My Boss, My Husband.

"What are you doing?" Cairus huffed as soon as he shut the door.

 I saw this reaction coming. Not the way he dragged me inside his office with a grip I would call a little tight, but the irritation swirling around his eyes was exactly as I expected it to be. "I wanted to surprise you," I replied, inwardly regretting the tone that escaped my mouth. I wanted it to be alive. "Surprise? What do you think of this company, Alliana, a playground?" He scoffed and removed his eyes at me to look elsewhere. He held his forehead. "The house bore me, and I wanted to be with you." I took a step forward to reach his left arm. I tried to caress it. "Besides, you're looking for a competent secretary anyway. So, here I am. My rate's fair and I can always work overnight. You know me, I'm a passionate—" "And if they find out about you?" His tone was furious. He removed my hands on him and faced me, troubled. "I wouldn't tell anyone." I was quick to respond. I have prepared myself for that question, almost a hundred times even before I finally decided to make this absurd decision. That has always been his priority— keeping our marriage a secret. "We're four years married and not a single person in this company knows—" "Go home." "Come on, Cairus.." My whole face softened. I once again closed our distance. "I promise, I'll behave." "If the house bore you, I'll get you a position in Cyan's company. Not here," He firmly said, and looked down on me. "We'll talk about this at home. Please, go for now." He was trying to please me, and I had always been a sucker for that. But I fear my will to be his secretary overpowers that emotion. I have made my decision, and backing down wasn't in my list of option. Cairus held both my arms, but before he could even say anything to argue what I said, we heard a pair of heels clicking on the floor, coming in this room's direction. Cairus immediately released me to create a gap. Must have been his current secretary. "Mr. Orlov, the applicants are waiting," said her secretary as soon as she entered the room. She shot me a look, before she then turned to Cairus. She wasn't surprised, not even the slightest curiosity was on her face. "Or have you decided on Ms. Gatlin?" Gatlin. I never thought I'd remain a Gatlin even after marriage. Though I changed my surname to Orlov when we married, Cairus suggested I should still use Gatlin.. to avoid anyone ever finding out about us. Which confused me back then, because he used to be so eager to have me as his wife.  "I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity you have given me, Mr. Orlov. As discussed, I'm willing to undergo 1 week evaluation." I swiftly changed my energy without flipping my gaze to Cairus. He probably didn't know how to excuse the scene her secretary came upon, and It was a good chance for me to corner Cairus to have him approve of me. "Oh..." The secretary raised her brows and looked at Cairus for confirmation. But Cairus had no choice but to nod. "I'll head back and talk to the other applicants then. Please excuse me." The tension intensified. I couldn't look at Cairus, nor even maintain my smile knowing he's just trying to pull himself together not to scold me here. He'll definitely settle this at home. But tell you what, Cairus. You'll thank me later. Cairus tried to steer clear of squabble. I stayed at his office, sat on his lavish couch, count my days as silence and friction engulfed the area. He talked to someone over the phone, overheard what probably was making everyone busy lately. Cairus Orlov, my secret husband for four years now is an owner of a magazine company. Men's magazine, to be exact. This year, their sales have been repeatedly decreasing— which was pretty much anticipated. The times have changed, even I hate to say this, but the consumer behavior and technological advancement has led the traditional magazine to lose its once-dominant place in the media landscape. That was one of the many reason I wanted to work beside him. I wanted to support him, make full use of my knowledge and experience as a marketing executive— then take advantage of it to rekindle the spark that we lost. Cairus loved my wits. He loved me most when I work, because that was when I'm most passionate, determine, strong-willed. I know what would work, and what wouldn't. I had what he wanted in a woman. I was his trophy wife. He should know I still am. "Cairus?" My husband was typing something on his phone when the door on his office opened. Without knocking or even honorific, a woman, probably around 5'7" tall, strutted toward Cairus' desk, wearing black stilettos and a zebra-print tight dress. She was blonde, and my eyes lingered on her obvious curves. "Siena?" Cairus called her name, and their first-name basis was what got me looking at them like a cat about to be killed with curiosity. "I told you, our meeting has been rescheduled." "What, I can't even visit you without a schedule? It's almost lunch. Let's go out!" Siena. I haven't heard that name before. Cairus subtly shifted his gaze to me, but also immediately turned it back to Siena. "I can't go out now. I still have to talk to my new secretary." "New secretary?" Siena looked over her shoulder. Our eyes met. I wasn't sure what to react, but she was quick to give a smile. She waved at me. "Hi. Sorry I didn't notice you." Siena's voice was sweet. The smile reached her eyes and that fought the building disdain within me. She doesn't radiate that antagonist vibe. She felt rather friendly and warm. Maybe she was a friend of Cairus.  "But it's okay if I borrow your boss for a while, right? I'll bring him back after lunch. You can just stay here, and wait for Ms. Lopez." Siena giggled, and walked closer to Cairus to pull his arm. "I know you received the call from your dad. Just be thankful I'm here to cheer you up!"