As ordered, Pheonix Lou went back to the CEO office to arrange the shelf after dinner. She bought a ladder so that she could reach the top of the shelf. She cleaned the dust before re-arranged all the files.
Desmond was busy in front of his computers. His eyes were focused on the screen. The sky had turned dark and a cresent moon could be seen from where she stood. Pheonix lost in her thoughts for a while. Think about it, during the year she had been his secretary, it became more often for her to stay alone with the CEO recently, whether in his office or his home.
'Aahh!! What am I thinking? It's normal, isn't it? I am his secretary!! The head of the secretary! I am a man right now! I don't need to feel awkward or anything when there are only both of us!' She told herself inwardly.
Assistant Tyson was getting busy and busier. As one of the closest subordinates of the CEO, I was expected to be more independent in doing my job, she reminded herself. Then, she continued what she was doing. She checked the documents before putting them on the shelf. She was consumed with the works.
She wasn't aware, Desmond had been standing behind her while keeping an eye on her. He got curious about her. Was Pheonix not a man? If yes, at least he could considered himself not a gay last time. But why if she wasn't a man, she disguised herself? Finally, he thought of something to test Pheonix.
'Flowers for a woman, it's outdated!' Desmond blurted out a statement.
Pheonix Lou who had been absorbed with what she did, heard it and spontaneously replied wothout thinking in her normal voice, 'Flowers are romantic! Those men don't know...'
'Why do you know, then?' Desmond kept playing the trick. It was a petty trick, but it worked well! A smirk appeared in his handsome face as he got back to his seat.
'Because I...' She suddenly stopped and turned her face to Desmond. She felt her cheeks became hotter. She realized she didn't act like a man just now, she cleared her throat hurriedly and used her so-called man-tone, 'ehem, I know from my ex-girlfriends...'
Desmond had a faint smile but his cold aura sent chills to Pheonix bones. She quickly bowed and apologized in business tone, 'Apologize, CEO Claude. I didn't mean to...'
Desmond casually waved his hand, signaling her to continue with the shelf. Pheonix understood what he commanded her and did so. Desmond just gazed at her from his desk.
It was like his suspicion, Pheonix Lou was a woman. It was unexpectedly pretty easy to find out. Why she had to lie with her gender? It had been a year, yet, Desmond didn't know about it. He had been deceived! The CEO was not please even though she might not be a spy. She should receive a consequence for hiding it from the company.
Ting!
Luke open his message on the phone. It was from CEO Claude.
'Pheonix Lou is a woman.'
Luke was astonished although it possibly happened. He understood his boss very well, Secretary Lou wouldn't have it easy after this. The job contract even stated faked identity, education, or experiences were punishable heavily. He was sad for Pheonix but couldn't do anything.
______
Saturday morning.
Pheonix arrived at the cemetery. She was herself in a light make up, she was stunning. Her eyelashes were long, she has a palm sized face with a little rosy pink cheeks, and her lips was small and red. Her smooth fair skin made a good contrast with the black dress she wore. Her long silky hair neatly framed her face. She held a bouquet of water lilies in her hands. She walked and stopped in front of her mother's grave.
'Mom! It's me! It's been a long time. Now, everything's fine. I miss you so much and wish you were here with me.' Her tears began to fall like a pearl.
She remembered how gentle her mom was. She was the only one left to protect her that time from those people. They moved from one city to another. With so little money, they managed to live for years, but then her mother died suddenly from heart attack when she was 18. She knew her mother had been in a huge pressure that her health deteriorated. Her mother always reminded her to stay alive and live happily.
She stood there alone and put the flowers down. A while later, she left the cemetery. It had been a while since she could be herself. She took a cab and got down in a busy road, not too far from her apartment. She walked around, enjoyed the city vibes.
At the same time, a luxurious black car was trapped in the traffic jam. The one who sat inside was Desmond Claude. He was looking at the window, when a beautiful girl with a long hair, wearing a black dress from afar, caught his eyes. Unfortunately, she disappeared from his sight before he could look at her carefully.
There were so many girls who had a long hair, why would he think it was her, the girl with pheonix pendant? It was a long time ago. Maybe she got her hair cut or permed. She was still 13 years old at that time, there had to be some changes as she grew to be a young woman. Who knows where she was....
——
Pheonix's Apartment.
After taking a hot bath, Pheonix put on a mask on her face. It was Saturday, I had to take my time to relax, she thought. In an instance, her smartphone rang. The caller ID showed 'CEO Claude'. She quickly put off the mask and answered it.
'Yes, CEO Claude?'
'Go to my house, now.'
Without waiting her reply, he hung up. Sigh. It was part of her job to be ready whenever her boss asked. She stared at the wig and business suit in her bedroom.
——
Jade Lake Villa.
'Good evening, CEO Claude! I'm at your service', Pheonix greeted the man in business tone.
Desmond Claude was wearing a white shirt which the sleeves were rolled up, 3 of the buttons were not buttoned up as his sexy collarbone could be seen. He didn't use any gel on his hair. He looked more casual but still very handsome and elegant.
He let Pheonix got into his house as usual. However, today was different. He had a 'special' plan for her.
'Clean the house!'
Pheonix was dumbfounded. She was a secretary, not a maid! Moreover, he had maids and even chef who came everyday. Seeing her boss dark expression, she eventually followed his order.
She worked herself hard to clean this huge villa alone until 11 at night. She was exhausted. She also prepared dinner for CEO Claude but he didn't let her have her dinner. Pheonix got puzzled by his attitude towards her. Did she do something wrong? He was fine yesterday...
'I think I have finished everything. If CEO Claude doesn't need anything else, I'll excuse myself.' Pheonix bowed a little.
Desmond simply commanded, 'Stay here!'
What??! Was he out of his mind?? Pheonix never knew her boss had his antics.
'But, CEO Claude, I...'
Desmond cut her sentences, 'Accompany me to drink in jacuzzi!'
Pheonix was flabbergasted! She didn't have a good feelings about this. She couldn't utter any words. Jacuzzi??! It means she had to remove her shirt, right?
Pheonix was panic inside, 'I've never seen a man body! It's so embarassing! He will discovered my true gender! I couldn't do it! I have to say something!'
'CEO Claude, uh... you see, I...'
Once again, she was cut off by Desmond Claude.
'We are men, what's the problem? The jacuzzi can help us relax while discussing and you got my treat to drink the best wine.'
'But... but... i beg you... Mr. Claude!'
She was dragged and pushed into the Jacuzzi, no matter what she said.
Pheonix was drenched. Her wig wasn't in good condition. Her skin can be seen through the wet shirt. She was going to cry but she forced herself not to. One thing for sure, she was very angry. She didn't know what she had done that she deserved this.
Desmond Claude got into the jacuzzi in his bare chest and 2 bottles of alcohol in his hand. He sat near her. His eyes were sharp and a cold smile appeared on his face.
'You have something to tell me?' Desmond Claud asked mockingly.
Pheonix Lou was at her limit. Her hands clutched her wet shirt tightly.
'CEO Claude!! What did I do to deserve this??!' She raised her voice to the top of her lung. Her eyes were bloodshoot.
Desmond Claude in contrast, replied casually, 'You don't know? Are you sure?'
As fast as lightning, Desmond scooted next to her. She shivered. His lips was so close to her ear. 'You can choose to be treated as a man or a woman, Pheonix Lou!'
Pheonix heart raced uncontrollably. He knew it! She got found out! How did he find out? She never knew that Desmond Claude, the cold CEO could be this ruthless.
'I am sorry... I... I will resign from the company...' Pheonix thought that he would let her go.
'Let's make this straight. After you deceived me and the company, you want to resign? Do you think I will let you go?' Desmond Claude grabbed her wrists, 'Do you take me as a fool, Pheonix Lou? Didn't you read the contract carefully, you are punishable. Considering you are a girl and you are my personal secretary for this one year, I should consider a good punishment.'
'CEO Claude, I didn't mean to...' Pheonix persisted to explain.
Desmond Claude still grabbed her wrists with his one big hand and pinched her chin with his other hand. His pride was badly hurt to get deceived very easily. 'Pheonix Lou, I think too highly of you. It turns out you are a promiscuous woman! I bet, you are just like those women who get close to me to climb up my bed. You are just slightly smarter!'
Those words really wounded her heart. As a result, her tears rolled down her cheeks. His action has made her humiliated, yet she couldn't push him away. She wasn't strong enough to do so.
'No! I don't like you!! Let go of me! I will never like a ruthless man like you!'
Desmond whispered in her ear 'I can't trust your words! You are such a liar, Pheonix Lou!'
Pheonix didn't get the chance to explain why she had to disguise herself.
'You will be my prisoner and I will grant your wish, Pheonix Lou!'
The man kissed her ruthlessly before she could say anything. She hardly managed to catch up her breath. As if, he was going to swallow her. She was so desperate to break free from him, but it was a futile attempt. He was too strong.
Maybe, they were in hot tub or she was too emotional, her eyes started to get blurry and her head was dizzy. She no longer resisted actively. She passed out.
'Pheonix Lou!' Desmond Claude stopped his kisses and saw his secretary not moving at all.
He carried her to his bedroom, laid her down. He then took off her wig and changed her clothes to a dry one.
Desmond Claude sat beside unconscious Pheonix Lou. He let out a long sigh. He was so pissed off earlier to be deceived by her closest subject, but looking at her carefully, she was actually a very beautiful young woman. Her hair was silky and long. Her face was small, her skin was smooth and fair, her eyelashes were thick and long. Her lips seemed so soft with rosy colour. Her body was delicate and slender. She wasn't that
tall but she had a good figure.
'I can't be soft hearted. You lied to me, Pheonix Lou!' He mumbled, 'You shall receive your punishment.'
——
Tweet! Tweet! Tweet! The birds were singing happily.
Pheonix Lou opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was a luxurious room. A ray of sunshine was peeking at the window. She jolted up. She checked herself as she recalled what happened last night. She was wearing an oversized shirt. No underwear. 'Don't tell me!'
There was no pain on her body or bruises, she gladly found herself fine. She couldn't find her wig, though. Was that only a bad dream?