The announcement spread through Marino Enterprises like wildfire.
"Elena Rossi—the new secretary."
The words rolled across desks, down corridors, into hushed conversations at the coffee machines. It wasn't just any promotion. Vincenzo Marino, the untouchable CEO, the man who trusted no one, had chosen a girl from the countryside to sit outside his office.
And the women who had spent years grooming themselves for that very position could hardly contain their envy.
On her first morning, Elena walked into the building with Goldie, her stomach a knot of nerves. Already she could feel the eyes on her—sharp, assessing, mocking. A few women in sleek skirts whispered behind manicured hands. Others didn't bother to hide their sneers.
"Look at her shoes," one muttered.
"She doesn't belong here," another whispered.
"Just wait. She won't last a week."
Goldie squeezed her hand in silent support before heading off to her own duties. "Ignore them," she whispered. "You're here because he chose you. That's all that matters."
Elena straightened her shoulders and climbed to the top floor.
The secretary's desk outside Vincenzo's office gleamed, the polished wood intimidating in its perfection. Fresh flowers sat in a vase, and a neat stack of files waited for her. It felt surreal—this was her desk. Her space.
She sat down carefully, afraid of making a mistake before the day even began.
The door behind her opened. She turned quickly, her heart skipping.
Vincenzo stood there, crisp suit, dark eyes, a man carved of steel and shadow. He gave her a brief glance—acknowledging, but not warm.
"Good morning," she said softly.
"Your schedule is on the desk," he replied, his voice low, smooth, but commanding. "You will answer my calls, organize my files, and manage my appointments. Discretion is your most important duty. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good." He disappeared into his office, the door shutting with a soft click.
Elena exhaled slowly. The day had begun.
---
At first, it was simple tasks. Sorting documents, typing letters, answering phones. Yet even in the ordinary, Elena felt the weight of working for a man like Vincenzo. Every call she transferred seemed important, every document heavy with secrets.
By noon, she had drawn the attention of everyone on the floor. Women passed her desk with tight smiles, their perfume cloying in the air.
"So, you're the new secretary," one said sweetly, her eyes cold. "Congratulations. Quite the leap for a girl like you."
Elena forced a polite smile. "Thank you."
Another leaned closer, voice dripping with venom. "Enjoy it while it lasts. He doesn't keep anyone close for long."
Their laughter trailed as they walked away, leaving Elena's cheeks burning.
But when she looked up, she found Vincenzo standing in his doorway, watching silently. The women's laughter died instantly under his gaze. He didn't speak, only raised a brow before turning back into his office.
Elena's heart pounded. Had he heard everything?
---
Later that afternoon, Vincenzo's voice called from his office. "Elena. Bring in the files on the Montelli account."
She gathered the heavy folder, stepping inside. His office was dimmer than the rest of the building, shadows stretching across the vast space. He gestured for her to place the folder on his desk.
As she did, her eyes flicked to the papers already spread before him. Contracts, maps of shipping routes, numbers scribbled in margins. One paper caught her eye—a list of names, each marked with red ink.
Vincenzo's voice pulled her back. "Curiosity," he said, his tone measured, "is both dangerous and useful. Which one do you think it is for you, Elena?"
Her heart stuttered. She hadn't meant to stare. "I… I wasn't—"
His lips curved slightly, not quite a smile. "Careful. In my world, a wrong glance can cost more than you can imagine."
Elena lowered her gaze quickly. "Yes, sir."
For a long moment, silence pressed between them. Then, to her surprise, he slid a paper toward her.
"Read this."
It was a contract, filled with dense legal terms she barely understood. She hesitated.
"What do you see?" he asked.
Elena scanned the page nervously. Her eyes caught on one section—numbers that didn't align, a clause repeated twice but with different conditions. Slowly, she pointed. "This part… it doesn't look right."
Vincenzo's eyes glinted with approval. "Correct."
He leaned back in his chair, studying her. "Not many catch that. You have an eye for detail."
Elena's cheeks warmed. "Thank you, sir."
"Good. You'll need it."
She placed the file down carefully and stepped back toward the door. But before she could leave, his voice stopped her again.
"Elena."
She turned.
"Don't listen to what others say. Their envy is meaningless." His gaze held hers, steady and deep. "You are here because I trust you. Remember that."
Her breath caught. She nodded quickly, her throat tight with unspoken words.
When she left his office, the whispers resumed—but this time, they didn't sting as sharply. Because somewhere beneath the weight of their jealousy, Elena carried the quiet strength of his words.
---
That night, back in the apartment, Goldie sprawled across the sofa, kicking her feet in excitement. "So? How was your first day as the secretary?"
Elena laughed softly, sinking into a chair. "Intense."
Goldie leaned closer, grinning. "Did he talk to you? Did he compliment you? Did he—"
"Goldie!" Elena's face flushed.
"What? I'm just saying, he clearly sees something in you." Her friend's smile softened. "And so do I. Don't let them tear you down, Elena. You belong there."
Elena looked out the window at the glittering city. A part of her still couldn't believe it. She was the secretary of Vincenzo Marino—a man feared, admired, and dangerous.
And though she didn't yet know the cost, she felt the threads of her life being pulled tighter into his world.