A stand in secretary

The remaining part of the day was uneventful. Scarlet worked and delivered her best making up for the late morning.

At the close of work, she stretched her tensed back as she slowly gathered her things into her handbag. Mario stepped into the office "Scar, aren't you leaving?" She asked.

It is well known in the company that Scarlet is a workaholic and might work for 24hours when in a good mood without socializing. "Mario, you go ahead. I will soon be on my way home" she answered. Mario nodded and left with other people after saying goodbye.

As soon as Scarlet stepped into the elevator, her phone dinged with a new notification. She barely glanced at it at first, as she closed her eyes briefly to gather herself after a long day.

The doors of the elevator slide open, Scarlet sighed as the fresh air washed over her. Slowly she opened her phone and her jaw dropped.

It was from a freelance job platform she had signed up for long ago—one of the many side hustles she juggled to keep up with expenses.

Usually, they allocate jobs based on one's scope that was mentioned when signing the labour contract. As for Scarlet, she wasn't picky when it came to work. If it paid well, she'd take it no matter how ridiculous it may be.

She had done it all—nannying, event planning, temporary secretary jobs, agents even last-minute stand-ins for business negotiations. She can comfortably step into any role, get the job done and get her pay.

As she scrolled through the details of the job request, "An urgent temporary secretary to attend a high end business meeting in which she must get the contract signed. A good professional ethic must be observed. And the pay is mouthwatering.

Scarlet's heart skipped a bit that the price was that high. And it suits her basic need at the moment. She had taken similar last-minute jobs before.

Usually, she was just there to present documents, take notes, or act as a stand-in for someone who couldn't attend. As Scarlet clicked the accept button, her lips turning upward. She didn't expect to make this much money in one night.

As soon as she clicked the accept button, her phone buzzed again with more details and an upfront payment for the work. Her eyes widened slightly—the down payment had already been made?

The company handling this gig had a strict policy: 50% payment upfront, and the remaining balance upon completion. It was efficient, professional, and most importantly—secure.

Scarlet quickly scanned the details of the job:Time: 8 PM. Venue: Royal Prince hotels. A light bulb went off her head. It was a high end hotel. Role: Temporary representative for a business negotiation

Dress code: Elegant business suite

She stared at the details for a moment, her mind spinning rapidly as she plotted how she had to go about it for easier accomplishment.

Scarlet looked at the busy street before her and stepped into it with a purpose —grab a change of clothes, freshen up, and transform herself into an elite woman. The job itself is really paying high and she wouldn't allow any mistake.

With only one thought in mind—Whatever the deal was, she just had to show up, do her part, leave and get her pay. .

Scarlet hailed a cab, sliding into the backseat and gave the driver her destination—one of the most prestigious shopping malls in the Country M.

Though she is not a type that likes luxury shopping, but tonight wasn't about her preferences—it was about the job and she must see to it to that she got the best.

The moment she stepped into the mall, she moved quickly, scanning the stores for something professional yet striking.

It didn't take long before she found it—a fitted black suit and skirt that suits her body as though it is meant particularly for her, tailored to perfection, with just enough sophistication that can command attention.

She grabbed a matching heels and, after a quick thought, a delicate but expensive-looking wristwatch to complete the look.

Satisfied, she headed to the salon inside the mall, where she had a quick makeover that was subtle yet improved her look. Her usual plain office look transformed into something different—poised, refined, elegant and completely different from her earlier self.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror, a smile tugged at her lips in satisfaction. She hailed a cab and headed to the hotel . Her confidence brimming.

As Scarlet slid into the cab heading toward the hotel, she quickly dialed Mario's number.

Mario was one of the few people she could trust—her free spiritedness, always ready to help at any time.

The call connected after a few rings.

"Scarlet! What's up?" Mario's voice came through, lively as ever.

Scarlet sighed, already feeling a bit more at ease. " Mario. Can I crash at your place for a few days? I just… don't want to deal with home right now." She requested calmly.

Mario knew Scarlet like the back of her hand, and for her to make this request then it is definitely not easy. She sighed "I hope you are okay? Is Pauline pressuring you into giving her money as usual?" She asked.

"And Ruby being nosy," Scarlet muttered, rubbing her temple.

"You know you don't have to ask, Scar. My place is always open. Stay as long as you want."

Scarlet smiled, relieve washing over her. "Thanks, Mario. I'll head over after work… or maybe later tonight. I have a job to handle first."

"A job? Again? Seriously, when do you rest?

"When I no longer have to borrow to solve problems" Scarlet replied amusedly.

"Fine, fine. Just be safe, okay? And call me if anything."

"I will and don't always think of what will happen," Scarlet promised.

They chatted for a while longer before hanging up.

Scarlet sighed and rubbed her aching temples and slowly leaned back in her seat, her gaze staring out the window as the city lights blurred past. Her focus on how possible it will be to get her own apartment.