Episode 7

Ethan's POV

After a long week, Saturday arrived, and that afternoon I met up with Jacob at a cozy cafe in the heart of the city. As we sipped our coffees and ate our desserts, I told him about my experience at the office during my first week of work.

"It's so strange… Alexander Stone barely speaks to me, and when he does it's only to give me more paperwork. He doesn't even look me in the eye." I sighed, holding my coffee in my hands.

"And the other employees behave the same way? What are they like?" Jacob asked me, frowning, attentive to what I was saying.

"They're nice to me, but with Alexander too, they barely exchange words, he only talks to the senior staff. The point is that I'm his secretary, I'm supposed to be the person he talks to the most." I sighed again.

Jacob took a moment before answering me so he could think about his response, and finally he smiled.

"Maybe you should try something different. Something as simple as bringing him a coffee in the morning can be that little gesture that makes all the difference," he suggested.

His advice resonated with me, and a spark of hope ignited within me. Maybe he was right, and maybe all I needed was a way to break the ice with my fearsome boss, even if it was with a small gesture like that.

"Thanks, Jacob, I'll try it." With renewed determination, I nodded gratefully at my friend, I felt optimistic about it, I hoped for the best.

"Yeah, believe me, I know how hard it is to get along with a boss, but I know he won't be able to resist you, maybe he'll even give you a raise," Jacob joked a little to ease the tension of the conversation.

"Yeah, but your boss is a grumpy old man, mine is like a dream, I never thought I'd say that about another man…"

"You said that about Jean in high school, idiot."

"Oh, shut up, I have a weakness for popular types, but I don't see Alexander that way, seriously. I think I'm just looking for his validation, like he's my idol or role model."

"Your role model is a guy who inherited a million-dollar company?"

"Oh, it's not just that, I read and heard that he's really been a studious man who, despite being young, has achieved great things in the company, and I get to see that man every day, obviously, it excites me in a way." Without realizing it, I pouted a little.

"Well, let's say it's that." Jacob laughed, shaking his head.

The rest of the day was a mixture of anticipation and nervousness as I considered the idea of bringing Stone a coffee. I wondered if I would be able to break down the barrier between us and he would finally treat me like his secretary. With that question swirling in my head, I prepared to face the coming Monday. I was ready to try my new strategy in an attempt to soften Alexander Stone's heart.