Becoming His Woman

Chapter 1: Found You

My whole body is dripping with sweat as I directed my fists simultaneously towards the punching bag. I am very determined in building up my physical strength and capabilities. I should be strong enough to look after myself specially now that my parents have retired from managing our company. They are now enjoying themselves with the serenading beauty of Palawan, a rich island of the Philippines in terms of marine biodiversity, where my mom grew up before migrating here in New York; and meeting up my dad. In their age, they really deserve retirement; leaving me the responsibility of keeping our company at par with others and even more higher.

I punch my right fist for the last time before taking a seat. Seriously, my body needs to rest and recharge for a while. I grab the bottle of water right next to mine; and drink it all in one shot. That’s how an exhausted person treats water.

“Herena!” I heard someone called out my name from the outside followed by approaching footsteps. The door of this gym swung wide open revealing my cousin in his sleeping pajama and SpongeBob sweatshirt.

“Alexis!?” I warned. Seriously, for Pete’s sake it’s pass ten o’clock in the morning and he still hasn’t taken a bath. Not that he hadn’t matured yet because he’s on his 24 years existence on earth.

“Easy darling…I know that look.” He said before sitting beside me.

“You reek.” I pretended to cover my nose. He smells himself especially his underarms.

“I still smell good darling. Senses can never lie.” He smirks revealing his dimples. Gosh! We are really blessed with nice genes. I am proud of having a Devaraux blood running in my veins. I raised my eyebrow to non verbally ask him what’s the fuss all about.

“Don’t give me that look. You don’t know how much my news to you would worth?” Alexis brings out his phone from his pocket and search something on google.

“The man your looking for finally appears in public.” He said as he hands me his iPhone.

My heart throbs seeing the news posted on the New York Times. “Dexigrous Group of Company finally welcomes the new CEO, Calix Cole Dexigrous.” I read the title.

He was back. After eight years, he finally decided to show up huh. I stared at the picture attached. He grew up into a more matured version of his maleficent physique eight years ago. He now got beard on his face, making him look lot sexier than ever. His white polo shirt underneath his black suit hugged his chest tightly that the buttons seem to be struggling hard in containing the bulky thing inside. Damn it! He’s burning in my eyes.

I swallowed hard before continuing reading the article when I heard Alexis teased me for staring too long. Did I?

‘A bachelor on his twenty’s oath to dedicate all his might in making Dexigrous Empire maintains it’s title as the most successful and influential business industry in the global market’ the news said.

Of course, he will.

“So? What are you going to do?” My cousin asked me. I don’t too. Now, that I finally have the chance to show how strong I become to fit him, why am I hesitating.

I accidentally click the link directing me to the company’s official website. ‘Urgent Hiring: CEO's Secretary,’ the announcement states. I think I don’t need to hesitate any longer. It was fate who’s making its way for me to proceed my plan throughout these years that I am searching for him. My lips automatically curled into a grin.

“I don’t like that kind of smile. It sounds like danger.” He snatched his phone back and read the announcement.

“Don’t tell me. You’re going to apply for this.” His eyes were wide open. You guess it right couz’. I wink at him and march towards the exit.

“Herena! It’s dangerous!” I heard him shouted at my back. Yeah I know. Things are more complicated now. But I am stronger now. I’m positive I can handle it properly.

I called my personal assistant to prepare all necessary documents required in applying using my new identity – Bliss Fernatto. Of course, it’s all part of the plan. I am positive that Calix would not give me a chance to enter his life because it would put me in danger…or maybe because he’s totally over me. I have to know which of the two is right. Besides, I can’t use my real name because I am a CEO too, myself.

I step on the engine to start my car. With my plans ahead, I need new sets of outfits. It should be beautiful enough to suit my taste and reveal the best version of myself specially my curves. Men love it. Calix will love it too. I am going to make him fall for me again. It should be easy as it would be the second time around.

I stop my car as I reach the VIP parking lot reserve for managers and officers. “Good afternoon Madame.” The receptionist welcomes me with a warm smile while bending slightly.

“Here is madam CEO.” I heard some murmurs as I makes my way in the female section. Not long after, Rhiana, the Devaraux branch manager, approaches me.

“Good afternoon Madame. You look fabulous on your fur coat.” Rhiana complimented me. Of course, I couldn’t run a rising clothing brand if I myself doesn’t know fashion. I smile slightly in response to ease the tension she is feeling – ‘the boss is here syndrome'; and start checking on the business attires available.

“Don’t be pressured to much. I am just here to shop personal outfits.” With that, I let her leave. I can shop freely without intervention of sales lady and such.

I thought I purchase almost one third of my existing clothes hanging on my wardrobe. I laid my body on my comforting bed. I am really excited for tomorrow but I am nervous to see him after all these years. ‘Herena, you should always act professionally in front of him' I reminded myself.

My eyes are about to close out of tiresome when my phone vibrates, notifying me of new message arrival. I extended my arms to reach my phone in the nightstand with my back still pressed on my bed. It was my personal assistance.

‘Good evening Madame. My apology. Your papers are still on process, but we can send it to you by tomorrow morning.” Shaky voice, she had. It wasn’t even their fault too.

“It’s okay. Just send the papers before 9 am…” The interview will start at ten. “Then Lyra, make sure to list down the names of those who are working overnight for that…Give it to Alexis tomorrow, for proper compensation.” I replied and close my eyes.

Knock!

Knock!

Haist! Wouldn’t they let me sleep peacefully. “I’ll come.” I heard Alexis' voice.

“Whoa!” He sounds so shock to see all the paper bags of our brand scattered on the floor. I am really tired. Let the house keeper clean up later.

“You are really into it.” He said before landing his butt on my bed.

“Alexis…Can you please just let me rest? Go out.” I said calmly. I have no energy to raise my voice.

“How about the company?” He asked. It’s my turn to smirk.

“Of course, you’re going to act on my behalf. Now leave.” I said before letting myself drift off to the relaxing euphoria of sleeping. No one gives me so much pleasure than sleep.