BURIED HEARTS

STRONG ALLIBI

CHAPTER FIVE

STRONG ALLIBI

Naya arrived at work at her usual time, earlier than everyone, she sat on her seat, reminiscing on what happened the previous day, had it been Adrian had not intervened earlier, Tiana would have slapped her the second time, the thought of it made her feel very bad for herself, she knew she was wrong by mistakenly spilling coffee on her, but Tiana slapping her was totally out of character, inside of her she knew she really wanted to make Tiana apologize to her, she really wanted to return that slap no matter what it would cost her, her shiny eyes darkened with so much hate for Tiana, she had every reason to hate Tiana.

Ever since the day she started working here, Tiana had always found a way to make her miserable at every given opportunity, she thought to herself, had she known about the application for Secretary for Adrian, she would have applied earlier, but it was already too late.

She was lost in her thoughts, till Alexa came and shook her from the back, calling her back into reality.

Naya, when are you going to start packing or do you want me to fill in for you?

Naya looked at her oblivious to what she was talking about.

Fill in for me?

Where?

She asked Alexa

Alexa could not believe what she was asking her because she really needed to make sure Naya wasn't still affected by Tiana's deafening slap.

Are you trying to say you walked past the notice board at the lobby without reading its content? Alexa asked in awe.

Is there anything I should know? Naya asked, still unaware of what Alexa was talking about.

“Alright, follow me then.”

They got to the lobby where many staff from different departments had gathered whispering and pointing fingers. As they approached the banner, people made way for her to pass.

Her name, Naya Sinclair, was written in capital letters as the newly appointed secretary for the major office, which is Adrian’s office.

Naya could feel everyone's eyes on her.

This wasn't just a promotion.

This was a spotlight.

She struggled to steady her steps as she walked away from the crowd.

Alexa helped her pack. She was genuinely happy for Naya, but a part of her wished she were the one leaving Tiana's department.

Cynthia sat quietly at the edge watching both of them, she kept on wondering what exactly did Naya do to deserve the kind of major promotion, she had just been here for a month, her expression was emotionless but deep down she was really puzzled.

Adrian, stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, scanning the city below, when the knock came.

“Come in,”

He didn't turn immediately, tie loosened, sleeves rolled up, his hands in his pocket, his posture composed, his redefined looks, and the direct sunlight that hit his skin through the glass window made his looks more captivating.

For a second his mind stalled.

It was her.

Naya stepped in, posture careful, fingers clasped in front of her as if she was holding herself together, she looked confident yet fragile. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail as always, making her features so delicate and soft.

“Good afternoon, sir,” she said, voice steady and warm, despite the faint tension on her shoulders. ‘I am Naya,’ I've been assigned as your new secretary.

Adrian steps closer; not too close.

“Guess your three minutes' lateness has landed you in a better spot, Naya?”

He said with a soft countenance.

Naya could no longer hide it; she knew it was him from the moment he defended her from Tiana. She understood better how she got the job, even though she missed the interview.

“It's you, it has always been you.”

Thank you very much, words are not enough to describe how grateful I am.

Sir I am indebted to you.

Naya was truly grateful; she had always suspected it was the guy from the garage who helped her, but she couldn't prove it until the event that occurred the previous day. A heartwarming smile plastered across her face.

“Naya, you don't need to feel indebted to me or to anyone,” he paused, looking into her eyes like he was searching for something.

I know you are merited to be here, your résumé said it all, I just gave you a little boost. Since you are here the only thing you owe me is your loyalty and dedication to this job.

I appointed you here because I see beyond what others see in you. I hope you don't fail me.

Her lips pressed together, not quite smiling, not quite fear, her hazel eyes beaming with hope and determination.

Something in his expression shifted, surprise melting into intrigue.

“Well,” he said, "since you are here, voice calm but eyes filled with unreadable depth, “welcome to the major office, Naya Sinclair.”

“Thank you, sir,”

I will do my best to deliver and dominate in this field in the best way I can.

I look forward to that, he replied with a faint smile.

Tiana sat in her office, puzzled. Every single detail of the previous day was still replaying in her head; she really underestimated Naya.

Adrian Valdosta was never the type to interfere in other people’s affairs.

What made her different?

What made that riff-raff exceptional?

She doesn't even smell or wear expensive clothes, she thought to herself.

She has just been here for a month, and she already owns the spotlight, which means if she eventually stays longer, she might start ruling the kingdom.

She needs an alibi.

She needs a strong alibi.

Someone she can easily manipulate into doing all the dirty work for her.

Then she remembers Cynthia.

The thought of Cynthia made her lips curl up in a wicked grin.

She can't afford to see Naya rule over her; the burning jealousy inside of her would never consent to it.

She calls Cynthia through the intercom.

“I need you in my office, now.”