Chapter 5

AYALA

The office was very quiet, so much that you could hear the drop of a pin. Everyone seemed to be caught up in what they were doing. Well, this was expected for a place like Igor’s Inc. Everyone was in their cubicle, moving with purpose and precision. I had barely been at my new desk for an hour before the weight of the job truly sank in. This wasn’t just any secretary position, it was combined with that of a personal assistant, it was a job in which perfection was expected, where every detail mattered. It was also a chance to prove myself.

I sat at my desk, in the ergonomic chair. I was surprised a chair of this kind was given to a PA secretary and a PA. I could not help but be anxious, my every thought spun back and forth to what was expected of me. However, the office…It was a beautiful office — sleek, white walls with minimalist art that hinted at the taste of whoever designed it. A small plant sat in the corner, adding a breath of life to the otherwise sterile environment. The sound of my typing and clicking filled the air in my office. The environment did feel tense, but it wasn’t the work or the newness of it all that made it so. It was Vladimir.

He had been right there, sitting behind his enormous desk in his grand office, his sharp eyes watching my every move. The way he assessed me after giving me the job made my pulse race. I couldn’t deny it: something about him fascinated me.

“I’m not looking for someone in need of experience, I need someone with experience,” his words echoed in my mind. That was the kind of person he was — direct, ruthless even, but there was something more behind what he let out. Though I wondered what people saw in him and what was drawing me to him. There was something about him, I could feel it, a strange undercurrent of vulnerability, buried beneath layers of control.

But no matter how much I yearned to discover what was beyond the hardness he portrayed, I had a job to do. I wasn’t here to long about a man I barely knew. I was here because I had to prove myself, to rebuild my life from the wreckage of my family’s fall from grace.

I took some rest and looked up at the clock. It was already 12:30, and I hadn’t even moved from my desk except for a few quick bathroom breaks. The pressure was intense, but I couldn’t let it derail me. I was here now. I felt like I was on borrowed time, and that meant I needed to work twice as hard as anyone else.

My thoughts were quicklyshort lived by the sharp click of high heels approaching. A figure appeared at the door of my office — a tall woman, blonde and composed, dressed in a modest gown that clung to her body and screamed authority. She had icy blue eyes, the kind that could freeze anyone she comes across. She was beautiful. She could undoubtedly pass for a Victoria's Secret model.

She didn’t knock. Instead, she walked in like she owned the place, her presence filling the room instantly.

“You are the new PA, I see.” Her voice was smooth, but held more to it. It held an edge to it, like she was trying to assess me, and an aura that was meant to show the depth of her authority.

I nodded, standing up from my desk, trying to maintain composure. “Yes. I’m Ayala. I just started today, we ran into each other the other day”.

The woman didn’t offer a handshake this time; she totally overlooked and ignored my outstretched hand. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she assessed me.

“I’m Irina,” she said, her tone flat, like she was giving me just enough information to get by. “And I’m Vladimir’s… partner. I guess you know that already”.

I wasn't so shocked, it'll be absurd to think a man like Vladmir had no one in his life, but the mention of “partner “ did make my heart skip slightly. I had been so consumed by the job, to picture him in romantic relationships, though Irina had already mentioned it on the day of my interview. I hadn’t stopped to think about the people in his life. I had known, of course, that someone like him would go for a woman like this, so elegant and who seemed to radiate power, and also had a cold aura.

“Partner,” the word resounded in my mind. 

Irina stared at her for a little longer than normal, before clutching her purse and stroding off. I could still hear the sharp clicking sound of her heels. She had presence undoubtedly, because even as she left, my whole office still felt like her.

I shook my head, trying to shake off the air that had filled my office and reminding myself of my reason for being here.  Remember Ayala. You have a reason for being here, to work and only that. This is your life now. You’re not here for any other reason but to work.

I had hoped to work do this work without having any connection to his personal life, which now I think about it, it I'd rather absurd because I am his… PERSONAL secretary. His personal life also included his partners, though he didn't seem like a guy that would have many, I still hoped he didn't, and not because it would make my heart ache, but this particular partner screamed trouble. I wasn't ready to know about the others or how they were.

I programmed my brain to stop analysing his personal life and actually get back to the tasks at hand, diving into several files, scheduling appointments, and reading and answering emails that awaited me. I had barely made any progress with my work when my phone rang, an unknown number appearing on the screen.

“Hello?” I answered, my voice rather unsure. 

“Ayala?” The deep voice on the other end sent me shivers. I could guess who was on the line, but professionalism demanded I ask.

“Yes, this is Ayala. Who’s speaking?”

“Vladimir.” The voice said curtly. There was an uncomfortable silence before I heard, “I need you to prepare a report by the end of the day. No delays! If you can't, tell the company's Secretary to guide you.”

I tried to keep my voice steady and replied, “Of course. I’ll get it to you as soon as possible.

He responded sharply, “Good. I’ll expect it on my desk by 5.”

There was about his voice cold, it was void of emotions, cold, authoritative, and very commanding in a way I couldn’t describe. It had resonated power and commanded respect. 

“Okay, Sir,” I replied, hanging up, because I couldn't think of anything better to say and decided it was best before I could say anything foolish.

I looked at my phone for a brief moment before saving his contact. There was something about him that made me overly eager to impress. So this, I couldn’t let myself get distracted, though. Not now, not anytime soon.

The rest of the day went by faster than initially, probably because I had tons of tasks to carry out. There were lots of projects the company was working on, and I tried to keep up. I had also left everything else I was doing to immediately work on the report, and I gave a thorough look at it to avoid mistakes.

By the time I finished the report and sent it to him, the sun was setting, and I couldn't be happier. I had glanced at the clock severally, praying for it to move faster. I won’t pretend, I hated being part of the working class, and the earlier encounter with Irina made me miss my previous frivolous life more. The thought of going home had never felt more appealing. 

Just then, a knock on my door interrupted my thoughts. I looked up to see the company secretary standing in the doorway.

“Mr. Igor is asking for you,” she said, her voice almost a whisper.

I had a feeling the report didn't add up, and this was a confirmation. Vladimir wants to see me? Why?  My heart had a slight skip.

I stood up without thinking, my nerves suddenly back in full force. I followed her down the sleek, white hallways, my mind buzzing with several thoughts of the reason why I may have been called. Things beyond my control.

The secretary opened the door, and I stepped inside. There he was — Vladimir — sitting behind his massive desk, his gaze lifting as I entered. Again, the office felt suffocating.

“Ayala,” he said, his voice the same as usual. “Come in. We need to discuss the details of the project for next week. I’ll need you to take charge of the preparations.”

I nodded. 

Once I left the office, I left the office, I took a deep breath and released it. I had expected worse, way worse, and it wasn't even bad at all. I wonder why he didn't call me like earlier, though.

I walked forward, taking the seat he motioned to, and I could clearly see his physical features now, and perceive the woody scent of his perfume. I watched him give details of how he wanted things to go, and it was clear he was a perfectionist. I took notes so as not to miss anything and paid rapid attention.

Once I left the office, I left the office, I took a deep breath and released it. I had expected worse, way worse, and it wasn't even bad at all. 

I loved as a watched him draft out ideas and state how he wanted things to go..  He was my boss, but he seemed like someone who would make or break me, someone whose approval and acceptance I had started to crave.

And yet… beneath that stern exterior, I couldn’t help but wonder: Was there more to him than the icy professionalism he showed to everyone else?