Episode 15

Yesterday, I was called to HR with the proposal of becoming the CEO's secretary at the company. The current secretary is retiring and they urgently need another one.

When I asked him why I was chosen, he said they had a meeting with the directors of each department, and each of them could nominate two of their best interns. After an extensive research, the CEO chose me, for being trustworthy, discreet, perfectionist, and professional.

I found it strange because I have never seen this man before and how could he know so much about me? Nevertheless, I just asked for some time to think. I won't deny that the salary and benefits are tempting, it would change our lives, but my children always come first.

I confess that Eliza's consultation kept me up at night, I am very worried about my sister and praying to God that it's nothing serious.

She is calm about it.

As soon as I arrived, I went to the company, informed them I would arrive later, but I would pay for the hours of delay.

When I got to my desk, my phone rang. Mr. Charles Gonzales's personal assistant said that his boss wanted me in his office immediately.

"This is just what I needed! What does this man want with me? He might just fire me for not immediately accepting to be his secretary!"

Immediately, I went to the floor of the presidency.

The secretary led me to the man's office.

As soon as I entered, he was standing with his back to me, looking out the huge glass window, with a glass of whiskey in hand. The man seemed charming, had an athletic body, must be almost two meters tall.

As he turned around, I felt my face blush, from the intensity of his gaze.

"Good morning, Mr. Gonzales!"

"Good morning, Miss Diana Prescott!" he said, sitting in his chair.

He gestured for me to sit in the chair in front of him.

"How can I help you?"

"I wanted to personally know the reason why you didn't accept the proposal to be my secretary? As you know, any of my employees would like to have this position!"

"I told the HR director that I needed time to think, sir!"

"Any professional would not hesitate to accept, don't tell me you found the payment insufficient..."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Gonzales, but it's not like that! I am immensely grateful for the opportunity, I know there are many other capable employees who have worked here longer than me, and yet I was chosen..."

"But?"

"This choice does not only concern me, but also my family, I have to think of them before making any decisions!"

"Your parents..."

"I'm not referring to my parents, but to my children!"

The man widened his eyes, surprised by my response.

"Children? I thought you were single!"

"I am a single mother, sir! And any decision on my part affects my children!"

"I understand! But with the salary I offer, you could give them a better life!"

"Yes, you are right, but I want my children to have love above all else! Accepting to be your secretary means having less time with them!"

The man seemed to be analyzing me and that situation made me uncomfortable.

"Alright, you have a week to think it over and I hope your answer will be positive!"

"Thank you for the opportunity, sir! May I leave now?"

He nodded and I left his office quickly, this man is intimidating.

"Are you okay, dear?" the secretary asked.

"Yes, I just got nervous!"

"Mr. Gonzales seems intimidating and mean, but he is a good man who has suffered a lot and closed himself off to life!"

We talked for a while in the reception and the woman explained to me how all the work was.

At the end of the workday, I went home.

Upon arriving, Ravi and Luna jumped into my arms.

"Mommy, miss you!" my princess said.

"Mommy, miss you mo'e!" my jealous prince said.

"I missed you so much my loves! I'll take a shower and I'll be right back."

I put them on the couch, greeted Eliza with a kiss on the forehead, and went to take a shower.

I head to the kitchen and prepare dinner thinking about this job proposal. Eliza sits on the stool and we start chatting. Today she chose not to open the pub and we're going to enjoy our family night.

I feed the children, then we play on the living room rug, each of their laughs makes my heart overflow with love.

Ravi gets sleepy and clingy, I pick them up and we head to the bedroom.

I change their diapers, put on their pajamas, and they immediately kneel on the bed, waiting for me to say our daily prayer. My babies are growing up and they are very intelligent.

I say the Our Father and tuck them into their cribs.

A few minutes later, they fall asleep.

I return to the living room and Eliza is sitting on the couch, with a vacant look, holding a glass of whiskey.

"Are you drinking, Eliza?" I ask, sitting next to her.

"I just felt like having something strong."

"Is there something you don't want to tell me?"

"Nothing major, Diana! I just got a little stressed about that exam I took! Can't wait for the results to come out."

"I'm sure it's nothing serious!"

She smiles.

"When will it be ready?"

"In five days!"

I change the subject, knowing that talking about Ravi and Luna makes her happy.