One Year Later

It's been a year since that one night incident with the man named Drake. Revenge loomed over June’s heart, but she didn't have time to search for him all over New York. June still has a lot to take care of. June had nobody so she had to rely on herself for anything.

Since childhood, June never had anyone. She grew up in a small orphanage which fortunately raised her quite well, despite her deprivation. June still remembers vaguely that in the past she had both parents who loved her, until one night her parents disappeared, at least that's what the police said. At that time, June was pretty sure, someone with a sword burning in the dark killed her parents, but the police never found any evidence that led to it. June was admitted to a mental hospital for several years due to those hallucinations. Now she is no longer sure what she saw. She didn’t know where her parents went that night. No trace, nothing.

When she turned seventeen, June found out that she had an inheritance from her parents. A lawyer came to the orphanage, said that he had known her father since he was a child, and then gave her all her rights. It was not much, but more than enough for June. June's parents left the house she used to live in as a child, as well as enough money to live on until she could go to college. She left the orphanage and decided to live alone afterward.

June graduated with satisfying achievements, then succeeded in working as an executive secretary at a large company. Her career was smooth and she became the secretary of the company’s owner, before she was finally fired that night. After the dismissal, it wasn't easy for June to find a new job. She looked here and there until finally the opportunity came today, approximately one year since she was fired. It's her first day at work in a long time, June was very excited. She looked at herself in the mirror, wearing the new blazer she'd bought for the day.

She styled her hair neatly with a bun on the back of her head to make it look more professional. Not to forget, she wore high heels to be more confident. June sighed and then immediately went to a new company that hired her as the secretary for the CEO. A good catch after getting fired from a company. The Burton Group, that's the name of the company June is now working for. A large company engaged in various fields such as property, retail, and many more.

June parked her car in the basement, then with a bright smile she entered the corporate lobby that looked luxurious. She stepped her feet towards the reception desk.

"Good morning, I am the new secretary for Mr. Burton," she said to the receptionist, who looked lovely and tidy.

“Oh, Miss Hanson? Mr. Burton is waiting. Go up to the twentieth floor. There will be a receptionist who will help you," she said.

"Okay. Thank you very much," said June. She was a little nervous, but so excited. She got into the elevator and pressed twenty. As the elevator doors clinked and opened, June sighed to calm herself. The receptionist near the elevator door immediately greeted her.

"Hi, you must be Miss Hanson?" she asked.

"Yes, that's right," June replied, smiling brightly.

"Follow me. Mr. Burton is waiting for you," she said again as she started walking. June followed closely behind.

"I was told to come at eight in the morning. Am I late?" June asked, glancing at the watch wrapped around her hand. It's ten minutes to eight. There's no way June was late. Did she hear it wrong? It seems impossible. It was clear yesterday she had been told to arrive at eight sharp.

“You're not late, Miss Hanson. It's just that Mr. Burton always comes early," she replied.

"Just call me June. What time does he usually come?" June asked.

"About seven in the morning, June," she replied.

June widened her eyes. If the boss arrives at seven in the morning, that means June will have to come earlier. Jeez! But June sighed and shook her head. It doesn't matter, she thought. Eventually she got a job in a good position with a salary that was more than she expected. So arriving early in the morning shouldn't be a problem. June smiled brightly again, getting ready to face her new boss.

The receptionist named Anne escorted her to a room at the far end that looked the biggest. The room was closed with luxurious wooden doors. Anne pressed a button, then a voice sounded from inside.

"Yes?" he asked. Deep and resolute. But it seemed June had heard that voice before, somewhere.

"Your new secretary has arrived, Mr. Burton," said Anne.

"Send her in right now," he replied.

June was still remembering that voice when the sound of the lock opening. Anne hinted for June to open the door and go inside.

"Good luck," she said as she walked away and smiled. June took one more breath then opened the huge door and went inside. The room seemed more spacious than the humble home of June's parents. The large glass windows provide a panoramic view of the city. The floor is covered with soft, comfortable rugs. This room is more than luxurious. A man was seen sitting on his chair at the back of the large desk. He was facing back, so that June could not see his face. He seemed to be reading something. During the interview, June did not meet Mr. Burton in person because he was abroad. But she was told that Mr. Hamilton had read her CV and agreed to hire her.

"Good morning, Mr. Burton. I'm June Hanson, your new secretary,” June said.

The man turned around, but as the chair turned a hundred and eighty degrees facing June. June's heart froze at that moment. Her eyes widened like seeing a ghost. The man in front of her was the man she had been looking for the past one year. His hair was still combed the same way, his beautiful brown eyes glared at her. He smiled professionally with his dimples still adorning his handsome face. Drake. He's that Drake. On top of his luxurious desk was a sign that read 'Drake Burton, CEO of The Burton Group'. It felt like June wanted to shrink into a ball and roll into the ground right now.

"Welcome, June. I'll forgive you for coming too late today. Tomorrow, you have to be earlier than me. Now make me a cup of coffee," he said firmly.