56 Story of Nikki Lindsey

CHAPTER 56: BE MY SECRETARY

* * *

I have focused on my training these past two days. Grateful everyone treated me well, hoping they wouldn't brag whatever my relationship with the executives. Everyone already saw that I was close to some of them, for example, brother Daichi who every day came to the hotel for his daily rounds.

I have been living in this city my entire life, so I know many people that are now successful in the career they chose.

"Nikki, Miss Riley is looking for you," said Mely, another trainee like me, but she will work as a waitress in the lounge which has a coffee shop, and sweet shops guests can indulge in while hanging out in the lobby.

"Isn't she Director Isagawa's wife?" she asked curiously.

"Ah, yes, she is. Did she mention what she wanted?"

"Not really."

"Okay, thanks! I'll go to her now."

I was in the restroom when Mely knocked me out. Now it made me wonder why Miss Riley was looking for me. I know she works directly for the Chairman, so her position is almost like that of the Directors.

I wandered my eyes in the lobby and found her seated in the waiting area.

"Good morning, ma'am. You were looking for me?" I bowed.

"Hi, Nikki! I'm glad to see you working here."

"Thank you, ma'am, but it wasn't official yet." Politely, I replied. Miss Riley smiled and said.

"I have your contract. So come with me to review them and discuss the important details."

Hearing about it, I received another wonderful news. First, I confirmed that I was pregnant. Second, I will finally sign a contract with them. It means, no matter what happens, I have a job that can support me and pay off our bills aside from Mama's medicines. They truly cost a lot.

I followed Miss Riley, and this was the second time an executive had taken me to the private elevator.

"How was Aunt Lucy?"

"She's doing fine, Miss Riley."

"Happy to hear that. Daichi is happy when he sees you applying here the other day."

"Um. I'm very thrilled to work here, Miss Riley. But since I knew a lot of Executives, I could feel my coworkers gave me dubious stares."

"Don't mind them. You got hired because you are qualified for the job."

Miss Riley kept scanning me from the head down to the toe. I wonder what impression I will give him.

"Nikki—"

"Miss Riley?"

"Are you pregnant?"

It shocks me how she guesses about it. But Miss Riley kept staring at my jacket.

"Oh, I—"

Earlier, during my break. I was in the washroom to take a pregnancy test. After confirming positive, someone knocks on the door. I can't throw the kit into the trash bin as I don't want to cause trouble and gossip in the hotel. So I just put it in my pocket, and I was so careless.

"Miss Riley, can this affect my contract?"

"Hmm, let's discuss it with Blaire. Nikki, I won't judge you because I get to know you well. But I know that you are not in a relationship. Is there something we need to know?"

She's sharp. I should not forget that she was a skilled agent before. Brother Daichi told me something about it when they were getting married.

"Alright. Let's talk about it in Blaire's office."

I nodded. Now it worries me if they will still accept that now I was found pregnant.

Stepping inside Miss Blaire's office, I was more nervous than the first time I came in. 

"Good morning, Miss Blaire," I greeted.

"Good morning, Nikki. Finally, your contract is here."

"Blaire, I think there is an important matter we should discuss first."

"Hm? Is there any problem?"

Miss Riley nodded at me, and so I took a deep breath before I spoke up.

"Miss Blaire, I learned this morning that—" I cannot talk straight, so I take out the pregnancy test kit from my pocket and place it on the table. "It was positive, Miss."

Lowering my head, I couldn't feel the embarrassment, but I was more worried if I could not sign a contract with them.

"Tell me, Nikki. I know you are not that kind of woman. So you have a boyfriend or a secret affair?"

Miss Blaire's questions that I don't know how to answer.

"Nikki, remember that the men treat you like a younger sister. Don't you think they won't question you, too?" asked Riley.

These women are sharp; at the same, their concern touched me. I pursed my lips into a smile, knowing they wanted to console me. 

"Miss Blare, Miss Riley. There's nothing to worry about. I agreed to this, and I was happy that it was a success."

"Nikki?"

The way they looked at me, they were pressuring me to tell the truth. So I take a deep breath.

"I— I did sign an agreement. In exchange, he will donate blood for Mama throughout her treatment." Biting my lower lip, I raised my head and met their gazes. Miss Blaire and Miss Riley looked at each other before they spoke.

"Is this why you had bruises on your body, Nikki?"

I swallowed. I can't dodge their queries. But it's not bruised, it just, but he left in my body.

"Nikki, have you realized that this can be considered blackmailing?"

"No. I was not forced. He's nice to me. I mean, he's taking care of me," I reasoned.

"Is that so? And what then?"

"Once I get pregnant, we need not meet to—" I swallowed again. Still, I was hesitant to mention that we had sexed for me to get pregnant. "I plan to tell him today. After then, there's no reason for us to meet again."

"And your mother's treatment?"

"He will continue helping us since I have his child as the prime purpose of our agreement."

"Is he demanding a gender? Like he only needed a son?" Blaire asked further.

"Oh, to think about it, he mentioned nothing or put a clause in our agreement if I should give him a son."

Riley and Blaire glanced at each other. Something comes to mind.

"All right. Now, tell us who he is?"

"Miss Riley?"

"I want to find out his background and if he is not from a dangerous family."

Could it be? That is why he's hiding his identity from me.

"Nikki?"

I know it was stupid to sleep with someone I hadn't known and whom I hadn't met before. Hesitant, I told them the truth. "I never see him. I mean, I never see his face." I can't say I wore a blindfold every time we made love, except the last time.

I know it shocked them as it registered on their faces.

"What are you saying?"

"I never see his face."

"Nikki?"

"He provided everything. Paying Mama's treatment and buying her medicine."

"Still, it's clear that he's using your desperation for you to have sex with him. And you never saw his face? Don't tell us he's putting you under a blindfold?"

They caught me, and I can't deny it. So I nodded.

"That's forced sex, Nikki! You are threatened psychologically. Do you understand that? It may seem like a simple way, but he knows your weakness."

"Psychologically, your mind agrees to sleep with him because you are afraid he'll no longer give blood for your mother. Unconsciously, he manipulated you. Do you know that, Nikki?"

"I— may be half true it was. But being a mother is my choice, either. I chose this."

"Nikki…"

"It made me happy that I would be a mother soon. So I hope you will still consider me to work here," I begged.

"Are you sure about this, Nikki? Just now, we are here to help."

I am sure of this. They would surely help me. In these passing months, Brother Daichi and Miss Riley have been helping us financially, also Madam Kaye Lawrence and his sons. But that man is the only one who could give his blood to Mama.

"Don't worry, Miss Riley, Miss Blaire. He's against me applying for a job here in the hotel. He said, once I get pregnant, he's giving me an allowance twice for what I am getting here."

Riley and Blaire glance at each other. They were intrigued by who this man was. It turns out; that he is giving a lot of favor to Nikki instead. But why is he hiding his identity? It seems there is a mystery here.

"Miss Blaire, if I accept his offer, I will be completely tied to him. The little freedom left for me will also disappear. That is why I desire to work here as a fresh start. Then I won't need his help even if I have his child."

Riley and Blaire nodded at each other. Now they can't argue with that. As for what they could perceive, Nikki wants to stand on her own feet. Even though she's tied to an agreement, she can't get out. They can understand. She wants to give herself the respect she deserves.

"All right, but if there's any problem, tell us, okay?" Riley expressed.

"Well then, I will provide you with a two-month training contract with a full salary. And if your pregnancy won't cause you trouble, like being sensitive? Let's discuss this further."

"Thank you so much, Miss Blaire! Miss Riley, thank you."

"Know that we won't judge you, Nikki. But you better confess to Aunt Kaye so that she can guide you. Your mother is still in a critical stage of her recovery. Whatever might happen, it is better that she already knows your situation," Blaire encouraged.

I nodded. Aunt Kaye Lawrence is the founder of The Voice Foundation. It was a non-government organization that fought against the abuse of women and children. I was an active member during my college days. Now, it's rare for me to do voluntary work since I have to watch and take care of Mama. Miss Blaire and Miss Riley, I know they were active members through financial support to the foundation.

"Thank you," I said, fighting back the tears shed in my eyelids.

"I will call Kier to send us another contract," said Riley.

***

Finally, I signed the 2-month training contract with a full salary. I bowed before I stepped out of Miss Blaire's office. I thought I would lose this job. Still, I can't believe how Miss Blaire considered me, even though her hotel might face intrigue among her employees. 

I was marching cheerfully in the corridor headed to the elevator when I wanted to turn around. Theo was in front of the lift, waiting for the elevator to come up, and before I could hide, he had already seen me.

"Nikki?"

Now I have no reason to avoid him. I have been ignoring him for two days already.

"Good morning, Director Shang."

I greeted and bowed at him. I peep at his expression, and he's frowning at my tease. I walked past him when he held my arm.

"Where are you going?"

"Huh? I'm going to the common elevator," I replied. There's no reason to take the Executive elevator when I am alone.

"Come with me."

Huh? Where?

"Wait, no! You—"

Theo dragged me toward the lift the moment the door opened.

"What are you doing?"

I asked, but Theo did not answer. I glanced at the buttons, and he pressed the 12th button.

"Come on."

"Huh? Wait! I have to go back to the front desk! What are you doing?"

He won't listen, but he's gripping my arm so I can't run. I don't know why he's dragging me to this place. All it has here been private rooms mostly reserved for the VIPs.

Theo did bring me to a private room. Before, I'd only seen it in the ads and featured on the hotel's website. But now, on occasion, I would often have a glimpse of the room and admire its grandness. Each room has its bar area and a long dining table with a lounge on the corner. But Theo opens another room.

I panicked about why he had brought me here. However, it was just an extended room for two-person dining on special dates.

I was just able to see it yesterday from a tour as part of my training. A particular room with a round dining table close to a floor-ceiling window with a view of the city. There is a red sectional settee on the corner and the floral arrangements that I love most. The interior design produces a romantic ambiance. But why is he bringing me here?

"Sit…"

Dumbfounded, I just stared at him. What am I? A dog?

"Nikki?"

I sighed. In fairness, he's a gentleman pulling a chair for me.

"What do you want?" I asked after I took a seat.

It surprised me when a waiter came in. It surprised him also to see me inside this room with our client.

"Order everything you like to eat."

My jaw dropped from his statement. What did he mean about it?

But honestly, I was too hungry already. Especially that there's a buddy right here inside my belly. From now on, there's a life I need to nourish inside me.

Yet, I don't understand why he suddenly wants to treat me; I am already here, so I will take this chance to empty his pocket for a day. Next time, I will ensure I don't see him near an elevator.

"Nik?"

"Huh?" Shot. I almost giggle from the escape plan running inside my head.

"I asked what your order was."

"Ahem! Well, um…" Hmm, I stared at the menu, and I wanted to eat all the featured food.

"Can I have a Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes… um, Italian Sausage Pasta, corn soup, Caesar salad, and Mango juice for me?"

"Oh, Miss. We're out of mango because the shipping hasn't arrived yet. There is a strong typhoon in the Pacific Ocean."

"Is that so?" It disappoints me. I crave mango. "Okay. I'll get the orange juice." Well, orange and yellow are not too distant from their color. Maybe that works out. I thought I could have a mango now. I wonder if the Ice Cream shop has some mango flavor available. How about the supermarket? Ah, never mind.

"Nikki? Can you hear me?"

"Huh? Did you say something?"

"I asked you when you plan to quit your training here?"

"What?" Why is he always asking me about this? "I just signed my contract a while ago."

I bragged. Although it's not the actual contract for regular employees, I am determined to work here even if people will raise gossip about me being pregnant without a boyfriend or in a relationship.

"Is that how you wanted a job?"

"I want a lifetime job."

I averted my gaze away from Theo. I'm not comfortable with the way he looks at me. What is his deal? Lately, Theo is getting weirder. He's acting more like we are in a relationship. He's even telling me what not or should, for example, my choices of working here.

"How if I offer you a job?"

"What?"

I never see it coming. Is he serious? But I am curious.

"Be my Secretary."

What the heck?! I know my eyes widened, and my mouth dropped open. I think I look like an idiot in front of Theo being shocked like this. 

Is he insane?

He has no idea how I struggled to avoid him! But then, to work for him? What is his real deal of troubling me like this?