IN LOVE WITH MY BEAUTIFUL SECRETARY EPISODE 3
1129 Words
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EPISODE 3 – “The Warning”
The elevator ride to the top floor was quiet, save for the soft hum of machinery and the faint rustle of papers in Summer’s trembling hands. She stood beside Anthony Morreti, trying not to make eye contact, her heart thumping like a war drum. He hadn’t spoken a word since telling her to follow him. His tall figure was a wall of unreadable intensity in that tailored navy suit.
Summer bit her lower lip.
Anthony’s jaw clenched.
The elevator dinged, breaking the silence. He stepped out first, not waiting for her. She hurried behind him, struggling to keep pace in her sensible heels.
They entered his office—a sprawling space with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city. Sleek black furniture, a minimalist design, and an air of calculated control. It screamed power. Just like him.
He turned, finally facing her. “Sit.”
Summer obeyed, gripping the folder in her lap like a shield.
“You showed up late to your interview,” he said, voice clipped. “You spilled coffee on the receptionist. And you entered my office without permission.”
She winced. “I’m really sorry, Mr. Morreti. It was a chaotic morning and—”
“I don’t want excuses,” he interrupted sharply. “I want competence.”
Summer’s breath caught. She lowered her gaze, nodding. “Yes, sir.”
A long silence followed. She felt his eyes on her, heavy and assessing.
“And yet…” His voice softened, just a fraction. “You’re still here.”
She looked up, surprised.
“I’ve fired people for less,” Anthony continued. “But something tells me I shouldn’t let you go. Not yet.”
That should have felt like a relief—but somehow, it only made Summer more nervous. “Thank you… I won’t disappoint you again.”
“You will,” he said flatly. “But you’ll learn not to.”
He walked behind his desk and sat, opening a drawer and retrieving a thick binder.
“You’ll be handling my schedule, my correspondence, internal memos, and assisting with board meetings. I do not tolerate inefficiency. If you’re unsure of something—don’t guess. Ask.”
Summer nodded quickly.
“And Summer?” His voice lowered, almost like velvet laced with steel. “You’ll need to develop thicker skin if you plan to survive here.”
She met his eyes, summoning every ounce of bravery she had. “I’ll work on it.”
Something flickered in his gaze—amusement? Intrigue? It vanished before she could be sure.
“You start now,” he said, gesturing to the desk outside his office. “Vivian will show you the ropes.”
The name sent a shiver down Summer’s spine. Vivian—the tall, icy woman with red lipstick and sharper eyes—was not thrilled to have Summer around. Summer could already feel the daggers from her glares since yesterday.
“Of course,” Summer said softly.
As she stood to leave, Anthony’s voice stopped her again.
“And Miss Brenda?” he said without looking up. “Stop biting your lip. It’s distracting.”
Her eyes widened. Her hand shot to her mouth. “Oh—I didn’t realize—”
“Now you do,” he said, a corner of his mouth twitching almost into a smirk. “Dismissed.”
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Outside Anthony’s Office
Vivian leaned against Summer’s desk, arms folded, red nails tapping the surface.
“Well, well,” she drawled. “Still here. How…unexpected.”
Summer offered a polite smile. “I’m looking forward to learning from you.”
Vivian’s lips curled. “Don’t get too comfortable. Mr. Morreti has high standards. He won’t keep someone who doesn’t fit.”
Summer bit her tongue. “Noted.”
Vivian’s eyes scanned her outfit, her expression unreadable. “Come. I’ll show you how to manage his calendar. Try not to mess it up.”
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Hours Later
Summer sat at her desk, typing furiously, trying to make sense of the avalanche of tasks she’d been assigned. She’d already sent three emails to the wrong recipients, accidentally scheduled two meetings at the same time, and spilled a little water on a contract.
She groaned quietly and rested her forehead on the desk.
“I don’t know how you’re still standing.”
The voice startled her. It was Leah, a warm-faced woman from HR who had helped Summer earlier.
Summer lifted her head. “Barely.”
Leah handed her a paper cup. “Chamomile. You look like you need it.”
“Bless you,” Summer whispered, taking it gratefully. “Is he always like this?”
“Anthony Morreti?” Leah chuckled. “He’s worse when he likes someone.”
Summer blinked. “Wait, what?”
Leah winked. “Just saying—he usually doesn’t give second chances.”
Summer tried to process that. Was Anthony… interested in her? No. Ridiculous. He was just being professional. Right?
She sighed and sipped her tea.
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Later That Evening – After Hours
Most of the office had cleared out. Summer was still at her desk, trying to recheck the next day’s schedule before submitting it to Anthony.
The door to his office opened. She flinched.
He stepped out, jacket gone, sleeves rolled up. Even at the end of the day, he looked pristine.
“You’re still here,” he said.
She stood quickly. “I was just finishing your schedule for tomorrow.”
He walked over and picked up the printout she’d left on the corner of her desk. His eyes scanned it.
“This is… better.”
“Thank you,” she said quietly.
Anthony looked at her for a moment. “You didn’t run away.”
“I’m trying to prove I deserve this job.”
A slow, unreadable expression moved across his face. He leaned slightly closer.
“You’re different,” he said.
Summer’s breath caught. “Different how?”
“Most people either fear me or flatter me. You try to understand me. That’s dangerous.”
Her lips parted, unsure how to respond.
Then she did it again—bit her lower lip.
He exhaled sharply and turned away.
“Go home, Summer,” he said. “Before I forget I’m your boss.”
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Vivian’s Apartment – That Same Night
Vivian tossed her phone onto her vanity and scowled at her reflection.
Summer Brenda.
That name was starting to taste like poison.
She’d been watching the way Anthony looked at her—curious, amused, even… protective. He’d never looked at Vivian that way, not once in the five years she’d worked for him.
Vivian’s fingers clenched around a crystal perfume bottle.
This wasn’t over.
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To Be Continued...
- Writer
