Controlling Billionaire & His Resigned Secretary

Dakota Lennix

I ran towards the bus stop with my 7 cm high heels, 2 duffel bags and 2 cups of latte. My heart dropped when the bus just left and I looked around to see an empty taxi because I only have 18 minutes left before the devil himself leaves the office to go to a meeting.

Shit.

The office is 12 blocks away and it will take me around 20 minutes to arrive there if I'm running my ass there. But I can't run again, this 2 bags are so heavy and I bet I will spill the latte everywhere. I gulped nervously and looked for an empty taxi. I tried to wave my hand trying to get a taxi.

"You! Brunette with 2 duffel bags! Hop in!" I turned to see a taxi driver waving at me. I quickly ran towards him and got inside.

"Denver office please.. 6 blocks away.. please.. be fast.. or my boss will kill me." I said completely knocked out.

"Roger that!" The taxi driver said as he stepped on the gas. I checked my phone right away to see if the devil needs anything else. I smiled when I saw there's no message from him.

I turned my head to the driver and saw his name on the dashboard. His name is Eddy Brown and I think he's in his 40s. I took a really deep breath and let it out slowly.

"You know.. I'm completely surprised to see a skinny girl like you carrying 2 big duffel bags." He said as he glanced at me through the mirror. I chuckled sadly and sighed.

"People always said that and I think that's why my boss hired me." I said as I turned my head to the window.

"I'm Eddy by the way." He said in a really friendly tone. I turned to him and smiled.

"I'm Dakota and thank you for calling me earlier." I said chuckling.

"Your welcome and here you go." He said as he pulled up right in front of my office building. I gave him 20 dollars and got out from the taxi real quick.

"Dakota, here's the change!" I heard Eddy calling me and I turned to him kneeling a little bit. I smiled at him and said, "Keep it.. you saved me today and I hope you have a great day, Eddy." I said as I waved at him.

"Thankyou and you too!" He said and I nodded. I checked my watch and I ran inside the building quickly. I gestured everyone in front of me to get out of my way. I felt like I'm Moses from the bible.. you know when God asked him to split the sea. I'm splitting people out of my way.

I have 3 minutes left and I pressed the lift button as quickly as possible hoping that it will come faster. I gulped nervously looking at all 6 lifts, waiting for one of them to open their freaking door.

Come on come on..

Ding.

I ran towards the lift on my right and got inside quickly. I pressed the number 20 because that's where the devil's lair at. I gulped nervously and glared at people who were going to press the button outside. The lift door closed and it's going up. I kept looking at my watch nervously and then I looked at the numbers anxiously too.

Come on.. oh come on!

When the number stopped at 20, I couldn't help but smile widely. I ran towards the devil's office and knocked twice before going inside. He's currently on the phone and he gestured me to come inside. I walked in and closed the door slowly. I put the 2 big duffel bags beside his desk and put the 2 cups of lattes on his desk.

He always drinks 2 cups of latte everyday at 2 p.m and yes he's that weird. He loves his coffee after lunch and he loves his coffee from Starbucks. I stood there waiting for him to give me another task but he suddenly pointed at the glass window. I quickly took the remote and turned the blinds on.

He took his latte sipping it as he talked on the phone. He gestured me to sit down and I took out my notes quickly because I bet he's going to make me do a lot of things after this. He ended the call and he sat down on his chair.

"Cancel all of my schedules until Saturday, I'm going to Vancouver." He said and my eyes widen.

Oh shit! Oh no..

"What's your plan in Vancouver, Mr. Denver?" I asked him as I fixed my glasses because it's slowly slipping down. I started to cross his schedules from tomorrow until Saturday.

"Just book a ticket for me and you're not coming." He said in his usual cold tone. I smiled secretly inside my heart because it means I have 4 days of holiday. I don't have to serve the devil for 4 days and that's a really good news.

"Yes, Mr. Denver. Should I book an early flight or?" I asked as I took out my iPad from my bag.

"The earliest flight tomorrow and the last flight on Saturday." He said as he's pointing his pen at me. I wrote it in my journal and then I turned my head to him again.

"Do you need anything else?" I asked and he's currently sipping his coffee.

"You're in charge of checking the construction when I'm gone." He said and that made me look at him in horror.

"Isn't that Bob's job?" I asked in a really careful tone.

"I just fired him. He brought 2 girls into his office and had sex when he's supposed to give me an update." My boss said as he looked at his computer screen. I looked down sadly because I thought I was going to have a 4 days holiday but.. he ended up giving me more work.

"Is that all, Mr. Denver?" I asked as I started to put my things inside my bag.

"Send me the tickets and you know what to do right?" He asked.

"Yes." I said as I turned to him. He gestured me to go out right away. I got up from my seat and walked out of his office. I walked towards my office and threw myself to the sofa.

Suddenly my phone rang and I quickly took it out of my bag. When I saw the name on my phone screen, I immediately pressed the red button. My phone rang again still.. the same name shows up.

"What do you want?" I hissed as I decided to answer the call. I put the call on the loud speaker because I don't have the damn energy to hold my phone to my ear.

"What?!"

"Grandpa is dying.." My dad said and I rolled my eyes.

"You can't fool me this time, dad." I said in a cold tone.

"I swear I'm not kidding this time." He said in a really serious tone.

"I'm busy.. so stop joking ar" My dad turned on the camera and my eyes widen to see my Grandpa at the hospital.

"I'm not lying."

"Fine.. I'll be there." I hissed and I ended the call. I quickly got up from my sofa and sat on my work chair. I started to cancel all Mr. Denver's schedule by calling everyone that's involve in that schedule. I started to book him a ticket to Vancouver and a ticket for myself to LA.

After finish rescheduling, I walked towards my boss' office. I knocked and then walked inside.

"Mr. Denver, I think I have to go to LA tomorrow morning." I said and he looked up to me.

"Why is that?" He asked.

"My grandfather is dying, my dad just called me earlier informing that I have to go home." I said.

"Go.. you have 2 days and ask Cindy to replace you."

"Her name is Cynthia." I corrected him and he turned to me gesturing me to go. I gave him the place ticket details and then he gestured to go out immediately. I walked back to my office and work again.

Dakota Lennix

I put Mr. Denver's luggage to the back of the car and opened the door for him to get inside. After he got inside the car, I ran to the other side and got in. The driver, Julio, drove away from Mr. Denver's mansion right away.

"You have 2 days, Dakota." He said reminding me again that I should go back to New York again to check on the construction.

"Yes, Mr. Denver." I answered right away.

"I think this is your 4th time saying that your grandfather is dying. Is this some kind of joke?" He asked completely annoyed. I understand that he's mad hearing it again and again but I never lie to him, I mean.. lie to him.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Denver, but this time he's in the hospital with machines attached to him. I think this time his condition is getting worse and worse." I said and he sighed.

"If I found out that you're lying, you will be fired." He said coldly and I gulped nervously. I don't want to lose this job, I love this job. I love being a secretary even though my boss is.. cray cray but I can manage him now.

"Yes, Mr. Denver." I said.

Let me tell you a little bit about my boss. His name is Kyle Denver and he's a workaholic. He's 30 years old and sinfully handsome. Don't be fooled by his appearance, he's a devil inside a human body so don't get your hopes up because he's not your type of man to begin with. Sometimes he dates women or maybe sleeps with them but nothing serious.

I heard from the previous secretary, he's been working nonstop for 9 years. I mean.. I cried on my first week working here. He's crazy. He likes to make all his employees work on weekends and big holidays. He made me work on Christmas and he didn't give a shit that I have friends that wants me to have dinner together.

I've been working with him for 5 years. I know everything about him that sometimes I think he's my boyfriend. I mean I don't even have time to date and I'm always stick to him almost everyday for 24/7. Cray cray right?

When we arrived at the airport, the employees from the aircraft were already waiting for him. Tommy stopped his car and I quickly got out of the car. I opened the trunk and took out his luggage. One of the employees took his luggage from me and he smiled.

"Have a safe flight, Mr. Denver." I said smiling sweetly and he just ignored me. He walked with the aircraft employees inside the airport. I opened the trunk again and took out my own luggage.

I turned to Julio and bid my goodbyes to him. I walked into the airport and started to line up to check in. After successfully checking in and going through security.. I walked towards my gate. I sat down on one of the empty seats when suddenly my phone rang. I picked it up right away knowing that it's my lil' brother.

"Hey."

"Are you on your way here?" He asked and I sighed.

"Yeah, is he really dying?" I asked and my brother sighed.

"I asked the doctor yesterday and yeah.. grandpa's condition is not good. His heart is getting weaker and weaker everyday."

"I only have time until tomorrow so.. I ca"

"He said he's going to announce something important for the both of us."

"I bet it's the same old thing." I said as I took out my chocolate bar.

"You know it's not going to work." He said, completely pissed.

"Don't worry, just focus on your study. I'll be the one who will find a way out." I said as I ran my hand through my hair.

"I think you've done enough already."

"Let's just hear him first and then we'll talk about it again."

"Okay, I'll see you later." I ended the call and ate my chocolate bar savagely. I took a really deep breath and let it out slowly. Once I arrive in LA, everything will turn into a shit show.

When I heard that we could board the plane, I got up from my seat and walked towards the gate. They checked my ticket and let me inside. I got into the airplane and sat on my seat. I buckled up my seatbelt and decided to sleep because I've been sleeping for 3 hours everyday lately so I need to recharge myself first.

I fell asleep for the whole 6 hours flight and didn't even wake up once. The air stewardess had to wake me up too. I got up and found all of the passengers already left. I apologized to the air stewardess and walked out. I waited for my luggage and walked out from the airport.

"Ms. Ashton." I turned to see 3 bodyguards walking towards me and I looked at them bored.

"Can you not call me that?" I was completely pissed. I bet my dad set this up.

"Sorry, Ms. Lennix." One of them said and they took my bag and my luggage. They led me to the car and opened the door for me. I got inside and the two guards immediately sat down beside me sandwiching me.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"Straight to the hospital." The driver said and I sighed. I gestured to them to go. I took out my phone and decided to call my brother again.

"Where are you?"

"Hospital. We're waiting for you." He said.

"Okay." I ended the call. I closed my eyes and started to calm my shit down. Everytime I'm back in LA, something will happen and I don't know whether it's going to be a good thing or a bad thing. I'm not ready for this and I just wish my boss would suddenly call me so I can just get out of here.

LA, please be nice.

Dakota Lennix

I walked into the hospital with 3 bodyguards behind me and everyone's eyes were on me. I hate that feeling but now all I want to do is to check on my grandpa. They led me to the VVIP room and I found my brother sitting outside.

"Cameron!" I called him and he turned to me. He got up from his seat and smiled. He gave me a big hug and we both looked at each other before we decided to walk inside. He opened the door for me letting me go inside first.

I saw my grandpa laying on the hospital bed completely pale and my heart broke. I thought he's joking but it's true. I walked to him right away and he smiled when he saw me.

"Catherina.. I was waiting for you." He said and I held his hand tightly. I bursted crying right away and he patted my hand.

"There there.. I'm still alive." He said and I glared at him.

"Can you stop joking.. you're in this.. condition!" I was completely pissed. He chuckled weakly and I hugged him.

"You'll get better soon, I believe that.." I said and he shook his head.

"I won't get better, the doctor said that I only have 34 months left." He said and my eyes widened. I turned to my parents and my brother.. they all nodded their heads and I looked at them disbelief.

"That's nonsense! I will talk to that doctor and"

"Catherine.. no.. please." My grandpa said and I kept crying and crying.

"Stop crying please.." He said as he caressed my head. I cried a lot and he patted my hand until I started to calm down.

"Catherine, you have to listen to me.."

"What? Listen to what?" I asked as I wiped my tears. My brother gave me a box of tissues.

"Before I die.. I wanna see you get married." He said and I turned to him disbelief. It was like he's joking again.

"What?"

"I.. I.. when I was young, I made a promise to my dear friend, Joseph. You know him right?" He asked me and I nodded. I remember Joseph.. okay.

"He has a grandson and we made a promise to arrange marriage for the two of you." My eyes widened and I turned to my parents. They looked at me sadly and I turned my head back to my grandpa. He took a really deep breath with the help of the oxygen mask and he held my hand tightly.

"His name is.. Jacob Williams." My grandpa said and I sighed.

"Grandpa, I'm busy working.. I don't want to get married now. I still have my career and things that I want to achieve." I said because I hate the idea of arranged marriage. Besides I don't even know who Jacob William is. What if he's a psycho? Ugh!

"Catherine, I want you to get married and take over Ashton company."

"Grandpa, we have dad now. You don't have to worry."

"But I need to assure you that you will take over the company. I know that you will keep avoiding this topic!" He said in an angry tone.

"Grandpa, you don't understand. I love my job now and I don't want to get married to the guy that I don't know and besides.. I don't think I can love or like someone that you're setting me up with." I said seriously and he sighed. He suddenly started to breath weirdly.. My dad quickly called the doctor and my brother dragged me out from the room.

I kept crying and crying seeing my grandpa like this. My brother hugged me tightly trying to calm me down when doctors and nurses rushed over to my grandpa's room.

"Cameron! What should I do?" I cried and cried in his arms.

"I'll just give up.. I'll let"

"No! You're not giving your dreams, Cammy!" I bursted angrily at him. He looked at me sadly.

"I don't want you to get married to someone that you don't even know either. I mean.. grandpa is crazy! Arrange marriage? It's 21st century for godsakes!" Cameron said and he hugged me again.

"Catherine, we need to talk." I turned to see my dad looking at me seriously. I nodded lightly and he gestured me to follow him.

He brought me to the rooftop of that hospital and we stood side by side. The wind was blowing making my eyes dry right away. I turned to my dad wanting to say something but he gestured me to shut my mouth.

"I think it's time for you to come back and take your place." He said and I crossed my arms in front of my chest. I closed my eyes feeling the wind hitting my face.

"Until when will you be a secretary? You're supposed to be the boss not a secretary!" He bursted angrily.

"I want to achieve something on my own, dad! I want to learn to stand on my own feet!" I answered him with a little bit of anger in it.

"5 years is enough, Cathy! You still want to stay in New York after seeing your grandpa like this? You rarely come home and check on him! Imagine how sad he is!" He bursted angrily again.

"You're going to resign and meet your future husband.."

"I'm not going to get married." I hissed coldly.

"If you don't, then come back and claim your throne. It's you or Cameron.. you two decide." He said and he left me alone. I closed my eyes and there's a lot of things going on in my mind right now.

I love my job back in New York and I can't believe that I have to leave all of that behind. I can't believe this! I ran my hands through my hair, frustrated.

"Catherine." I turned my head and my mom already opened her arms. I cried again and hugged her tightly.

"Mom.. what should I do?"

"I can't decide it for you, honey. You have to make the decisions." She said as she patted my back.

"I love my job back in New York!"

"I know.. but.. you know your grandpa won't get any better so.. I suggest you to come home." She said.

Kyle Denver

I got off the car and Dakota greeted me right away. She gave me my iPad for me to see her reports about the construction site. She started to tell me my schedule for the whole day and we both entered the lift together.

"Set me up a meeting with John Travis tomorrow, tell him that we need to talk." I said to Dakota and she's writing it all down.

"What should I get you for lunch, Mr. Denver?" She asked as we walked out from the lift going towards my office.

"Buy me my favorite steak and don't forget extra mashed potatoes." I said as I entered my office. She followed me towards my desk and my eyes landed on a resignation letter on my desk.

"Anything else, Mr. Denver?" Dakota asked and I picked up the resignation letter. I turned to her and she gulped nervously.

"Who is this from?" I asked as I opened the envelope.

"It's my resignation letter, Mr. Denver." She said and I started to read the letter. I read it fast and my eyes turned back to her.

"Sit down." I said gesturing her to sit on the chair in front of my desk.

"Are you expecting me to let you go tomorrow? Are you crazy?" I asked as I threw the paper in front of her. She looked down, avoiding my eye contact.

"What's your reason?" I asked as I supported my head with my hand. I looked at her waiting for her answer.

"Dakota! What is your reason? Or else.. you can't resign."

"I have to move back to LA, my grandpa is really sick. I want to be on his side." She said.

"How much time do you need?" I asked and she looked up to me. She looked confuse and I sat up straight.

"What do you mean, Mr. Denver?"

"How much time do you need to stay on your grandpa's side? 1 month? 2 weeks? 3 weeks? Give me a time frame." I said and she shook her head.

"I will be moving to LA permanently and I won't go back to New York." She answered and I looked at her suspiciously.

"You can't just leave tomorrow! I have to find your replacement and you need to teach her everyth"

"Edna will be my replacement." She cut me and I looked at her disbelief.

"I'm the boss here!" I smacked the table and she jumped a little bit. She looked at me a little bit scared and I leaned my body closer to her.

"You can quit next month.. after you teach"

"I can't, Mr. Denver. I can't quit next month.. I have to go back to LA tomorrow." She said in a panic tone. I looked at her confused and a little bit suspicious.

"Did you commit crime or something?" I asked and she shook her head and hands in front of me.

"No.. no.. I'm getting married." She said out of nowhere and that made me a little surprised. I'm sure that she never dates anyone because she spends her time with me all the time. She's a secretary and I've never seen her dating or even going out with a guy.

"Married?"

"Did you get a cat call?" I asked and she looked at me disbelief. Her jaw dropped and she looked at me completely confused.

"Did you meet this person on Tinder? Did he ask you to go to LA and marry him? Is he rich? Are you a gold digger?" I asked and she looked at me like she wanted to slap my face.

"Mr. Denver, I might be a secretary but I'm not that low." She said in a cold tone. That was the first time in 9 years that I've heard my secretary giving me a cold tone and murderous look.

"Then why are you suddenly going to get married?" I asked.

"It's a long story and it's my privacy, Mr. Denver. I was hoping that you can understand it. I don't have any other choice, Mr. Denver, and I'm sorry. I know I should be more responsible for this but the situation that I'm in is.. not good." She said as she looked at me in the eyes. I took my cup of latte and sipped it slowly.

"So your grandpa isn't really sick? You're going to LA, just to get married?" I asked and she sighed.

"My grandpa is arranged marrying me, it's his last wish." She said and I looked at her.. speechless.

"This is the 21st century.. arrange marriage? You've got to be kidding me!" I laughed and she looked at me seriously.

"Do you need anything else, Mr. Denver?" She asked as she got up from her seat.

"No." I gestured her to get out and she walked out from my office. I took her resignation letter and turned my chair towards the window. I read the resignation letter again and again but.. somehow it's strange.

Why did her grandpa wanted to her to get an arranged marriage? Is it just because he's dying and he wants to see her happy first? Weird. I crushed the paper and threw it to the trash bin.

Let her resign besides there's a thousand secretary out there wanting a job and they will be better than Dakota anyway. I turned my chair back towards my desk and I started to continue to work.

As I'm working, I love to stretch my body a little. My eyes landed on Dakota who is on her phone walking around in her office room. She was talking to someone and it's like she's scolding the other person. She ended up throwing her phone to the ground completely pissed. She plopped her body to the sofa inside her office.

What exactly is wrong with her?

Dakota Lennix

I looked at my daily journal that I put into my box sadly and I looked around my office that's completely empty now. I brought my last box out and closed the door. I felt so heavy leaving this place and I don't know how I feel either. I walked towards my boss' office and knocked on his door two times. I put down the box and walked inside.

Mr. Denver was currently busy reading some files and when he saw me entering. He gestured me to sit down on the chair in front of his desk.

"I'm disappointed, Dakota. I can't believe you suddenly just throw all your responsibilities like this." He said as he turned to me.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Denver. It's something that I can't control. I have to go back to LA as soon as possible because I don't want to risk anything." I said seriously and he started to look at me coldly.

"You know that I'm depending on you for my work all the time and I just want to say that we don't end it in a really good terms, Dakota."

"I'm really sorry, Mr. Denver. If I can stay, I will stay but I can't. It's a really emergency situation and I can't avoid it." I said and he sighed.

"When will you go back to LA?" He asked.

"Tonight, Mr. Denver. I really need to leave New York as soon as possible." I said and he nodded. He suddenly opened his drawer and he gave an envelope to me. I looked at him confused and he gestured me to open it.

"You worked for me for 5 years and I think you deserve it." He said and my eyes widen when I saw a check inside the envelope.

"Mr. Denver, I think it's too much. I already received my salary earlier." I said and he shook his head.

"You said your grandpa is sick so.. I just want to help and you earned that." He said genuinely and I smiled.

"Thankyou, Mr. Denver." I said and he nodded gesturing me to go.

"Thankyou so much once again, Mr. Denver." I said as I stood up. I walked out from his office and looked down to my box that's sitting waiting for me. I put the check into the box completely not planning to take it because I don't need to take his money when my family has a lot of it and I don't want to take that as a chance for me to just take his money.

I took out my phone and called Eric, my bodyguard slash personal assistant that my dad sent me. I asked him to bring the car to the lobby because we're leaving for LA now. When I picked up the box, suddenly Mr. Denver came out. He was surprised that I'm still here.

"Why are you still here?"

"Do you need anything?" I asked.

"Coffee." He said and I put down my box planning to go to make him coffee but Mr. Denver held my wrist preventing me to go.

"Let me do it myself, just go." He said and I turned to him. I smiled and I gave him a hug. I felt his body tense up and I quickly released the hug.

"I'm sorry, I just.. I love this job and the idea of quitting still.. I'm sorry and thankyou once again, Mr. Denver." I said nervously. I quickly took my box and ran away to the lift. I pressed the button and walked inside. I pressed the L button and closed the door real quick.

I let out a deep breath and I sighed big time. My phone rang and I took it out from my pocket. It's Cameron and I quickly answered the phone.

"Hey." I said as I held the phone with my shoulder. I picked up the box and walked out from the lift. Eric saw me and he immediately helped.

"You're coming to LA tonight?" He asked.

"Yeah, why?"

"Just asking, I never thought you will end up things in New York this quick." He said and I sighed. Eric opened the door for me and I got inside.

"Yeah but it's better to go back faster. I don't want to mess this up, I have to take over quickly." I said and I told Eric to stop by at McDonalds to buy dinner before going to the airport.

"Yeah I understand but you know that grandpa is going to arrange marriage you right? I heard that that guy will come to LA tomorrow." He said and I closed my eyes sighing big time.

"I hate this idea so much. It doesn't make any sense."

"I know but I guess you will see that guy tomorrow." He said.

"I don't have any other choice."

"Catherine, if you don't want to do this, it's okay." He said and I found myself shaking my head even though he can't see it.

"No, just do your own thing.. it's not that I don't want it. I just don't want to have that title now. It's not that I want to have fun or I want to stay in New York working under someone but.. you know why."

"Yeah, I understand. It's been 5 years"

"I know, that's why I've decided to go home now. It's time.. but this idea of arrange marriage sucks." I said.

"Yeah.. I know but I suggest you should see the guy first. I bet he's not that bad."

"Yeah, I'll try. I'll see you later on." I said.

"Okay, see you." I ended the call and put my phone back into my bag. I looked outside the window and I took one last look at the times square.

"It's time.. You're back to Catherine Ashton now, you're no longer Dakota Lennix." I said to myself.

"Ms. Ashton, I got a call from your grandfather that you're going to Las Vegas instead of Los Angeles. He said he wants you to meet someone there before going back to LA the next day." Eric said and I sighed.

"Okay, tell him that I will go to there." I said and he talked to someone with his ear piece again.

"Great.. just great."

Catherine Ashton

I looked at myself in the mirror, I let out a little smile. At last, the real Catherine Ashton is here. I'm not Dakota Lennix anymore and the hiding is over now. I'm back with my blonde hair, my own fashion style and just be Catherine. I'm glad that I decided to come back even though I loved my work back in New York.

I looked at my watch and I quickly walked out the hotel room to go downstairs having dinner with a man named Jacob Williams that my grandpa wanted me to meet. Instead of meeting in LA, he has work in Vegas so he said he wanted to see me.

I walked into the restaurant and the waitress asked for my name. I told her my name and she led to a private room. I opened the door and yes, there's a man my age already waiting for me. He stood up and smiled at me when I entered the room. He was around 6' 1'', dark brown hair that was slicked back, blue eyes, thin beard and he's quite handsome.

"Hello, you must be Catherine Ashton. I'm Jacob Williams and I'm sorry for making you meet me here." He said as he walked to me putting his hand in front of me. I shook it and he pulled my chair and let me sit down first. I smiled awkwardly and he sat on his seat.

"So.. uhm.. Nice to meet you, I'm Catherine." I said introducing myself and he smiled.

"Do you want to order first?" He asked and I nodded. He pressed the button and a waiter came inside. I looked at the menu and decided to order a steak and Jacob ordered fish and chips. The waiter walked out and I turned to Jacob again.

"So.. I heard that you've been working in New York this entire time?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm working under someone. How about you? I've never heard about you.. I know that sounds rude but.."

"I'm from Toronto, my company based in Toronto and it's okay. No hard feelings for not knowing it." He chuckled and I felt a little comfortable with this man.

"I guess you heard about arranged marriage huh?" He asked and I can't help but nod my head.

"Yeah." I said awkwardly.

"We can back out if we want, don't you want that?" He asked and I nodded lightly.

"It's the 21st century and the idea of arranged marriage is just weird.." I said as I took my glass of water.

"Yeah but I suppose we can get to know each other more and time can decide." He smiled and I drank my water.

"Well.. maybe." I said smiling back.

"You're taking over Ashton now?"

"Yeah, it's time to take over after 5 years trying to be independent. How about you?" I said nodding.

"Well.. me too. After enjoying my bachelor life, I think it's time to settle down."

"So you're planning to get married?" I asked raising my eyebrows.

"Maybe, if I found someone.."

"About this arranged marriage, do you want it?" I asked carefully.

"Honestly, I was doubting it because I didn't know you but now.. I want to know more about you. I mean.. I won't agree to it if you don't want it, I won't force you." He answered and that got me thinking. Should I try this or should I just back off? He seems like a really nice guy.

"I don't know. I never have really good luck in love.." I said completely I don't know how to deal with this.

"Every week I will come to LA to visit you so we can get to know each other more. Let's just let fate let us, I don't want to force it either." He said and I nodded.

"Sure.." I said and at the same time our food came. We talked more about our lives and I found out that he's the only child of the family, he went to Stanford University and he's more of a dog person. He's really nice and he's better than I thought he would be.

I was expecting an asshole but he's far for that. He was polite, well mannered and just so nice. Talking to him was not boring but not that fun, there's a flow to it but it's okay. After the lunch, we have to go to our seperate ways but he promised me that he will come to LA next week to visit me again.

After that, I walked to the lift to go up to my room and at the same time.. my grandpa called me.

"So how was it?" I can't believe he asked about it right away.

"It was okay.."

"Really?"

"He said he will come to LA next week to visit me." I said and I can hear my grandpa just laughing.

"I'm so happy for this, I don't know why." He said and I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah.. you're happy trying to play matchmaker for my love life." I hissed coldly.

"Oh come on, Cathy. He's not that bad right?"

"I hate you."

"Oh.. Joseph actually invited me this morning to Toronto in 3 days. How about you come with me there because they're having a charity event? I mean you can surprise Jacob there."

"Uhmm I don't want to." I said completely not keen to going to a charity event uninvited.

"He didn't mention about the charity event to me earlier so I don't think it's a good idea to just go."

"Catherine, his grandfather is my best friend. You don't need to feel uncomfortable."

"Besides.. you're sick and I won't let you go to Toronto." I said.

"I need to enjoy my life, Catherine. You are going with me to Toronto in 2 days, no more complaining." He said and I sighed.

"I hate you."

"Oh you'll love me." I can tell that he's smirking big time behind that phone.

Catherine Ashton

First day of work.

My grandpa got me a secretary that will be helping with all my works just like my old occupation. He introduced me to her and her name is Tiffany Brooks. She told me that I can call her Tiff.

She led me to my office and told me a lot of things about the company that I should know. She's been working with my company for 3 years and that's why my grandpa decided to assign her for me.

I looked around the company to get to know everyone who's working with me and get to know the meeting rooms and etc. I'm a little nervous though but I think I can do it. I need to continue my family's legacy and this is the only thing that I can do.

Tonight, I will be taking a flight to Toronto with my grandpa to go to the William's charity event. The charity events are for cancer patients that need help financially. They will have a brunch event and it's a garden charity event so after this I will go shopping to find a dress.

My grandpa told me that I will start officially working next week, he wanted me to get to know the office first and my role so he said he wants me to adapt to my old life first after living as a poor secretary in New York, that's what my grandfather said.

I walked towards my dad's office and knocked on his door. He told me to come in and he smiled when he saw me wearing work attire and just be here in LA. He gestured me to sit down.

"What do you want to drink?" He asked.

"Ice Americano would be nice." I said and he told his secretary, Steve, to buy us Starbucks.

"You know.. I'm happy that you're back, Catherine. It's been a long time since I've seen the original Catherine." He said as he put down his glasses and looked at me.

"Yeah, I guess me too."

"We've missed you, especially your mom. No more working in New York as a secretary, pumpkin." He said and I nodded.

"So I heard that your grandpa will take you to Toronto tonight to see the Williams again, I'm guessing you like him?" He asked in a careful tone.

"I don't know, we just met yesterday. I mean his first impression wasn't bad. It's too early to say that I like him, dad." I said.

"I'm sorry for letting your grandpa arrange this, it's out of my control."

"It's fine, I understand." I said and he smiled.

"So.. how's the office? Do you like it?" He asked excitedly.

"Yeah I love it, thanks Dad."

"What time will you leave?" He asked.

"Uhmm around 7ish, I want to stop by at the mall before that." I said and after that he started to talk about business related topics. He told me about the meeting that will be held next week and he wanted me to attend it. After that, Steve gave me my coffee and I decided to go to the mall.

Fred drove me to the mall and I told Tiff to take my luggage at my house because I don't think I have time to go back to the house to take it after shopping. I walked around the mall to find a dress for tomorrow but it's damn hard.

I walked around the mall for 3 hours and at last I found the perfect dress. I checked the time and it's the perfect time to go to the airport because my grandpa is already texting me where the hell I am now. I quickly called Fred to wait for me in the lobby.

I got into the car and he drove me to the airport. Tiff was sitting beside me asking me if I needed anything or if she wanted me to add some schedules into my agenda. She already got my luggage back at home and they dropped me at the airport.

The airline staff came to pick me up because my grandpa clearly got us a first class flight. I texted my grandpa that I'm at the airport already and he told me that he's waiting for me at the lounge.

The staff helped me check in and they led me to the lounge so I can have my dinner. I saw my grandpa and he's currently eating a mushroom soup.

"Hey grandpa." I said as I sat in front of him. The waiter gave me the menu and I looked at it.

"Where were you? Why are you late?" He asked.

"I was looking for a dress for tomorrow, I don't have a garden theme dress." I said and I turned to the waiter ordering sushi and a cheese cake.

"How's the new office? Do you like it?" He asked and I nodded.

"Yeah, I love it."

"Good."

"You know, I've been thinking.. if you're arrange me with Jacob, I should move to Toronto right? What's the pointing of me moving to"

"Catherine, I get that you're smart but me and Joseph already talked about it. The Williams have been planning to move the company to LA for years now so.. you don't have to worry about it." He said and I looked at him disbelief.

"I can't believe that you're doing this to me." I said and he chuckled.

"Oh.. you'll thank me later, Catherine."

"I don't think so.." I said confidently.

"Wow.. why is that? I mean me and your grandma were arranged at some point." He said and I shook my head.

"I don't believe that, she told me about your love story and she said nothing about arranged marriage." I said as I raised my hand to call the waiter.

"Nah.. she lied." I can't believe my grandpa said that. He loves my grandma so much that his condition went so down after she passed away.

"What if this arrangement doesn't work?" I asked and the waiter came at the same time, "Can I have wine please?" I asked the waiter.

"It will work." He said confidently and I facepalmed myself.

"You need to calm down, Catherine. Let it go with the flow.. you worried too much." He said and I sighed nodding weakly.

Catherine Ashton

I woke up early this morning to take a long bath because I really need it. I couldn't sleep last night and I just need time to relax. After taking a 40 minutes bath, I walked out of the bathroom getting ready. I dried my hair first and curled it with my curling iron. I put on my dress and started to put on my makeup.

After finishing my makeup, I put my earrings on and necklaces. I put on my white ankle strap heels and checked myself on the mirror to see how I look. I took my LV bag and wore it checking it again on the mirror. I checked the time and I still have 10 minutes left. I turned on some music and started to dance weirdly. I mean.. I bet you all do that at home or somewhere right?

After 10 minutes, I went downstairs to the lobby and waited for my grandpa. He walked towards me with his nurse and his 2 guards. We got into the car and started to drive towards the charity event.

"I can't want to see Jacob's reaction seeing you, I bet he didn't expect you to be here." He said in a really cheeky tone.

"Grandpa, I wonder why aren't you resting at home? Your body needs a lot of rest and here you are in Toronto trying to be cupid for me and Jacob." I said in complete disbelief.

"Catherine, I just want to see you happy. Is that a crime?" He asked and I shook my head. The charity event is around 15 minutes away from our hotel so it's not that far and it's not that hot today too. It's a little bit windy and it was like it's going to rain but I hope it won't.

Our chauffeur stopped at the venue and I got out first. I rushed towards my grandpa and held him. The guards and nurse walked behind us watching for him. We walked into the venue and the staff led us to our seat. There's quite a lot of people here and I don't know anyone here.

Where is Jacob?

I looked around and tried to scan the room but I see no Jacob yet. Maybe he will come in later on with his grandfather.

"Where is your friend?" I asked my grandfather.

"He will come, maybe he's late." He said and I nodded. The waiter asked for our drinks and I ordered a nonalcohol cocktail. Suddenly the charity event started, the MC came out from the backstage welcoming everyone.

He introduced the charity event rundown briefly and he invited the Williams to the stage. He asked us to give a big applause to our host today. My eyes locked on the stage and my eyes widened to see 2 men coming out from the backstage.

"Oh there he is.. Joseph and Jacob." My grandpa said as he poked me. I turned to my grandpa confused and I started to look around the crowd. I got up from my seat and walked towards the man that I have my eyes on.

He saw me and his eyes widened. He gulped nervously and he smiled awkwardly at me.

"If you're not Jacob, who are you?" I asked in a cold tone.

"Okay.. calm down. I'm Brad Reed, I'm Jacob's bestfriend. How did you know about the charity event? I mean.. how did you end up here?" He asked in a nervous tone and I can't believe this. My head turned to the two men on the stage that's currently giving speeches about the charity event.

Once I realized that this is completely not a dream or.. an illusion, my body went numb and my heartbeat started to get shorter.

The two men on the stage were Joseph William and Kyle Denver or should I say.. Jacob William. The real Jacob William was my boss and I can't believe this. I saw Joseph Williams a lot when I was working with Kyle or.. Jacob, he always comes to the office once in 2 months and they always fight every time.

I closed my eyes and let out a frustrated sigh. I turned to Brad and gave him the yougottaexplainthesituationhere look. He nodded and he gestured to me to follow him. He led me to the back for a moment.

"Well?"

"He sent me to meet you because he wasn't keen on this arrangement. That's why he asked me to see you in Vegas instead of LA because he knew your grandfather will tag along if I asked you to meet in LA. I never thought you will come to Toronto today, Catherine." He said quickly and suddenly one of my grandpa's guards came to fetch me. My grandpa wanted me back on my seat. I followed my bodyguard again and walked back towards my seat.

They finished giving the speech and now the charity event proceeded. A staff member came to my grandpa and whispered something, my grandpa got up and gestured to me to follow him. I held on to him and we walked towards the backstage.

Oh shit.. I know where this is going..

The staff led us to a room inside the small buidling behind the venue and when we opened the door, there's Joseph and Jacob sitting side by side. Jacob's eyes widen when he saw me and he blinked his eyes a few times checking if it's real or not.

"Hey Joseph!" My grandpa hugged his bestfriend tightly and the staff closed the door behind us. I turned to Kyle Denver or Jacob William and he was still in shock.

"Timmy! I need to visit LA more, I miss you!" Joseph said and they both sat down beside each other. Joseph pushed Jacob towards me and he gestured us to sit together.

"Well well well.. do you think I'm dumb Jacob?" Joseph asked his grandson savagely.

"You told me she's beautiful.. she has blonde hair.. and she was just your type.. I'm surprised that you didn't rant about meeting Catherine because she was your secretary." Joseph said and I can't believe this.

"Same goes to Catherine." My grandpa said and I sighed.

"Sending Brad to Vegas to meet Catherine and now.. we both are trapping you, Jacob, so you can't hide from this again." Joseph said and I looked at my grandpa's disbelief.

"So.. you both can introduce yourselves again." My grandpa said and I turned to Jacob or Kyle awkwardly.

"Jacob Williams." He said as he put his hand in front of me.

"Catherine Ashton."

Kyle Denver

"The wedding is in a month and Catherine will be staying here in Toronto until then. We will have the wedding here before the two of you move to LA for good." My grandpa said in a serious tone. I looked at him completely not liking the idea that he just gave us.

"We'll give you two a time to talk now." Tim Ashton said. He and my grandpa walked out the room leaving me with Catherine or should I say.. Dakota, my exsecretary. She moved to the seat in front of me and we both looked at each other completely speechless.

"I never thought we will meet again in this way, Mr. Denver." She said and I started to observe her more since she's sitting in front of me right now. She dyed her hair blonde and they way that she dressed completely different when she was my secretary. She was proper and I can see her by the way she sits down.

"So.. Can you explain what's going on here? Why are you not Dakota? You're a freaking billionaire's granddaughter, Dak Catherine!" I bursted completely not understand the situation.

"It's a long story, Mr. Denver. Long story short, I ran away from my family after graduating from Harvard and I went into your company. I was uncomfortable to have my real name because people know who Ashton is so.." She tried to explain but she was a little nervous.

"Oh God." I said, sighing.

"How about you? You're Kyle Denver or Jacob William?" She asked and I looked at her.

"I'm both, you can call me either way. You can call me Kyle or Jacob but I prefer Jacob in front of people in Toronto. Don't call me Mr. Denver, you're not my secretary anymore." I said in a cold tone because I'm still processing the situation.

"Why did you send Brad?" She asked.

"Because I don't want this arrangement!" I bursted completely frustrated because I have to agree to this arrangement or else my grandpa has another plan in his agenda.

"So what are you going to do about it?" She asked.

"Are you agreeing to this?" I asked her and she shrugged. I looked at her disbelief and I got up from my seat. I walked towards the window to calm myself down.

"We can't back out from this arrangement, Jacob. You know that." She said and I turned to her.

"We can keep it going but remember.. you're nothing, Catherine. You'll just my little decoration everywhere I go, just like when you're working with me but the difference is.. your title is my wife." I said to her in a really cold tone. She looked at me bored and she drank the glass of water in front of her slowly.

"I don't really mind. I mean you'll be working in New York and I'll be in LA so.." She shrugged and I raised my eyebrows.

"So you don't mind about the marriage thing? I thought you said that you're not liking the idea." I asked looking at her a little bit suspiciously.

"I don't but if your idea of marriage is that.. I don't mind. I mean we can get a divorce if we want to. We can end it easily because we don't have anything that will tie us together." She said and I sat down in front of her again.

"Are you sure? Don't you say that you will take love seriously? And how you don't have any luck for love?" I asked as I crossed my arms in front of my chest.

"In the end of the day, it won't work. Why are you trying so hard to make me change my mind? We can't back off from this arrangement. We will get divorce one day so.. chill." She said calmly and I leaned back to the sofa.

"Do you have a boyfriend? Ex? Or.."

"Why do you want to know that?" She asked, looking at me narrowing her eyes.

"Well.. I want to know. I don't want my image to be ruined just because you have a secret boyfriend or a crazy ex." I said and she shook her head.

"Don't worry, I was too busy in someone's office setting up schedules and running errands." She said in a sarcastic tone and I just ignored her. She got up from her seat.

"Anything else, Mr. William? Do you need your coffee? You're getting grumpy." She smiled evilly at me and I shook my head.

"Don't worry, I won't tie you down or be a crazy wife for you if that's what you're worrying about. We can buy a house together and then we can split it in half after we get divorce. I won't use any of your money too so we won't be ranting out each other when we're having our divorce. Anything else?" She smiled sweetly at me.

"No."

"Oh.. you can bring your mistress as long as you won't get caught. Don't do it in the house too.. I won't care." She said.

"Wow.. I can't believe you're so into this." I said letting out a sarcastic chuckle.

"I don't want to fight my family, my grandpa's condition is not that good so.. I rather agree to this then seeing my grandpa get sad that might shorten up his life." She said and she took her bag before walking towards the door.

"Catherine." I stopped her.

"What?"

"My grandpa is smarter than you think, he's not easy to be fooled." I said warning her.

"We can act in front of him, don't worry. I'm staying here for a month and I bet we can fool anyone for a month." She said confidently which made me a little uneasy.

"What's your plan?"

"We'll practice for it, don't worry." She said and then she walked out the room. I took a really deep breath and let it out. I'm still frustrated and still shock about the situation.

I can't believe that the girl I'm marrying is.. my own secretary.