CHAPTER 10

Damien's POV

As soon as the elevator door chimes open, I exit with my new Personal Assistant following closely after.

After I informed my mother that Lisa would be my future wife and that she would no longer be working for me, she suggested Anna, who goes by the name of Anna.

I don't know what my mother thinks about the concept of my marrying Lisa, my PA, but I am certain that my strategy will be successful.

After all, I'm only doing this for her, and after a year, Lisa and I will part ways as per the arrangement, allowing my mother to stop bugging me about getting remarried and starting a family.

Anna was suggested by my mother for a purpose, and I am certain that she is the daughter of one of her friends.

Anna doesn't seem to be someone who is in desperate need of employment. She arrives at work in a mobile vehicle and wears designer clothing, which makes me question why she is even here.

My gut tells me that my mother placed her here on purpose so that I might develop feelings for her, much as I did with Lisa, my old assistant, but that is improbable.

No matter how gorgeous these ladies may be, I can never fall in love with them.

I like leading a peaceful life, which is how I first met Helena and fell in love with her. She was the kind of lady I sought because she was quiet and withdrawn. Not some phony, affluent, materialistic lady who would go after me for cash.

While Anna is more intelligent and quick-witted than Lisa, I'm still not completely sold on her talents.

She doesn't share her thoughts with me as Lisa does. Every single word I say to her is accepted by her.

I decided to follow my mother's advice since I can't possibly let Lisa stay on as an employee.

In two weeks, Lisa will become my wife, and it will be unheard of for me to inform the other workers that I will be wed to my assistant.

A violation of the law and corporate policies would result from a romantic connection between employees.

The purpose of this rule, which also applies to me, is to make sure that everyone works together without interruption or distraction.

But now that Lisa is gone, she will be seen as my former Assistant, which will make everything easier.

I open the door with my push and enter. With the two files in her hands, Anna walks quietly behind me. I smoke and sag into my swivel chair as she shuts the door.

We just returned from a meeting outside of the office, and I hope to finalize the agreement this week.

I want to sign two more contracts with the firm in Singapore asking for a collaboration with my Chemical company there before the nuptials.

This is because I'll need to be there in person and I'll have time after the wedding to go to Singapore.

I sit up straight to start working before my upcoming appointment, which is in an hour when Anna places the file on the desk in front of me.

I see Anna is still in front of me as I type in my password and I glance up.

She is staring at me with a dark, passionate expression on her face.

My brows furrow as I demand. Is anything wrong?

I am aware that she is here for a purpose. I am aware of that.

She responds with a drained grin while flushing crimson in the face. "No, sir."

I give her the "then, go" signal and go back to my job. She heads toward the door, and I start looking for the paper I want to work on.

After a little while, I realize that the door is not open, and as I glance up once again, I see her watching.

My face shows irritation, and I sigh heavily. Will you return to work, please?

She abruptly stands up, sobs, and walks out.

How is a female able to act so shamelessly? She seems to be trying to woo me and get my attention. People like these, who want to be sidetracked at the smallest opportunity, are unworkable for me.

I shall be forced to fire her if she behaves in this manner any longer. What my mum thinks is irrelevant to me.

I hiss loudly before returning to my task.

Lisa's lack of focus was never a reason for me to yell at her. Her clumsiness is the one thing I don't like about her, and it really irritates me.

I hate it.

If my mother brought Anna here so that she could be near me in the hopes that I would like her, then she is mistaken.

I don't see any distinction between Anna and the woman Gabriel and his wife procured for me and who insisted on having sex with me.

All of it is not what I desire.

I'm not thinking about sex right now, and I have no plans to abandon my life of celibacy anytime soon.

Although I am a little sidetracked by the present events in my life, a knock on the door prevents me from reading through the document's content any further.

"Who is it?" you ask. When I inquire, the door opens to show Anna peeking.

After telling her to go back to work and quit staring at me, I am about to ask her what she is doing here once again when she speaks out.

I'm sorry to disturb you, sir. I raise an eyebrow at her when she says, "Someone is here to see you," which I hear.

"Is there someone here to see me? Is our appointment still on?

She walks right in. "No, sir."

"The individual has no appointment?" To be sure, I ask.

"Sir, yes. She stated it was crucial that she see you," she says, and as my scowl widens, I start to wonder who it is.

Have I not instructed you repeatedly to only let visitors with appointments enter this building? I have an appointment in an hour."

I apologize, sir, but she made a comment about your previous assistant. She claimed to be your former assistant's buddy," she cuts me off.

My face skates on confusion. What Lisa's companion is doing in this location intrigues me. Why is she in this place?

The question "Lisa's friend?" With a nod. What is she seeking?

She remained silent, sir.

I groan and lean back so that I may finish it before returning to my job. While I'm at work, I detest interruptions and diversions. Say, "Let her in."

She exits after politely lowering her head.

I let her in when she knocks on the door once more a short while later.

She enters my office with her lips apart and an admiring look on her face. She is sporting a white shirt, white shoes, and a tight black skirt. She walks up to my desk with a grin on her face and her hair pulled up in a bun.

She has an unfamiliar face. She appears like a party girl and has a lot of makeup on.

I'm curious how Lisa and she became friends. These two individuals are leading quite different lifestyles.

I came to the conclusion that she must be the acquaintance Lisa went to the party with after recalling seeing her at a gathering the other day.

She greets me with a grin and a "Hello, Mr. Russell" before looking at me.

"Hello, Miss."

She says proudly, "I am Juliet, Lisa's best friend.

"I see," I remarked carelessly. "What else can I do for you?"

"Won't you please offer me a seat?" She grinned widely.

She walks closer and flops on the chair as I motion for her to do so while continuing to look around as if this is her first time in a place like this.

"What else can I do for you?" I re-ask her.

Because Lisa's name was stated, I am interested to learn why she is here, and I also can't wait to finish talking to her and return to my job before my next appointment.

She starts, "I heard from Lisa that you need a wife", and I continue to stare in awe.

Lisa informed her. Is that the reason she's here?

You have no need to fear; I'll provide more than you anticipate. "I am ready to do that, even if you need a wife for a hundred years, I can be that woman."

I extend my hand. Is that the reason you're here?

She seems perplexed. "Yes. Don't you want to find a wife? She gives me a smiling look.

Finally, I say, "Not anymore, please go."

I shouldn't spend my attention on this matter. I won't take her, even if I don't already have someone.

"Why are you being so rude? Why won't you simply tell me, please?

I don't pay attention to her and pull a file out of my desk drawer, flicking through it with my right hand while resting my left on the desk.

I push her hands away once she touches me while glaring at her with my daggers.

I told you to go, didn't I?

She gives me a scowl. Lisa was correct; you are quite self-centered. You are conceited, impolite, unyielding, and challenging. I ought not to have arrived here. I won't be shocked if you don't find a wife given your foolish conduct.

As she stands, she fixes her focus on me and says, "She told you all of that, but she forgot to brief you on the most important one." She neglected to inform you that she is the woman I will wed.

She shouts, "What?" loudly.

I shout at her aggressively, "Yes." Before I call the securities on you, leave right away.

"Why didn't she tell me?" I questioned. She ponders this.

You are obviously not worth it, isn't it clear? I threaten you and touch the intercom, saying, "Get the hell out of here already."

She pulls away from me with a furious expression and storms to the door.

I am dissatisfied with Lisa. I can't believe she revealed all of this information about me to her buddy.

Why in the world did she reveal the terms of the contract and the rationale for my actions? This is meant to be private between us, right? Why did she feel the need to inform this chatty girl?

She has my ire. Irritated. Disappointed.

She will hear from me soon. I'm going to handle her.

****