Chapter 10 – The First Test
1362 Words
That morning, Valente Corporation’s office felt busier than usual. Selena came earlier, just like Leonardo ordered. Her eyes were still a little swollen, but she tried to cover them with light makeup and a professional smile.
On her desk, a stack of documents was already waiting. She bent her head, focusing hard, trying to drown herself in work. But no matter how hard she tried, her heart kept going back to Leonardo’s cold eyes, his sharp words—like he was testing her, daring her to stay or give up.
The sound of the boss’s door opening made her heart jump. Leonardo stepped out in a dark suit, cold as always. Matteo followed quietly behind him.
“Selena,” his voice was flat.
Selena quickly stood up. “Yes, Sir?”
Leonardo looked at her for a moment before saying, “Tonight, there’s a business party. You’re coming with me.”
Selena froze. “A—a business party, Sir?”
“Yes.” His gaze was sharp. “You’re my secretary. And I’ll introduce you as my personal secretary.”
The words made her choke. She wanted to ask why, but his cold expression killed her courage.
“But, Sir… I—I don’t have a dress to—”
“Not my problem.” Leonardo cut her off. “Come with whatever you have. And don’t be late.”
Selena swallowed hard, then nodded. “Yes, Sir.”
Without another word, Leonardo turned and went back inside his office.
Selena sat down weakly, her fingers squeezing her skirt. Personal secretary? What does that even mean? Why… why does my heart feel so uneasy?
But no matter her confusion, she had no choice. Tonight, she had to go. And that was the beginning of everything.
---
That night, Milan looked different. City lights glittered beautifully, the streets shiny after an afternoon rain, and the air smelled of spring. But for Selena, beauty was just decoration. Inside, her chest felt heavy.
She stood in front of the mirror in her tiny apartment, staring at her nervous reflection. She wore a simple navy dress, knee-length, not too tight, not too loose. Elegant enough for her, but she knew it wasn’t the kind of dress that belonged in Leonardo’s world.
On the table lay the golden invitation: “Valente Corporation Annual Business Soirée.”
Selena’s lips curved bitterly. “Why do I have to go to a business party? I’m nobody… This must be Mr. Leonardo’s idea again.”
Her voice echoed in the empty room. She glanced at the mirror one more time. Her hair was tied up simply, some strands falling around her face. No salon touch, but soft enough. She even put on a thin lipstick, though her hands shook while applying it.
She touched her dress, her fingers clutching the simple navy fabric. Not designer. Not glamorous. But… this is all I have.
Images of the party flashed in her head—women in sparkling gowns, high heels worth her monthly salary, confident smiles. While she… was just a secretary, still trying to survive under Leonardo’s cold stares.
She bowed her head. Why am I so nervous? I promised myself—I work here for my job, not for recognition. I’m not a guest of honor. I’m just a secretary. That’s all.
But her heart didn’t calm down. Her chest tightened, her breathing short.
“Selena…” she whispered to herself. “You’ll just stand by his side, take notes if needed, smile politely. That’s it. Nothing more.”
Still, her heart trembled. Something about the way Leonardo told her to come earlier—flat, cold, yet almost like a test—made her uneasy.
---
Across the city, Leonardo sat in the back of his black luxury car. Matteo was in the front seat.
Leonardo swirled a glass of red wine, his mind full of memories—his father, Isabella, his mother’s tears. But then another image appeared: Selena, her eyes glistening when she said, “If I did something wrong, please tell me. So I can fix it.”
His chest tightened. He emptied the wine in one gulp. Tonight, I’ll see how long you can last, Selena.
---
Selena arrived at the hotel lobby earlier than expected. A massive chandelier sparkled above, its golden light bouncing off polished marble floors. Guests in designer gowns and suits walked confidently.
Selena, meanwhile, felt… small.
She clutched her tiny clutch bag, whispering, “Oh God… this is even more glamorous than that restaurant.”
Heavy footsteps echoed. Leonardo approached in a perfect black suit, aura cold and powerful. Matteo followed right behind.
Leonardo’s eyes narrowed as he scanned Selena from head to toe.
“Simple dress,” he commented flatly.
Selena froze, bowing her head. “I’m sorry, Sir… I don’t have anything better.”
Instead of mocking her, Leonardo simply turned and walked toward the ballroom. “Follow me.”
Selena stared at his tall back, then took a deep breath. Alright, Selena. Tonight, you’re just a secretary. Remember that.
---
Soft jazz music filled the ballroom. Champagne glasses sparkled, laughter mixed with the sound of silverware. As soon as Leonardo walked in, all eyes turned.
Whispers spread quickly.
“That’s Valente…”
“And who’s the girl with him?”
“His secretary, maybe?”
Selena’s skin crawled. She wanted to disappear.
But Leonardo stopped in the middle of the crowd, his voice low but clear. “This is Selena. My personal secretary.”
The word personal felt so heavy. Selena almost choked on air. Every eye now pinned on her.
A man smirked. “Personal secretary, huh? Valente, you always surprise us.”
Some laughed. Selena bowed her head, her face burning.
As the night went on, Leonardo mingled with important guests. Selena stood close, sometimes helping with notes or small documents.
But then, men began approaching her.
A young man with slick brown hair offered a champagne glass. “For you, Signorina. Must be tiring, working for such a cold boss all the time.”
Selena gave a polite smile. “Thank you, but I prefer water.”
The man chuckled. “So pure. Interesting.”
From afar, Leonardo’s glare darkened. His glass almost cracked under his grip.
Another man appeared—older, with a thick gold ring. “Bella. If your boss leaves you alone, why not spend time with someone who knows how to have fun?”
Selena’s cheeks burned. “Sorry, I’m here to work.”
“Work can wait.” The man leaned closer, his cologne too strong.
Selena stepped back, panicking. She glanced at Leonardo, hoping he would help—but he only stood there, expression unreadable.
Still, fire burned in his chest.
Selena clenched her teeth, finally speaking firmly. “Sir, excuse me. I’m a secretary. Not… a party date.”
The man blinked, then laughed awkwardly before stepping back.
But before Selena could breathe, another man approached. Younger, with a playful smile. He grabbed her hand and held it too long.
“Selena, huh? Beautiful name. I could get used to saying it every day.”
Selena tried pulling her hand back. “Sir, my hand…”
He smirked. “Such soft hands. A waste, just typing for Valente.”
Panic hit her. “Please… let go.”
But he didn’t.
Across the room, Leonardo’s jaw tightened. He slammed his glass down, the sharp sound echoing. Matteo glanced at him.
“Sir?”
Leonardo didn’t answer. His long strides cut through the marble floor, the crowd quickly moving aside. His aura was icy, slicing through the air.
He reached Selena and yanked her hand away from the man’s grip.
His glare was sharp enough to kill. “Don’t ever touch my secretary again.”
The man paled. “I—I’m sorry, Valente…”
Leonardo ignored him. He still held Selena’s wrist, pulling her away to a quieter corner.
“Sir, please… everyone’s watching—” Selena whispered nervously.
Leonardo bent down, his face close, his voice low and burning.
“Listen carefully, Selena.” His breath brushed her ear. “Don’t let anyone touch you. Except me.”
- Writer
