to Andrew Austin, CEO of one of the city’s most luxurious firms. The man everyone described with a mix of awe and fear. I’d rehearsed my introduction all morning. Confident. Professional. Unflappable. Except, of course, I was already late. The reception area gleamed with glass walls and the quiet hum of money. Every click of my heels echoed like a countdown to disaster. “Ms. Sandra?” a calm voice called. I turned — and froze. He stood there, tall and impossibly composed, a crisp gray suit molding to his broad shoulders. His dark eyes swept over me once, sharp and unreadable. Andrew Austin. “Nice of you to finally join us,” he said, his tone smooth but laced with frost. My mouth opened. “The elevator—” “Excuses,” he cut in. “Noted. Let’s see if your work performs better than your timing.” He turned, walking toward his office without waiting for me to follow. My stomach twisted. Great start, Katherine. You’ve been here three minutes and already earned the boss’s disapproval. I hurried after him, clutching my notebook like a shield. His office was a museum of precision — black marble desk, city view, not a single thing out of place. Including him. He gestured to a chair. “Sit.” I obeyed, trying not to stare. His presence filled the room — controlled power, quiet confidence. The kind of man who never had to raise his voice to get exactly what he wanted. “You’ll handle my correspondence, schedule, and calls,” he said. “No gossip, no personal chatter. I expect efficiency.” “Yes, Mr. Austin.” His gaze lifted from his tablet. “And, Ms. Sandra… try not to be late again.” I nodded, cheeks burning. “Understood.” He studied me for a moment longer — as if deciding whether to fire me already — then returned to his screen. For a moment, the only sound was the steady tick of his clock. Then he said, quietly, without looking up: “You can start with the minutes from this morning’s board meeting.” I didn’t dare tell him I hadn’t been given access yet. Instead, I smiled tightly. “Right away.” As I stood to leave, I could feel his eyes on me again — that same cool, unreadable stare. I didn’t know it then, but that stare would haunt me — and change my life in ways I could never imagine.