Grey telecommunication inc. ,
7:45 am,
A bombshell hit the Los Angeles Times blog and newspapers: a photo of Grey with Carmen, the "golden girl" due to her stunning outfit from the previous night. The morning of the scandal, journalists swarmed Grey's telecommunications plaza, their cameras flashing like fireflies. As Grey arrived, surrounded by a phalanx of bodyguards, his way was blocked by reporters from every media outlet in the city. Their relentless questions were drowned out by the clamoring crowd, but one reporter's inquiry about his relationship with Carmen finally pierced through the noise.
He stood still as he thought about the effects of not answering him, the rumors could go viral across all social media and he didn't want anyone to know about his attraction to his private secretary. "Okay, okay", he shouted as he took a step closer to the crowd and they all stayed silent, "one at a time okay", he said as he pointed to the journalist who shouted out the question,
"Mr Grey, it has been said all around social medias and news blog that you and the Golden girl are seriously dating, what do you have to say about it", it was then that he noticed who the golden Girl was, it was Carmen they talked of.
"I think you may have seen it in the wrong way, but me and whatever name you called her, are not dating, she's my personal secretary", he said with a laugh,
"Mr Grey another question, the same day, that's yesterday, some pictures revealed that you went shopping with your secretary as you said she was…",
"enough", Grey interrupted, " I think I have made myself clear no more questions related to that, she's a secretary and I'm her boss, so I don't give chance to any sort of relationship okay", he said as he went straight to the plaza.
He walked furiously through the reception hall past Suzie, the receptionist "Mr Grey", Suzie called him before he proceeded to the elevator, "I really apologize for what just happened, but we tried to get them out of here but they couldn't leave",
"actually Suzie , I don't blame you for that, or them, I'm just angry about what they keep on saying, rumors everywhere and trying to invade in my private affairs", he said as he went to the elevator.
Jane was taken aback by the somber expression that passed her as Grey stepped out of the elevator. He had spent the past few days radiating happiness, but now his anger was palpable. As soon as he entered his office, Gray's demeanor softened. He paced around the room, lost in thought about his recent outburst. Finally, he approached the window and gazed out at the departing journalists and paparazzi. He was relieved to see them leave, their predictions about his relationship with Carmen now irrelevant. Returning to his seat, Gray sat down, his mind still racing.
His phone rang as he opened his laptop, just about to read the article on the news blog for himself. It was Danny, his best friend "hello", he answered,
"Grey, man where did you throw your hone all this time, I've been trying to reach you like a thousand times since morning, and you just couldn't pick up",
"oh, sorry about that pal, any way how've you been doing back there with the family",
"it's all fine as usual, well I was on to asking you , are ready to make it known to the public, you know what I'm talking about, I mean the issue of your beloved secretary",
Grey breathed heavily as Danny spoke, "Danny, I can't believe you also believed those rumors, anyway forget about it, everything is made up",
"but not to go hard on you pal, you really look good together", said Danny,
"pal I know, and I guess things are really going on well between the two of us, I guess she's also feeling more attracted to me and I guess I can't hide my feelings anymore", Grey said as he stood up and started walking around his office.
"Danny, actually I took her shopping yesterday, and tried to act like I knew nothing about style just to let her choose for me, so that we could get along in a manner different from a boss and secretary stuff",
" you're in love with her Grey, aren't you", Grey stayed quiet for a while before he could answer,
"pal, I hate to say this but, I guess that's the mere truth",
" Grey, let me tell you something, I've always been like a brother to you, and it's time I got to tell you this, go for her pal, don't care about what everyone's going to say, I'm sure it'll take you time to find a girl like her, she's all you could need for a perfect partner", he said.
"okay", Grey sighed, "I guess I could use some great advice from a friend like you, so I'll give it a try, but not too quick, it's going to take some time but I'm sure I'm going for none other than her", Grey said with a smile,
"so farewells pal, I've got duty calls", Danny said referring to his family, " anyway Grey you've got to find a partner, come join the crew pal, you'll get to know the beauty of a family", Danny said referring to all of Grey's friends.
"okay Danny, thanks for calling", " good bye Grey, go for the Golden girl", Danny whispered as he ended the call. Grey stayed smiling as he placed his phone on his table and started reading through the article.
As Carmen entered the office, Gray's gaze fell upon the article on the blog. She had brought some files to his desk, but his thoughts were consumed by the possibility that she had overheard his conversation with Danny.
""Carmen," Grey called before she left. "So, what are these for, actually?"
"The normal daily routine, Mr. Grey. I'm supposed to submit the files every morning," she replied, turning back.
"Oh, I almost forgot about that," he said with a smile. He was aware of it; he was just trying to draw Carmen's attention.
"So, you're the golden girl, right?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Carmen ran her fingers through her hair in a flirtatious gesture. She momentarily forgot everything Grey had told the mayor the previous night about not being ready for more relationships. Her feelings for Grey resurfaced, and she moved closer to him. Grey sat back, observing Carmen as she approached.
"I think I'm kind of getting used to that name," she said, her voice soft. "You wouldn't believe what just happened this morning."
"Hmm, mind telling me more?" Grey asked, intrigued.
"I just arrived at work this morning, and I found a crowd gathered outside. They couldn't stop shouting the name. I was lucky to finally get past them, but it was so annoying," she said with a smile.
"I see," Grey replied, gazing at her with admiration. "Carmen, you truly looked like Cinderella last night. I couldn't imagine how that dress was such a perfect fit for you," he said, his voice filled with warmth.
"And that makes you the prince last night, huh? Just kidding," she joked, and they both laughed.
Anyway, you're such a perfect dancer as well. Where did you learn that from?" Grey asked, his eyes filled with admiration.
"Oh, stop it. It wasn't that good," Carmen replied, blushing. "Anyway, I went to dance class in high school and really loved drama," she said with a smile. No one spoke for a moment, their eyes locked in a silent connection.
"I think I have to go, Mr. Grey. I have so much to do," Carmen said, breaking the silence.
"Oh, yes, absolutely," Grey replied, his gaze lingering on her. "Have a nice day, Carmen."
"Likewise, Mr. Grey," she said, turning and leaving the office.
"I see you," Jane said, closing the door behind Carmen.
"Back off. You scared me," Carmen retorted.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to," Jane apologized.
"No worries, Jane. Anyway, what were you saying?" Carmen asked suspiciously.
"I meant I was observing you together with the boss," Jane replied.
"No way. Have you been eavesdropping on us?" Carmen asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"Not at all, Carmen. It's just that it's all over the news," Jane said, reading from her tablet.
"Oh, so you mean the crazy rumors out there?" Carmen said, her disgust evident. "Actually, that's all made up. Forget all about the golden girl and all sorts of made-up things. They're trying to make a few bucks by posting rumors that will probably go viral. Anyway, have a good day," Carmen said, leaving the office.
Carmen kept on seeing pop ups on her computer all day long all about her story with Grey and kept on distracting her until end of work day.
With just a few tasks to complete in Grey's office before returning to her apartment, Carmen was finally on her way home. As she approached the taxi stand, she encountered the same journalists again, their persistence undeterred. She attempted to evade them, but they pursued her with twice the speed. Fortunately, she managed to escape without answering any more questions.
Exhausted from a long day at work, Carmen took a shower and then lay down on her bed. As soon as she settled in, her phone began to ring.
Hello," she answered, her voice trembling slightly.
"Hello, Carmen," the same voice she had dreaded hearing that evening replied. It was Eleanor, her boss. Carmen sat down on her bed hastily, her heart pounding, and her breath coming in short gasps.
"Didn't we talk about this? Why do you keep changing numbers every time you call?" Carmen asked, her voice rising.
"Guess what? I don't want to get exposed," Eleanor replied, her tone dripping with arrogance.
"So, you don't trust me?" Carmen retorted.
"Enough with that. I was just about to ask you something important," Eleanor said, cutting her off.
Carmen stood up and paced around her room, her mind racing. "Eleanor..." she began.
"Call me boss," Eleanor demanded.
"Okay, boss. Please believe me. I'm not in a relationship with him," Carmen pleaded.
"Then who's the golden girl, Carmen? Is she your look-alike?" Eleanor asked, her voice laced with suspicion. Carmen was shocked that Eleanor had found out about the story in the news blog.
Seriously, boss, that's all rumors. It has nothing to do with me. Believe me, I'm only focusing on what you sent me," Carmen pleaded.
"I'm not stupid enough to be fooled, Carmen. I have agents all around town, and they've been watching you. Every step you take," Eleanor retorted.
"Look, boss, I'm really sorry for all that you've been seeing. But I'm seriously doing my job. And enough with meddling in my private life, alright? I'm not a baby to be looked after," Carmen said angrily.
"Okay, let's say everything was just normal. But I just laid my eyes on a video of you dancing with Grey. Is that part of the plan too? Tell me," Eleanor demanded, her voice rising.
Carmen's anger flared. "Okay, I've heard enough. You have agents everywhere. Good. And you're accusing me of falling in love with Grey. Okay, I am. So what?"
Eleanor was momentarily silenced.
"Young lady, you better watch your words, or else..." Eleanor threatened.
"Or else what? You know what? I even regret talking to you," Carmen said, slamming down the phone.
"What's the use? Always concerned about her profits only," Carmen muttered to herself, lying back on her bed. "What's her deal with Grey anyway? He's the kindest and warmest guy I've ever talked to. And he treats me like a person," she said to herself, a pang of sadness washing
over her.
A smile crept across Carmen's face as she thought about the wonderful night she had spent with Grey, making it hard to understand Eleanor's motives, wondering why she would want to ruin Gray's life by bankrupting him.
Carmen's fingers danced across the keyboard, desperately seeking any trace of Eleanor. The screen remained blank, a chilling void that mocked her efforts. How could a criminal like Eleanor slip through the digital? The thought sent a shiver down Carmen's spine. With a frustrated sigh, she deleted her search history and turned to Grey. His serene image offered a momentary respite from the relentless pursuit, but the unanswered questions about Eleanor lurked in the shadows.