Annabeth POV
After getting to know Percy over the past few months, I've realized that there are two sides to him.
He has two polarities, but you only feel one pole at a time.
On the one hand, there is Perseus Jackson. He is the son of one of the most successful CEOs in the world. Perseus could have any job, any possession, and any woman that he wants. He could be powerful and influential. However, I haven't seen this part of him until last Friday night. He keeps this pole hidden away; it's one of his many deep secrets.
On the other hand, there is Seaweed Brain. Percy is outgoing and sociable, and he gets along with anyone. He is also in dire need of money, and he needs it enough to take a stressful job with a mean boss. Seaweed Brain cares a lot about his family and friends, and he always tries to make others feel better.
Percy once told me that he does what other people want. That's his way of making everyone around him feel good.
However, no one asks him what he wants. I was the first person to do so. I don't know what to make of this.
In my opinion, more people should ask Percy about his life. He has secrets and hardships that no one could've imagined. For example, I wasn't expecting him to be secretly related world-renown billionaire.
"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU HIRED THE SON OF THAT SEA-SCUM," Athena shouted. I sighed while turning towards my mothers. She's been yelling at me all weekend.
"Mother, I didn't know he was Poseidon's heir. His application said that Sally Jackson and Paul Blofis are his parents. I believed him."
We were sitting in the study in my penthouse. My home was too big for me. I know it sounds ungrateful, but it feels too big for just me. I want other people. Sometimes, it feels very lonely to be in my position.
"He's not the heir. Triton is older than Perseus, and he has been groomed for years. Even still, I refuse to have the blood of Poseidon in my company," she snapped.
"Do you know the backstory?" I asked.
"Why would I know about the personal life of Poseidon Olympus?" Athena retorted. "I want you to fire him as soon as possible."
"I can't just fire him," I answered calmly. "He is an excellent personal assistant, and I have no grounds to fire Mr. Jackson."
"I WANT HIM OUT OF MY COMPANY," she snapped.
Athena stood up from the leather chair and came towards me. I was sitting in a chair across from her. Any time Athena is around, I'm not the boss anymore.
She leaned towards me. Her dark hair came down in waves behind her. My gaze locked onto her stormy gray eyes. It was like looking in a mirror.
"You made a mistake, Annaabeh, It's your job to fix it. I don't want Poseidon's children anywhere near my company. FIX IT."
With that last exclamation, Athena walked out of the room.
I was so curious about Percy. I've never had a secretary like him. He genuinely cared about me. I see it in the way he treats me with earnestness, tries to alleviate my stress, and looks at me with admiration and respect.
I care a lot about him too.
My answer to my mother is a strong NO.
I'm not ready to lose Percy. I'm not going to fire him no matter what my mother says. I'm not letting Percy get away from me that easily.
Maybe I'm being selfish, but I don't care. If there's anything I learned in the business world, it's that I have to pursue what I want. If I want to keep someone like Percy close to me, then that's what I'm going to do.
I don't know my exact feelings for Percy, but I do know that they stretched beyond a working relationship.
My feelings are too strong to ignore.
I'm a powerful, successful female in a male-dominated world. If I can't pursue my desires, then I wouldn't be able to conquer the world either.
Without Percy, I feel as though I cannot build something permanent.
***
Time passed so slowly on Monday.
I was anxiously waiting for Percy to come into my office holding a cup of coffee. He makes very good coffee, and I appreciate the little designs in the foam as well. It's a good way o start the day with a smile.
It was fifteen minutes past 9 o'clock when I decided to check on Percy. I wasn't even sure if he came to work today. However, he didn't email me about taking off either.
I walked out of my office to notice that the office was half-empty. However, a lot of commotion was coming out of the break room. I silently made my way to the break room to see why my employees were at their desks.
A lot of people were talking about one person in particular.
Percy was silently making my coffee. His khakis and the blue shirt fit him well. He looked very handsome, but his face expressed sadness. He was very upset today, and it showed in his sluggish movements. His silence wasn't stopping everyone from asking a bunch of questions.
"How are you the son of Poseidon Olympus?"
"Why the hell are you working as a secretary? THAT'S RIDICULOUS."
"Why aren't you talking?"
"I can't believe that you're acting like the rest of us. You're freaking loaded, and it's preposterous that you're still putting up this facade."
A bunch of other questions resounded from everyone's mouths. The gossip spread around the company like wildfire. Everyone was intrigued by the son of Poseidon Olympus working as my assistant.
"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?" I exclaimed.
Everyone, including Percy, turned towards me in surprise. Most of the employees paled in nervousness. I knew that they were scared of me. At that moment, I was okay with their fear because it stopped them from harassing Percy.
"Ms. Chase, we were just talking to Percy," an employee said. The others agreed while trying to displace the blame. Silena shook her head at everyone.
"Mr. Jackson, you're already running late today. Come to my office," I instructed. "But, don't forget my schedule and my coffee."
I acted like my usual self on purpose.
I don't care that Percy is Poseidon's son, especially if Percy doesn't care himself. It was obvious from his reaction that Percy has issues with Poseidon. I doubt that they even have a relationship. For all I knew, Percy hates his biological father.
My heels clicked loudly as I walked back to my office. The other employees quickly rushed towards their desks and got to work.
After a few minutes, Percy walked in with my coffee in hand.
My fingers grazed against his as I took the cappuccino. Little sparks of ecstasy flowed between us. I frowned while looking a the cup.
He didn't draw a design on the sweet layer today.
I gazed up to see that Percy was looking at the window. He looked so sad, and it made me feel weak seeing him like this. I set the coffee down and got up from my leather chair. I walked around the desk and stood in front of Percy.
"Are you firing me?" he whispered.
"No. Why would I fire you?" I replied. "I just want some answers."
For the first time that day, Percy looked straight at me. His sea-green eyes were glossy and wet as he gazed into my gray eyes.
I couldn't control myself.
I reached up and placed my hand against his cheek. My thumb rubbed the stray tear from his left cheek. I don't think he realized that he was losing tears.
"Sit down, Percy. Let's talk," I whispered.
We sat down on the gray couch against the wall rather than near my desk. It allowed me to be closer to him than normal.
Percy slowly but surely explained everything.
Percy and his siblings aren't connected to their father. Instead, they live with their aunt Hestia. Poseidon left Sally Jackson soon after Tyson was born and went back to his old wife and son, Amphitrite and Triton. Essentially, Poseidon went back to his old family and left his new family in the dust. That;'s the real story.
It made me so angry that Poseidon would play Percy for a business deal. It showed how manipulative the business world is. If Percy has a strategic purpose, then the Olympians take advantage. Otherwise, they abandon their kids.
They treat their kids like means to an end, and that's it.
"I didn't know that Poseidon would make that announcement," Percy said. "I used to date Rachel a few years ago. We were very serious, but we didn't last. Now, they want us to get married to solidify a deal between Olympus and Dare industries."
"However, I refuse to unite with anyone I don't love. It's not Rachel's fault either. She's just as stuck as I am."
I silently wished that Rachel wasn't even in the picture. I didn't even like when Calypso was dating Percy. Rachel was ten times worse because Percy used to love her.
Their relationship made me feel awful... and jealous?
Suddenly, Percy gazed into my face.
"I don't want anything to do with Poseidon, yet he's already ruining my life. I need this job, Annabeth. I'm not going to tell you why, but I can't get fired. I need the money. Furthermore, I like working for you and being around you."
"I like that too, Percy. I'm not firing you no matter what Athena says."
Percy nodded. He seemed to feel better after talking to me. I even shared the tough relationship that I have with my mother. I wanted him to know that he's not alone. I understand how our world works.
We understand each other more than anyone else.
"Being related to him also canceled my book deal," Percy expressed. "That's more upsetting than anything. I can't do anything about it."
"The Hunters canceled the book deal because of Olympus?"
Percy nodded. I instantly felt bad for him. He was so happy about getting his book published. I have complete faith that it would've best seller. He would be a successful author, and his work has to be read by everyone.
I reached forward and gently embraced him.
Since we were in a sitting position on the couch, the embrace wasn't too tight or close. However, it was perfect for comforting him. Percy relaxed into my embrace and placed his arms around me as well.
I let out a breath of relief while leaning my head against the side of his. This felt right. I know that I was trying to comfort him, but he was comforting me as well.
Our relationship is a mutual one. It made me realize that any of my feelings were being reciprocated by Percy.
It was a two-way connection that can't be severed.
After a few minutes of silence and warmth, we separated. Again, we shared a moment that could've been more, but it didn't go anywhere. This moment wasn't at the right time for either of us.
However, the moment lasted a lot longer than before. I appreciate the time and the moments with Percy.
Percy got back to work after that. He rearranged my schedule to implement some breaks for me and some meetings with Reyna Arellano of Amazonion. We were going to start the construction of the Olympus renovations very soon. We just have to resolve the final logistics.
I couldn't get Seaweed Brain out of my mind though. He invaded my mind and soul. Percy always tries to help me. Maybe I can help him too.
I am Annabeth Chase. I am intelligent and powerful. I can help Percy accomplish his goals whether they are personal or professional.
And, that's exactly what I'm going to do.