One Night Stand With Alexander Blackwood-Chapter 43 — Forty-three

Serena’s POV

My legs found their way back to my previous office. Once I was in, I collapsed into my chair while looking up at the ceiling. I could sense the curious gazes of my colleagues but I didn’t have time to respond to them.

My whole mind was filled with one thought; I was now Alexander’s executive assistant. I had no idea what the future held, but I could say that something was about to change between us.

I suddenly sensed a shadow from above and I snapped my eyes open. It was none other than Maya whose expression was filled with worry and concern.

"Ever since you returned, you’ve had this listless expression. Is something bothering you? Did Alexander say something?" She probed, her eyes clouded with unease.

I let out a deep breath. She was still the only one who knew exactly what was wrong with me even if I didn’t speak.

"Well, Alexander just promoted me." I answered while fiddling with the helm of my dress. I still didn’t like the idea of working closely with him.

Maya, on the other hand, didn’t see anything wrong with it. Instead, she cheered, jubilating at the thought.

"That’s wonderful news!" She clapped quietly.

I gave her a pointed look. "You don’t get it, do you?" I exhaled, frustration seeping into my bones.

Seeing that my face was devoid of any excitement, she took the empty seat beside me. Her face morphed into a serious expression as she inquired. "You don’t seem excited. What could be the reason? Others would get ecstatic by the news of a promotion, but you look like you’ve been plunged into hell."

I rubbed my forehead as I thought of ways to explain it to her.

"I am your best friend. I will always understand you." She held my hands tightly. "Would you tell me what’s bothering you?"

"I was promoted to Alexander’s executive assistant. Do you know what that means?" I asked quietly while my head fell. I was exhausted... terribly exhausted.

Maya remained quiet. I didn’t need to explain it to her. She knew the gravity of Alexander’s actions..

"Did you try to talk him out of it?" She asked carefully.

I nodded. "I did. But he threatened me. I have no other option."

Maya let out a deep breath. The situation was already out of control. There was nothing we could both do about it. I could only learn to live with this new change — and probably the nasty rumors which would come with it.

Maya patted my hands, able to read my thoughts from my expression. "You will be fine." Her expression was that of pity, even though I didn’t need it.

Before I could reply her, there was another knock on the door. I looked straight, and my heart skipped a beat.

Alexander. I muttered quietly.

There he was, hands in his pockets, his eyes sweeping over every of his employees as though he was searching for someone. I knew he was. He was searching for only one person — me.

I swallowed when his eyes landed on me, and I gripped the table tightly while evading his sight.

But Alexander, he knew what he was doing. He made sure that my colleagues were aware of who he was searching for.

"Mr. Blackwood, what brings you here." The supervisor of our department rose to her feet, and strode towards him. This little action broke his attention from me, and I was relieved.

Alexander smiled. His smile was able to light up a room. But for me, I felt like that was the smile before an upcoming danger.

"I am here to make an announcement." He started, his gaze flickering over to me once again.

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat while gulping several times.

My supervisor frowned. "And what might that be, President?" She asked respectfully.

"Serena..." He pointed to me, and all attention turned towards me.

I braced myself for my colleagues’ shocked look as I took several deep steadying breaths.

"...has been promoted to Executive assistant. Seeing Serena is the same as seeing me. I’d love for you to give her the same respect you give me."

I could see my colleagues’ eyes bulging in shock. My supervisor’s expression was something to write home about. Her mouth hung open in amazement as her gaze darted between Alexander and I.

I was thoroughly embarrassed. I wished that the ground would open up and swallow me.

My supervisor snapped out of her reaction. Then — she clapped, followed by the rest of my colleagues. Though their faces were filled with shock and surprise, they still cheered.

Alexander smiled satisfactorily as though this was what he expected from them.

"Serena begins her task tomorrow. For now, I’d implore you to assist her in her smooth relocation to the top floor. If there’s nothing else, that would be all."

Alexander turned, and walked away without waiting for their reply.

After he left, my colleagues seemed to snap out of their shock. They all surrounded me as they began asking me questions.

"Serena, were you aware of this?"

"Serena, how do you feel about this?"

"Serena, was this the reason the President called you to his office?"

They all threw one question after the other causing me to feel overwhelmed.

"Enough!" Maya screamed, and they all clamped their mouths shut.

"Serena wasn’t aware of this. Hell, she’s just resuming. There’s no way she would have known about this. Now if you’d excuse us, she has to pack."

"Maya is right." My supervisor stepped in, and the rest of my colleagues made way for her.

She held my hand, patting them, while pride shone in her eyes. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"I knew you had it in you."

Contrary to my thoughts, Helen was welcoming about the idea of me being Alexander’s assistant.

"Do well. I’m proud of you. You’ve always been the best subordinate. And I am extremely ecstatic that the executive assistant is coming from this department."

My eyes watered. Ever since my mother died, this was the only person who gave me words of advice and encouragement apart from Mama and Maya.

"Thank you, Helen." I sincerely thanked her. "I won’t let you down. That’s a promise."

"I know you won’t." She chuckled, then pulled me into a hug.

While in her embrace, I became eager — eager to see what the future held for me.