~ After a week~
Stephanie stood in front of Sebastian’s company. She gazed at the building and began to replay all her parents had told her. Sarah and Philip called her to a private chat after she told them what happened at the company.
She told them she wasn’t going to go back, but Sarah and Philip told her to embrace the opportunity, since other companies didn’t get back to her. They told her she could start for the meantime and when she secures another job somewhere else, she could leave. After so much pressure from her parents, she told them she would return, and if she didn’t feel comfortable, she would leave without thinking.
Stephanie heaved a sigh and slowly walked into the company. As she approached the receptionist, the receptionist looked up and hastily sprang to her feet. Stephanie knitted her brows, wondering why she acted in such a way. “Miss Stephanie Taylor. Welcome, Ma’am.” She gave Stephanie a slight bow, and Stephanie reciprocated the bow in surprise.
“Good morning,” She responded calmly. The receptionist held her hand and began to pull her to the elevator. “I am Evelyn, and I’m the receptionist. It’s very nice to meet you.” Stephanie slowly nodded. They got to the elevator, Stephanie wanted to press the button but Evelyn quickly pressed it with a large grin.
The elevator opened, and Evelyn stretched her hand to it. “After you, Ma’am Stephanie,” She said, and Stephanie slowly bounced her head. ‘What is going on? Why is she treating me so nicely?’ After Stephenie stepped in, Evelyn also followed her in.
“Can I ask you something, Evelyn?” Stephanie asked after the elevator door closed and it started moving. “Anything, Ma’am Stephanie.” Evelyn looked at Stephanie and chuckled. She was acting like Stephanie was a longtime idol or something.
“Why are you acting… weird?” She narrowed her gaze, and Evelyn let out a little laugh. “I’m sorry about that. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I’m just so excited, and when I am, I tend to lose control,” She responded, closing her eyes tight.
“And does this excitement have anything to do with me?” She asked, and Evelyn bobbed. “Yes. I’m not supposed to tell you this but I will. Come closer, I need to whisper it.” Evelyn waved at her, telling her to move closer.
Stephanie slowly nodded and moved closer to her. She moved her ear closer to Evelyn’s face. “The CEO instructed me that anytime I see you, I should be very nice and jovial. He said you are not just any worker, and we show you the respect due. He even showed me a picture of you so that I won’t mistake you for someone else,” Evelyn whispered.
“Really?” Stephanie furrowed her brows and moved away. “Uhm.” She nodded, and Stephanie scoffed. “This is… I don’t know what to say. He didn’t have to do that,” She muttered and rolled her eyes. “Of course, he had to. Who wouldn’t want to treat his girlfriend nicely?” Evelyn asked, and Stephanie’s eyes popped open.
“What? Girlfriend? Did he tell you that?” She asked in a loud voice, and Evelyn quickly shook her head. “No. I just guessed it. He has never talked to us about any woman before, and that is why I’m so excited. I’m sorry I’m taking too much. I’ll stop talking now.” Evelyn clasped her lips.
Stephanie exhaled softly as the elevator door opened again. “Thank you for escorting me, Evelyn. I can take care of myself from here, okay?” Stephanie uttered, and she slightly bowed. “Okay! Tell me if you need anything. I’ll get it for you.” Evelyn waved at Stephanie until the door closed.
Stephanie huffed and turned to look at Sebastian’s office which was in front of her. ‘How did he know I would come back? All that wasn’t necessary. I’m not a kid. I need to tell him about it.’ Stephanie moved closer to the door and before she could reach for the doorknob, the door opened to reveal Sebastian.
“Seb…” She couldn’t finish talking because Sebastian suddenly grabbed her hand and yanked her into his arms. “You came back.” His voice was full of excitement. Stephanie was too shocked to hug him back, so she hung her hands in the air. “I’m happy you came back.”
Sebastian slowly released his grip around her when he noticed she didn’t hug him back. He moved back and rubbed his palm on his pants slowly. “I’m sorry. I was too happy, and I let it get the best of me. Please come in and have a seat.” He turned and walked back to his desk.
Stephanie swallowed hard and followed behind him slowly. He got to his chair and sat. Stephanie also did the same. After she sat, she stared at Sebastian, and he did the same. They locked their gazes, and they both expected one of them to speak up.
“So.” “So.” They chorused, and Sebastian let out a little laugh, while Stephanie smiled faintly. “You can go first,” He said, and she shook her head. “You should be the first to talk. You are the boss here, right?” She said, and Sebastian nodded.
“Okay. I know why you are here so we don’t have to go over it again. At the moment, I don’t have any personal assistant, and I really need one. So, can you fill that vacuum?” He asked, and Stephanie heaved a sigh. “I’m not sure. I haven’t worked as a personal assistant before. I can work very effectively in the marketing department,” Stephanie responded.
“I don’t want you in the marketing department, Miss Stephanie. The marketing department is far from me, and I don’t want you far from me anymore.” Stephanie gulped and lowered her head. “I thought we were discussing business,” She muttered, and Sebastian nodded.
“I’m sorry if I diverted. About other departments and their vacancies, there are new employees already. But I didn’t find someone to be my assistant. I need someone that I can trust, and you are the only one, Stephanie.”
“Okay. I promise to work hard. But I would need help with some stuff I may not understand,” Stephanie uttered. Sebastian leaned over and rested his hands on the desk. “I’ll be here when you need me. Do you have any questions?” He asked, and she bounced her head.
“I have a request to make. Can you please tell your receptionist not to treat me like a baby anymore? I felt awkward when I arrived.” Sebastian giggled at her request and rested his back on his chair again. “Sure. Evelyn just loves to overdo everything. I’ll talk to her. Once again, I’m happy you came back, Stephanie.”
Stephanie smiled feebly and stood up. She picked up her bag and hung it on her shoulders. “Can you please tell me where my desk or office is?” She said, and a smile crawled up his face. “This is your desk, Stephanie. You are my personal assistant, so we both own this office. You will be working here with me,” Sebastian said, and Stephanie narrowed her brows. ‘We can’t be in the same office! That is a bad idea! I’m here to work and I won’t concentrate if I’m under his watch.’
“Do I have to stay here with you? Can’t I get my own office?” She asked. “No, Stephanie. You are my personal assistant, which means you are indirectly stuck with me. Everytime and everywhere.”