CHAPTER 4: First day

Nala’s Point of View

“Fabellon Enterprise…” I whispered, placing my hand over my eyebrow and looking at the big name of the building in front of me.

Many employees were currently entering the company. Some are in a hurry, and others just walk normally. It was a typical day for them, but for me, it was the beginning of the ordeal of my life.

“Are you sure this is it, Nala?” Lawrence asked while looking at the paper where the building’s address was written.

I turned to him and nodded.

“Yes,” I said weakly, averting my eyes from him.

I can’t look at him because my chest is still too heavy because of the decision I made three days ago.

He ruffled my brown hair like he used to do and then smiled widely.

“I still really can’t believe you didn’t end up in prison, Nala. I was really worried about you. Look, the person you robbed even gave you a job,” he said in disbelief.

I forced a smile and tightened my grip on the strap of my shoulder bag.

“You’re amazed at me again,” I jeered.

“Of course. I’m really proud of you. You don’t have to imitate what I do to make money,” he said. He indeed looked proud and concerned.

I stared at him because of what he said and raised my right brow. If I didn’t know him, I would think he was doing nothing wrong.

He is wearing a white t-shirt and faded jeans; some employees were really looking at him as if Lawrence were a celebrity. Though there’s nothing to deny that Lawrence is indeed handsome, I’ve proven it before when I once had a crush on him when we were kids.

Although my feelings for him didn’t deepen because I realized that I couldn’t sacrifice the friendship that we built for a romantic relationship.

He's not perfect, and neither am I, but somehow we just get each other. It’s like we’re on the same wavelength. If my mama hadn’t passed away, maybe I’d still be stuck in my old ways. I was a real pain in the butt for her, always causing trouble.

Losing Mama was a wake-up call. It hit me hard, making me see that life is precious and unpredictable. We can’t control everything. It’s time to stop wasting time on nonsense and start taking responsibility for ourselves. We can’t always rely on our parents to bail us out. It's time to stand on our own two feet and make the most of the time we have. Life’s too short for anything less.

“Why are you looking at me like that? What are you thinking?” Lawrence asked, bringing me back to my senses.

I shook my head. “Nothing. What? Aren’t you leaving yet? Where are you going after here?”

He shrugged. Maybe I'll look for a job.”

My brow arched. “You have a job,” I said in a matter-of-fact tone.

“That’s not what I meant. I’ve had my fair share of screw-ups. I mean, we’ve all made mistakes, right? But this time, it’s different. I’m talking about a real job, you know, the kind that pays the bills and doesn’t involve any shady business. I’ve come to the realization that I’ve racked up quite the list of sins, and it's gotten to the point where I actually feel bad for you. I don’t want a repeat of that whole mess that almost landed you in jail. I don’t want to end up behind bars either. So, I’m going to turn my life around, and I’m going to do it fast. No more messing around, no more taking shortcuts. It’s time to get my act together and start fresh.”

I couldn’t stop smiling widely and playfully punched his arm.

“It’s nice to hear. It’s good that you thought of that. You should have done that a long time ago, Lawrence.”

He laughed softly and scratched his nape. “I’m sure it will be difficult for me because I didn’t graduate from high school, but maybe I’ll be able to find one. Besides, you’ll give me a loan while I still don’t have any money, right?” he joked.

I laughed and nodded. “Yes, I’ll reserve half of my salary for you.

We both laughed, enjoying the shared moment of amusement. Suddenly, our attention was diverted as we both instinctively turned our heads towards the sound of someone clearing their throat.

“I’m sor—” I was interrupted mid-sentence by the sudden appearance of Hugo standing in front of us. He was accompanied by a luxurious car, distinct from the one I had stolen that night.

“Ms. Cabral, did you know that it’s already time for work?” He asked sarcastically and glanced at Lawrence, who was behind me.

My throat felt like it had a boulder in it when I saw him after three days. He didn’t keep his promise to come back the next day. The only person who took a contract from me was the guy he called Fang. But hey, why should I even care?

“I know, sir,” I said formally, turning to Lawrence. “Go ahead. I’ll just text you later.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

He nodded. He looked at me and ruffled my hair again before turning to Hugo and giving him a nod before leaving.

I watched Lawrence walk away before turning to Hugo, who was looking at me like I had done something wrong. What’s wrong with him?

I was just about to say something, but then he walked right past me, completely ignoring my presence. He confidently ascended the three steps of the stairs and casually strolled into the building.

I stood there, not budging an inch, just observing his every step. As he neared the entrance, he unexpectedly glanced in my direction. He probably noticed that I didn’t follow him.

“What else are you doing there?” he asked, annoyed.

I winced and reluctantly followed him, keeping my mouth shut. The uncomfortability of the 2-inch pumps I borrowed from our neighbor’s sales lady at the big mall in Parañaque slowed down my pace. I couldn’t help but constantly tug at the hem of my pencil-cut skirt, feeling like all eyes were on me, even though they probably weren’t.

“What are you doing?” he asked suddenly when he caught me repeatedly adjusting my skirt.

“I’m not used to what I’m wearing, sir,” I answered.

He sighed. “Could you please act accordingly based on your gender, Ms. Cabral? Don’t ever bring your squatter behavior here.”

His words made my lips part in disbelief. I couldn’t help but watch him strut by, all formal and professional, as the employees fawned over him. It annoyed me to no end. Who does he think he is? Just because I’m not comfortable with what I’m wearing, he has the audacity to call me a squatter? What the fuck?

If I were to make him wear a 2 inches above the knee pencil-cut skirt and a fitted blouse, and then call him a squatter if he feels uncomfortable too, let’s see if he doesn’t get annoyed!

Despite my foul mood, I rushed to the elevator where he was and hastily joined him. Fang had handed me some handouts containing the rules and regulations of Fabellon Enterprise, including my duties as a secretary. One of those duties is to always accompany Mr. Fabellon, especially during offsite meetings.

“Good morning, sir,” greeted by the employees in the elevator.

Hugo was being unresponsive, seemingly lost in his own world with his eyes shut and his head resting on the elevator wall. Not wanting to make a big deal out of it, I decided to divert my attention to the female employees.

“Good morning,” I greeted.

I couldn’t help but notice the woman with rebond hair giving me a thorough once-over before rolling her eyes at me. As if I had personally offended her or something.

That made me wince. I couldn’t help but secretly rub my eyes on her body. Compared to her body, I can confidently say that I’m better than her.

The elevator doors opened on the 16th floor, and out came the female employees, giving me the classic eye roll treatment. As if I’m blind or something. Just as I was about to step out, someone had the audacity to grab my wrist and halt my exit.

“Where are you going?” The baritone voice of Hugo took over the elevator.

“I will come out. Isn’t this my floor?” I asked.

“What? Who said that?” he asked, annoyed.

“I read it in the handouts.”

“Really?” he said sarcastically. “Don’t give me that shit. This is a finance department, so why did you end up here? You are my secretary, not my finance employee!”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes as I took a deep breath and shot him a withering look. With a swift tug, I freed my hand from his grasp and turned to face him, my patience dwindling by the second. I’ve had enough of his attitude!

“You’re so angry all the time! Seriously, it’s too much! First, you had the nerve to call me a squatter even though I’m just minding my own business. And now you’re throwing around insults, calling me a fool? Excuse me, but I’m not here to be your punching bag. I may not know everything, but that doesn’t make me stupid for not liking this situation. And let’s not forget all the work I put in for you. So why on earth did you hire me as a secretary? I could be a janitor if you’re really that mad.”

My voice was booming, like a nerve in my neck had been sliced. Hugo’s startled gaze made me do a double take. And that’s when it hit me—I had messed up big time.

“Fuck,” I whispered.

The finance department employees were all staring at us with wide eyes and dropped jaws as the elevator door remained open. Some looked utterly shocked, while others couldn’t believe their own eyes.

“Fuck this! You are indeed a pain in my fucking ass!” Hugo whispered too, and he forcefully pulled my wrist back into the elevator. He wasted no time in pressing the close button, as if he couldn’t wait to escape whatever situation we were in.

I yanked my hands away from him, irritated by his touch. I retreated to the corner of the elevator, wedging myself in. Arms crossed tightly over my chest, I glared at him through our reflection in the elevator. The silence persisted until we reached the top floor, presumably where Hugo’s office was.

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. Without wasting a second, he positioned himself right beside me.

“Well, Ms. Cabral, let’s not repeat any foolishness, shall we? It seems your sister’s fate rests squarely on your shoulders. So, be smart,” he whispered, and he went straight out as if nothing had happened.

I was taken aback by his words and unsure of how to respond. If it hadn’t been for the elevator door almost closing, I wouldn’t have budged an inch from where I was standing.

With a determined face and clenched fists, I pushed forward, refusing to let him get to me. If I had the chance, I would have gladly socked him in the face.

I couldn’t bring myself to go to Nadine’s flight yesterday. It was too painful to witness her crying and begging for me to be with her. Instead, I watched as she boarded the plane with the doctors who would treat her in another country. It was a tough decision, but I couldn’t bear to see her like that.

Being away from my sister is tough, but it’s even tougher to witness her struggle. Mama always said we should stick together, and I agree. I can’t just sit back and watch my sister suffer and slowly deteriorate because of her illness.

“Are you the new secretary of Mr. Fabellon?” I was jolted back to the present moment when a voice broke through the background noise. I turned my head to the left and locked eyes with her. In that split second, I straightened my posture, trying to appear composed and confident.

“Yes. It’s me,” I answered, smiling to look presentable.

She didn’t even smile or nod. She just looked at me from head to toe, then raised her eyebrows a bit before looking at my face.

“Follow me; you need to know a lot about your job,” she said flatly, adjusting her glasses before turning back at me.

She totally reminded me of our super strict librarian back in high school.

She appears to be in her mid-50s, wearing corporate attire similar to mine. Her hair is neatly done in a bun, giving off an impression of strictness. She turned to me when I didn’t follow.

“Didn’t you hear me? I said follow me!” she preached.

“Ah, yes!” I ran and walked next to her.

“So, I’m Rosalee Masaya. I am the head of the marketing department, and I was instructed by Mr. Fabellon to orient you to your duties as his new secretary, even though I have a lot to do at my desk. I think you’ve already read your handouts, so I don’t need to explain every detail, right?”

“Yes,” I answered.

“Mr. Fabellon dislikes fools and values punctuality and silence in the workplace. To succeed in this company, it is important to improve one’s job performance, avoid being late, and refrain from being overly talkative to maintain a quiet environment.” We stopped at an office carrel. “This table is your designated workspace for all the necessary paperwork to secure Mr. Fabellon. Each document holds significance, so losing any is strictly prohibited. Got it?”

I nodded. “Yes, Ma’am!”

“Being a secretary comes with a range of duties, including fulfilling every order from Mr. Fabellon. This includes making coffee, buying lunch, snacks, and more. As an employee, complaining is not allowed because, well, he’s the boss. It’s just the way it is. So, get ready to be the ultimate multitasking, coffee-making, and lunch-fetching superhero. No capes required.” She crossed her arms over her chest and looked at me carefully. “Do you like Mr. Fabellon?”

“Pardon?”

“If you’re hoping for a boss who pays attention to their employees, Mr. Fabellon isn’t that guy. He’s more interested in other things than the well-being and growth of his team. Don’t get your hopes up, Ms. Cabral.”

“I don’t want anything from him—”

“Listen up, because this is important. I don’t want you to end up like his previous secretary, who got the boot for shamelessly stripping in front of Mr. Fabellon due to some serious obsession. So, keep your clothes on and your professionalism intact.”

“W-What?”

I was totally shocked by what she said. Seriously? Me? Falling for Hugo? Just based on his attitude alone, no way! I can’t even picture myself being obsessed with him!

“Lion is a good guy. He’s not the CEO yet; I’m already working here. If he has motives to show you, don’t pay attention to him because that’s how he is to everyone. I hope you will be his last secretary because I’m tired of repeatedly explaining what you should do because he will be changing his secretary.”

Her face contorted with a potent blend of annoyance and anger, making her emotions unmistakable.

“Believe me. I don’t like Hugo—I mean Mr. Fabellon. I’m here to work.” And also for my sister.

“That’s good. I hope you stand by what you said.” She looked at her wristwatch. “So I’ll go ahead, Ms. Cabral. My time is up. Good luck on your first Day.”

She patted my shoulder before leaving. I just watched her walk away until I couldn’t see her anymore.

I looked around. In a typical office setting, employees are fully engrossed in their work, diligently typing away on their desktop computers and focusing on their paperwork. The atmosphere is filled with the sound of keyboard keys being pressed, creating a symphony of productivity. Chitchat is nonexistent as everyone is deeply immersed in their tasks.

I plopped down onto the comfy swivel chair, nonchalantly shrugging off the day’s worries. With a sense of purpose, I placed my trusty bag on the desk, ready to tackle the task at hand.

Taking a deep breath, I am still in disbelief that I now have a sane job. It seemed impossible to me before to work for the companies I saw on TV, but here I am, a secretary!

I was initially amused by the idea of this job, but my smile quickly vanished when I realized its true worth. It seems that I will be working as a bed warmer, which makes me question the sensibility of this job.

Did I enter the right path?