Hazel was engrossed in her work, as it was her third day on the job. Her dedication and efficiency had left a strong impression on Francisco.
Her ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and quickly grasp the intricacies of her role had not gone unnoticed. Francisco observed her from a distance, impressed by her dedication.
Francisco had meticulously scrutinized Hazel's background, delving into her educational history, from primary to secondary school, and the colleges she had graduated from.
In his dual worlds of legitimate business and organized crime, Francisco knew that appearances were crucial.
Despite being a tycoon, he had another identity as the king of the mafia. Balancing these two roles was no easy feat.
Francisco's attention was consumed by the contents of a file when the sudden buzz of his phone disrupted the meeting. As everyone exited, Hazel began organizing the scattered files with efficiency, preparing to leave as well.
However, Francisco lifted his phone; he maintained silence, engrossed in the conversation on the other end of the line.
Just as she was poised to exit, Francisco's resonant voice cut through the air, "I will arrive on time."
"Hazel!"
He called, making her turn back. Her posture exuded professionalism as she faced him.
"Yes, sir."
Francisco took a moment before asking, "Why are you leaving?"
Hazel, momentarily caught off guard, gathered herself.
"I consider this to be an important call for you," she replied with a confident smile.
A smirk played on Francisco's lips at her response. He took a deep breath, nodding approvingly.
"You are my PA, so you don't have to leave every time."
"Ah, my mistake."
"I sincerely apologize."
Hazel lowered her green eyes.
Francisco tilted his head, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Come here," he casually beckoned, a tone of intrigue in his voice that Hazel found both surprising and unsettling.
Her voice shook slightly as she responded with a hesitation, "What?"
Francisco continued to wave his fingers, signaling for her to approach him. Hazel took a step forward, her uneasiness palpable. She came to a stop in front of him, her silky hair cascading over her left shoulder down to her waist.
"Hazel!"
Francisco rose from his chair, closing the physical distance between them.
The room was bathed in the dim glow of the projector.
Hazel stood frozen, neither stepping back nor daring to blink, as Francisco came closer.
Without Hazel's awareness, Francisco's hand made contact with her hair, his fingers delicately grazing her ear. He expertly gathered her silky strands, pushing them behind her ear. Hazel lowered her gaze in response.
Francisco's touch continued tracing her earlobe and then moving on to her earring.
Breaking the silence, Francisco uttered, "Be honest with me, Hazel."
His fingers lingered on her earrings, his gaze focused intently on the small piece of jewelry.
Hazel glanced at him with wide eyes.
She stammered, "Wh... what?"
Hazel took a step back; Francisco's fingers left her earring instead of ruffling her hair. He raised an eyebrow.
"Your hair smells nice. Which shampoo do you use?"
Hazel was perplexed by the unexpected question.
Leaning down, Francisco brought his nose close to her hair, inhaling its fragrance. Francisco, holding a lock of her hair, looked up at her.
"I'm asking you something," he stated.
Hazel stammered, "It's just a regular one, sir. Nothing too expensive."
Francisco continued to smirk as he looked down at Hazel's hair, his fingers playfully ruffling through the silky strands.
"It seems the shampoo is so lucky," he remarked cryptically, his gaze fixed on her hair.
"What?" she questioned.
His eyes, like an endless ocean of mysteries, locked onto Hazel's, capable of drawing anyone into their depths.
"If my PA keeps things from me, that bothers me," he stated.
Hazel's expression abruptly changed; she could not understand Francisco's words.
"Tonight, we have to go somewhere," Francisco declared, his eyes lifting from whatever he was engrossed in to meet Hazel's gaze.
"Where will we go, sir?"
Hazel inquired, her curiosity palpable. Francisco's gaze traveled from top to bottom.
"Just don't forget that this is not a casual meeting. It's a party," he emphasized.
"Party?"
"You must accompany me there as my partner," Francisco stated.
"Partner?"
Hazel stammered, taken aback by the unexpected proposition.
After a brief pause, Hazel cautiously responded, "Okay, sir. So, would it be possible for me to go right away to my home?"
"You don't need to go home for a change," Francisco replied, already making his way out.
"Let's go," he added, leaving Hazel to gather her belongings.
With that, Francisco left the room, leaving Hazel to quickly gather and organize the scattered documents on the table.
After some time, Francisco's sleek black car glided to a stop in front of a high-end boutique, a place where only the wealthiest people dared to place orders. Hazel was a bit taken aback when Francisco urged her to go shopping for him.
Despite her initial surprise, the fact that she was his personal assistant meant that such requests weren't entirely out of the ordinary. Stepping out of the car, they ventured into the upscale boutique.
Within, Hazel's eyes scanned the opulent surroundings, noting the luxurious fabrics and exclusive designs that adorned the racks. To her surprise, Mrs. Karan, a familiar face associated with high society, was present.
Mrs. Karan greeted them as they entered.
"I was waiting for you, Francisco, and I've prepared everything according to your taste,"
Francisco, turning to face Hazel, murmured, "Karan, that's extremely kind of you."
"But my PA will pick out my clothing this time."
Hazel felt a mixture of astonishment and responsibility.
Mrs. Karan, though momentarily surprised, gracefully acquiesced to Francisco's decision.
Hazel's eyes narrowed as she heard Francisco's directive, but he paid no attention to her reaction, casually settling onto a plush couch and lighting up a cigarette.
"Please come. I will show you the men's area," Karan said with a slight smile.
Hazel, a bit nervous as it was her first visit to a renowned branded store, followed Karan towards the men's section.
"It seems Francisco really depends on his PA more than his girlfriend," she remarked.
The mention of a girlfriend caught Hazel off guard. This was the first time she had heard about Francisco having a girlfriend. Her gaze shifted, a slight smile playing on her lips.
Girlfriend?
The words echoed in her mind.
Who could his girlfriend be?
So is the rumor true?