The Perfect Tandem

Prologue

A/N: See media for a book cover created by aviatrices <3 Hope you will love this first ever short story of mine. Read this book with an open mind. Kind readers have pointed out mistakes and i'm sure you will notice, too. But please note that I don't want to revise it. This is my imperfect beginning and I hope you can be with me as I improve with other stories. Thank you! 

Prologue

"This way, Miss."

Deep breaths, Aleera. Kinakabahan talaga ako. I passed the screening of the Human Resource last Saturday. They told to come back for an interview with my soon-to-be direct boss, the CEO. Well, for starters, di ko naman alam na secretary pala ng CEO inaapply-an ko. I just thought it would be for a manager but I guess here we are. Kinagat ko na rin nang magbanggit sila kung magkano seswelduhin ko. Jusmiyo, makakapagpakain na 'ko ng isang pamilya!

But of course, may catch. . .

Sabi nga nila, there's no such thing as free lunch. They told me that the CEO is very detail-oriented, goal-oriented, meticulous, a perfectionist, and heartless man. Maximum na daw na six months ang nakakatagal sa ugali nito. I just thought they're overreacting. I worked closely with a big boss in my previous job, detached sila sa real life but they're very nice to their employees.

Ito na nga 'yon... sana lang worth it.

"Good luck, miss." Habol pa ng babae with worry in her eyes.

This is making me uneasy. Is he that bad?

I knocked twice before opening to door. I saw a man looking at his laptop with papers on his side.

"Good morning, Sir. I'm here for the interview." pormal kong sinabi.

Tinaas niya ang isang daliri as a sign for me to wait.

This is the CEO?! Why does he look so young? I mean, his built and his face is mature but he's... Kala ko matanda ang kakausapin ko. This one's a bachelor.

I scanned his office. It's very minimalistic. Grabe! Ang ganda ng view niya. Lalo na siguro sa gabi, makikita mo ang city lights. I saw frames of certificates and pictures. Hmm. Graduate ang magiging boss ko from La Salle. There is also a portrait of his grandparents, I think. Wow, this means they're old money, aren't they? I also saw a solo pic of him in suit. I looked at him again. Hmm pogi naman nito.

"I said have a seat, Ms. Natividad." malamig niyang sabi. His eyes shoot off an 'I-don't-like-to-repeat-myself' energy.

He has a rugged look, which is unlikely for businessmen. Usually kase diba they look clean? Ang gwapo niya, di iyon makakaila. Ilan na kaya ang na-fall dito? Kaso mukhang arogante.

Shet. Focus, Aleera!

I sat at the chair in front of his table. 

Thanatos Simeon Ambrosia

Chief Executive Officer

Nagbunot sya ng folder sa mga nakapatong sa mesa niya. "I don't have a lot of time, tell me why I should hire you as my secretary." he said with authority. Grabe, his aura! How can he be so intidimating?

"Because I'm reliable and committed. Two of the most important things being a Secretary should be and I assure you that I give my best and do my best. Perfectly. I treat my work as my only priority, Mr. Ambrosia." I said with conviction.

Nagtaas siya ng kilay. Attitude ka, ghurl?

"It says here on your resume that you only worked for 1 year and 2 months on your previous job. You resigned, Ms. Natividad. How is that committed?" Wow.. his eyes are daunting. Ganto ba talaga 'to tumitig? Para akong kriminal nito, eh. I wonder if it is just his facade.

I sighed before answering. "My mom died, Sir. I needed to take care of it. Na-dengue din ang kapatid ko. My father needed support. I know that if I took a leave, it would take me long. The company doesn't deserve that, so I resigned. I lost my savings and I want to start anew. About my commitment to work, the recommendation letters are written by my previous boss and other higher ups. I'm on call 24/7 and I spearheaded major events for the company. If given a chance, I-"

"If, Ms. Natividad," he cut me off. "If I hired you, where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

"Still your secretary, Sir."

I saw him smirked a bit. He liked that answer. If he wants committed, I'll give him committed.

But he quickly returned to his cold demeanor. "How do you see me, Ms. Natividad? Am I your type?" He leaned on his chair.

"P-Po?" Luh, bat may ganito?

"I don't want a secretary drooling at me and distracted from work. I'm not looking for a wife, I'm looking for a secretary who does her job." masungit niyang saad na may diin sa dulo. Yabang ser!

"With all due respect, I'm not here for you. I'm here for the job." masungit ko ding sagot. 

He didn't smile, but I saw amusement in his eyes. "You're hired, Ms. Natividad."

Nanlaki ang mata ko. I opened my mouth to say something but he continued. "Make any mistake and you're done being my secretary. Do not disappoint me."

I held my head with a confident smile. "Makakaasa ka, Sir."

-----x-------

Aleera's interview outfit. No portrayers.