Chapter One The promotion
Diane was on the phone with Daisy, her best friend, on an early Monday morning as she prepared for work.
"Diane, that foundation is a little too much," Daisy teased through the speaker. "You look like my grandma! So my best friend hasn't rested properly for two years now? That's awful!"
Diane just laughed softly and continued doing her makeup.
A few minutes later, her phone buzzed. An email. She glanced at the screen and sighed. "Daisy, I just got an email from the company. I wanna check it, okay? I'll call you back. Give me a sec."
"Okay, baby girl, I got you," Daisy said playfully. "I'll be waiting. Don't bail on me."
"No, I won't, sweetheart. Promise."
Diane ended the call and opened the email.
Subject: Your Promotion New Assignment Begins Today
From: HR Department, De Leon Company
To: Ms. Diane Rivera
Dear Ms. Rivera,
We are pleased to inform you that, effective immediately, you have been promoted to the position of Executive Secretary at De Leon Company.
You are to report directly to Mr. Xavier Leonardo Quinn, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, beginning Monday at 8:00 a.m. sharp.
Your professionalism and commitment over the past two years have not gone unnoticed, and we are confident that your skills will greatly support Mr. Quinn as he assumes his new leadership role.
Please confirm your acceptance of this new position by replying to this email.
Congratulations once again, Ms. Rivera. We look forward to your continued success with De Leon Company.
Warm regards,
Angela Hart
Human Resources Director
De Leon Company
"Oh my God," Diane gasped. "I've been promoted! After two years, I've finally been promoted!"
But then her smile faded as her eyes caught the CEO's name.
"Wait... Xavier?" She froze. "No freaking way! I'm gonna be Xavier's secretary? No way. No fucking way. I can't do this!"
Her mind spun. "Xavier, of all people! Why him? Why now?"
Almost immediately, her phone rang again. Daisy.
"You naughty girl, you bailed on me!" Daisy laughed. But her voice softened when she noticed Diane's tone. "Hey… what's wrong? You look gloomy. Didn't you say you got an email from the company? What did it say? Talk to me, Diane."
"I got promoted," Diane said quietly. "To a secretary position."
"Okay, so you're supposed to be happy, not sad."
"Daisy… Xavier is now the CEO."
"Who's Xavier?"
"Come on, Daisy. You know Xavier."
"No, I don't."
"You do."
"I don't!"
Diane groaned. "Okay, let me explain. De Xavier Leonardo."
Daisy gasped. "WHAT! You must be joking, right? So all this time, you've been working for De Leon Company and you never told me?"
"I thought you knew!"
"You thought I knew? And you never asked me? Girl, must I drag everything out of you first? I'm starting to doubt if you're still my bestie."
"Okay, I'm sorry, okay?" Diane sighed.
Daisy huffed, then laughed. "So you mean Xavier, the most dangerous playboy in all of New York City? Are you for real?"
"Yes, I am."
"But why are you so scared of him? I mean, if he doesn't make advances, you'll be fine. Why stress yourself this much?"
"Daisy, don't you remember Xavier?"
"No, I don't."
"Okay, let me remind you. Remember that senior I used to like back in high school?"
"What about him?"
"Don't you remember his name?"
Daisy's voice shot up. "Wait, oh my God! That was De Xavier! Ha! He made your life a living hell in school! So you're going to meet your crush from fifteen years ago?"
"This isn't funny, Daisy. It's disastrous!"
"Girl, don't tell me you're planning to resign. You worked hard for this! Don't give up because of some arrogant guy who isn't as important as he thinks he is. Come on, get ready for work, and wear that red dress I got you. You need it, trust me."
Diane chuckled weakly. "You really think I can pull that off?"
"Absolutely. Hold your head high and be confident. Don't let that motherfucker ruin your promotion day. And, baby girl, I want every detail later, every single thing that happens, okay?"
"Okay, okay," Diane said with a small smile. "Thank you, Daisy. I really appreciate it. Will you be coming home today?"
"Yes, I will. Promise. Bye-bye, take care of yourself!"
"Okay, bye."
Later Xavier's Office
Xavier was on the phone with his best friend, Max.
"Can you imagine, Dad?" Xavier groaned.
"What did he do this time?" Max asked.
"He appointed me as the new CEO without my permission! And now he's going on a two-year trip. He said I should handle the company until he gets back. Why would he do this to me? You know how I love my freedom."
"Yeah, I know, man," Max chuckled. "But think about it, there'll be plenty of beautiful women at the company. You can keep your lifestyle going. Besides, you're the hottest, most eligible bachelor in New York City. You'll get whatever you want. Don't stress it. Just go to work and call me whenever you need me."
Xavier smirked. "Thanks, bro. I got you."
At the Company
All the staff gathered in the lobby to welcome their new CEO. The room buzzed with excitement.
The ladies whispered among themselves.
"Wow, is that Xavier Quinn?"
"He looks even more handsome in person than in those magazines!"
"I love him already, he's so hot!"
"Oh my God, I think he looked at me!"
"I just got wet…"
But one woman stood motionless Diane Rivera.
Her biggest enemy had returned.
She froze, trying to keep her face neutral, but her chest tightened. How could she act like she didn't know him? The memories from high school came rushing back — the humiliation, the laughter, the bullying that followed. She could never forget. Not now. Not ever.
Xavier basked in the attention, flashing his usual confident grin. But then his gaze fell on her the one woman who didn't flinch, didn't swoon, didn't even smile.
She stood there calm, composed, beautiful untouched by his charm.
And something about that... hurt.
"Wait," he muttered under his breath. "That face... looks familiar."