The Unexpected Secretary

Chapter three

Monday morning came by rather fast. Isabella was certainly not in the mood to attend work but she didn't have much of a choice because she had to pay off her mother's medical bills and also take care of herself. When she got up she realised Maggy had already left for work since she works in a restaurant and their most busy hours are in the morning and after six pm.

She got up to take a hot bath and soaked herself for twenty five minutes to relieve the pain in her body. She got out of the bath and headed to the mirror to do her skincare routine, a part of her day that was therapeutic. She got dressed in a black pencil skirt just over her knees and a pink silk top that complimented her hazel brown eyes. She finished off her look with light makeup, she put her hair into a low bun with strands of hair loose in the front. She put her stiletto heels on and headed for Smith Entreprises.

Isabella arrived in her office, thinking about what her day would look like. She started checking out her emails so she could start working.

Knock knock she heard knowing who it was she answered

"Come on in Sam"

"Hey girl, how was the Gala?" Samantha was clearly excited about what Isabella was about to say, but her excitement disappeared when she saw a sad look on Isabella's face.

Samantha is Isabella's office partner, they both take care of anything that has to do with the company's legal operations. So they've been working together and became good friends.

"Sam I'll love to explain but I need a huge favour"

"I know, one spoon of coffee, three sugars and enough milk that can take you off the planet" she said with giggles

"You're a lifesaver, do you have any news from the top?"

"Actually I sure do, Mr Smith is leaving for a business trip and won't be coming back anytime soon."

"So who will be taking his place as CEO?" Isabella asked, clearly shocked because Mr Smith has never taken time off for business trips, he'd always send a trustworthy representative.

"Rumour has it that his son will be taking over and this so-called business trip of his is a way of retiring." Samantha says while whispering.

"I didn't know he had a son, I sure know he has two beautiful daughters, famous as their but the son thing is news to my ears" whispering in response

"Well hunny, welcome to the corporate world, I'll be back before you know it."

A few minutes later Samantha came back to the office with Isabella's favourite cup of coffee and she added cookies knowing Isabella didn't have breakfast.

" So are you going to explain what happened at the Gala? I might not know you that well but that face is one I know way too well. " Samantha commented

" Sam, I had the worst weekend ever, you know how I hate those Gala events. I confronted my boyfriend because I knew he was cheating and you know what he had the audacity to do?" she signed

"What?" Samantha gasped

"He broke up with me. That’s not all, I had a one night stand after having too much alcohol and I don’t even know the man’s last name"

"Isabella Turner you did what??? What's his name ? Is he hot ? Where does he work or live?"

"I know Sam, it’s that bad. His name is Ethan and the answer to the rest of your questions I really don't know. Now can we start work, I’ve been depressed ever since I really don’t want it affecting my capacity at work. I really need this job and you know how bad» Isabella said, directing her attention to her laptop.

After breakfast Isabella and Samantha worked on legal contracts for future projects, which were very important in order not to have law issues with partners or shareholders. A knock came from the door stopping their work session.

"Hi girls, hope you enjoyed your weekend. There's a meeting in five minutes. Mr Smith wants to see everyone to clear things before he leaves." One of their collègues said

"Thank you, we'll be out in a sec." Isabella replied with a smile.

"Let's go before they cut our heads off" Samantha said while rolling her eyes.

On the way to the boardroom Isabella felt like something was off but couldn't put a finger on the feeling. Towards reaching the boardroom they noticed there wasn't space in the front so they stayed back. Everyone was seated and Mr Smith entered the boardroom with a smile. He had always been the type to smile and greet making work feel like home, but there were other employees that would just pretend so they could be promoted.

"Good day ladies and gentlemen" He started

"I assume that you've all been informed about my business trip, I won't be back anytime soon and I might be retiring after my return. I trust that all of you will continue to make Smith Enterprises a success and while I'm gone there will be a new CEO in place. He is my eldest Son, Ethan Smith."

« Thank you very much, you can go back to work » he concluded

Hearing the name Ethan Smith made Isabella zone out, she felt like she couldn't breath, she tried to see who this Ethan Smith was but looks like he was present at the meeting. She tried taking slow breaths to calm her nerves down. She didn't know his last name so couldn't be sure that the new CEO was her one night-stand.

Was her one night stand her new CEO and the heir to the Smith Entreprise or was it just a coincidence that his name was also Ethan?

The meeting ended and she could hear some of the female employees gossip which was totally unprofessional.

"Looks like I'm going to change my wardrobe, you never know if his looking for someone sexy and intelligent" one said

" I'll be at his service twenty-four/ seven if he needs it," another said

"How can you be that money hungry, that’s annoying" Isabella thought to herself.

_______

It's been months since their one night stand situation. Ethan has been so worked up with his new position as CEO trying not to make mistakes that could jeopardise the family business. He has been having wild flashbacks that have prevented him from having good night sleep. In a dilemma on whether he should ask Matthew for Isabella's address or he should keep his word of not having any strings attached.

Ethan sat back on his chair trying to figure out what to do, his thoughts running wild threatening to give him a migraine or make him run mad.

Ring ring ring

Ethan's office phone rings, forcing him to put his thoughts aside for a moment.

"Yes" he answered firmly waiting for an answer

"Sir everyone is present for the meeting" his personal executive assistant Lake informs him

Since he was presented the first time to the board he didn't have the time to meet all the other employees. He got up, fixed his tie and headed to the boardroom.

Isabella was concentrating on her notepad that she didn't notice when Ethan arrived. Ethan cleared his throat and greeted.

"Good day everyone, it's nice to finally see faces. My name is Ethan Smith and I'm looking forward to working with you all.There are going to be specific changes and I hope you'll be able to adapt"

At that instant it was like the oxygen in the air was cut off, Isabella lifted her head up and looked in Ethan's direction. She laid eyes on the man she might have fallen in love with, her one-stand. The man who had the opportunity to make her know s****l satisfaction. She didn't know what to do whether she should run out, stay put or approach him in front of the whole staff members. She was as pale as if she had seen a ghost, putting her head down and praying that he hadn’t seen her. The meeting was done, she wanted to get out so bad without being spotted but everyone seemed to be in a rush to get back to their offices.

The moment she wanted to step out the door she heard a familiar voice call out to her.

"Isabella" his voice firm, Ethan motioned towards her with his Secretary right behind him.

She closed her eyes and wished the ground would swallow her up right there. She composed herself and turned around slowly as if she was expecting to see a monster.

"Mr Smith this is Isabella Turner one of our best employees, she works in the law department and has shown herself worthy. She has worked closely with your father, impressing him every time." Lake said clearly pointing out how impressive Isabella was.

"Isabella Turner" Ethan repeated, not sure what to say next.

"Yes Sir." Isabella answered dumbfounded by the situation

"Nice to meet you" He said and walked past her without another word.