~Sunshine~

Hazel and Francisco were alone in the elevator, the air between them was filled with tension. Francisco leaned against the wall, his gaze locked on Hazel, who tried to maintain a smirk despite her discomfort.

As the seconds passed, Hazel could feel the intensity of Francisco's eyes upon her, and the weight of his gaze became increasingly uncomfortable. She turned to face him and, her voice filled with apprehension, asked, "Is everything okay, sir?"

Francisco, still wearing that enigmatic smirk, paused for a moment before responding, "Yes."

The elevator doors finally opened, and Francisco stepped out, Hazel following closely behind. As she looked around, she was rendered speechless by the sight that greeted her. The space resembled a living room rather than a traditional corporate office. The ambiance was warm and inviting, in stark contrast to the usual sterile environment associated with workplaces.

Hazel couldn't help but feel a sense of surprise and intrigue. She had expected a typical office setting, but what she saw was anything but conventional.

Francisco walked toward a room and opened the door. He turned back to Hazel, who was still taking in the surroundings, and offered a warm smile.

"It's not my living room. It's my workplace."

Hazel heard Francisco's voice and turned to face him, a warm smile on her face. She approached him closely, "I am sorry. I got caught up in it," she admitted.

Francisco, still wearing a smile, uncrossed his arms and replied, "It's okay. I was engrossed in something as well."

Hazel looked up at him, sometimes struggling to fully understand the CEO's actions and intentions. However, before she could ask further questions, Francisco explained, "It's my room."

Hazel took a moment to process the revelation and, with a mixture of curiosity and excitement, slowly entered the room. The atmosphere inside was distinct. Although the room was not dark, it exuded a faint sense of intimacy. Red and black curtains covered the window, casting a unique ambiance over the space. The room felt perfect, and a pleasant aroma filled the air.

As Hazel took in her surroundings, she suddenly heard a door creak. She turned to see Francisco shutting the door and lighting a cigarette. The unexpected sight left her with a sense of trepidation.

Taking a deep breath, she spoke after exhaling, "Sir, your room is really wonderful. Where is my room? Is it on this floor?"

Francisco sighed, a hint of mystery in his expression, and responded, "This is also your room."

Hazel's eyes widened in disbelief as the revelation sank in. She was not only in the CEO's room, but she was being told that it was also her room.

"What?"

"You are my PA, so you must remain with me always," he said, his voice carrying the weight of his statement as he exhaled smoke from his cigarette.

Francisco's words hung in the air, and Hazel's face paled as she tried to process what he had just told her.

Hazel couldn't help but feel a rush of anxiety and confusion. The unexpected turn of events had left her stunned, and the prospect of serving as the CEO's personal assistant and being with him all the time was a revelation she had not anticipated.

"What?"

Hazel finally managed to stammer, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

Francisco, who seemed unfazed by her reaction, raised one eyebrow and asked, "Why? Would you mind serving as my secretary?"

Hazel's response was filled with a mix of emotions. "No, I mean, I'd love to, but how can I stay with you all day?" She asked, still grappling with the implications of the role he was offering her.

Francisco, wearing a mischievous smirk, approached her and leaned in closer. He spoke in a low, almost hypnotic tone, "Hazel, I won't be harsh with you."

Hazel took a step back, her words stammered as she tried to comprehend the CEO's unusual offer.

"Sir... what are you saying?" she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Francisco's face abruptly broke into a smile, and he clarified, "I am saying, you can take as much time as you need to rest on this floor. I am unable to grant a day off, though."

Hazel's eyes widened in shock as she tried to process what he was suggesting.

"What? You're saying that I have to work every day?" she asked, her eyebrows arched in disbelief.

Francisco remained calm, leaning back in his chair. He explained, "Yes, but keep in mind that the salary is double."

Hazel contemplated the offer, the allure of a higher salary contrasting with the commitment to work every day.

Francisco rose from his chair and motioned for Hazel to sit down, waving his hand as an invitation. She took a seat, her mind racing with questions and uncertainty.

Francisco, after exhaling a puff of smoke, leaned forward and inquired, "Do you live with your family?"

Hazel shook her head.

"No, I don't live with my parents. They are outside the city."

A thoughtful look crossed Francisco's face as he considered her response.

He continued, "You stay alone here."

Hazel nodded in confirmation, her eyes locked on the CEO.

"Yes," she replied.

Francisco took a moment before asking a question that seemed to carry a deeper significance.

"Hazel!"

Hazel responded, "Yes."

"How many years have you been living here?"

Hazel considered the question and replied, "Six years."

Francisco's inquiry hung in the air, a weighty question that left Hazel slightly taken aback. "In six years, did something happen in your life?" he asked, his eyes locked onto hers, seeking a deeper understanding.

Hazel, unsure of the implications of the question, replied with a hint of surprise in her tone, "What do you mean by this, sir?"

Francisco seemed to be about to elaborate on his question when Max unlocked the door and entered. His interruption was met with Francisco's full attention.

"Francisco, you have an unwanted guest," Max informed, his tone carrying a sense of urgency and concern.

Francisco arched his brows, and a nod indicated that he understood the gravity of Max's words. He then turned his attention to Hazel and said, "You must sign some sort of contract with us. Max will take care of it."

Hazel nodded.

To be continued.