Forbidden Shadow

Chapter three

Maya’s Pov

“Uhmm did you see her?!

“See what?”

“The lady, Ivy, she looks so beautiful!” The office ladies who are my coworkers bickered. They were so loud that I could even hear them from here.

They were obviously talking about the sun-shade woman who has just worked past me now

But what? What was so special about her? Why was everyone suddenly alarmed and talking about her that way? I wondered.

“You see Katherine, you seem not to understand anything at all. My colleague said to Kath. Lady Ivy is a strong, smart, and very successful businesswoman, I hear she has also been a close friend and college mate of the boss. But she seems to have a strong crush on Mr. David” One of the girls gossiped

I paid closer attention to see if I could grab more from their little gossip.

“I also hear that she has been away for a long time but is back to continue working here as the Secretary. I’m supposing she's starting today.” I also feel she knows the Boss on a personal level. She concluded.

I didn’t exactly know what to do with the information I've heard so far, but somehow that eased my curiosity because I was wondering who the lady was that had stepped into the CEO’s office even without an appointment. She looked confident and truly was pretty. I admitted

But there’s a bigger problem here, I still haven’t been able to figure out the file.

I quickly entered my system hoping I could get the backup folder.

Somebody must have stolen those files, I was certain I left them there but who and for what reason? I couldn’t quite understand.

David’s Pov

When our skin touched, I could smell her so intimately. My heart suddenly began to race. I haven’t had such intense feelings for a long time. The only woman who has made my heart beat this way was my late wife. And now she’s gone.

But this now, just now, this Maya girl there must be something about her. I wondered.

I was beclouded with thoughts that I hadn’t noticed Ivy all along until she called out.

“Hey David! Been a while! What are you so engrossed in that you didn’t even notice my presence?

“Oh, Ivy! I didn’t think you’d be here today. You caught me completely unawares. How are you?” I returned

“I'm alright David. How about you?! You still haven’t changed one bit from working so much and being overly busy.”

I only returned with a chuckle “It is what it is”

Ivy worked as my Secretary. Due to her Resilience and Brilliance, coupled with my busy schedule. She is known for her efficiency and quiet strength. She managed schedules, handled correspondence, and kept the office running seamlessly, often staying a step ahead of everyone else. Her coming back here will do me a lot of favour to ease work and let me concentrate on the others.

“Welcome Ivy, we are glad to have you back again here with us. Not much has changed but a few people. I’ll introduce you to the others,” I said

Leading the way out. And as she trailed after me chuckling like a child.

Maya’s Pov

I was bent over the desk sorting the folders from my files. I was running outta of time. I feared the boss would call me anytime from now.

I compiled the others' individual files and I was done.

Just then I heard laughter and giggles from the direction of the Boss’s office. It was that of the lady. Why was she so happy? She looked bright and was filled with smiles

Mr. David walked out and then she followed.

She clung to the Boss’s arm like they were a couple and I couldn’t help but wonder.

“Everyone” he called, his voice calm but firm “A moment”

Conversations died down as the head turned.

This is Ivy, gesturing to the Woman standing next to him. She’ll be joining us as the new Secretary at Kingston.

Irene offered a polite Smile. “ Nice to meet you all”

A few greetings followed, curious glances exchanged, but Mr. David was already continuing.

“And here, he turned slightly is Maya, my personal assistant”

I looked up from my desk, my eyes briefly meeting Ivy’s. There was a small pause, subtle, but noticeable.

“Welcome,” I said with a smile

Ivy nodded. “Thank you. I look forward to working with you.” She responded, her tone warm, though something unreadable flickered beneath it.

For a moment, the atmosphere felt still like something unsaid had just passed between them.

Everyone returned to what they were doing as they both walked back to the office I quickly trailed behind.

***

At home

Maya’s mother was in the kitchen preparing dinner. Just then Maya came in

“Hey mum!” “Good evening, Ma” She greeted tiredly

“Welcome my child.” Her mother responded. “How was work today, did you manage to settle with your boss?”

“I did, Mum. It was about a missing file. Someone must have taken them. But, Good thing I had the backup on my system” “I retrieved them so it’s settled now”

Alright. You should rest Maya. Dinner will be served soon”

“Eli was here though. He said he’s been calling all day but you weren’t responding.”

“You should give him a call”

“I will, Mum. I've been busy.” I defended

With that, I left the kitchen for my room. I took a shower and retired to my bed.

Just then the event of the day replayed in my head.

The New lady at the office. Her aura, she exudes so much Confidence and yet appears so calm.

Her lingering stare made me nervous. There was something about her I quite couldn’t pick.

Will working with her make things easy or hell for me? The way she cleaves to the boss, are they a couple or something more?

“Arghh! I beat myself, thinking too much. And allowed sleep to take me.”

This for sure will be the death of me. I cursed.