Chapter 5 Dating Your Secretary

• "So, what did your mom say about Ares' proposal?" Elena asked me once more, leaning into my cubicle.
• I chose to ignore her and focused on my work, stealing a glance at Ares' still-empty office. Elena was already beside me, eyeing my arm.
• "What happened there?" She asked, her tone serious and a bit threatening.
• I swiftly adjusted my dress, pulling down the blouse's sleeve to cover my arm. I avoided her gaze and started stapling the scattered papers.
• "Aren't you going to take any action? I'm swamped with work, Elena. Let's talk later," I evasively replied, but she didn't seem to take that for an answer.
• She grabbed my arm, making me look at her. She looked at my bruises. I winced as she raised her eyebrows. That was where Matthew gripped me last night. I couldn't even come up with an excuse because his fingers had left scratches that turned into bruises.
• "Has Sir Ares seen this?" She pressed on, and I simply shook my head.
• "We haven't spoken about it," I replied sparingly. Then I heard her sarcastic laugh.
• "I can't believe you're still allowing your brother to do this to you. It's too much, Ana, just so you know," she began and sat down next to me.
• I turned my gaze to the computer and let out a tired sigh.
• "Because I didn't follow his orders when—"
• "Girl, you better be joking. Your excuses won't change the fact that he's been abusing you all along. The audacity! You're already giving them money, and they're still hurting you. What's wrong with your family?" She said, her patience clearly worn thin.
• Before I could respond, I saw Ares hastily entering his office, appearing quite displeased. I glanced at Elena and motioned that we'd talk later. She simply stared at me and hurried back to her own cubicle.
• Once she was gone, I hurried to organize the papers that Ares needed to sign and adjusted my demeanor before heading towards his office.
• I knocked before entering. As I stepped inside, I immediately heard the anger in his voice as he spoke on the phone.
• "Stop making excuses. If it weren't for dad, I wouldn't have allowed you to come back here after what you did!" He exclaimed emphatically to the person on the other end.
• I debated whether to continue or not, but in the end, I approached. I quietly placed the folders on his table and looked at him. He turned towards me.
• "You've been a major disappointment to our family since then. Why should I even bother— No! I'm not competing with you. You're just his illegitimate child!"
• My mouth fell open upon hearing that. His tone was filled with anger, so I figured he was speaking to his half-brother in another country. This is how he spoke every time he talked to him. I'd always wondered why he treated his brother like this, but I couldn't help but ask him the reason. It dampened the mood every time it was brought up.
• Later on, I heard Ares unleash a string of expletives before hanging up the phone. I even caught a glimpse of his mild shock when he saw me.
• "You're here..." He said promptly and approached me, kissing me on the forehead and pulling me into a hug. "I'm sorry. I didn't even notice you coming into my office. What's wrong?" He said softly, his gaze fixed on me.
• "I just brought the clients' contracts for you to sign. Are you okay?" I inquired, noticing the furrow on his forehead as he watched me. He seemed troubled.
• Instead of answering, he gestured for me to sit on the sofa and quickly headed to his mini pantry.
• "Did you have breakfast? I couldn't pick you up earlier due to an urgent meeting," he changed the subject. I simply looked at him while brewing coffee.
• Noticing my silence, he turned his gaze toward me, pausing in what he was doing as if he'd just realized something. He quickly closed the distance between us.
• "I'm sorry..." he muttered while looking at me intently.
• My forehead creased. "Why?"
• "You waited for me, I know. I just … damn …" He almost whispered to himself and slightly rubbed his forehead, then closed his eyes firmly.
• I swiftly took his hands and kissed them, causing him to look at me again.
• "Tell me what happened, and I'll forgive you," I simply told him, still holding onto his hands.
• He was about to speak when there was a knock on the door, and we both turned in that direction. Shortly after, it suddenly swung open, revealing a stunning woman. Tall and fair-skinned, she looked like a model.
• I released Ares' hand and stood up, and Ares did the same. I wanted to maintain professionalism and not bring any personal matters between Ares and me into the office, even though many already knew. If I could move to another company, I would have. Ares didn't want the case.
• "Lorraine, what brings you here? Our meeting is over," Ares' voice was serious and troubled. I stood silently beside him. I saw this woman glance at me for a moment, he called her Lorraine, and then she smiled.
• "So, this was you're doing while I was away, huh? Is that why you neglected the partnership my dad offered you?"
• I bit my lower lip upon hearing that. Maybe she wasn't referring to me, was she?
• "Don't take everything personally, Lorraine. I already explained the reasons in our earlier meeting," Ares replied coldly, turning back to his desk. He gestured for me to stay, so I just nodded.
• I observed as the woman approached Ares' desk, standing in front of him with her arms crossed over her chest. I sized her up from head to toe.
• Judging by her attire, it was clear that she also hailed from a wealthy family like Ares. She exuded sophistication and a formidable presence. Though we were about the same height, I was slightly fairer than her. Who was she?
• "Isn't this getting personal for you now? Dating your secretary—"
• "She's my fiancée now, Lorraine," Ares firmly interjected, cutting her off. I looked at him, surprised by what he said.