[Music: The Devil You Know By X Ambassadors]
The Kings'.
Every single person in Midnight City knew that name. It wasn't just a name, but a brand... the epitome of the city's very foundation.
I was the secretary to Ares King, CEO of King Corp. Yes, the King. The impenetrable billionaire bachelor with looks that could make you drop your panties and scream fuck me! But personality? Not so much, he's a walking hump of ice who has one thing in mind. Business.
Those poor, unfortunate souls who thought they could have a chance with him are better off in the Bermuda Triangle.
As his secretary, I had to be flawless to the last detail, had to be three steps ahead, had to swallow up whatever emotional shit I'm going through, and act like my life is made of no worries.
When you work for Ares King, you're not a person, just a tool to get things done, and questions are not asked.
But it's time to close that chapter.
"Okay." I pushed my glasses to the bridge of my nose. "Just press the damn button, Catherine. Don't hold out on me now."
I thought this was gonna be easy. I was expecting a swift decision, not hanging for the last hour.
I chewed on my nails as anxiety got the better of me. Realizing my habit, I forced my hand to my lap.
"Deep breaths, you can do this. You can—"
"Ms. Lane," a deep, gruff voice came through the earpiece I wore.
I flinched, clicking print on impulse. Great! Who knew that was the push I needed?
"Y-Yes, Mr King?" I replied shakily, my heart in my throat.
"Coffee."
The intercom went off, and I closed my eyes. After all this time, Catherine, you still haven't gotten used to that voice.
I sighed when the printer made a soft humming noise. "One last coffee run for my devil boss."
When I get back, I'm bringing my resignation letter to his office, and then this chapter is closed, locked with the key thrown into the abyss.
I pushed to my feet, my stilettos making a sharp click-clack. I opened the door and stepped into the bullpen, where rows of desks stretched out in a bland display, phones ringing and keyboards clacking with haste.
There wasn't a single thing out of place, the perfect air for a billion-dollar company with overqualified people.
Unlike me, who had to work my ass from the gutter up, most of them here had privileges I didn't.
I just happened to land this position because I passed the one-month trial period, aka the curse month. No one had lasted that long, hence the eerie label.
Either they get their heart broken when their romantic endeavors toward the CEO don't work, or they get mentally stressed to the point they drop out faster than a bowling ball, battling the next year in therapy.
Ares King wasn't called the devil CEO for nothing. You know that feeling when you're constantly at the edge of the cliff? Well, that's working for him, and it doesn't sum it all up.
I had so much on my plate, and against all odds, I dealt with all the shit thrown at me. I worked for the devil for three fucking years. Therefore, I was given a nickname.
"Here she comes."
"The devil's secretary."
"I don't know if I should be amazed or disturbed."
"Color me disturbed."
"Working closely with Mr. King must be a major trauma load."
"How does she do it?"
"You don't think she's—"
"Nahhh, doubt that. He certainly wouldn't settle for someone like her."
"True, he can date models, not a wash-up version."
Ouch.
"She probably thinks she's some kinda big shot pulling this off."
"Maybe she just stayed, hoping for a chance with Ares King."
"Don't they all?"
"Not all can take that load. She's definitely desperate."
"Stooping so low for a chance, unbelieveable."
"Shhh! She's close!"
Every. Single. Time. I thought I'd get used to their gossip by now, but they always found a way to make it greatly impactful.
Nevertheless, I kept my posture, walking professionally as if their words never bothered me.
~☆~
I set the coffee on the table to grab the paper from the printer when the doors leading to my boss's office open with force. A man stepped out, fury twisted on his face.
He snappily loosens his tie. "Fuck him! Fuck this company! Fuck you too!"
I frowned at him. "Sir, I'm gonna ask you to leave before I call security."
"My entire project is in the mud, all because of one mistake!"
I was already dialing a number, and I made sure he could see me doing it. I'm accustomed to this display, and they sometimes get violent.
In a single day, dreams are crushed and careers are ruined. Not everyone can take that calmly.
"Your boss is evil!" He came towards me, and I took cautious steps back.
I'm still traumatized by when someone tossed a stapler at me and destroyed my desk.
Footsteps echoed, grasping our attention. Ares King emerged, spotless in his three-piece suit. Hair as dark as midnight and cold blue eyes that could freeze you over with one look.
"Is there a problem, Mr. Hayes?" he asked calmly.
I shivered at the lifeless tone.
"Y-You didn't give me a chance. This is my life's work. You can't do this to me!"
"Chance is equivalent to a risk. I'm not risking millions of dollars on a failed project."
"Failed project? It hasn't even—"
"This discussion ended when I gave my final verdict."
"You can't just—"
"Do yourself a favor and leave before you lose something else other than your career."
The threat hung in the air, and Mr. Hayes couldn't tell if he was serious or making a light-hearted threat.
The security team was already here, and I sighed in relief. They dragged him out as he cried and appealed for a chance before following it up by cursing the King's name.
That was the fifth one today, and the day wasn't even over yet.
"Ms. Lane. I have a meeting in an hour. Is everything ready?"
Crap! I haven't prepared for that. I was hoping to bring my letter early. It's not too late.
I approached him, stretching my hand for him to take the coffee. "Um, Mr. King, I—"
He pinned me with those cold blue eyes, and I rephrased my words.
"E-Everything will be ready in a few minutes." I fixed my usual fake smile.
He was back in his office, leaving me hanging. I checked my watch and saw his coffee order had exceeded fifteen minutes.
Such a waste.
I subconsciously drank from the cup and grimaced, sticking out my tongue.
That was not a wise move, given that he took his coffee black with no sugar.
"Yuck!"
~☆~
I ended up leaving the letter on his desk after he left the office. Not exactly what I had in mind, but it'd suffice. Ares King wouldn't bat an eye when he sees it. All I care about is what comes after.
I pressed the keycard at the doorknob, and it opened with a soft click. I didn't tell him I was coming, but I was hoping to stop by after having such a hectic day.
I struggled to take off my stilettos. This was the worst day to forget my flats, now my feet are all sore.
I flipped on the light switch. "You won't believe the day I had. Don't worry, I did it. Well, not as planned, but... It's still a win."
I dropped my bag, striding to the fridge for water, but I paused midway when I spotted an open bottle of champagne with two wine glasses.
Did he have someone over?
I cast a brief look around the apartment before bringing my gaze back to them. I narrowed my eyes when I caught a stain... a red lipstick.
"You're so beautiful."
That was Dan's voice. It was coming from the room.
"You like that, don't you, Danny? Like the way I ride your cock?"
My blood ran cold.