Episode 4

Anne Louize

I enter the room, closing the door behind me.

Standing in front of the window, there he was. Not a nerd, or an elderly man as I had imagined, but rather a model from a magazine cover. Completely ignoring my presence, I cleared my throat, walked up to his desk, and spoke:

"Sir, what do you wish?"

As if in slow motion, he looks at me, or rather, analyzes me from head to toe. He sits in his chair and faces me. His tall, imposing figure leaves me slightly frightened. He looks at me with firmness and confidence.

Mr. Johnson: "Well, well, if I'm not mistaken, you're the clumsy one who bumped into me yesterday and almost knocked me down."

Good memory. It's him. I was so focused on gathering my papers that I didn't pay attention to his face, the rude figure who bumped into me yesterday.

He is simply perfect. How can a human being of such beauty exist? His jawline seems to have been sculpted by hand. His stubble makes him even sexier. God, I can't get carried away by this stupidly handsome face. I can't forget the rude way he treated me the day before.

'I can't forget that he's my boss, and this is my job. That's reason enough for me to want to stay away.'

Mr. Johnson: "Come on, say something. Cat got your tongue? Hey, girl, I'm talking to you."

I shuddered in fear, straightened my spine, and spoke.

"Excuse me, Mr. Johnson, but if you hadn't been so rude and disrespectful to me, I would have apologized yesterday for the inconvenience."

I didn't want to be rude to him. What am I doing?! -- He can fire me. Oh, you know what? It's not because he's my boss that he can treat me this way.

He didn't expect such an answer, and he stares at me with a sarcastic look.

Mr. Johnson: "Look, she speaks, and she seems to have quite a temper, doesn't she?"

He can't be serious. He must be kidding me. Why hasn't he fired me yet? Where did this man's composure go?

"Sir, do you really need anything? If not, I'll excuse myself, as I have a lot of work to do."

Mr. Johnson: "Take these contracts. Review them carefully, one by one. I want this ready on my desk by the end of the day."

"Sure. Anything else?"

Mr. Johnson: "No, that's all. Now get out."

"You don't have to tell me twice, I was already leaving."

When he was about to open his mouth, I grabbed all the contracts and ran out of his office. Over my shoulder, I see his piercing gaze shooting daggers at my back.

I slam the door and go to my office.

My God, how could I answer him like that? I wasn't sure of myself, but that could have gotten me fired. But he didn't do it. A little late for regrets.

What is he up to?

When lunchtime arrives, I go to the cafeteria. This morning's events have left me famished. This is the good part about being the newbie. I'm glad I can sit alone and have a quiet, digestive meal without having to strike up a friendly conversation with anyone.

I complained too soon. A young woman approaches my table and sits next to me. I guess the part about wanting to eat in peace slipped through my fingers.

I remain silent. After all, making new friends has never been my forte.

"Hi, how are you? I'm Jessica. You're Mr. Johnson's new secretary, aren't you?"

Louize: "Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Anne Louize. Yes, I'm Mr. Johnson's new secretary."

Jessica: "The pleasure is all mine. You can call me Jessy."

Jessica likes to talk a lot. From the way the conversation is going, she knows everyone here. She's barely stopped talking since she sat down next to me. Now I know a good part of the girl's life. She's twenty-four years old, single, lives alone, and has worked here for almost two years. She practically gave me a summary of her entire life.

Time flew by, time to go back to the tyrant.

"Well, Jessy, it was a pleasure meeting you. I need to go now, I have a lot to do."

Jessy: "Oh, alright, go ahead. But first, just a word of warning."

That was quick.

"Go ahead."

Jessy: "Watch out for Mr. Johnson. His last secretary was fired because she fell in love with him. That's what they say in the hallways. He used to take her to motels frequently, lunches, dinners. We never knew if that was really true. But if you want to keep your job here, don't fall for the boss. I know he's handsome and wonderful, but don't fall for his charms. Run for the hills."

Louize: "Thanks for the advice, my interest here is only work."

Jessy: "For now, right? That's what they all say. You're new here. But getting back to the point, it seems he even got involved with her, but she made up the whole motel story and it drove him crazy with anger. Apparently he just wanted to fool around with her and that's it. She wanted something serious, but he's not one to be tied down easily. He's never even been seen with another woman. He's always been a very discreet man. So, be careful."

"Thanks for the advice, I need to go."

I grab the rest of my lunch, wave to Jessy and leave.

(Louize's thoughts)

'As if I'm going to get involved with an ignorant ogre like that. Me? No way. He may be devastatingly handsome, but I won't fall for his charms. No way.'