The CEO's Assistant Is His Ex

Shayan's POV.

It was yet another morning, and I had to prepare for work.

 

I quickly went to prepare, freshening up and wearing a lacy black skirt, a white off-the-shoulder top, and black heels. I tied my black hair in a neat bun and put a little makeup on my face. When I was done, I carried my bag with my things and locked the door before leaving.

 

I walked to the closest bus stop. I had missed the first bus, and I was already running late. The New York morning traffic jam was usual, especially on Monday mornings. Several cars were passing by, and I knew I couldn't wait for the next bus. Taking a taxi became my next option. I hailed a taxi, and when I finally got hold of one, I was already thirty minutes late.

 

As soon as the taxi dropped me in front of the building, I quickly hurried in. Everyone I came across seemed to be in a hurry, too. Something told me that the new boss is going to be difficult. I entered the elevator, which was crowded with employees frantically searching through files or making calls and arrangements. Today was surely going to be a busy one.

 

The elevator stopped, and I came out, heading to my post, the open office, before the boss. I was a personal assistant to the former boss who died three days ago, Michael Adrios. Hopefully, I get to keep my position if his son wants me to. I was hoping that he'd be bearable, like his father. 

 

Nearing my office, I saw a guy whose back was facing me asking a girl passing by for me. "And where the hell is the supposed personal assistant?" The anger and annoyance in his tone were very evident as he shouted, causing me to get nervous.

 

Oh, God, help me not to be fired. 

 

"I'm here, sir." I slowly answered in a low voice.

 

He turned around to look at me, and when my eyes met his, my heart stopped beating.

 

***

 

Kelvin's POV.

 

 

Today is Monday, and I had to prepare for work. I started working as the CEO of my father's company today. He died three days ago from a deadly disease that runs in the family. I have always hated my dad. I didn't even answer his last name until recently. The first day I met him, all I wanted to do was kill him. He had left my mother when he got her pregnant in college. From what I know, it was a one-night stand, and when she told him about me, he told her he didn't want anything to do with us.

 

My mother was nineteen at the time, while my dad was three years older. He was engaged to his college sweetheart, who happened to be an Italian billionaire's daughter.

My father paid my mom off with one million dollars, which my mom accepted because of her condition.

 

She came from a poor background. Her parents were disappointed in her and washed their hands off her. She needed the money to survive, and I don't blame her for taking it. Accepting the money, she signed a contract that she was never going to show her face in his life, and there wouldn't be any leaks about me in the media either. But it seems like when the old man was going to die, he wanted to go to heaven because he came one day begging my mother to forgive him. And she did. That's when she got pregnant with the twins.

 

My mom had never told me anything about him then, and when I knew he was my father, I hated him more.

 

He had left his company for me at his will, and now I was going there to resume duty today.

 

I got into the office, and everywhere I passed, people greeted me; they seemed to know who I was. I looked around the office, and it was okay. The colours black and brown dominated the office. Since the outside was made of glass, I could see the busy New York streets. There was a black executive chair and two other brown chairs in front of the mahogany desk. There were shelves around and a small chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Aside from that, there was a separate place for a small meeting. There were three black leather love seats, a brown centre table, and a single leather chair. The office was really big, and the space was well used.

 

I sat on the executive chair, going through some things on the laptop. I've been here for an hour, and there's no sign of the personal assistant. So I made a mental note to fire her as soon as she entered.

 

I was getting impatient already and went outside my office. I saw one of the employees passing by and decided to ask her about the personal assistant.

 

"And where the hell is the supposed personal assistant?" I asked angrily.

 

Did she think she can just come anytime she pleases? I'd have to have a word with all the staff later; I couldn't stand this tardiness.

 

"I'm here," a voice answered in a scared tone. But there was something familiar about it.

 

I was ready to fire this person, then I turned around, and it was no one other than Shayan West, another person I hate.

 

She looked different—different in a good way. "My office, now," I ordered, harshly going to my office while she followed behind.

 

I sat on the chair, waiting for her to come in. I was angry that she was late. But most of all, I was angry about meeting her.

 

"Where the hell have you been? You were supposed to be here an hour ago!" I shouted angrily.

 

"I'm sorry, sir; I missed the first bus, and there was traffic." She replied, a little bit nervous.

 

"Well, I don't care about your excuse. I don't stand tardiness and want you to be punctual. The next time you're late, you'll get fired." I told her coldly.

 

She didn't say anything and just nodded. I didn't like that response. "Have I made myself clear?" I harshly demanded.

 

"Yes sir." She replied  

"I want all the files on Mr. Anderson on my table right away."

 

"Here you go, sir," She got the file and placed it on my table.

 

"You may get out of my office now." I dismissed her with a nonchalant wave.

 

She left the office, and I just sighed. Seeing her again was unexpected. I never thought I'd see her again.

    

Though I typically preferred blondes, Shayan's short dark hair and hazel green eyes, along with her warm complexion, were unexpectedly exotic and appealing. She was undeniably attractive now, different from the girl I used to know.

Kel's POV.

 

The only thing I remembered was the voice—tiny, soft, smooth, and sweet—the type that could damage a person's brain. She has gotten rid of her glasses for contacts and isn't fat anymore. She had a slim, sexy figure, enunciating her curves in the short skirt she was wearing with a white off-the-shoulder top. Her hair was in a professional-looking bun. She was beautiful and sexy, but I'm not interested in her body or anything that has to do with her. Looks can be deceiving. She looked so innocent, but there was nothing innocent about her. I've learned my lesson already; I wasn't prepared for her to teach me another.

 

Memories that I had long ago buried came up. She was the only girl I'd ever loved, and my experience with her made me decide not to love anyone again. She played the innocent girl so well that I fell for it. She was just like every other girl I know, having the mind of a devil and yet acting like an angel. That was the worst type of girl to date.

 

I decided not to think about her. Our relationship would be strictly professional from now on.

 

I started going through Mr. Anderson's file. He had a project for us at his new hotel. I've always had a knack for architecture, and I think it'd be easy running my father's company. Aside from my father's company, I have a hotel, which I'm running efficiently, although I'm busy now. I like the way my life is right now, and I know I've worked hard for the position I'm in now.

 

I called my assistant so we could look at the project together. Tomorrow, we'd both go see the location.

 

"You called for me, sir."  She walked in after knocking, looking anywhere but my face.

 

"Yes, I want you to prepare the employees for a meeting with me by three. You and I will be going somewhere tomorrow; you'd need to be here early. I'd also like coffee, just plain on my table every morning. I hope I've made myself clear on that," I asked harshly.

 

"Yes sir," she replied.

 

"You may leave my office," I harshly dismissed. Her presence was the last thing I wanted.

 

She quickly left the office, closing the door behind her. With all the disdain I feel towards her, seeing her every day will be a real test for me. There is no way I'll be able to hide my disgust and irritation every time she's around. Looking at her is just a reminder of what she is: a cheat, liar, slut, and gold digger all in one person. I seriously don't get what I saw in her.

 

It was time for the meeting already. A brief meeting where I'd introduce myself.

 

While standing in front of them, I could notice some ladies checking me out. There were also whispers and murmurs everywhere that pissed me off. Didn't they know to keep quiet in the presence of their boss?

 

"Everybody quiet,"  I commanded, earning an erring silence.

 

"You all must be wondering why I called this meeting, but that doesn't call for all the noise. I want total respect and demand nothing less. I won't take such behaviour again," I threatened coldly.

 

"I am Kelvin Adrios, as some of you know, and I am now the CEO of Adrios Corporation."

 

"Welcome, sir," numerous voices chorused.

 

"Adrios is known for its outstanding buildings and properties, and I'd like for that to continue. Everyone is expected to put in their all for every project we handle, and I will tolerate nothing but hard work," I stated firmly.

 

There were a series of "okay" and "yes, sir."

 

I couldn't take my eyes off her in the crowd; for some reason, my gaze was fixed on her. She looked lost and wasn't responding to anything that was happening in the room.

 

In "Miss West," all eyes were fixed on her now.

 

"Yes sir?"

 

"It seems your mind is far away from this meeting. Perhaps you feel what I'm saying does not demand your attention."

 

"Not at all, sir,"  she answered slowly.

 

"Good. So what have I been saying all this time?" I questioned.

 

"Umm..... You started by silencing the room, then you introduced yourself, and you let us know your expectations for the upcoming projects, emphasising that you want nothing but hard work."

 

I was impressed that she could reply, but angry at the same time. This was the perfect time to humiliate her, but she wriggled herself out of it.

 

"I want everyone's attention when I'm addressing you," I coldly demanded.

 

I continued the meeting, going on and on about the things I wanted in the company and the things I wouldn't tolerate. By the time I was done, I'm sure I had instilled fear, respect, and obedience in all of them. I made it clear I wouldn't hesitate to fire anyone I thought incapable, no matter who the person happens to be.

       

***

 

Shayan's POV.

 

My heart was pounding in my chest loudly; it was him standing in front of me after five years. Kel Adrios. All my anger and hatred towards him came back in full force.

 

"My office now!" He shouted, walking to his office without sparing me a glance.

 

I followed him closely to his office. Is he going to fire me? Does he even remember me?

 

We got to his office, and I stood while he sat. He was tall and fit so well in his custom charcoal grey suit.

 

Kelvin Adrios, son of Michael Adrios, why didn't I realise that? When I met him, he wasn't answering Adrios. He is well known in the business world and has even won the title of billionaire of the year. He was a shameless playboy who broke every girl's heart; he wasn't even capable of love.

 

He watched me intently with eyes so brown they reminded me of chocolate, and I love chocolate, but his eyes didn't hold any appealing glow; instead, they showed how angry he was.

 

"Where the hell have you been? You were supposed to be here an hour ago," he shouted angrily.

 

"I'm sorry, sir; I missed the first bus, and there was traffic," I replied, a little bit nervous.

 

"Well, I don't care about your excuse. I don't stand tardiness, and I require that you be punctual. The next time you're late, you're fired." He said it harshly, in the coldest way.

 

I didn't say anything and just nodded. "Have I made myself clear?" He continued.

 

"Yes sir." I firmly replied.

 

"I want all the files on the deal with Mr. Anderson on my table right away," he ordered.

 

What the hell is wrong with him? I'm mad at him too; I hate him. But I'm not showing that, much less him, who has nothing reasonable against me.

 

"Here you go, Sir." I got the file and placed it on his table.

 

"You may get out of my office now," he coldly dismissed with a wave of his hands nonchalantly.

I wanted to stay in his office for a second longer.

    

I walked out of his office, and when I sat down, I let out a sigh. I didn't even notice I was holding my breath. I don't think I'm going to like working for him at all.

 

Seeing him now brought back memories I had long buried—memories that were now coming out of the rug I swept them under. We're not supposed to meet again; that's why I moved far away from him, but fate decided to take matters into its own hands.

 

All the anger and hatred I have for him is coming back rapidly. I remembered every single thing he did to me and every word he said.

 

He called for me, and I had to go to his office. I knocked before entering. "You called for me, sir."

 

I don't want to look at his face because I was once deceived by his looks, and I was so angry at myself for that.

 

"Yes," he answered. "I want you to prepare the employees for a meeting with three. You and I will be going somewhere tomorrow, and you need to be here early. I'd also like coffee, just plain, on my table first thing every morning. I hope I've made myself clear on that." He asked, his deep voice sending chills down my spine.

 

I didn't expect him to be friendly towards me considering how our last meeting went.

 

"Yes, sir," I replied. He just passed me simple information, yet he spoke so harshly as if I had committed an offence. I don't even want to imagine what would happen if I did something wrong.

 

"You may leave my office," he harshly dismissed, like my presence was the last thing he needed.

 

Well, I hated being in his presence too; I hated the fact that we had a past, and what's worse, I hate that he's my boss. Oh, how I wish the situation was reversed.

 

I left his office quickly, not wanting to be in the same room with him a second longer.