Chapter 2: Welcome to the Company

Chapter 2 

“Are you okay!” He inquired, his tone laced with concern as removed a thick handkerchief from his pants. 

“My new dress!” Maria exclaimed as she took the handkerchief from Michael, cleaning the stained spot carefully. “Why does this have to happen to me?” 

“Who is there?” Micheal questioned authoritatively as he shifted his gaze to the door. He adjusted his suit carefully as the door opened and a slender man in a well ironed suit with sparkling green eyes entered, closing the door behind him gently. “And who are you? You did not meet Laura at the reception?” 

“Good morning, Mr Beaufort. I'm so sorry if I disturbed you but I met the receptionist and she asked me to come and see you…

“She did?” Michael asked surprisedly and walked to his intercom. He pressed the button and spoke into the device sternly. “Yes…oh…Alright.” 

He dropped the device and turned his gaze to the quiet Michael. 

“You're the new secretary? You should have introduced yourself earlier.” Michael said softly and Luca smiled lightly.

“I apologize for my rudeness but Miss Laura checked my files and asked me to come up instantly. I had no intention to upset you.” He replied warmly, holding the files in his hands carefully. 

“Ahh yes, I told her not to interview anyone. I need someone capable of holding the position for now.” Michael answered back as he took a few steps back to Maria. 

“I think I should leave now. I have to clean this dress.” Maria said as she placed the handkerchief on Micheal’s desk then leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek gently. “I will text you later.”

Micheal beamed and watched as she picked up the bags then waved at him as she made her way to the door. Micheal waved back reluctantly while Luca opened the door, she left and Michael sat back on his chair, letting out a sigh of relief. 

He glanced back at the pretty man standing by the door. The man seemed familiar, it seemed like they've seen each other before but he had forgotten where and when they met. 

“Your name please and come forward.” Michael called and Luca walked forward eagerly then sat on the chair opposite Michael.

He has always heard about the greatness of Mr Beaufort and how experienced he was but he had never seen him face to face. He felt relieved and excited at how Micheal received him warmly. 

Rumours had it that he was a very strict boss with authoritarian rules but it was the opposite to Luca or was it because it was his first day?

“Luca. Luca Graham.” He replied politely as he handed his files to Michael. 

“Luca Graham.” Micheal said in a low tone as his eyes narrowed, scanning the files carefully as his fingers flipped through the pages. “Everything seem good. I needed a competent secretary and it was urgent so I asked Laura to make the arrangement quickly. Are you fine with the agreement?” 

Luca nodded solemnly. “Of course, Mr Beaufort. I don't have any complaint.”

“Great.” Michael retorted as he dropped the files on the table, clasping his hands together before the eager Luca. “So if the company has some issues with the latest project timeline. What do you suggest we do?” 

Luca kept mute for some seconds then answered back thoughtfully. “There should be a special team to resolve the delays but it might impact the projected completions date.” 

Michael leaned back in his chair, fascinated by Luca’s swift and confident reply. “And what do you mean by that?” 

Luca took a deep breath. “There are many reasons for but I think a miscommunication between the design and the development team can also lead to the delay in the asset delivery so they have to work on a revised timeline and contingency plans .”

Micheal listened intently and he smiled triumphantly. “That is a brilliant solution! You're welcome to the Beaufort company.” He said as he reached out his hand to Luca.

Luca took his hand gently and Micheal shook his hand carefully. “Thank you Mr Beaufort, I'm glad and ill make you proud!” 

Michael nodded and withdrew his hand slowly while Luca’s gaze went to the floor. 

“I should clean the mess since I interrupted…

Micheal waved his hand immediately in protest. “There is someone that will do that, you should return to your desk.”

“Please, it won’t take long. Sir.” Luca answered back politely as he stood up. 

Michael admired his obstinacy and stood up from his chair carefully, then took a few steps to the window and watched the bustling city as he placed his hands in his pants pocket while Luca cleaned the stained spot. 

He pondered what had happened earlier. If Luca had not walked in, he could have made love with Maria against his will and he would regret it for the rest of his life. 

He sighed heavily as he shifted his gaze to the new secretary. Luca Graham. He was brilliant and he seemed nice, he thought deeply and finally let out as Luca finished cleaning the spot thoroughly. 

“Do you have any questions to ask?” Michael inquired which made Luca raise his head. 

“Not at all sir. I'm just grateful I got the job.” He retorted politely and Micheal nodded his head then gestured to him. Luca left quietly.

Michael went back to his seat and adjusted his tie, gazing down at the faultlessly clean spot. Luca had cleaned the mess perfectly and he was satisfied with the result. 

Michael shifted his gaze to the computer screen then raised his fingers to the keyboard as he reviewed the financial reports. The report was fine and comments about the company were pleasing as usual. They were the best and nothing could go wrong as his mother always said, he leaned back on his chair and picked up a file.

Meanwhile, at Luca’s office. Laura had introduced him to every staff of the company and showed him his office which was beside Micheals’. After she left, Luca sat down in his office, surrounded by sleek lines and modern decor. 

It was a dream come true. He knew he had to put in efforts and help Mr Michael achieve success. He promised himself to work tirelessly as he typed on the computer. 

After a while, his software suddenly glitched. He did everything possible he knew that could solve the problem but it was futile. After much consideration, he went to Michael’s office and knocked.

“Come in.” 

Michael’s baritone voice commanded from inside and he opened the door gently then walked in.

“Well done sir. My computer has a slight issue, I've tried my best but I think it is not in my field.

Michael raised his eyes from the thick file in his hand and looked at Luca. “Sit.” 

Luca obeyed quietly and watched as Michael picked up the device. He did not study his boss's outfit earlier and was amazed by the quality of the suit. 

It was a designer suit and he had a limited edition watch around his wrist. His dark hair was styled perfectly and his cologne was all over the place, taking Luca’s breath away.

“Luca?”

“Sir!”

Luca replied sharply, he must have been lost in thought as he admired Michael’s aura. 

“Dinner tonight?”

“What?”