CHAPTER - 7 - BALI, HERE I COME

[Next day at the office]

"Cia, where is the report of our new hotel", asked Ma'am

"Here ma'am", I said while handing her the report.

Ma'am glanced up, her expression unreadable. "Good. How are the opening preparations going?" she inquired.

"Everything's on track, Invitations have been sent already," I replied,

A flicker of satisfaction crossed Ma'am's face. "Good." Then, a seemingly casual question slipped out: "Did you pack your luggage?"

My heart skipped a beat. "Pardon? My luggage?" I stammered.

"Yes," Ma'am said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Don't tell me you thought I'd be attending the opening alone?"

"Umm... yes?!" I blurted out before catching myself.

A sigh escaped Ma'am's lips. "Miss Cia," she began, her voice adopting a more formal tone."

Yes, ma'am?" I squeaked.

"Who is your Personal Secretary?" Ma'am asked pointedly.

I swallowed hard. "Me?" I managed.

"And what exactly are the responsibilities of that role?"

I straightened my back, reciting the well-rehearsed answer. "To assist you, ma'am, and be by your side wherever necessary."

Ma'am's gaze held me for a beat longer than necessary. "Then why did you think you'd be here while I'm on a remote island?" she asked, a subtle edge in her voice.

Shame washed over me. "I apologize, ma'am. I'll pack my things tonight."

"Good," Ma'am said. "We leave early tomorrow morning."

"Okay, ma'am," I mumbled, my head swimming with a mix of emotions.

"Give me your home address," Ma'am instructed.

"Pardon? Why?" I stammered.

"To pick you up, of course," Ma'am replied, a hint of impatience creeping into her voice.

"But, ma'am, I can catch a cab…" I began, only to be cut off.

"Is there a problem?" Ma'am interrupted, her gaze turning steely.

I opened my mouth to protest, then shut it again. "Umm…"

A sly smile played on Ma'am's lips. "Ahh...how immodest of me. You might be busy with your love partner."

My face flushed scarlet. "What? No, no! I don't have one, I live alone."

Ma'am chuckled, "Really? Even though our Cia is so beautiful?"

My cheeks burned even hotter. "Argh, please stop joking around, ma'am!" I pleaded.

Arghh...My heart is beating so fast…What's with her saying things out of the blue and me with my lover??? When I am always assisting her with work?!!! This woman really likes to crawl on my skin...And why is she looking so serious all of a sudden?!!!"

Ma'am rose from her chair and walked towards me. Her hand came up, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face.

"Who says I was joking?" Ma'am murmured, her voice a husky whisper. Her ruby eyes, locked on me, held a depth of emotion, caressing my cheek with her thump, "I mean what I said," she continued, her voice barely a breath. "You are beautiful."

With that bombshell dropped, Ma'am returned to her chair, leaving me speechless.

"Don't forget about your address," Ma'am said, her voice back to its usual cool professionalism.

"Y-yes, ma'am," I stammered, my voice barely a whisper.

Ah, my heart…it's beating so loudly…At this rate, I don't know if my heart can take it before we reach our destination...Hope she didn't hear my heart beating sound…I need to get out of here quickly.

"I will get you a coffee ma'am", I said

"Thanks…", said Ma'am, her gaze focused on the paperwork.

And with that excuse, I quickly got out of her cabin, before she noticed a red watermelon in front of her in disguise as a human being.

But even so, my mind was not silent and, my thoughts were all reeled up.

Something is wrong with me, why is my heart beating so fast??

Did her teasing get me…

No no…it's just that she is beautiful and suddenly acts out of her way and her ruby eyes are just so...fuckinggg hypnotizing..

Yes yess…it's nothing special....

I try to console myself with all the excuses I can think of!

-----

The next day at 5 Am

[Ring..Ring..]

"Cia, you're up?" Ma'am's voice came through the phone.

"Yes",

"I'm waiting downstairs for you"

"Just a minute ma'am…"

"Take your time"

I quickly took my coat in hand and grabbed the luggage handbag. As I came down to my apartment, I saw Ma'am leaning against her car.

"Good morning, ma'am," I greeted

"Morning, Cia," Ma'am replied, taking the suitcase from my hand.

'I Can…" Before I could protest, she cut me in

"Just give it to me"

"Yes ma'am…", I said in a defeated voice.

Before placing the bag in the car's trunk, she opened the passenger door for me.

"Thank you," I mumbled, climbing into the passenger seat.

A yawn escaped from my lips as I settled in.

"Not enough sleep?" Ma'am asked, buckling her seatbelt and starting the engine.

I rubbed my eyes apologetically. "Ah, yes... I was on a late call with my sister till last night."

"Sister?"

"Yes, Did I never mention it?"

"No"

"I have a younger sister. She's in Sakura High School."

"Sakura, huh," Ma'am said, tapping the steering wheel thoughtfully, "Must have been tough."

I chuckled. "Yeah, she was ranting about everything"

Ma'am smiled. "Haha. If I remember correctly, you joined our company right after graduation, right?"

"Yes," I confirmed. "I needed to take care of my sister."

"What about your parents?" Ma'am asked gently.

My smile faltered for a moment. "They passed away when we were younger."

A brief silence filled the car, broken only by the soft music that was playing. Finally, Ma'am spoke. "I see," she said softly. "Proud of you, Cia. Thank you for taking care of your sister and yourself."

"Yes…", My heart swelled. I was so happy with what Ma'am said. It was the first time anyone had acknowledged my strength in the face of hardship, rather than offering empty condolences.

The rest of the ride was filled with a comfortable silence punctuated by the music playing softly in the background. Soon, we arrived at the airport.

"Huh, are we not going through the main entrance?" I asked, confused.

"Why should we?" she countered.

"Umm..to check in?!", I blinked, completely lost.

"No, we don't require all of those", Ma'am said casually.

She pulled the car to a stop, and I stared in disbelief. Parked on a private tarmac was a magnificent private jet.

WOAH!!! Am I seeing things or is it for real? A private jet?!!!!

My mind reeled. I knew Ma'am was successful, but the extent of her wealth was staggering.

With the help of the waiting staff, Our luggage was whisked away. I followed Ma'am onto the luxurious private jet.

"Cia, you can sleep in the inside cabin", Ma'am said, gesturing towards a plush interior.

"But…" I hesitated.

"Go on," Ma'am urged. "We have plenty of time."

"Okay, then excuse me", I said and paved my way to the inner cabin.

"Sleep tight"

.

.

A gentle nudge from Ma'am, "Wake up, Cia," she murmured.

I blinked sleepily. "Mmm!" I mumbled, stretching.

"We'll be landing in a few minutes," Ma'am informed me.

"Okay," I mumbled, the remnants of sleep clinging to my voice.

That was a nice sleep, I didn't know that I was this sleep-deprived. I slept like a log for 2 hours straight. I feel so refreshed now!

The plane descended, revealing a breathtaking view. Lush greenery stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with sparkling turquoise water and charming buildings.

BALI - A beautiful tourist destination… but unfortunately, we're not here for a vacation. A silent crying escaped through me.

We are opening a new branch here and tonight is the opening ceremony.

"Are you tired, Cia?" Ma'am inquired.

I shook my head. "No, ma'am."

"Good. Then let's do a final check on everything before the evening party," Ma'am declared, her expression turning businesslike.

"Sure", I knew that she would say this!

It took us a few hours to completely inspect everything…Finally done with everything…I am so tired and hungry.

"Let's grab some lunch," Ma'am suggested, her voice surprisingly gentle. "We haven't eaten anything since breakfast."

"Yes ma'am", Finally I was dying of hunger...

We had lunch in a fancy restaurant and the food was so delicious.

"Thank you so much for the delicious lunch, ma'am," I said, wiping my mouth with a napkin.

Ma'am smiled. "Did you enjoy it?"

"Very much,"

"Then it's all good," Ma'am said

"Huh?"

Ma'am's smile widened. "Nothing to worry about. You can go explore the town if you like."

"What about you, ma'am?"

"I..I have a few things to take care of," Ma'am replied hesitantly

"Then I should…" I began, unsure.

"Nah it's okay. All the work has already been taken care of. You should enjoy yourself a little bit", Ma'am reassured me.

"Umm..then I will take your offer…", I agreed

"Great! I'll see you later, Cia," Ma'am said with a warm smile.

"Yes, take care, ma'am,"

As I was left alone now, my brain started to race...

I wonder what other work she got...we checked everything and there is nothing on her schedule too...hmm...well, it's no use thinking so why not enjoy myself like ma'am suggested!! And it's been a long time since I got this free time..Sooo let's enjoy my little life!

Walking through the charming streets, I marveled at the vibrant culture surrounding me.

"Where should I go first?" I thought aloud.

"This town is beautiful, full of character."

Suddenly, an idea struck me.

"Maybe I should buy something for Haru," I decided.

As I continued my exploration, I spotted a dress in a shop window that caught my eye.

"That would look perfect on Haru," I thought, entering the shop.

"Excuse me," I began politely, pointing to the dress on the mannequin. "Can I see that dress?"

The salesgirl approached, her eyes giving me a quick once-over. "I'm sorry, ma'am," she said with a condescending tone, "but I think you should try somewhere else."

My brow furrowed in confusion. "What?" I asked, taken aback.

"There's another marketplace down the street," the salesgirl continued with a distrained voice.

I know that this shop is an expensive one, but still, how can she talk to me like this?

"But I…" I began, frustration bubbling up.

Before I could respond, the salesgirl cut me off. "I think you still don't understand," she said, her voice dripping with condescension, "Let me put it straight then, THIS PLACE IS NOT FOR YOU."

My cheeks burned with humiliation. Just as I was about to turn and leave, a voice cut through the tense silence…