The Mistreated Wife

Chapter 5: Learning the Ropes

It has been two months since I started working as Sebastian Maurer’s secretary. The longer I worked, the more I got used to the different tasks that come with the job. Every now and then, Sebastian throws some unusual tasks, but I have always been able to handle them.

My boss still treats me cold for the most part. I have not seen him smile that often, and he’s very workaholic. Most of the time, he either comes in early or leaves late. Nonetheless, he usually works at least 10 hours a day. I have tried to wait for him one time, but I got scolded and told me that I didn’t have to stay longer than I have to.

There are times when he would appear thoughtful, particularly when I’m still working during lunch times. He would order food to be delivered, and I would be surprised when he orders for me as well. It could be possible that he just wants me to stay nourished for work, but then again, he didn’t have to buy food for me. He could just send me out to get it myself or force me to take my lunch.

I learned a lot in the short time I have been with Pacific Telecoms. Most of the clients that the company deals with are contractors who construct and maintain cellular websites. Our company supplies equipment needed for such work, and even provides Engineering consultancy services when needed.

I got familiarized with some of the equipment and services we provide. It got me really interested in electronics and communications engineering, and I have been reading up so I will not be lost whenever they talk about certain terms in the meetings. Some of the other engineers are in awe and sometimes ask if I am an engineer even. My diligence in studying is actually paying off.

Because of my ‘increased’ knowledge, Sebastian has been assigning more tasks that are not merely secretarial. I am pleased and excited about the prospect of maybe someday getting promoted to a higher position within the company.

Paul still hasn’t found a job, and somehow I feel that he’s stopped looking. I didn’t really mind, but he still leaves the house, and he’s stopped cooking breakfast in the morning. Most of the time, he doesn't drive me to work anymore, because he wakes up late after having gone home late the previous night. I didn’t want to drive myself because I didn't want to pay the hefty parking fees and didn’t want the stress of driving in traffic when I got home.

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It was the last day of my work week, which also coincided with my payday, so I was planning a date with Paul tomorrow. I didn’t have a lot of things to do today, so I was just waiting for Sebastian for assignments. I was browsing through the restaurants that I plan to bring Paul to, when my boss peeked through his door and asked me to come into his office. Yikes! I hope he didn’t notice what I was doing.

Bringing along my trusted pen and notepad, I knocked on Sebastian’s door and went inside his office. I sat on the chair in front of his desk, which has been our routine and readied myself for some dictation.

Sebastian: “Are you going on a date?”

Belle: “Uhm, I’m looking up restaurants I’d like to bring my husband to. I’m sorry for doing it during office hours, I had some free time. I promise not to do that again.”

Sebastian: “That’s fine, you’re entitled to do some personal browsing every now and then. Just don’t browse through anything illegal.”

Belle: “I’ll never do that.”

Sebastian: “Isn’t the guy supposed to plan the date or something? Do the roles somehow get reversed when you get married?”

Belle: “Well, I like to do the planning. Paul isn’t very good with choosing restaurants.”

Sebastian: “Okay. I suggest you go to Portofinos. It’s a great date place and they have the best truffle pasta I’ve ever tasted.”

Belle: “Uhm, that might be a little out of our price range. But thank you for the suggestion.”

Sebastian: “Well, let me know when you plan to go. It will be my treat.”

Belle: “That’s generous of you, but you didn’t have to do that.”

Sebastian: “Well, I insist. You should try it at least once.”

Belle: “Okay, thank you. I’ll think about it.”

Sebastian: “Okay. I actually have a meeting tonight with some suppliers from Europe. Unfortunately, they don’t speak English. I remember you saying you’re fluent in German. Is that true?”

Belle: “Ja.” 

I giggled after responding. Sebastian just looked at me, failing to find humor in what I just said.

Belle: “I’m sorry, that means yes. I studied German in college, and I can converse in it well.”

Sebastian: “Okay then. I need you to come with me to the meeting to be our translator. We leave at 6pm.”

Belle: “Uhm, okay Sebastian.”

Sebastian: “This is their company brochure, I need you to study it and learn about some of the products they offer. This should help you with the meeting later.”

Belle: “Okay. I’m on it. Is there anything else?”

Sebastian: “No, that would be all.”

I then stood up and bowed a little before heading towards the door. Somehow, I always involuntarily bow everytime I leave Sebastian’s office. He’s never called me out on it, so I just kept doing it.

Sebastian: “Hold up, Belle. Can you stand straight and look at me?”

I was surprised with what my boss is asking me to do, but relented. While I was standing in front of him, he scanned my body from head to toe many times. If it was anybody else doing it, I would be creeped out. But since it was my very good-looking boss, I was a little flattered.

Sebastian: “That would be all. You may go.”

I bowed again before scurrying out of his office. That was weird.

As soon as I got out of Sebastian’s office, I called Paul to let him know that I will be home late and to inform him about the business meeting I am accompanying my boss to. He didn’t answer the call after three tries. Maybe he is sleeping. I just sent him a text message to let him know. I even asked if he wanted me to buy him any snacks on the way home.

After sending the message, I looked at the brochure Sebastian handed me earlier. I studied their product line, and even read up on their company online. I was so engrossed in what I was reading that I was startled when my phone rang. It was the receptionist, Joanne, calling to let me know that there is a delivery for Sebastian at the reception desk.

I went to the reception area, and chatted with Joanne a little after signing for the delivery. I then went to Sebastian’s office and knocked on his door. I went in and told my boss about the delivery and asked him where I can put it.

Sebastian: “Can you open it for me?”

Belle: “Sure.”

I put the box down on the table in front of the couch and proceeded to open it. I was very curious what it was. I wasn’t sure what it was, it looked like some kind of cloth.

Sebastian: “Can you hold it up?”

I did as he instructed and held up a beautiful knee length fitted red dress. It’s sleeveless and there’s a black belt that goes along with it. It seemed elegant and formal at the same time.

Sebastian: “Can you try it on? Use my bathroom right there.”

I was surprised because first of all, I didn’t even know that he had a bathroom inside his office. Second, why is he having me try on the dress? I didn’t move right away.

Sebastian was reading something on his desk and when he didn’t feel me moving, he looked up and raised his eyebrows at me.

Sebastian: “What are you waiting for? Would you like me to put it on you myself?”

Belle: “Uhm, no. I’m going.”

I blushed at Sebastian's last remarks. Suddenly, I was imagining my boss undressing me and putting the dress on me. I silently chastised myself while I entered my boss’s personal bathroom. I looked around before taking off my clothes and neatly folding them on the counter near the sink.

When I put on the dress, I was amazed with how it fit like a glove. There’s a full length mirror inside and as I looked at myself, I couldn’t help my smile with how great the dress looked on me. The only problem is that I am unable to zip myself up. I peeked my head outside the door and told my boss that it fits.

Sebastian: “Come out. I want to look at it on you.”

Belle: “Uhm, I couldn’t zip it up.”

I was surprised when Sebastian got up and went inside his bathroom with me. He then had me turn around and zip the dress up himself. I felt shivers, as I felt his hands touch my bare skin. When he was done, he held me by the shoulders and turned me around. He stepped back a little and looked me up and down again.

He saw the belt, took it and put it on me himself. I froze as he came near me and I smelled his scent. He smelled good. I closed my eyes trying to avoid awkward eye contact. When he’s done, he stepped back again and looked me up and down multiple times. I can sort of feel his eyes lingering on my breasts, which made me blush a little.

Sebastian: “Can you turn around?”

I did as he asked. I wasn’t sure what was happening. He’s my boss and this is borderline harassment. Somehow, though, I didn’t mind what he was doing, and I kind of enjoy indulging him.

I turned and caught him looking at my ass while biting his lip. When he noticed, he straightened himself up.

Sebastian: “You’ll be wearing that for the meeting later. Fix yourself up, we're leaving in an hour.”

With that, he left the bathroom. I took the clothes I was wearing previously and put them on the box where the dress used to be. When I got into Sebastian’s office, he was reading some documents on his desk again. Before leaving, I uttered “Thank you for the dress.” He just nodded in response so I bowed myself out of the office.

As I got back to my desk, I let out a breath. What just happened?

I took my bag and headed to the employees’ bathroom. I had my hair in a bun, which is my usual hairstyle. I decided to let my hair out of the bun, and style it into a high ponytail. It seemed suitable for the dress. I then put on some light powder foundation, and a little blush. I swiped some mascara on my lashes. Lastly, I applied a dark pink shaded lipstick.

When I was satisfied with how I looked, I left the bathroom. I got a few stares, and some “Hi Belle, looking good!” from some of the male employees I passed by. I just smiled and nodded at them.

When I was on my way back to my desk, Sebastian was on his way out of his office. He looked me up and down again, before saying that we’re leaving. I was surprised because we weren’t supposed to leave for another 30 minutes.

I just said I just needed to turn off my computer first. He was texting on his phone while waiting for me. After I’ve said “Done!” I picked up my bag and the paper bag that had the box with my clothes on it.

Sebastian was already on his way to the elevators. As soon as Joanne saw me in the red dress, she gave my two thumbs up and I just giggled. We got on the elevators and Sebastian pressed the button to the ground floor. It was quiet and we were the only ones inside, so I was startled when he spoke.

Sebastian: “That dress really suits you.”

Belle: “Thank you.”

Sebastian: “You should wear dresses more often.”

Belle: “Maybe I should.”

Sebastian: “Are you ready for the meeting?”

Belle: “Yes, I believe so. I read up on the company. I even watched a video earlier just to ensure my German is not rusty.”

Sebastian: “Good.”

As soon as we reached the ground floor, we got out of the elevators and headed out. Sebastian was greeted by the guards as he passed by them. They didn’t say anything to me, but I can see them checking me out.

Sebastian’s car was already waiting outside the office building when we got out. The driver opened the door and Sebastian had me go in first. I didn’t hesitate anymore and just went inside. He got in after me.

As the driver closed the door and took his seat, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the care interior. It’s as sleek inside as it was outside. I didn’t make it too obvious, though, because I didn’t want Sebastian to notice.

As I asked Sebastian some questions on what the meeting will be about. Apparently, it’s just meant to touch base with the supplier. It’s not really an official business meeting, but they are just catching up. We talked a little more about the company as we reached the hotel.

When the door was opened, Sebastian got out first. I was going to exit on the door to my side, but he held his hand out to me, and decided to just slide so I could get out in the same door as he did. I felt a little buzz go through me as our hands touched. He let go of my hand as soon as I got out. I brought my bag with me and decided to just leave the box inside the car. I’ll just get it later.

We were then led to the hotel restaurant. We were early, so the Germans weren’t there yet. The maître d' asked if we wanted anything to drink. Sebastian ordered a bottle of wine for the table. I asked for water. We had some casual talk while waiting.

Sebastian: “So Belle, you’re an intelligent woman. How come you haven’t worked before?”

Belle: “I got married really young, and my husband didn’t want me to work.”

Sebastian: “So what changed?”

Belle: “He lost his job, and has been having a hard time finding a new one. I had a hard time too, since most companies don’t hire those without prior work experience.”

Sebastian: “How can employees gain work experience if they don’t get hired first?”

Belle: “Exactly.”

Sebastian: “If your husband didn’t stop you from working, or if you haven’t gotten married early, what would you be now?”

Belle: “Well, I actually got into law school. I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer. Maybe I would have passed the bar by now, and would be clerking for the Supreme Court, or working in a private firm.”

Sebastian: “Well, it’s never too late.”

Belle: “Maybe.”

I smiled at Sebastian while sipping my water. I just shared something personal about myself, but he still looked unaffected. His face doesn’t even convey any kind of emotions.

Belle: “How come you don’t smile?”

Sebastian: “I smile.”

Belle: “I’ve never seen you smile.”

Sebastian: “If I smile all the time I would  look crazy.”

Belle: “Touché. Still, it would be nice to see you smile every now and then. I bet you look more handsome when you smile.”

Sebastian: “Do you think I’m handsome?”

Belle: “Uhm, most of the girls in the office definitely think so.”

Sebastian: “How about you. What do you think?”

Belle: “Uhm, yes you are.”

Sebastian smiled as he looked at me. Holy sh*t, he has a dimple on the top part of his left lip. I was right. He’s more handsome when he’s smiling.

Belle: “You’re smiling.”

Sebastian: “I’m happy.”

We just kept smiling quietly at each other. For an outsider, it would look like we are on our first date and we are trying to be cute to each other. My heart started beating rapidly. Why is my boss making me feel this way?