Her Secret Angel

THE MAN

CHAPTER 1

GAURAV

“Tell me how it happened!” I ordered coldly.

I wanted to twist my Chief Engineer's neck until he ran out of breath when I heard about the situation of our private aircraft. We’re supposed to fly in two hours for a very important meeting. 

Dammit, how do we fly to Singapore without an aircraft to use? The nerve in my forehead started to bulge due to irritation and annoyance.

“Sir, t-the fuel leakage was just discovered. For an u-unknown reason, it just leaked. The good thing is we discovered it before we take off!” He stuttered while he tried to justify the cause of our problem.

It was the first time I saw my Chief Engineer so rattled and his voice so thin while he speaks. It didn’t fit his burly build at all.

I looked down on his knees, and I saw his knees were shaking profusely. I wouldn't want him to pee in his pants in front of me.

But no matter how miserable he looked, the fact was I had no plane to use. That was too frustrating.

“Do you have the slightest idea of the damages it will cost us?” My cold voice rose to two beats higher. My eyes were bloodshot, due to suppressed anger. My glare could torment them during the night.

I couldn't contain my anger, no matter how much I tried. For heaven's sake, I would lose money, lots of it. The Singapore meeting was very important.

I looked at him and placed my hands on my waist.

I wanted to throw everything in my sight, but what would it do? They still couldn’t make the damn metal fly. 

“Damn it! Why am I experiencing this misfortune? Who’s responsible for it?” Those words did not escape my throat. Otherwise, my people would pass out on me.

“Sir! We managed to secure you a commercial ticket, first-class, but only one is available. I am on the next flight. You must take it, sir.”

The voice of Fred, my assistant, made me transfer my angry gaze from my Engineer to him.

 Commercial flight? Me on a commercial flight? Damn it!

My hands hit the railing as I held it tightly. I looked at him sternly but modulated my voice.

“Do you know that I have not taken any commercial flights for the last ten years?” He paled. Then I continued “Can you secure a private plane for lease?” I uttered in an even tone that I managed to heave out of my dried throat. 

How could I be composed in a situation like this? 

I have remarkable parents to thank for this type of composure.

Fred shook his head nervously. “Sorry, sir, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. A-Almost all planes were leased out. The rest are on hold. I've checked already, S-sir.” he stuttered.

“s**t!” I hissed and furrowed my eyebrows. That one escaped my throat. 

Everyone was stunned and rooted on the spot when they heard me.

With a pale face, my assistant spoke. “Sir, we will guide you every step of the way. And once you arrive in Singapore, Gerry will be there to assist you.” 

I uttered in between clenched teeth, "Freakin’ s**t Fred! I hope you know what you're talking about." but it was muttered so softly he didn't hear it.

I uttered instead, “Can you reschedule the Singapore appointment? I don’t think it’s a good idea to proceed.” I'm freaking out inside, but if I lashed out at them, they couldn’t think of a solution to end this freaking situation. 

“Sir, it’s  not advisable. But if you are sure about this I would cancel.”  Fred advised. It was good that Fred has been with me for the last five years. He knew how to handle me. 

My mouth parted, and I let out a heavy sigh.

I needed some fresh air to get through this...it was pure madness. I opened the floor-to-ceiling glass door separating the Presidential Suite and the mini garden outside. The strong humid air gushed on me as soon as I opened the door. I loosened my tie, I felt so suffocated in the room.

I walked a few steps and noticed Fred and the Engineer had followed me. I let them, as they were waiting for my decision.

Several minutes later, I turned and saw the mixed emotions contravening in their faces. I had no choice but to agree on the option communicated by Fred. 

“Okay. Let’s do your commercial plane option." I paused." However, make sure that it’s the first and last time it will happen." and inserted in a cold tone." Otherwise,  all engineers will have to be changed,"

I looked at both of them, especially my engineer. He was responsible for the safety of all my planes. Why did it happen, under his watch?

After communicating my decision, I walked away from them and entered the suite. I couldn't stand there and continue to gaze at their pathetic faces. 

Fred immediately followed and tried to keep up with my hurried long steps.

“Sir! We will carry all your luggage. You don’t need to check-in anything. It's just a three-hour flight. We will be there in two hours after you arrive.” He said nervously.

I closed my eyes. I badly need several minutes to calm myself. Otherwise, violent anger would explode right in their very face.

“Fred, leave me alone if you don’t want me to include you among the people. I want to twist the neck right now. Allow me thirty minutes to calm my nerves…” I said calmly.

I was brought up not to show emotions easily, most especially angry emotions. However, the situation was so draining that I’m on the edge of losing control. 

“Sir, we have to travel to the airport.” He said as if telling me I couldn't waste time.

I shook my head when I heard Fred’s voice. Didn’t I say, leave me alone? I should have hissed on him, but following my father’s words, I struggled onto my thinning self-control and stretched my endurance even more.

“Fifteen minutes then! The airport won’t go anywhere. I don’t want to wait long before boarding the plane.” I said in a controlled voice, but I gave him a scorching gaze. One more word from him, and I promised to throw him out of the room.

“Yes, sir! Yes, sir!” 

Finally, he realized I was too annoyed to counter this time. Too annoyed to listen to reasons. I needed time to control my emotions. Otherwise, they would all suffer.

I was relieved when Fred finally left me inside the room. 

Traveling in comfort was the only luxury that compensates for my freaking hectic schedule. Traveling in ten to fifteen countries monthly was draining. Right now, even that comfort was rudely and irresponsibly taken away from me.

I spent too much money to acquire planes. Its maintenance alone cost me millions. How could they expect me to understand this utter negligence? It was the responsibility of the engineer to look after the safety of the airplane. We have been in this country for five days, and they have nothing to do but that...watch over the freaking airplane!

I inhaled and exhaled several times.

However annoying the situation might be, I have no recourse but to use a commercial flight this time. 

After ten minutes...

I picked up my phones and my trench coat with a heavy heart and headed straight to the door.

It was time to proceed to the airport. “Fred,” I called. He instantly appeared at my side.

“It’s time to go! Bring me to the airport now.” I strutted towards the main door of the suite as Fred ordered the driver to bring the car to the entrance of the hotel and wait for us.