1. Trinity

Life has always been so unfair and mysterious. Some of us live in luxuries-the golden side of life-and some of us live under their bridges.

***

While riding the jeep, I found it strange that EDSA wasn't traffic. I always heard it's packed.

When I arrived at the first company, I was extremely nervous. I was so deep in my thoughts that I didn't realize it was already my turn.

"Tell us something about you," said one of the bosses on the left, smiling.

"Hi Ma'am and Sir. I'm Trinityellian Gomez, 21 years old, from the province of Pangasinan. I graduated from Pangasinan State University with a degree in Business Administration."

"Your resume says you were a working student?" asked the man in the middle.

"Yes, I worked as a waitre-"

"Tell us something that isn't on your resume. Something that will convince us to hire you," interrupted the woman on the right. Her intense gaze made me gulp.

"W-well, I can do my work on time and I possess the skills you're looking for. I also have experience in writing articles, computers, and graphics. Aside from that-"

I didn't even get to finish because the woman cut me off again.

"You see, we are looking for someone more fit for the job. Sadly, that is not you, Ms. Gomez. We're looking for someone more *educated* and more experienced."

Ouch! Not only did they reject me, they even insulted me. How can I gain experience if no one hires me?

"Ah, okay. I still hope to work with you in the future. Thank you."

...

I walked down the side of the road, fuming. I must reek of smoke and frustration. I think I've already applied to almost every company, and still, no one accepted me. While zoning out, I suddenly saw a large tarp.

I always hear about this famous company. They're featured in magazines and newspapers all the time.

"Vasquez Company?"

Why didn't I think about setting an appointment there?

Ah right. Their standards are too high-just like the first one.

But... why not? It wouldn't hurt to try.

...

The moment I stepped inside, I was in awe at how elegant the lobby was. Even the employees' uniforms looked like they cost thousands.

It looked more like a hotel with its white and gold theme. The chandelier hanging from the ceiling was obviously expensive. They're known for building the most luxurious and elegant buildings not only in the Philippines but also abroad.

"Hello, I'm here as an applicant."

"Do you have an appointment, Ma'am?" the receptionist asked with a smile. I was amazed-everyone working here looked like models.

"I was hoping to book one now."

"Please sit and wear this ID, Ma'am. Wait for your turn. Next time, please call ahead to book. Our CEO is very strict with schedules, and walk-ins are not allowed."

I hesitated to sit because the couch was so white, I was afraid I'd dirty it. I also noticed waiters serving complimentary drinks to their guests.

"Number 76, please proceed to the 54th floor. This position needs to be interviewed by Mr. Vasquez. Again, Number 76, please proceed to the 54th floor."

I looked around, amazed at how massive the 54th floor was.

I asked a few employees where Mr. Vasquez's office was. They said it was the large double-sided door at the end.

I spotted it immediately and headed there. I was just about to turn the doorknob when I heard an argument inside.

"I'm sorry, Leo, but I've had enough! I can't keep this anymore. You're so rough. Can't you at least be gentle when you f**k me?"

"Please leave," the man said calmly. Clearly, he didn't care. I stepped aside when the door suddenly swung open.

I had a gut feeling I wouldn't get accepted. I mean, who would be in a good mood right after a breakup? But it was too late-I was already there.

"What do you need?" the man asked coldly, making the hairs on my arms stand up.

"Hello, sir. I'm Trinityellian Gomez. I'm here to apply as your assistant."

"You're hired. Start tomorrow. Leave your resume; I'll have the front desk take note," he said, expressionless.

He wore glasses. His hair was slightly tousled. I couldn't help but stare at his godly features-those green eyes, kissable lips, aristocratic nose, and perfect jawline.

...

"Oh, you're home?" Nicole greeted as I arrived. She was still glued to her computer. I went straight to the kitchen for a drink.

"How was job hunting?" she asked again. I walked over and handed her the blueberry cheesecake I brought.

"It was rough. Super rough. But thankfully, I got accepted at Vasquez Company." She froze mid-type.

"Vasquez Company?"

"Yeah." I frowned a bit.

"Oh. My. God." She turned to me, eyes wide. "You're being weird."

"Did you know the owner of Vasquez Company is George Leonardo Vasquez, aka the *Ultimate Handsome CEO* here in the Philippines?"

"Okay?" I don't care who he is. All I care about is that he pays well. That's all I need to know.

"How the f**k do you not care?"

"You're acting so nonchalant about it. Do you know how many people would *die* to have your job? Damn. What if you set us up?"

Delusional.

"That doesn't change the fact that he's still human. Rich and good-looking, yeah. But... he's still a living, normal person. Nothing makes him special."

I rolled my eyes at Nicole.

"You don't even know your boss. Let me give you a background check."

"George Leonardo Vasquez, 23 years old, a very rich business tycoon. His family is known for their countless businesses-not just in the Philippines, but around the world. Oh, and they have amazing genes. I think his mom, Leo, passed away when he was still young. That's why his dad exposed him to the corporate world early."

"He plays football and cricket. Hates golf-for unknown reasons. Aside from his famous perfume business, he also owns hotels, casinos, restaurants, and an aviation company."

"I'm not interested, Nicole. Shut up."

***

I shot up from bed when my alarm rang repeatedly.

Holy shit!

Why did I wake up so late?! If it weren't for my phone, I'd probably still be sleeping.

"Nicole! Why didn't you wake me up?!"

I asked, but she looked like she just woke up too-still yawning and blinking.

After 30 minutes, I made it to Mr. Vasquez's company.

Luckily, the elevator wasn't crowded, so I quickly got to the 54th floor. I half-ran until I reached his office.

As I opened the sliding door, still panting, I immediately felt his cold aura. He looked at me with a raised brow.

"Who are you? Did your parents even teach you how to knock?"

"I'm your new secretary, sir."

He scanned me from head to toe. "Oh, you're that girl I hired yesterday." He glanced at his watch.

"First day of work and you're late?"

I forced a smile. My cheeks were hot with embarrassment. "Sorry."

He snapped. Leaning back on his chair, he moved some folders aside. His hands were gorgeous-veiny and strong.

"Let's move on. I'm George Leonardo Vasquez, 23 years old. Let's skip the formalities. Trinity, right?"

"I'll give you a quick background. I went to Florida at ten and finished my studies there. Took my master's at eighteen. When I turned twenty-one, I inherited this company from my dad, Ybarra Salvatore Vasquez." He swallowed before continuing.

"What I hate most are liars and thieves. I have one rule-just one. I am your boss, and you are my employee. Which means when you work for me, you obey me. In this field, you live and breathe to serve me."

I couldn't speak-almost had a nosebleed from all that English.

"I don't care what you do during your free time. But on work hours, you live and breathe to serve me. I don't care if the job chokes the life out of you. You signed up for this-so live by my rules. Got it?"

I hugged my folder tightly and nodded.

"I'm giving you three seconds to walk out if you can't handle this."

"3."

"2."

"1."

"Good, we're settled then."

I swallowed as he stood up. He was taller than I expected.

"Now, I need you to fix these files. I have an important meeting. As for my schedule, coordinate with Ms. Aisha. She was the previous secretary's contact. I forgot what floor she's on, so find her."

We both turned to the side when a woman showed up.

"Sir Leo, the car to take you to Taguig is here."

"What? Didn't I tell you to cancel that?"

His voice was so loud, I flinched.

"I'm sorry, Sir. I was told it was urgent."

She was crying.

"You know what? Forget it. You're fired," he said calmly before walking past us.

"Trinity, get me a black coffee. Bring it to the conference room."

...

"It's 12 PM. Break time. You can eat lunch. Also, schedule a meeting with Mr. Velasco a week from now. I need to discuss a collaboration."

He was toying with his pen as he said that. I nodded, avoiding his piercing gaze.

"And also, take these folders to the next building. Hand them *personally* to the owner. Don't leave them with just any employee. This file is worth a 10-million contract. If you lose it, you pay."

He was about to hand it to me when he dropped it, and the papers scattered.

I quickly picked them up. I thought he'd help, but he didn't.

I hated myself for noticing how handsome he was instead of how rude he could be.

"I'll go ahead now, Sir." I smiled and turned to leave. I felt like I could finally breathe.

Lunch break? More like eating sh*t during lunch break.

...

By 1 PM, I was back in his office. I didn't want to give him another reason to scold me.

"I need you to have this signed by Mr. Ravanilla. His office is on the 34th floor," he said as soon as I entered.

"Okay, Sir!" I grabbed the folder and went straight to the elevator.

When it opened, I took just a few steps before passing by a large room.

I took a deep breath and knocked, but no one answered-so I walked in.

"Mr. Ravanilla?" I called out as I stepped inside.

"Looks like a goddess got lost," a deep voice whispered right beside my ear, making all the hairs on my body stand.

"G-Good day, Mr. Ravanilla. Sir Leo needs you to sign some papers." I stammered, forcing a smile.

||R.A||

RAENAALMEDA