"Everything has to be perfect." Emily muttered to herself as she arranged the documents on Alexander's desk, the following morning.
"I can't give him any reason to regret hiring me." She added. She had arrived early at the office before anybody else.
She had just finished placing his coffee on the desk when Alexander walked in, his presence commanding as always.
"Good morning, Mr. Grey." She straightened up, trying to keep her voice steady.
"I have sorted out all the documents that need your attention and signature before execution. I have highlighted the sections that require immediate attention in yellow, and the ones that need reviewing by end of week in blue." Emily explained.
Alexander paused at his desk, examining the neat stacks of papers.
"You are quite efficient, Miss Hart." He commented, a hint of approval in his voice.
"Thank you, sir." She said, pleased that he was pleased.
Then she turned to leave, but his voice stopped her.
"Miss Hart, wait."
Emily turned back slowly, her mind instantly wondering why he had called her back.
"Have I done something wrong?"
"There is an important business gathering this evening. You will be accompanying me." Alexander informed her, taking her by unawares by the announcement.
"Me, sir?" Emily blinked in surprise.
"Yes, you. Is there a problem?" Alexander asked, his eyebrow raised slightly.
"Not really.... I'm not sure if I would fit in such... high-profile gatherings. I mean, with my..." She was saying but couldn't finish.
"You seem to underestimate yourself quite often, Miss Hart." Alexander interrupted, his eyes studying her carefully.
"I... I just don't want to embarrass you, sir." Emily admitted honestly.
"You will be with me. No one would dare look down on you or undermine you." Alexander stated firmly.
"Any other problem?" He asked. Emily swallowed hard.
"My outfit... I don't think it is suitable for such an event and it is not as if I can go back home to change or..." She trailed off.
A knowing smile tugged at Alexander's lips, and Emily couldn't help but notice how it softened his usually stern features.
"That won't be a problem." He said, just as a knock sounded on the door.
"Come in." Alexander said.
Then Jake entered, carrying a large package, his usual cheerful demeanor lighting up the room.
"Your order has arrived, Mr. Grey."
"Give it to Miss Hart." Alexander instructed him.
Jake did as instructed and walked out of the room.
"Everything you need is in there. You can change when we are ready to leave." Alexander said to Emily, firmly.
"Oh..." Emily mumbled as she opened the package.
Her heart nearly stopped at the contents - a stunning evening gown, paired with matching shoes and a clutch purse. The fabric alone probably cost more than her monthly rent.
"Mr. Grey, this is... I can't..." She was going to protest that she couldn't accept them when stopped when she noticed shockingly that the shoes were exactly her size.
"How did you know my-"
Before she could finish her question, Alexander's phone rang. He held up a hand to stop her as he answered the call.
"Grey speaking... Yes, about the merger..."
Emily took that as her cue to leave. She quietly excused herself, clutching the package to her chest as she returned to her desk.
"Did his previous assistants get this treatment too, or am I... being treated differently?" She whispered as she examined the expensive items.
"Don't overthink, Emily. This is definitely just... professional courtesy." She said and nodded.
~~~~~~~~
The venue for the gathering was beyond anything Emily had ever imagined.
She felt like she had stepped into a different world entirely with the grand appearance of the environment. It was massive.
At the entrance, Alexander turned to her formally.
"May I?" He extended his hand.
Emily hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his, trying to ignore the warmth that spread through her at the contact.
Together, they walked into the grand hall filled with the city's elite.
"Alexander Grey! What a surprise!"
Emily felt Alexander tense beside her as a tall man approached them, his smile not quite reaching his eyes.
"Marcus." Alexander replied, his voice cold.
"I must say, I didn't expect to see you here. You have been avoiding these gatherings since... well, you know." Then Marcus's gaze shifted to Emily, and something flickered in his eyes.
He extended his hand toward Emily.
"Marcus Hale. A pleasure to meet you."
"Emily Hart, Mr Grey's assistant." Emily said, taking his hand. She noticed how his grip lingered a moment too long.
"My, my..." Marcus's eyes darted between Emily and Alexander.
"She looks remarkably like her..." Marcus commented.
Alexander tightened his jaw at that.
"Drop the act, Marcus. That forced smile doesn't suit you. Just get out of my face." He snapped.
"C'mon, Alexander. Is that any way to treat an old friend? I'm simply making an observation." Marcus insisted, still smiling.
"We were never friends, Marcus. Stop pretending." Alexander maintained.
"Such hostility! And here I thought time heals all wounds." Marcus smirked, clearly enjoying Alexander's discomfort.
Emily watched the exchange with growing unease.
"Who is this man, and why did he seem intent on provoking Alexander?" She wondered inwardly and couldn't help but feel like a pawn in some game she didn't understand.
"If you will excuse us." Alexander said firmly, leading Emily away.
"Of course. Enjoy your evening... both of you." Marcus's voice followed them, filled with something that made Emily shiver.
~~~~~~~~~
Later that evening, in the men's bathroom, Marcus pulled out his phone and dialled a number.
"Everything is going according to plan. He brought her here, just as I predicted." He paused, listening.
"Yes, exactly... No, he is definitely affected. You should have seen his face."
A sinister chuckle escaped his lips.
"The package is ready? Good. Slip it into her drink when the time is right. Let's see just how much he cares for this one too... and whether she will be as useful as I hope."
He ended the call after that and smirked evily.
"Oh, Alexander... you are making this too easy."