The office is a grand, high-ceilinged room with a sprawling glass table at its center. Surrounding it are rows of chairs arranged formally, facing each other—executive directors seated in their black suits, exuding elegance and professionalism.
At the head of the table sits a prominent chair, clearly the focal point, while the seats beside it seem just as important. One wall features a massive TV screen, like a giant billboard, used for presentations and showcasing the company's products and services.
"This is all we have," Alva said, finishing her presentation. The executive directors rose from their seats and applauded.
"Thank you," she smiled, walking back to her seat beside Cody.
"Mr. Cody, you've got a nice secretary," one of the directors across the table said with a sly grin.
What are they talking about? Why are they speaking in English? Are they talking about me?
"She looks beautiful. I'd like to take her out sometime," Leo smirked, his eyes locked on Alva. She felt confused but forced herself to stay calm and act normal.
"This concludes the report, Mr. Leo," Cody responded smoothly, avoiding the comment.
Alva leaned over and whispered, "What are they saying?"
"They're saying you don't deserve to be a secretary," Cody replied with a smirk, keeping his voice low.
Alva's face twisted in annoyance as she quietly sat back down.
Ughh… Why would they say something like that? They don't even know me. Why can't I be his secretary?
"Why are they so rude…" she muttered under her breath, trying to keep her composure.."Let's go," Cody said.
"Okay. Are you done speaking evil about me?" I whispered, still annoyed.
Mr. Leo stood and smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Cody. And thank you all for your cooperation."
"You're welcome, Mr. Cody," one of the directors replied. "Why don't we make a toast tonight?"
"I'm sorry, but I have to decline," Cody said flatly.
"Well, the secretary can come," another added, eyes on me.
"No," Cody snapped. "She won't be attending."
"Let us speak for ourselves," Leo interrupted, flashing me a smile. "Right, Ms. Alva?"
"Yes… we'll be there," I blurted out before I could stop myself.
God, what did I just say? Did I seriously just agree? Am I fired now?
"We'll be waiting for you, Alva," Leo said, clearly pleased.
"Okay, Mr. Leo."
"You'll be getting a dress sent for the party," he added warmly.
Okay… why do I keep saying okay?
Cody's expression didn't change. "Our business isn't over," he said to Leo. "We still need to discuss something."
Leo hesitated, looking at me, clearly not wanting me to leave just yet. Then he nodded reluctantly. "Ms. Alva, please go get ready."
"Yes, Mr. Leo." I gave him a small nod and turned to leave.
As I stepped out of the room, I felt a strange presence behind me. I glanced over my shoulder—an old lady was quietly following me down the hallway.
++++
As she slipped away to the designated area, the rustle of petals and the soft whisper of a distant waterfall enveloped her.
The attendant, with deft hands, dressed her in a majestic gown crafted in layers of a soft, glistening pink that seemed to shimmer like morning dew. The dress cascaded over her slender frame like a waterfall of sunset hues that danced around her with every step, shimmering like stardust.
Then, she was given a delicate mask, fine with intricate patterns and gemstones placed gently over her eyes. The sweet scent of perfume drifted around her, blending with the atmosphere to create an enchanting melody.
As she left the dressing room and stepped into the grand hall, the room fell silent. The men there gasped—not because of her entrance alone, but because of her ethereal beauty. Unadorned by heavy makeup, her hair was elegantly coiffed, revealing the delicate curve of her neck.
"She's so damn hot," someone muttered under their breath.
---
As the orchestra melodies filled the grand ballroom, the word "dance" echoed in her ears like a distant bell, awakening her from hesitation.
Her gaze shifted to him, her eyes catching the sparkling lights that danced across his suit as he stood with dignified poise.
But the man, Cody, barely looked at her, appearing more focused on his phone.
What was I expecting…? she thought.
"Shall we dance, my lady?" he repeated, finally raising his head. She smiled with a gentle nod as she accepted his offer.
The music began, and she glided onto the dance floor. The first step almost tripped her, but she managed to balance herself. Still, fear lingered—fear that she'd make a mistake.
"Your first time dancing?" he asked.
"Yes. Isn't that bad?" she replied nervously.
"No. You're doing well for a beginner."
"Thanks," she whispered, relieved.
"And by the way—you look beautiful tonight."
Alva smiled shyly, cheeks slightly flushed. Why is he complimenting me? she thought, turning toward another guest who had praised her earlier.
"Maybe," she blushed slightly, "girls love proper outfits," she said on reflex.
"Exactly, but Mr. Cody said nothing about it," the man added with a smirk.
What does he know about fashion anyway?
"Are you in any relationship with your boss?" he asked suddenly, spinning his her.
"No. He is my boss and nothing else," Alva replied firmly.
As the last notes of the waltz faded away, the ballroom erupted into applause.
"Ha," she laughed nervously, interrupted by the clapping.
"Gentlemen, let's take our seats," Director Leo spoke, and everywhere became silent.
"Let's toast—between the agreement of Mr. Cody and me." he added, raising his glass.
"Toast!" everyone echoed in unison.
"Also, I would like to add a toast for my own…" Leo's voice rang clear, his glass still raised as everyone turned their attention toward him.
A pause lingered in the air, curious eyes fixed on him.
"…to beauty, grace, and mystery," he said, looking directly at Alva with a charming smile. "To the woman who made the evening unforgettable."
The hall buzzed with murmurs and amused chuckles. Alva felt her cheeks warm again, her heart thudding louder with every passing second. She reached for her own glass, raising it just high enough, her eyes briefly meeting Cody's from across the room.
But Cody didn't smile.
Instead, his expression was unreadable—calm, cool, almost too controlled. The glass in his hand remained untouched as he glanced away, locking eyes with Leo.
Tension flickered between them.
"To beauty," Leo echoed, never breaking his gaze from Alva.
"To beauty," the others repeated in unison.
Alva lowered her glass slowly, uncertain whether to feel flattered or uncomfortable under so many watching eyes.
What was this strange game?
"Cheers," everyone echoed.
My boss would be mad at me for this,
Cody said with a sigh. "Mr. Leo and my secretary will be leaving." He stood up, nodding slightly toward Alva. "Alva."
"yes boss," she said softly, rising from her chair.
She had barely taken a step when Mr. Leo's voice called after her.
"But the party hasn't started," he said, almost pleading.
Alva paused, unsure of what to say.
But then, to everyone's surprise, Cody stepped forward. Without warning, he removed his coat and gently wrapped it around her waist, tying it in place.
"What are you doing?" she asked, stunned.
He didn't respond immediately. His lips moved as if searching for the right words, but nothing came out. What was he trying to say?
Cody looked down, avoiding her eyes, then finally muttered, "You skirt,, you're gowe…"
She blinked. "What does that mean?"
He didn't explain. His gaze lingered for a moment longer.
"Your skirt… gown… it's—"
"Hm? What about it?"
"Blood," he managed to say.
Her eyes widened. "Oh no, my blood… not today, not even here. I— I can't..."
"Shh..." he paused, more concerned now. After a moment, he continued, "While my secretary is tired, she's prone to sleep."
"Is that true, Mrs. Alva?" Leo asked, turning to confirm.
"Yes," she answered, trying to keep her composure.
"Okay, Alva. You should rest now. We still have a lot to catch up on later."
"Okay," she whispered, barely managing the word.
Cody and Alva walked out of the room together.
"Mr. Cody, where are you off to?" someone called after him.
"I'll be back," he replied calmly, just as the elevator doors closed behind them.
After 8 to 10 minutes of silence, he still couldn't find the right words to say. Alva sat beside him, pressing her lips together so hard they turned white
"This is the key to the hotel room. Your clothes have been delivered, with some..." He stopped.
"Thanks," Alva said, and then added awkwardly, "And some...?"
"Sleep early. Tomorrow we're leaving for New York."
"Okay," she said quietly.
"Are you going back?" Alva asked.
"Yes," he replied, and walked out of the elevator.
"Oh shit, I'm so doomed. First, I and Leo got into a weird situation which led to us 'dating'—" she whispered to herself, pacing her room.
And the worst is that my boss saw my gown stained with blood. Now he's going to look at me in a weird way.
I just want the earth to swallow me. I have to face my boss in the plane tomorrow!
If Sophie were here, she would have given her ideas...
"Sophie, Sophie, I need you right now!"
"But you're not here... It was once my boss that saw me like that, now a bunch of people saw it!"
"Doomed!"
The more I walked down the hallway, the more ideas kept flooding my mind.
"Stop working! Stop thinking, just stop!"
---
After heading into her hotel room, she quickly undressed and moved to the bathroom.
After washing up, she moved to the white bathtub filled with cool water.
"Ahh," she gave out a deep sigh as she sat into the cool water.
---
"Sir, your room is ready," the lady spoke and bowed her head.
He walked and came to the room.
He removed his sweater from his body, then raised his hand over his head as he tilted his head back and stretched.
He then grabbed a book and flopped on the bed.
His muscular body, hair some on his chest, veins connecting his fingers and arms, his shirt falling off made him look so sexy hot.
He held his phone to answer a call when he heard the sound of water from the bathroom.
"Maybe she forgot to turn it off?"
But the sound became heavier.
He was forced to pause the bathroom door.
"Who's there?" he asked cautiously.
"Anyone there?" he asked again.
"???"
Instead, the sound of water continued.
"Hello?" he opened the door curtain and—
"Who's there?" a girlish voice said.