Chapter 3 Devastation

By the time I got home, I felt utterly drained yet buzzed with excitement. My ongoing emotional roller-coaster experience took whatever energy I had left and tossed it clear out the window. But, nonetheless, I was still very much excited for myself.

I changed out of my damp clothes and into something more comfortable before grabbing my phone. I needed to call my friend Emily and tell her the amazing news. It was by her suggestion that I interview at Crescent Moon in the first place, so it was only fair that I inform her of the details.

“Hello? Mia?” Her soft voice rushed through the speaker. “How did it go?”

“Oh my God, Emily,” I gushed. “You’re not going to believe this—”

She gasped. “You got the job?”

“No. Better. I ended up speaking with the CEO who pretty much insisted that I become his new personal secretary,” I told her.

“Oh my God!! Mia, that’s incredible! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. Once you start, you’ll need to fill me in on all the details.”

After we hung up, I heavily contemplated calling my brother to let him in on the good news as well. But like I told James earlier, Chris was currently in the middle of an important archaeological dig out in Egypt. I knew how demanding his work could be and I didn’t want to risk distracting him.

So, I decided to keep the information to myself for the time being. I made a mental promise that I would get around to telling Chris as well as seizing the opportunity James had given me. I was going to work hard and get my life back on track.

The following day, I’d put on some of my best clothes and headed straight in for work. I arrived just outside of the CEO’s office on the very top floor but was instantly stopped by another assistant.

She pursed her red-painted lips at me. “And may I ask what your purpose is here?”

“I’m Mr. Derek’s new personal secretary,” I answered evenly.

The woman arched her brow with deep skepticism. “Yeah, right,” she scoffed. “You expect me to believe that a man like James Derek would ever hire someone to do a job that he already does perfectly well himself? Not to mention why would he hire someone like you?”

Her venomous gaze raked down my front, making me feel all the more conscious of my appearance.

“There is absolutely nothing remarkable about you. And based on your choice of clothing, I can easily tell that you lack self-awareness as well.” She narrowed her eyes and went on. “There have been many women who’ve tried to get close to James, and you’re not even in the running. The last thing he needs is someone trying to pry into his private life.”

An overwhelming wave of self-doubt and shameful insecurity crashed over me. Did I seriously look at that bad? Was James going to think the same way when he’d see me?

Just then, I caught a glimpse of James walking out of his office and my nerves instantly coiled with worry.

The assistant’s tone lightened. “Oh, Mr. Derek, my apologies for the interruption,” she hummed. “I was just trying to tell this woman that she’s clearly made a mistake by coming up here.”

James turned to give her a cold look. “Mia is here by my personal request. She is an exceedingly important person to me.” His tone grew severe. “If you make Mia unhappy or feel unwelcomed again, I will see to it that you are replaced. No second chances.”

My heart skipped several beats while a long-forgotten feeling of warmth filled my chest. I felt my cheeks blush under his heavily defensive tone. It was like being enveloped in a protective blanket that I never wanted to leave.

Meanwhile, the assistant looked as though she were seconds away from having a complete meltdown as James escorted me further into the office. He gave a brief overview of my basic day-to-day responsibilities.

As his new personal secretary, I was in charge of organizing various documents and planning James’ schedule. Thanks to the help and guidance of his assistant Beta Daniel, I became swiftly adapted to my new role.

By the time lunch came around, I returned to my desk to find a silver-covered dish waiting for me. I was shocked to find what appeared to be the most gorgeous-looking steak salad I’d ever seen. Suddenly, I felt uncomfortable.

Has James done all of this for me?

I hate to think that this was some sort of special treatment. However, when I saw that a good number of the other employees had received the same dish, I was able to let myself relax and be willing to accept it.

The day had finally come to an end and I was more than ready to head home. Grabbing my belongings, James stepped out of his office and turned to me.

“Could I, perhaps, give you a ride back home?” he offered.

That familiar buzz rushed back to me, wanting me to happily accept the man’s offer. Unfortunately, I softly shook my head. “No, thank you. Don’t you think it would be a bit strange for a boss to drive an employee home?”

“Not at all,” he stated firmly with a tilt of his head. “Let’s go.”

My jaw practically hit the floor from shock. Why on earth would James insist on taking me home?

Daniel must have witnessed the entire interaction and quickly came to my side. “Technically, working hours have passed and regular office policy no longer applies,” he explained lightly. “Mr. Derek is merely looking out for your safety as a friend of your brother’s.”

He had a point there. Nonetheless, I was still deeply hesitant to go along with this set-up. I truly wasn’t used to the idea of someone else looking out for me like that. I wasn’t sure what to do with myself.

As we made it outside, James and I were waiting patiently for the car to come around for us. During that time, I spotted a familiar face unexpectedly from across the street, amongst the crowds of people.

I couldn’t believe it. It was my boyfriend, Peter.

The man who’d been missing for weeks on end. He was smiling, laughing, and intimately holding hands with another woman.

Oh my God...