CHAPTER FOUR

The Company

My jaw dropped as I stepped into the company. The spacious, modernized workplace buzzed with activity. Employees sat at sleek desks, typing away or engaged in lively discussions. The room was filled with the gentle hum of technology and the occasional ring of a phone. A large conference table made of rich, dark wood stood at the center, surrounded by chairs, ready for meetings and presentations. Sunlight poured in through large windows, illuminating the bustling workspace. I couldn't stop admiring this work of art.

"Is she the new secretary?" Alex asked, concerned about the unfamiliar woman moving around the company.

"I think she is," Laura nodded. "She's beautiful, but pale."

"Hm," Laura added as she continued working on her laptop.

"Are you the new secretary?" a cheerful girl asked. The woman possessed an ethereal beauty, her dark hair matching the color of her eyelids. She looked kind and happy.

"Yes," I replied after observing the beautiful girl.

"Okay! I'm Amelia, and you?" she asked with a bright smile that danced across her round face.

"I'm Alva. Nice to meet you," I said.

"Can we be friends?" Oh my! She wants to be friends with me even though we've just met?

"Okay, Amelia," I agreed, watching her smile grow even wider. She was truly something else.

"Hello, Alva. Welcome," the boss's personal assistant, Chang, greeted me with a brief smile.

I smiled back. He welcomed me, even though I hadn't been greeted by the boss himself.

"Someone will accompany you on a tour of the company," he said as a gentleman approached with elegance.

"Okay." He's so nice—why can't the boss be like him?

"I'm Theodore," he introduced himself, offering his hand for a handshake. "I'll accompany you to your office."

We walked in unison. Why is everyone here so good-looking? The men were so handsome, my imagination couldn't have created visuals like this.

"This is the conference room, and over here is the executive team office," he said, but my brain and heart weren't listening. All I could focus on was his face. He was a vision of youthful vitality, with a chiseled, heart-shaped face and piercing brown eyes that sparkled with warmth and intelligence. His raven-black hair was stylishly messy, framing his forehead and sharp jawline. Light freckles across his nose added a whimsical touch to his otherwise flawless features. His smile could light up an entire room.

If beauty were a crime, everyone in this company would be arrested. What if Brian were as handsome as Theodore? I wouldn't even dare touch a strand of his hair.

"And this is your office. Right next to it is the boss's office," I finally heard him say.

Why is my office next to the boss? I can't stand seeing his annoying face all the time.

"There's a lot more to see downstairs, but I'm busy," he said.

"Okay." My heart and brain finally returned to where they were supposed to be.

"He'll always be busy his entire life," I muttered after spotting Cody working.

Finally, I could have some peace of mind without hearing about Brian, Soo Ryeon, or my parents pushing me to get a job.

I have so much to learn if I want to keep this job and not get fired—whether on my first or last day.

"Here is your itinerary."

"Thank you," I replied and opened the file. At the front, written in uppercase, were the words:

Daily Schedule for the BossDate: March 09, 2021

Morning Routine (8:00 am - 9:00 am)8:00 am: Arrival and morning briefing with Executive Assistant8:30 am: Review of daily schedule and priority tasks

Meetings and Appointments (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)9:00 am: Meeting with Marketing Team to discuss Q4 campaign10:30 am: Meeting with CFO to review financial reports11:30 am: Call with potential investor

Lunch Break (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm)12:00 pm: Lunch meeting with industry partner

Afternoon Meetings and Tasks (1:00 pm - 5:00 pm)1:00 pm: Meeting with Product Development Team2:30 pm: Review of company performance metrics4:00 pm: Call with key client

End of Day Routine (5:00 pm - 6:00 pm)5:00 pm: Review of daily tasks5:30 pm: Prepare for the next day

At the top of the page, in lowercase, it read:

the boss is going on a business trip tomorrow with the secretary

Wait—tomorrow?! I just started today. Are they in a hurry?

The schedule was so long, I kept yawning.

"Secretary Alva, come to the boss's office."

"Okay," I responded quickly and stepped out of my office.

I entered the sleek lobby of BTS Company, amazed by the polished marble floor and soaring ceiling. Minimalist artwork adorned the walls, and the elegant reception desk screamed luxury. Behind it, a glass wall revealed the bustling office. The boss's office was on the top floor, accessible by a private elevator. Inside, a handcrafted wooden desk, a plush chair, and floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the city skyline. A small private balcony added a touch of peace.

This place was heaven.

"Hello, I'm Jack Alva," I said to the man facing away.

"Hello, I'm Jack Alva," I repeated, my smile starting to fade. Is he deaf? I'm getting mad-happy.

"You've got the itinerary, right?" he asked, ignoring my greetings.

"Yes," I replied. Is there anything else? I should go before he notices I'm wearing the wrong outfit.

As I stepped back toward the door—

"Why are you wearing the wrong thing?" he asked, finally turning around.

Why now? Just as I was leaving?

"Uh, my broth... my—" I stammered, scratching my head.

"Get out," he said coldly.

"Huh?" I asked, confused.

"Get out of here. Now!" His voice rose, rougher.

I bowed my head and quietly exited. Not only is he cold and annoying, but he's rude too. What if he treats all his employees like this?

I shouldn't focus on that. I should focus on whether or not I'm about to get fired on my first day.

What did he really mean by "get out"? My head hurt.

Are they really in need of a secretary? There's so much work. It feels like my last day, not my first.

Calls from different departments rang through—

"Jack Alva?"

"Yes?"

"It's time for the boss's lunch."

"Okay, okay," I said, hanging up the call and staring back at the itinerary. Did I miss this part?

Wait—am I supposed to bring him food? Isn't that the chef's job? Is he trying to make me quit already?

"Aahh," I groaned as I stood up.

The cafeteria was huge. Employees were scattered around, eating lunch.

What does the boss even eat? Seriously, how would I know? I'm not his wife.

"Here's the boss's food," the chef said, handing it to me.

"Okay," I took the tray and walked off.

"She's doing a lot on her first day."

"Hm. She would—there's so much business going on. But she's lucky."

"Yes! She gets to go into the boss's office and see his handsome face anytime. I wish I were the new secretary."

"Yes!"

What's the benefit of being secretary to a rude boss?

+++

I placed the food on his table and uncovered it—a Korean rice bowl topped with vegetables, beef, a fried egg, and chopsticks on the side.

"Come to my house tonight," he said, more like a command than a request.

He handed me a purple card. "This will get you in."

"Uh..." I muttered, confused. "Why?"

"I'm leaving early for the airport, and I don't want an obstacle."

Is he calling me an obstacle?

"Uh," I said again, leaving the room.

Why should I go to his house? I need to find the former secretary and ask why she quit. Maybe I'll find some answers about this crazy job.