The butler started sweating as he knew that Talia was capable of firing him if she gets the least strange expression in what he is going to say or do. "Talia, I don't think it's suitable for you to involve yourself in this matter. Leave it to me. I will deal with it myself. Okay?" as soon as Talia wanted to start interrogating the old man, she got interrupted by her brother. He knew that if she entered in the problem, she was going to do something unimaginable.
She nodded and decided to back off the matter as it had nothing to do with her. But that doesn't mean she will let her guard down. She watched as the scene was dramatically unfolding infront of them. She didn't believe one bit of what the butler said to her brother. It was such a lame and baseless excuse.
The butler had a pitiful expression as he was informed that his only child, his daughter had stomach cancer because of malnutrition. Talia kept on with a cool look but the truth was that she was burning inside. She really wanted to slap her brother and friend for their stupidity.
Then the butler left the house as agreed. Talia decided to call the girl chose by Amy so as to inform her that she has being recruited to be her brother's secretary. Upon wanting to call, she heard her brother and her friend discussing on the phone with Amber. She stared at them in disbelief.
"Like seriously? You guys know pretty well that I am not in good terms with her. But you still have the guts to call her and tell her how you miss her, right under my nose. How shameless!" she started scolding them in disappointment just like how a mother hurt by her kids would do.
"Talia, we are sincerely sorry but we can't ignore Amber. You must let go of the past. Learn how to forgive and forget." Jace said in a calm manner but with a hiding reprimanding tone, but she unluckily got more of the scolding one. She was fuming. She couldn't keep calm again. Her emotions were boiling up and then, 'BOOM!'. She exploded.
"Firstly brother, I never said you couldn't talk with her, just not infront of me. And you know that I can not bear her annoying voice and face. Secondly, you said that I should learn how to forgive and forget right? Can you forgive and forget what that woman did? Can you forget how mum died? See, the one who has been blaming and accusing every secretary is now telling me to do what he hasn't or can't do!!" Talia said in pure anger.
She was so mad that even Amy lowered her head. Jace could not reply to her as she was right. He felt ashamed and understood his sister. He went forward to hug her and whispered a 'Sorry' softly in her ears. She returned the hug and nodded her head to show her acceptance of his apology. She then proceeded with her call and agreed to meet with Milli at 10:00 A.M in her office.
After Amy left, Talia went to her room to finish some work. She had no fixed post at the hospital but most of the time she managed her brother's deals. Her workload was greater than that of a secretary. She was tired and sad of always seeing her brother buried in a pile of papers.
She loved her brother very much even though he will always support their father when he talks about her marriage. She didn't see the use of getting married. If she was to get married, her husband must be better than her in almost every aspects. She knew that she would look down on her husband if he wasn't more amazing than she is. In addition, as the first of the class since she started schooling, she also has some pride.
And then, she suddenly thought of the man that had all those characteristics, Asher Walker. But again he wasn't her type. She hated herself of even having that kind of idea. She decided to choose the dress she will wear at the party and finally dozed off. She was still a little upset with her brother so she boycotted dinner.
* * *
2 weeks later,
At the hospital,
Milli was standing in front of the Director's office. It has been 2 weeks since she started working and she loved it already. Before starting, she didn't know that her boss will be the famous handsome bachelor, Jace Groove. She was so excited and happy to know that she would be working with the youngest director in the country.
Even though he was cold and indifferent to her, she didn't mind as she respected and admired that personality of his. She knocked twice before pushing the door. Slowly stepping inside, she saw him working on his laptop before giving her a small glance.
She went near his table holding his timetable of the week. "Sir, you have an appointment with the new shareholder today in the afternoon. And you also have to attend the party of the Joe's tomorrow so as to have the opportunity to meet with many other business tycoons." she explained to her boss.
Jace stopped typing for a while before resuming it because he forgot that he had a party to attend on the next day. He suddenly realized that he didn't have a partner for the occasion. But then, he remembered that one of the duties of a secretary was to accompany his/her boss to any gathering.
"Talking of party, have you already prepared a dress for it or should I buy one?". Milli couldn't understand why would he suddenly asked her about it. "Sir, I don't think it's appropriate for me to look for a dress for you to wear at the party." she replied blinking in confusion. mk p
Jace looked at her speechlessly and sighed "I meant a dress for you, silly." Milli couldn't take it and stared at him for several seconds, she needed to clear some stuffs in her head. 'Why would he want me to choose a dress for the party? Moreover, why would he call me silly when I clearly have a degree and my name is Milli?' she thought in confusion.
When he noticed that she didn't yet process the data he explained further "Listen Milli, you are my secretary right?" she nodded but still couldn't get it. "Sigh. As a secretary you have the duty to accompany your boss during any event, isn't it?" Jace said a annoyingly. Milli finally understood and got a little scared because she knew that her boss hated reminding someone of his/her job.
She nodded and prepared herself to respond when Talia butted in. "Milli, as for the dress I will give you mine. It will suit you perfectly and it matches with the occasion. Now if you are done, you may leave." she gave a sweet smile to the secretary before glaring at her brother. Milli did not stay any longer and went.
"Jace, how could you do that to me?" Talia gritted her teeth. She wondered if he was really her family member. Jace understood what she meant and knew that she was really really angry because she used his actual name instead of 'Bunny'. Then he sighed and replied "Listen Tally, I did it because I'm very grateful of what he did for us since mum passed away. Don't be mad and don't create a fuss. Okay?"
"How can you say such, Jace. You sold one-quarter of your shares only to give the money to that old untrustworthy butler. When I was sick and needed surgery, what did you do? Oooh, let me remind you. Nothing!! No no, you read me stories at bedtime." she was angry with him.
She knew that by that time he was still young and that he did his best, but why did he sell his shares only for a butler without even thinking it through. "Bunny, can you at least tell me who bought the shares?" she wanted to know so that she would know how to deal with that person.
"Sorry Tally, but you will have to wait. The person said that I should keep it confidential." Jace said apologically. She sighed and then nodded her head. She did not like the idea of being on odd terms with her brother because of that mare butler. Then she went out of his office while setting her plan for the next day without including the party, as she was not in the mood to attend any gathering.
Sitting on her chair inside her office Talia was peacefully going through some financial documents when she heard her phone ringing and she answered the call hastily. "Hello." upon hearing the unfamiliar voice, she discovered that she was too tired to check the caller ID before answering. While checking, she saw that it was an unknown number.
"Hello, may I know who you are, please?" Talia respectfully asked. "Miss Groove, I remember that we met 2 weeks ago. It's me, Asher Walker, the handsome guy." Asher said in a flirty tone. Talia recalled their previous interaction and shook her head while sighing.
"I'm calling you because I'm attending a party tomorrow and I need a partner. So, can you be my date?" he said soo sweetly and coquettishly that she couldn't resist and accepted reluctantly. "I sent a dress at your address. Wear it tomorrow. I will pick you up at 4 pm. Bye, sleep tight." he said and hung up.
Talia then prepared to go back home when she heard a commotion coming from downwards. She decided to go and check when she heard the fire alarm.