Ruby's Secret

CHAPTER- 1

“Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create.” —Oprah Winfrey"

RUBY'S P.O.V

"Good Morning, Dap." I greeted my best friend happily. "Did you sleep well last night?" I wriggled my eyebrows teasing her.

Daphne Esther, my best friend, my housemate and my only family. I was teasing her as it was the first time she slept with her boyfriend. She was wild and carefree, party and club was the limelight of her life but all changed when Chase came into her life. She completely turned into another person. I was shocked when she came and told me about Chase. At first I didn't believe her because she is more of a one night stand person but to say I was shocked would not justify my reaction.

And just yesterday they celebrated their first anniversary and slept with each other. I was finding it funny and I love to tease both of them.

Chase is a shy nerd type of guy which you can say my male version. He also wore thicker rimmed glass like me and worked in one of the most reputed companies in Manhattan.

If they asked me to give examples of opposite attractions, Chase and Daphne would be the best example.

"Grow up Ruby." Daphne murmured as she rubbed her forehead.

"Why? Do I have to take care of you for nine month?"

Daphne scowled as she sat down on the cashier table ignoring my comments.

"Looks like someone didn't get any sleep?" I pulled her leg again.

"Sort of." She replied, making me smile evilly.

Her head jerked up from the computer as she hurriedly shook her head. "Leave your mind in the gutter, Ruby. Chase was feeling pain in his stomach. We have to rush to the emergency."

That caught my attention as I stopped laughing. "What? Why? How? Is he alright? Why are you here then?" I fired questions back to back.

She sighed as she looked at me. "Gas." She quietly spoke, as I leaned towards the table to hear her properly. "WHAT?"

"It was Gas." She snapped irritatedly. "He didn't poop for two day."

"What?" I furrowed my eyebrow as it took ten second to understand what she was saying.

And then I burst into laughter as I felt tears leaking from the corner of my eyes.

"Oh My God!" I exclaimed as I laughed holding my tears. "You two are meant for each other Daph."

She stood up and threw me a glare as she stomped inside the kitchen yelling at me. "Go away bitch."

I continuously laugh trying to catch my breath. Few customers who were busy sipping their coffee stopped and looked at me as I had grown two horns.

Feeling their eyes, I sober up and nervously touch my black hair which was in a tight high ponytail.

I can feel their judging eyes as I picked up my purse and walked out of the cafe.

The cold wind hit my face as I wrapped my coat tightly around my chest. My palms were cold and I know for sure my nose will turn red. But nevertheless I didn't complain because it was my favourite season.

I love winter as I can wear full clothes without any thought. I am more of conservative person. I loved to wear dresses with full sleeves. I don't like showing skin or curves. My daily wear is usually a full shirt and full pants or skirt. I hate make-up because they are expensive and they hide the real you.

I work fifteen hours a day or sometimes full day. My schedule is always full and I love my job. I am the secretary of Marcus Pallis, the C.E.O of the Pallis Shipping and Co. One of the world's most reputed companies.

"Good Morning, Ruby." The guard greeted me as I gave them a polite smile and scanned my Id as the door opened and I walked inside the building.

The receptionist glared at me as I ignored her and walked straight to the C.E.O private lift. I was humming a song as I walked towards my cabin which was right next to the C.E.O office.

Keeping my purse on my desk, I walked out of my office directly toward the cafeteria. Brewing fresh coffee for Marcus, I made a heart shaped design on the espresso.

Walking back towards the C.E.O office, I stood in front of the glass door where C.E.O was written in bold letters.

I knocked twice as I slowly opened the door and smiled watching the old man snoring. I wanted to laugh at him but stopped as I knew he was working non-stop for the past one week.

Marcus was fifty six year old as his white pepper hair fell on his forehead. His shirt was wrinkled as I knew he did not go home.

Marcus was a sort of father figure for me. He was the man behind my success and also the reason why most of the employees of the office feel jealous. He treats me like a daughter and trusts me more than anyone. I handle his calls, files, clothes and also look after his personal problems, whenever he is having problems with Cassandra.

Cassandra is his wife, a sweet and caring woman. She also treated me like a daughter. She also complained that Marcus didn't give her enough time which resulted in me working full day as I kicked Marcus out from the office then and there.

I remember clearly as it was printed on my heart how I met Marcus. It was two year ago, when he came to Daph's cafe, feeling low as he lost some business deals. He ordered a double espresso as he was constantly sighing and checking his file again and again.

I was the one who made his coffee as I decided to cheer him up with my art. I made a cheer up sign on his espresso as I quietly kept it on the table.

Without noticing me, he picked up the coffee as he noticed my art. He looked up at me, raising his eyebrows as I sheepishly smiled at him.

"Thank you." He politely said as he took a sip and gave me an impressed look.

My eyes were struck towards the paper which was scattered on the table as I noticed a huge amount of money missing from the finance chart.

I was in my final year of college studying business and finance and working in Daph cafe.

"Here." I tap my finger at the figure catching the man's attention. "You should re-check this shipment. This amount seems fishy. I think you paid too much because your profit is not acceptable."

The man frowned as he picked up the paper and checked it carefully. "How did you notice? I was checking this paper for the past one hour, how did I miss it?"

"You are only checking the total amount, not the debit and credit. You should check first the profit amount and expenses." I suggested folding my arms towards my chest.

"How old are you?" He questioned, catching me off guard.

"Ahh..twenty four." I answered, chewing my lips.

"Work for me." He spoke as he picked up the paper and took out a hundred dollar bill keeping it under the cup.

He stood up from the chair as he also took out a business card, keeping it beside the money. "I'll wait for your call." and with that he walked out leaving me utterly dumbfounded.

I stared at the old man back as it was the first time I noticed him. He was wearing a dark black Armani suit with a matching watch and shoes. His presence screamed wealth and power as I looked through the mirror, a black Ashton Martin stopped right in front of him as he sat down giving me a one last glance.

I picked up the card as I turned it and my breath hitch as I read it. Marcus Pallis.

And the rest is history.

"Hey Boss, your coffee." I spoke, keeping the cup as I picked up the remote controller and opened the window curtain.

The sunlight gleamed inside the white and brown room as Marcus groaned, rubbing his eyes.

"Didn't I tell you to stop over-working?" I glared at him as he rolled his eyes.

"Healthy life equals to successful business." He grumpily replied with my own words which I remind him everyday.

"Then why are you not following it?" I raised my eyebrows tapping my shoes as I picked my thick rimmed glass from my nose, adjusting it to my eyes.

"You know the answer, lady." He waved at me as he took a sip from his coffee.

I scoffed at him as I started to clean his table and keep the file according to their name and figure.

"Yeah, I know you are going to retire but it is not fair to work this much." I pointed out.

"I want to give him everything best Ruby." He spoke.

I felt my heart drop to my stomach as I noticed the affection and proudness shining in his blue eyes. His son was coming back from Greece as he will take over the company from next week.

"You are a great businessman Marcus but you are the best father anyone could wish for." I feel my throat clogged up as I bite my cheeks.

Marcus smiled as he stood and walked towards me. He raffles my hair as he smiles at me with a knowing smile.

"You will find someone who will love you more than anything in this world, lady." He put his hand on my head as he spoke.

"Don't know about me but I'm sure if you will not go home in the next half an hour, I have to call the lawyer to handle your divorce." I teased him as he glared at me.

"I will get back to you for that." He grumbled as he rushed out from the office leaving me alone with my own chaotic thoughts.

I sighed as I picked up the file and started to walk towards my cabin and threw myself into the piles of work.

Little did I know that the next morning would knock at my door with full of surprises and horror.

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