Dilemma

Xavier POV

Coming back to my dilemma. I wish I could avoid it. However, I am planning to date Ashley; the current top model in Country Y at the moment. She is a wise choice with a gorgeous curvaceous body that every man dream of possessing and the artist with least scandal up to date. Best way to stop the on-going rumours and put my mother at ease. It is purely business of course hence she will be stopping by after lunch to sign a non-disclosure relationship agreement.

As we go into the elevator, again the mulberry hat came to my mind. I wonder if I will feel any different if I have seen her face. It must be really something for Steven to remember a face of the opposite sex especially when he changes women faster than I change cars. Steven went to be busy and I stop by my head secretary desk.

"Hans, cancel the 2pm briefing and coordinate with Daniel for the car breakdown. I am expecting Ms. Ashley at 2:30pm as schedule. Is the agreement ready?" I asked.

"Yes sir, we have went through the details with the legal department and everything is ready for signing," Hans answered.

Hans is my head secretary but he is also my legal advisor. He oversees all the agreements before it reaches my desk and sort out irregularities with the legal depart if any. He has been an indispensable part of my team.

I walk into my office while Hans tailed behind me detailing meetings and agenda I need to do in the afternoon. My office is has a small reception area for small private meeting and a hidden bedroom with bath behind the wall of bookcases. This setting comes in handy when I need to pull all nighter or too bash up to go home after a barrel or two. He put five files that needed my attention on the table before excusing himself to wait for Ashley arrival.

Absentmindedly I reach for the first file, a face wearing a mulberry colour beret hat staring right back at me when I flipped it open. I was stunned. There she was, a little pointed nose, small pink mouth with a pair of big brown eyes. I check the gender in the application form and it is stated female. An exquisite face for a girl indeed. If she is a he, it would have been what they called a flower boy. She was shortlisted as one of the five top candidates for an administration executive post in the planning department.

Many ideas went through my mind at the same moment. A smile etched on my face when my office door open and Hans show Ashley in with her manager in tow. She stop and stare at me for awhile before her manager signal for her to sit down.

I stood up and walk over to sit on the couch opposite the pair. Hans was about to put down a document file when I flicked my wrist. He understood and retrieve the document.

"Ms. Ashley, thank you for coming today,"I flashed her a charming smile. "As per our discussion, you were supposed to pose as my girlfriend for the duration of 12 months while we will ensure your popularity remain on the top 10 actresses for the next 5 years. We will sign you as the main female role for the latest movie project we have heavily invested in under Diamond Media and Entertainment to start with, which will ensure you are the talk of the town 2 to 3 years at least. However, there has been a change of plan if you would be so kind to wait for 30 minutes for a new contract to be sent to my office." I explained.

Ashley complexion turns pale when she asked," What do you mean Mr. Lee?"

I comforted her,"Don't worry. We are still signing you as the main female role for the movie. It will be the perfect vehicle to stardom for you entering the entertainment industry. It's just that I no longer need you to pose as my girlfriend."

Anger flashed in Ashley eyes but maybe I was wrong. She smiled while responding,"I am glad. It is always preferable to keep professional and private life separately."

Hans excused himself immediately and set to make changes to the agreement while Linda came in with the tea tray. Linda, Tam and Shorey works under Hans in the CEO secretarial department. Linda looks over the various department within Lee Group headquarter, Tam on national investment and Shorey on international investment.

Beside Steven, they are the only ones I trust with my schedule and personal information. Each and every one of them is highly qualified and trained to run a meeting for me if needed, legally bind and totally devoted to me. Everything has been smooth sailing in the last 2 years I have taken over from dad. They are worth their salary in gold and I hope our working relationship last.

Hans returned in less than 30 minutes later with a new document in hand. Ashley and her manager took turns to read through it before she eventually signed and leave my office on a good note.

I passed the HR file to Hans,"The girl in the file named Yuki, get her in to be my Personal Assistant."

Hans mouth dropped open. When did Xavier need a personal assistant? He never let any of the secretary schedule his appointment as he said it is an invasion in his privacy and overriding his authority. The CEO secretary office has always handled the mess he leftover whenever he changes appointment on a whim and most of the time without explanation.

Hans maintained his professionalism,"Yes sir."