Hazel and Francisco were in the elevator. Francisco leaned against the wall, his gaze locked on Hazel.
As the seconds passed, Hazel could feel the intensity of Francisco's eyes upon her, and the weight of his gaze became increasingly uncomfortable. She turned to face him and asked, "Is everything okay, sir?"
"Yes."
The elevator doors finally opened, and Francisco stepped out, Hazel following closely behind. As she looked around, she was rendered speechless by the sight. The space resembled a living room rather than a traditional corporate office.
She had expected a typical office setting, but what she saw was anything but conventional.
Francisco walked toward a room and opened the door. He turned back to Hazel and offered a warm smile.
"It's not my living room. It's my workplace."
Hazel heard Francisco's voice and turned to face him, a smile on her face. She approached him closely. "I am sorry. I got caught up in it."
"It's okay. I was engrossed in something as well."
Hazel looked up at him, sometimes struggling to fully understand the CEO's actions and intentions. However, before she could ask further questions, Francisco explained, "It's my room."
Hazel took a moment to process the revelation and slowly entered the room. The atmosphere inside was distinct. Although the room was not dark, it exuded a faint sense of intimacy. Red and black curtains covered the window, casting a unique ambiance over the space. The room felt perfect, and a pleasant aroma filled the air.
As Hazel took in her surroundings, she suddenly heard a door creak. She turned to see Francisco shutting the door and lighting a cigarette.
Taking a deep breath, she spoke after exhaling, "Sir, your room is really wonderful. Where is my room? Is it on this floor?"
Francisco sighed and responded, "This is also your room."
Hazel's eyes widened in disbelief. She was not only in the CEO's room, but she was also being told that it was also her room.
"What?"
"You are my PA, so you must remain with me always," he said as he exhaled smoke from his cigarette.
Hazel couldn't help but feel a rush of anxiety and confusion.
"What?"
Hazel finally managed to stammer.
Francisco raised one eyebrow and asked, "Why? Would you mind serving as my secretary?"
"No, I mean, I'd love to, but how can I stay with you all day?" She asked.
Francisco approached her and leaned in closer. He spoke in a low, almost hypnotic tone, "Hazel, I won't be harsh with you."
Hazel took a step back.
"Sir... what are you saying?"
Francisco's face abruptly broke into a smile, and he clarified, "I am saying you can take as much time as you need to rest on this floor. I am unable to grant a day off, though."
Hazel's eyes widened in shock.
"What? You're saying that I have to work every day?" she asked, her eyebrows arched in disbelief.
Francisco remained calm, leaning back in his chair. He explained, "Yes, but keep in mind that the salary is double."
Hazel contemplated the offer, the allure of a higher salary contrasting with the commitment to work every day.
Francisco rose from his chair and motioned for Hazel to sit down, waving his hand as an invitation. She took a seat.
After exhaling a puff of smoke, he leaned forward and inquired, "Do you live with your family?"
Hazel shook her head.
"No, I don't live with my parents. They are outside the city."
A thoughtful look crossed Francisco's face .
He continued, "You stay alone here."
"Yes," she replied.
Francisco took a moment before asking a question.
"Hazel!"
Hazel responded, "Yes."
"How many years have you been living here?"
Hazel considered the question and replied, "Six years."
"In six years, did something happen in your life?" he asked, his eyes locked onto hers.
Hazel replied with a hint of surprise in her tone, "What do you mean by this, sir?"
Francisco seemed to be about to elaborate on his question when Max unlocked the door and entered. His interruption was met with Francisco's full attention.
"Francisco, you have an unwanted guest," Max informed him.
Francisco arched his brows. He then turned his attention to Hazel and said, "You must sign some sort of contract with us. Max will take care of it."
Hazel nodded.
Francisco rose from his chair. As he walked over to Max, he leaned in closer and whispered, "You understand what to do. She must be here for us."
Max looked at Francisco and raised one eyebrow. "Us or you?"
Francisco's stern face stressed that the matter was significant, and Max got straight to the point.
"Okay, I can handle this. But you know the police are waiting for you," Max said.
Francisco's response was nonchalant. "They are so daring to come here."
"It seems so," Max agreed.
However, Max received an irritated glance from Francisco, "If they take me along, they will never be able to imprison me for even a single day."
Francisco turned his attention back to Hazel. "Just don't let her leave right away. Get her to sign our contract. I am going."
But just as Francisco was making his exit, Hazel's phone abruptly rang. He gestured for Max to take over and left quickly, not wanting Hazel to be privy to the illicit activities that had drawn the attention of the police.
If he could tie her to their agreement, he wouldn't even care if she learned of his true nature. As he departed, Max stepped forward to address Hazel, but she was already engaged in a conversation with her mother.
"Yes, Mom, I am okay. Now I have to end the call."
Hazel finished her conversation with her mother. Max couldn't help but inquire, "Your mom?"
"Yes."
"So shall we start the procedure?" he asked.
Hazel responded, "Yes, sir."
Max wasted no time and handed her the stack of papers for the contract. It was a substantial document, nearly 20 pages in length. Hazel, aware of the importance of this agreement, began the process of reading and signing. She started by reading a few pages carefully, but as the document stretched on, she found herself signing some sections without delving into every detail.
When Hazel became engrossed in the task of signing, he couldn't help but wonder about the true nature of Francisco's intentions.
What did he want from Hazel? Was it more than just a professional agreement, or could it be a case of love at first sight?
Love and Francisco... it was an impossible thing.
However, his internal musings were abruptly interrupted when he heard Hazel's voice. "I am done, sir."
"Then you stay here. Francisco will come here anytime," he informed her.
Hazel nodded, her understanding clear.
With that, Max left Hazel alone on the floor, walking away to join Francisco. As he descended to the lower level, his smile gave way to a more stern expression.