Secretary Riding The CEO Free Preview

Catherine

"I'm really sorry Madame Catherine but I can't let you enter."

Rob, my dear friend and Head of Security at the Edwards Holdings headquarters, looks at me sympathetically. I'm standing outside the main door of this huge and state of the art building to see my husband. Well, soon to be ex-husband. The thought makes my heart clench. But I have to be strong. I did absolutely nothing wrong. I did not have an affair with another man. But what am I to do if he would rather listen to false rumors than to his own wife?

"I understand you're following orders Rob but I really need to see James."

"We tried to convince him Madame, but he won't listen to reason." Said a voice from behind Rob. Coming towards us is Mrs. Wilson, James's secretary. Having been the secretary of James's father until his retirement, Mrs. Wilson is the second mother figure in James's life. Now that James has replaced his father as CEO, Mrs. Wilson continues to serve has his secretary.

Seeing the sympathetic looks the cast at me, my eyes start to mist. No. I will not cry. These two wonderful people were among the few who believed me. I do not want to hurt them even more by crying.

"But I need to tell him something important." I said. An idea crossing my mind I say, "Mrs. Wilson, can I ask a favor? Can I ask for some paper and an envelope? I could write him a letter. Maybe at the very least he would read it." I say hopefully.

"Certainly Madame."

Mrs. Wilson approaches the reception desk, procuring the items I requested. She returns outside handing me the items. I write my heart and soul to the letter, praying to God that James will read it. Once finished, I slip the letter inside the envelope, written with his name. Handing it over to Mrs Wilson I say "Please tell him to read it. Please tell him it's very very important."

"I will do my very best Madame."

I sigh. "Very well. I guess that's all I can do." Looking at the purple and orange stained sky I continue "I should just head home."

"Have you found an appropriate place to stay Madame?" Mrs. Wilson asks with a worried face.

"If you could wait Madame, my shift ends in an hour I can escort you home." Rob said frowning.

I smile feigning enthusiasm and reply "That won't be necessary Rob, I can take care of myself. And don't worry Mrs. Wilson, I'm staying with a friend at the moment." I hug them both before bidding them goodbye.

As I walk to the train station, I touch my stomach. "Let's pray that your Papa will read the letter little one."

James

"I have a letter from Madame Catherine sir."

My secretary places an envelope on my desk. Aunt Rose, or as everyone else calls her Mrs. Wilson, worked as my father's secretary before his retirement. Thus, she is like a second mother figure to me, as she has been with me ever since my childhood. Now that I have taken my father's place, she continues to work as my secretary. And despite her being my secretary, I still continue to call her Aunt Rose.

"Why are you bringing this to me Aunt Rose?"

"The Madame said it was important. And you know that I do not belive these infidelity rumors. Besides, even if it were true, I also do not agree with your actions. You should talk to her and hear here side of the story. Communication is very important in all relationships."

I do not reply since I've heard her repeat that several times. I stare at the envelope with my name. Pain. Anger. Disgust. I am flooded with mixed emotions that are hard to keep contained.

"I shall take my leave then sir."

I continue to stare at the envelope as Aunt Rose closes the door.

Why Catherine? Was my love not enough for you? I remember the photo my cousin showed to me last week. My beloved Catherine holding hands with another man. I refused to believe it telling him it must be someone who looks like Catherine. Then he shows me more photos -- the same man and Catherine entering a her favorite restaurant, a man kissing Catherine with her arms around his neck, Catherine and the same man entering a motel. My cousin said that the man was her boyfriend during college, further commenting that it seemed that they have rekindled their relationship.

I remember coming home and searching her laundry when she wasn't looking. I remember finding the same dress worn by the supposedly Catherine in the photo. I remember ordering a PI to investigate if the man in the photo was truly Catherine's ex-boyfriend. Hearing the PI's confirmation was the last nail that shattered by heart and the truth dawned on me. Catherine cheated.

My heart clenches as I stare at my name written with beautiful strokes by my wife ....... my ex-wife. Finally making up my mind, I throw the letter to the trash without remorse. I take out my phone and dial my lawyer.

"Smith, I want to file for a divorce. Prepare all documents necessary immediately."

Catherine

Beep.

I clock out and wave goodbye to my fellow waitresses as I finish my shift. My whole body is heavy from the strain of a busy shift.

"Why are you settling for a waitressing job Catherine? You're a freaking Architect for pete's sake. Plus you were cum laude. I've seen your designs too. They're fantastic. You've got real talent girl. Anyone would want to hire you."

My best friend asked me when I told her about this job a month ago. Naturally, I want a job related to my profession. However, given the present circumstances, I probably will have a hard time working outside of the house. Which is why I settled for a job that I can leave easily.

Before I was hired by the restaurant, I informed them that I will only be working with them for six months. By such time I was expecting my hugeness to inhibit my moving around. So before that I am plan to maximize my income-generating efforts. I work at the restaurant from 6AM to 2PM then hurry home to put in as much hours as I can to the online English courses that I teach. At the same time, I have to complete all my assignments, requirements and quizzes for the online Master's Degree of Business Administration that I enrolled in right before my marriage fell apart. I had refused James's offer to pay for my MBA. Instead, I opted to earn through the online English courses and save up for the tuition. Fortunely, I paid the full tuition so despite my current circumstances I am able to procede with earning my MBA.

Looking at my watch, I hasten my steps since I have a doctor's appointment at 3PM. I'm currently at my 8th week of pregnancy and will have my first ultrasound today.

"I'm excited to finally see you little one." I said touching my stomach.

Upon reaching the clinic, I was ushered to the waiting area. After waiting for about 20 minutes, I was called and ushered in the doctor's office. She proceeded to ask me some necessary questions -- following up on some of my symptoms and on how I was coping. I quickly answered in the best way I can, excited to finally get a glimpse of my baby.

"Alright, let's proceed with the ultrasound."

I then proceed to a room where they let me recline on the exam table. This is it. I thought as we began the ultrasound. Several moments later, I see a black and white image displayed on the screen. The doctor looks at the screen intensely making me nervous.

"Everything seems to be in order. And right there is your baby."

I focus on where the doctor is pointing and my heart swells at seeing my baby for the very first time. I can almost feel the tears escape but I hold them in.

"But ...."

"But what Doc?"

"You seem to have two ... no three babies."

Upon hearing that my heart skips a beat. Then my world starts to slow as the doctor's words sink in."

"Three babies Doc? Are you sure?"

She continues to study and adjust the image on the screen. A few minutes later, she nods her head in reply.

"Yes, it appears that you are having triplets. Congratulations."

Catherine

I walk home in a daze.

"...it appears that you are having triplets. Congratulations."

The doctor's words ring repeatedly in my head. Triplets. Three babies. Three.

I'm filled with emotions that I can't pin point. Joy? Excitement? Fear? Panic? I don't have the time to analyze what I'm feeling as the tasks I have to do rush inside my head.

I have to inform the restaurant that I can only continue working until two months for now.

I have to move to a bigger apartment. I can't continue to impose on Monica, my bestfriend, with my three children.

I have to work harder since I now have three babies to take care of.

My three angels.

I wonder what James would think of this news? He would've been speechless.

I smile thinking of what could've been. No Catherine. Don't be pessimistic. You can still have the family you've always wanted.

My heart clenches. Reality dawns on me as the days pass but I continue to hope for the sake of my child ... children. I do not want them to grow up without knowing who their father.

I shake my head, stopping that line of thought. No, I will not let the joy of seeing my children be dampened by James.

As I approach the apartment gates, I notice a man ringing one of the doorbells. He is dressed in a prim brown suit and expensive looking shoes. For behind, I can see his black hair sparse with grey hair. Coming closer I realise that he is ringing the doorbell of Monica's apartment.

"Excuse me sir, are you looking for Monica? She isn't home yet."

"Oh no, I came to speak with you Mrs. Edwards."

My body tenses hearing how he addressed me.

"You seem to be at an advantage of knowing who I am Sir ...?

"Mr. Robert Smith missus, I am Mr. Edwards's lawyer."

Upon hearing his reply, my mind goes into high alert. I keep the smile plastered on my face, hoping that it looks genuine. I take my hand out for a handshake as I reply.

"Oh I see. It is a pleasure meeting you Mr. Smith."

"Robert please"

"Alright, then please call me Catherine. May I ask what you want to speak to be about?"

He suddenly gives me a sympathetic look. "I apologize Catherine. But I came here to deliver bad news. I'm here to speak to you because of Mr. Edwards's demand for a divorce."

I couldn't help it, I could feel my heart breaking into pieces. I could also feel the tears trying to escape. Divorce ... Oh why my dear James ...

Looks like this is daddy's answer to my letter, my angels.

James

8 YEARS LATER

"Good morning babe."

I slowly open my eyes to the early morning light. As my eyes adjust to my bright surroundings, I see Krista getting dressed by the walk-in closet. Krista, the daughter of my father's friend, was literally pushed unto me by my mother who was worried that I would not settle down again.

I still want to see my grandchildren from you born and raised.

I planned to reject her, as I usually did. But Krista, who was also being pushed into settling down, proposed that we keep a friends-with-benefits type of relationship. "We get to enjoy each others company in bed, plus we get our families off our backs. A win-win situation. And don't worry, I do not plan on getting married."

Now six months later, we continue with such an arrangement.

"You should get going or you'll be late for work."

"I'm the CEO. An hour late can pass."

"True ... well then CEO, I'll go on ahead. I'll be in Paris for a week so you won't see me around for a while. Ciao" She says, waving as she leaves.

I start to rise from my bed to get a shower but hear my phone buzz. I check my phone and see that it's Aunt Rose calling.

"Good morning Aunt Rose."

"Good morning sir, I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all ... and please stop calling me 'sir' Aunt Rose, you're not my secretary anymore. Just call me by my name."

Aunt Rose retired two years prior. At the age of 58, she decided to retire early so that she can spend more time with her grandchildren. Even when she retired, we keep in contact with each other from time to time.

"Oh yes my dear ... I'm sorry I always forget. Old habits die hard. Anyway ... I just called to remind you to keep your schedule free for this Saturday."

"Of course, Aunt Rose, I wouldn't miss a lovely lady's birthday."

"Aww what a flatterer you are James. And be a dear won't you, bring your girlfriend along I want to get to know her."

I sigh internally. The past few months I've been avoiding any unnecessary interactions between Krista and my family. I don't want them to dive in too deep into our relationship. We do not plan on taking our relationship on a higher level.

"I'm sorry Aunt Rose, Krista won't be able to join us. She's in Paris."

"That's too bad. I would've been lovely to have her. Well then dear don't forget to bring along Mr and Mrs. Edwards."

"No problem Aunt Rose. See you this Saturday."