First test

Chapter 19

Martina’s POV

I walked confidently into the large compound as the massive gate slid open. Even though I had been here yesterday, I still couldn’t help but admire the beauty of the house.

The exterior alone screamed luxury.

People really lived like this?

I slowed my steps slightly, taking in the perfectly trimmed hedges, the shining cars parked neatly to the side, and the polished tiles that practically reflected the early morning light. Everything about the place felt expensive—intimidating, even.

I finally reached the door and knocked once.

It opened almost immediately.

I was expecting to see the woman who had opened the door for me yesterday, but instead, I froze.

It was Herrick.

That was unexpected.

Why did he have to be the one to open the door?

For a few seconds, I couldn’t even find my voice. I just stood there, staring like someone who had forgotten why she came.

“Are you just going to stand there, looking?” His arrogant voice cut through my thoughts, snapping me back to reality.

“No… no, sir. Good morning, sir,” I said quickly, lowering my gaze.

“Go get my suitcase inside,” he ordered as he walked past me without another glance.

“Okay, sir,” I replied, stepping aside immediately.

I hurried inside, my heart beating a little faster than normal. I instinctively checked my wristwatch.

6:00 a.m. exactly.

Thank goodness I wasn’t late.

I must have gotten carried away earlier, admiring the house instead of walking faster. At least I made it on time. That was what mattered.

My eyes quickly found the suitcase resting on the dining table. I walked over, picked it up carefully, and headed back outside.

As soon as I stepped out, I saw the same black luxury car waiting.

Of course, he was already inside.

I walked to the other side of the car—the same side I had used yesterday—opened the door quietly, and slipped in. I made sure to close it gently behind me.

Herrick didn’t look up.

His attention was completely on his phone.

Or maybe he noticed me and just didn’t care.

I placed the suitcase neatly beside me, careful not to make any unnecessary noise that could draw his attention.

“Move the car.”

His voice suddenly filled the silence, and I tried not to flinch.

He wasn’t talking to me.

The driver nodded immediately. “Okay, sir.”

The car began to move, driving out of the compound and onto the main road.

Silence settled inside the car again.

I stared ahead through the windshield, but I wasn’t really looking at anything. My mind was already racing.

Today was my first real day at work.

Even though I tried to act confident, there was still a small part of me that was nervous. I didn’t want to make any mistakes.

I just had to follow his rules… do exactly as he said… and everything would be fine.

At least, that was what I hoped.

After a while, the car slowed down and finally came to a stop.

We had arrived at the company.

I opened the door and stepped out quickly. Before I could even think of my next move, the driver had already rushed over to Herrick’s side and opened the door for him.

Herrick stepped out of the car, his presence immediately commanding attention. He looked just as intimidating as ever—calm, composed, and completely unapproachable.

I stood beside him, waiting, unsure if I was meant to walk ahead or behind him.

His gaze suddenly shifted to me.

“You,” he called.

My heart skipped slightly.

“Sir,” I responded quickly.

“It’s your duty to open the door for me, not the driver,” he said firmly.

I blinked in surprise.

I was supposed to do that?

“O-okay, sir,” I replied, nodding quickly.

“Good.”

Without waiting for anything else, he turned and walked into the company.

I followed closely behind him, holding the suitcase firmly.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Good morning, Mr. Herrick.”

Employees greeted him as we passed by their desks, their voices respectful and polite. But he didn’t respond to any of them.

Not even a nod.

Arrogant.

We stepped into the elevator, and I stood quietly beside him as it moved upward. The silence felt heavier in such a small space.

The doors finally opened on the top floor, and he stepped out immediately.

I had to quicken my pace to keep up with him, my heels clicking softly against the polished floor.

We entered his office, and he walked straight to his desk and sat down without hesitation.

I placed the suitcase carefully on his desk, then stood in front of him with my hands clasped together, waiting for instructions. My eyes remained lowered.

“Take this.”

I looked up immediately.

He was holding out a tablet.

I stepped forward and took it carefully from him.

“You know what to do with that,” he said.

My fingers tightened slightly around the tablet.

I didn’t.

“I…,” I almost said it, but stopped myself just in time.

“Read my schedule for me every morning,” he added casually.

Oh.

That made more sense.

“Okay, sir,” I replied, trying to sound confident.

“You might as well start now,” he said, leaning back slightly in his chair.

The way he said it made it clear—he was testing me.

My heart began to beat faster.

I looked down at the tablet in my hands.

The screen was already on.

A long list filled the display—meetings, appointments, calls… everything arranged in a neat but overwhelming schedule.

My throat went dry.

I had never worked as a secretary before.

Not even close.

How was I supposed to know how to handle all this?

What if I made a mistake?

What if I read something wrong?

What if—

“Go on,” his voice interrupted my thoughts.

I froze.

For a moment, everything in my head went completely blank.

This was it.

My first test.

And I wasn’t ready.

I swallowed nervously, staring at the screen as if the answers would suddenly appear on their own.