C2 The Secretary

ETHAN’S HOME, NEW YORK.

Ethan shifted to the side, feeling warmth surrounding him. When he inhaled the air, he could tell where he was. Ethan sat up gently, his eyes scanning the semi dark room. Reaching out to the bed lamp, he switched on the light. He was surprised to see the wall clock reading seven thirty in the evening.

He must have slept for a long time considering the time he was at the office this morning. Taking a deep breath, he got down from the bed and almost sprang back into it when he saw Ariel curled up on the couch. She looks exhausted.

Ethan's face palmed himself. It was his fault that the poor girl had to lay cramped up on the couch after a long day at work.

He had tried to hide his weak heart from her. But having to hear about Dante's horrifying lifestyle triggers his health. Ethan sat back on the bed, his eyes scanning Ariel.

He blessed the day his late friend Finn Coleman had pleaded with him on his deathbed five years ago when Ariel was just twenty-five. To take her under his wing and be her sole pillar.

Because of how fond of Ariel, Ethan was and having known her since she could barely walk. Ethan took a chance on her and made Ariel his secretary. Since his former secretary had chosen to retire early. He wasn't sure of how well she would perform, but not only did she surpass his expectations. She was the kind of child and grandchild Ethan prayed for.

It's not like he would love Dante any less, but it's an obvious fact that any reasonable person would want Ariel to be part of their family. She handles the entire business so well whenever he has to travel out of the state to handle other deals or when he is a bit indisposed. Ariel would hold it all down with no pressure.

She is respectful, dutiful and beautiful to behold. Every young man in the company can't seem to take their eyes off her. He couldn't blame them, she looks too good to be true. What hurts him the most and as much as Ariel insists that she is fine by it, is her nonsocial lifestyle. On one hand is the overtly extroverted grandson of his. Another hand was Ariel who seemed to be extremely introverted. Ethan had never seen her get excited about hanging out with friends or getting off work. It's almost like a taboo In her dictionary.

Ethan worries that it might be his fault as a result of the number of workloads she carries. The last time he had mentioned reducing her workload, Ariel had accused him of harboring the intention to get rid of her. He jolted when Ariel sat up from the couch abruptly. Rubbing at her eyes with the back of her palm. "You are awake." She mumbled. "Should I get you water?"

Ethan didn't realize he was thirsty until she asked. "yes." He whispered. Ariel stood up hurriedly, walked towards the table where she had placed a water jar and glass. Pouring him a full glass, he took it in one go. "Thank you so much, I didn't realise how thirsty I was."

"Sorry, I should have put it by the bed stand. What would you like to eat? I sent the maids to rest up early, since I wasn't certain when you would wake up. I will gladly be at your service."

"How long was I out for?" He asked, rubbing at the back of his neck.

"Long enough to make me worried. I had to get help from the men around to get you to the hospital. Why didn't you tell me about the exhaustion diagnosis, Ethan? This is why I try to keep you away from the office duties. This is the time you need more rest. And have you been sleeping at all? Are you an insomniac?"

Ethan looked tired, "what is it with so many questions? I only had a long nap, that's all. Also I am just seventy-five, Ariel. That doesn't sound old enough to me, I know of others who work till they are eighty."

"Obviously they look really healthy." She voiced sarcasm.

"Don't act like that." Ethan sniffed

"I get your point, Ethan. But at least try to take a two day break each week, get to spend more time with your golfing pals and also take Agnes on that long overdue date." She teased.

Ethan snorted playfully, "when will you get over trying to matchmake Agnes and I?"

"It's obvious you both care for each other and want more beyond just being casual friends . It's alright if you test the waters."

"Easy for you to say. You are the one who needs to go out there and have as much fun as you desire. That is what people in your age range do. Why won't you explore like every youth of your age. I have never seen someone almost non-existent like yourself."

Ariel giggled, "why do you sound guilty?"

"Of course I feel guilty. It hurts me to see you live this way, Ariel. I wish you would go on dates and tell me all about it when you return. Instead you live like an old woman, boring the hell out of me." He pouted.

"You should call Nina instead, she would have tons of stories to tell you."

Ethan sighed in resignation, Nina is Ariel's only friend and roommate. And as much as he loves Nina, he can't withstand her energy; she is the female version of Dante. When an idea struck him, he felt hopeful again. With a wide grin, he looked up at her.

"How about I set you up on a date with Agnes' son? Ivan seems to have a keen eye for you."

Ariel stared at her god grandfather like he had grown two heads. As much as she enjoys conversing with him, his inability to keep mute over her social life makes it hard to stay too long by his side.

"Don't make me lose my sanity. I really would run away if you set me up with any of your friends' sons."

"Why does this discussion always have to end like this?"

"Because, you worry too much about yourself. And from the doctor's instruction, I was told to ensure you refrain from discussing unnecessary topics."

"Since when did talking about one's future become an unnecessary topic. I want to see my grandchildren." With a mischievous grin, Ariel winked at him.

"I would adopt one for you."

"Really?" The old man mused.

"Really. And that is enough talk for the night. I will make you a light dinner, rest your back and I will be right back." Ariel said, walking towards the door.

"How about we open a dating site!" He yelled behind her.

"I really would run away for good!" Ariel retorted. "And I mean it!" She added for effect.

*****************

ARIEL’S APARTMENT, NEW YORK.

Ariel moaned in displeasure as she entered the dark room and the light came

"Just making sure it's not an intruder." Nina said, grinning widely.

Rolling her eyes, Ariel threw herself into the beanbag next to her. Yawning loudly, her entire body ached badly. She had been on her toes all morning, attending to the matters concerning the office and also looking after Ethan. She couldn't leave him till he was fast asleep, his caretaker had an emergency which prevented her from being around to stay by his side. And the assistant actually needs some assistance. Which was why Ariel had no choice but to wait till she came around before leaving.

"How long was your day? I have been calling your line for ages." Nina mumbled from the kitchen.

"Very long. Sorry about the call, I didn't know my phone was on silent. I only noticed it now that I got home, also Ethan had a mild attack."

She gasped loudly, "what? Why didn't you call me?"

"Like I said, it was mild. And before you start thinking otherwise, it's not a heart attack. His body seems to be getting old and can't handle too much pressure any more."

"Does that mean he has to keep away from work?"

"Yes, it's time he retires. I must admit, I have never met someone so invested and dedicated to work like Ethan. If his body seeks for some rest, I guess it's time for it then."

"Anyways, before you also end up passing out from exhaustion. You should take this relaxing tea. I made dinner." Nina said, handing a cup of warm tea to Ariel.

Ariel cooed, throwing her a kiss. "You are a darling, Nina. Thank you so much."

"Yeah." She responded absentmindedly, taking a seat opposite her.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" Ariel asked, raising a brow. Knowing her friend very well, she could tell something was bothering her.

Nina inhaled, "I don't know how to put this to you, Ariel. And I don't want you to feel bad about it, but I guess it's time we both start getting serious with our lives."

"What do you mean by getting serious? We both have a good job and everything seems fine."

"Except our relationships." She added with a blank face.

Ariel chuckled, "where is all of this coming from, Nina? I thought you enjoy having flings and taking your time?"

"Yes, probably a few months back. But my perception about things like that has changed since I met Leo." Nina explained.

Sitting up, "so? You practically just met Leo a month ago."

"Which makes it amazing, it's been only four weeks but I feel like he is the one for me. And I will take a leap with him and I expect you to do the same by giving someone a chance in your life, Ariel."

"Hold your breath. How did this switch from you to me all of a sudden?"

"I will be moving in with Leo. This would enable the both of us to get to know each other better. This might be it for me, Ariel. I might be Mrs. In the next three months."

Ariel stared in disbelief, she doubted if Nina was in her right frame of mind. Nina has never been so eager to be so close to any guy before. They have known each other since middle school, and this was the first time her friend would mention a man and Ariel knows nothing about him.

"What is it with this Leo guy that has you so worked up? And why haven't I met him yet?"

"I have shown you his picture several times, you never seem to pay attention. And you know what?" She looks excited, moving closer to Ariel. "He has a good looking friend, who would be a really good match for you."

"I'm not interested."

"I promise you, Ariel. This guy would catch your interest." She insisted

Brushing her aside, Ariel stood up walking to the kitchen to drop her cup. Nina knows just how much she hates talking about men. Her experience with her first love when she was sixteen had scarred her for life. She had foolishly fallen for one of the most popular boys in school then. Ariel wasn't exactly a nerd, but she wasn't really popular. Which was why she was surprised when Kayden suddenly took an interest in her and didn't stop at his approach until she agreed to be his girlfriend.

Fortunately and unfortunately for her, Ariel found out Kayden had made a bet with his team to deflower at least five different girls in their class, which she happens to be one of them. Calls it a reward to himself for being an extremely good looking guy. There was a popular tag given to any male senior that had the highest list of girlfriends and also got them to sleep with him. They were always regarded as the bad boys. The boys in her set then fought to get to that position.

Ariel swore to herself to never let herself get swayed by any man, and it's been the only reason she still remains a virgin even though she is thirty years of age.

Turning on the faucet, Ariel washed her hand drying it on a napkin. "I have told you several times, Nina. I'm not interested in being In a relationship and I mean it."

"Until when do you intend to keep this celibate and loveless life of yours? Don't you think it's time you tone down the excess work you do and find a man? You need someone to care for you and pour their love into you." Nina raised her voice. "Whatever happened to you was fourteen years ago! Why are you acting like a child? Kayden himself is married with two kids now. Do you intend to continue this way?"

"It's none of your business how my life turns out. It's obvious you have fallen in love, good for you. Let me know when you intend to leave. Good night!" Ariel bellowed, storming off to her room.

"Ariel! You haven't even had dinner." Nina called out to her. No response came, blaming herself for saying too much. Leaning into the couch, she curled up into herself. Reconsidering her decision.