Love's Evolution: A Romance between Boss and Secretary

1

Standing at the head of the conference table, I presented the overseas acquisition plan for NovaTec Group. I didn't breathe a sigh of relief until I uttered the last word.

I glanced at the man at the end of the table, Toby Graham.

His sharp features, a pair of nice-looking hands folded together, and his formal attire made him appear so dignified. When he sensed my gaze, he nodded slightly. Feeling his approval, my anxious heart finally settled.

I returned to my seat beside him, noticing the slight upward curve of his lips, indicating Toby was in an excellent mood.

Back at the company, I couldn't contain my excitement. Completing such an important project independently after a few years at NovaTec was undoubtedly thrilling.

"Elaine, your presentation today was fantastic! You've really made NovaTec proud!"

"Elaine, you're truly the best. You should treat everyone to some coffee!"

I responded enthusiastically, "Sure, everyone can order whatever they like today! It's on me!"

Amidst the cheers and congratulations from my colleagues, I returned to my office. Just as I sat down, the internal line from the president's office rang.

I quickly composed myself, my professional demeanor instantly kicking in. "Mr. Graham, what can I do for you?"

There was a brief pause on the other end. "You're treating everyone to coffee but not me?"

"Huh? "Don't you usually dislike coffee?" If it weren't for the internal line, I would have thought I had picked up the wrong call. Was this really the usually stern Toby?

A light chuckle came from the other end. "You did well today. I'm keeping my promise."

"Really?"

"Yes, let's go grocery shopping together later." With that, he hung up.

I was thrilled. When preparing this plan, Toby had promised that if I could present it flawlessly, he would personally cook a celebratory dinner for me.

I calmed myself, stood up, and stretched, gazing out at the bustling city from the floor-to-ceiling window. I knew very well that reaching this point was largely thanks to Toby. I joined NovaTec at 21, fresh out of college, and worked hard to become the president's secretary. At that time, 26-year-old Toby was already a rising star in business, while I was just a naive young girl to him.

From wearing flat shoes to mastering high heels, from being scolded by Toby and venting on social media in secret, to now having him entrust me with important tasks, we developed a mutual understanding.

I was glad that in those three years, I hadn't disappointed Toby, nor myself.

A knock on the door brought me back to reality. A cool male voice said, "Let's go."

I quickly snapped back, "Coming, Mr. Graham."

2

After buying groceries and before reaching the door, Toby's phone rang. As his secretary, I instinctively reached out to take the items from his hands, but he avoided me. "Too heavy, help me answer the phone."

"Okay!"

In my haste to answer the call, it seemed like I was groping around Toby, causing him to look slightly uncomfortable.

"You're clumsy. It's in the inner pocket."

It seemed like inappropriate physical contact occurred between him and me. I retrieved his phone, which was a WhatsApp video call from his brother, Walter Graham. When Walter saw on the screen, he exclaimed loudly.

"Hey! Isn't this Elaine? Toby often mentions you to me. Where's him?"

"Walter! Zip it!" Toby shouted. I was shocked by Walter's audacity. Joking around in private was one thing, but doing it in front of Toby made me inexplicably shy.

Just as I was about to hand the phone to Toby, he leaned over to my shoulder.

Walter, seeing Toby's poker face, immediately became serious and cleared his throat.

"Toby, where are you? I'm back in the country, why didn't you come to pick me up?"

"Just got back to the apartment, preparing to cook for her."

Walter's eyes widened at the mention of cooking, especially in Toby's apartment.

He stammered, "You and Elaine are together? Living together?"

Hearing this, I quickly replied, "No, no, it's just that today's project was successful, and Toby is rewarding me with a homemade celebratory dinner."

Walter, always quick to speak, was making it hard for us working folks.

"What? Toby cooking? I want to come too, I'll be right there!" With that, he hung up.

Feeling a bit awkward, I glanced at Toby, wondering if I should explain. But he just gave me a cold look and walked ahead.

Standing at the door for the first time, I felt a bit uneasy. It wasn't my first time here, but Toby's earlier look, based on my years of understanding him, told me he was unhappy.

But the reason was unclear. Over the years, we had developed great work chemistry, but I could never quite grasp his personal emotions.

The sleek and modern decor, standard black, white, and gray, and the shiny floors reflected Toby's cleanliness. I stood at the door, waiting for him to change his shoes and hand me shoe covers.

"Slippers are in the shoe cabinet, get them yourself." Toby said without looking back as he headed to the kitchen.

Opening the shoe cabinet, a pair of light pink cartoon lamb slippers stood out among the custom leather shoes.

Why did Toby have slippers identical to the ones in my office?

Sitting by the dining table, I watched Toby put away the groceries in the kitchen before heading to the bedroom.

Eating ice cream, I counted to 60 seconds in my mind. Sure enough, the faint sound of water came, indicating he was showering. He was indeed hygienic, showering as soon as he got home.

I switched from the chair to the sofa, playing on my phone. After a while, I heard movement and looked up, momentarily entranced.

Fresh out of the shower, Toby's hair fell softly over his forehead, unlike the slicked-back style he wore at the office. He was captivating, and I couldn't look away until he approached with an apron.

"Help me tie this." Toby said with a hint of a smile.

"Huh? Oh, okay." I felt a bit flustered at that moment.

Though Toby's good looks were well-known in our circle, and many online even suggested he should become a public figure like his brother Walter, I had been by his side for years and was still swayed by his charm.

Toby turned his back to me, and just as I was about to help tie the apron, the doorbell rang. I jogged to open the door, then returned to tie the apron without looking back.

As soon as the door opened, Walter's energetic voice filled the room.

"Toby! I'm here! I brought some goodies and a friend." With sunglasses, a mask and a cap, Walter really looked like a typical new celebrity.

While changing shoes, Walter noticed Elaine tying an apron for Toby. Out of my sight, Walter gave Toby a knowing look.

"Andrew, let me introduce you. This is my brother Toby, and the lovely lady is his secretary, Elaine."

"Toby, Elaine, this is my friend, Andrew Bradley."

Toby nodded slightly and returned to the kitchen. Walter placed the items on the coffee table, then noticed Andrew still standing at the door, staring at me.

"Andrew? Why are you just standing there staring at Elaine?"

No response came, so Walter walked over to Andrew, puzzled, looking between his friend and me.

"What? Do you two know each other?"

I said, "No, we don't."

Andrew said, "Of course we do."

We spoke simultaneously but gave different answers, prompting Toby, who had been chopping vegetables in the kitchen, to come out.

Toby walked over to me. "What's going on?"

I smiled and said, "Nothing, I'll help you in the kitchen."

Toby glanced at Andrew at the door, and their eyes met, causing Toby's brow to furrow slightly.

Walter, observing Toby's expression, thought, "Even if there wasn't a problem, there is now."

3

"Why did you say you don't know me?" Andrew was now kneeling in front of me.

"We've been broken up for so long. Why should I say I know?" Honestly, I was a bit annoyed. I didn't like the awkwardness of meeting after a breakup. The feelings were real, so once it was over, it should be completely over.

Andrew was at a loss for words, his head hanging low.

The proximity was uncomfortable, and I tried to get up to create some distance, but Andrew pulled me back onto the sofa and hugged me.

Before I could push him away, he spoke, his voice choked with emotion.

"I really know I was wrong. I won't do it again. Will you forgive me?"

"No, you're a celebrity now. You need to watch your behavior!"

Andrew, with tears in his eyes, looked up defiantly and lowered his voice, "Why? I never agreed to the breakup!"

Before he could finish, another voice interrupted him-it was Toby.

"Elaine Harris, wash your hands and eat." Toby, having already removed his apron, sat at the head of the table.

I glanced at him, noticing his furrowed brows and tightly pressed lips. He called me by my full name, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the table.

Oh no, this was a clear sign that Toby was really upset, and I needed to tread carefully. I quickly washed my hands and hurried to sit at the far end of the dining table.

Toby's frown deepened as he looked at me, and he spoke in a cold tone, "Sit over here."

"Uh, okay." I replied, not daring to disobey.

Toby glanced at Walter, who immediately shrank back. Walter was more afraid of Toby's anger than anything else.

Walter had no idea Andrew knew me. Otherwise, he wouldn't have brought him over. He was shocked to see his friend hugging his brother's secretary.

As a celebrity, such behavior was no joke.

Walter felt a chill down his spine when he saw Toby's icy gaze. If looks could kill, he would be six feet under by now.

Walter cleared his throat and looked at Andrew. Andrew was sitting quietly on the sofa, with his head down. Walter really wanted to kick him because he had kept such a huge secret.

Gritting his teeth, Walter said, "Time to eat, Andrew."

4

Looking at the exquisite dishes on the table, my earlier gloom vanished. I picked up my chopsticks and started eating, only realizing after several bites that no one else had touched their food. "Toby? Why aren't you eating? Why aren't you all eating? If you don't, I will!"

Walter quickly chimed in, "Exactly, it's rare to have Toby's cooking. Elaine, save some for me."

"This is a special dinner to celebrate my success. You're lucky to be eating it, so don't compete with me." I retorted, unwilling to back down.

Walter winked at me, signaling to look at Toby, who still hadn't touched his food. I quickly offered Toby some dishes.

"Toby, you worked hard cooking. Please, have some."

I realized too late that I was using my personal fork and had already eaten with it. I thought of changing to another fork to serve him, but Toby had already taken the food with his plate.

"Why are you all just standing there? Eat." Toby said, glancing at his stunned brother.

Walter quickly lowered his head and started eating, his mind racing. Wasn't Toby a germaphobe?

The atmosphere at the table finally eased a bit. Toby's expression softened as he watched me eat with satisfaction.

The last piece of beef became the focal point of a silent battle between Walter and me. Our forks clashed over it.

"Elaine, I'm younger, you should let me have it!"

"This is my celebration dinner, I should eat it."

Toby watched the scene with a smile, shaking his head in mild exasperation.

Just as the atmosphere turned warm and harmonious, Andrew, who had been silent, spoke up.

"Did you break up with me because of him?"

The mood instantly froze. I frowned, annoyed by his tactlessness, and continued eating, ignoring him.

"Are you with him now? Or have you been living together all along? Speak up, what does your silence mean?"

His words ignited a fire within me. I slammed my fork down and replied angrily, "Toby is just my boss. Stop jumping to conclusions!"

"Then why won't you reconcile with me? If he's just your boss, why does he have the same slippers I gave you?"

Hearing this, I felt years of frustration and disappointment welling up but held back. Sometimes you had to swallow your pride for the bigger picture.

"We've been broken up for a long time. Whatever happens between Toby and me is none of your business!" With that, I stood up, grabbed my bag, and prepared to leave.

As I passed Toby, I apologized, "Sorry, Mr. Graham, for the trouble today. It won't happen again. I'm leaving now."

I hurried downstairs without looking back.

Andrew made a move to follow, but Walter stopped him.

"Andrew! What's going on? What breakup? Was the girlfriend you mentioned Elaine?"

Andrew glanced at Walter, then at Toby, who sat with a cold expression.

"Yes, let me go. I need to find her." He shook off Walter and rushed out, his sneakers squeaking loudly on the floor.

"Make sure to wear your disguise!" Walter shouted after him, worried about any potential scandal.

As the door clicked shut, Toby looked at the leftovers on the table, took a deep breath, and stood up.

"Wash the dishes." He instructed Walter before heading to his study.

Walter, seeing Toby's grim expression, spoke nervously, "I didn't know about him and Elaine..."

Toby paused. "Throw those slippers away when you leave." With that, he entered the study without looking back.

Walter felt like his whole world had been flipped on its head. The friend he brought over had a past with his brother's most trusted secretary, and now this mess. He thought of all the times he jokingly called her "future sister-in-law" and felt like crying.

But it wasn't really his fault. Toby had never had any woman around him other than Elaine, who was such a capable secretary.

I still remember the first time he met me. He had just come out of Toby's office, feeling like he had just been through the wringer. He was surprised that his brother had hired a female secretary, but given the situation, he figured I would be dismissed by the next day.

Yet, nearly four years had passed, and whether it was in photos published by major media outlets or on various websites, wherever there was news about the NovaTec Group, I was always there with Toby.

Eventually, a saying emerged in the business circle.

If you wanted to compete with Toby from the NovaTec Group, you needed a secretary as efficient as Elaine.

5

The next day at the company, I was greeted by a mountain of files on my desk. I took a deep breath to motivate myself and dove into work.

However, something felt off. The office door was being opened far too frequently today.

"Elaine, here's this month's summary."

"Elaine, these are Toby's appointments for the week."

"Elaine, this is the report from finance."

......

After the thirtieth interruption, I couldn't take it anymore. I caught Jane Johnson from the business department and asked, "What's going on today? Some of these could be sent directly to Toby. Why are they all coming to me?"

Jane scratched his head sheepishly and said, "Elaine, didn't you know? Toby didn't come in today."

"What? I've been so busy I didn't notice."

"Ha-ha, you're working hard, Elaine!"

I knew something felt off today. If Toby wasn't coming in, he would usually inform me. But today, there was no word at all.

As a secretary, I should probably call him to see if he needs any documents sent to his place for signing. Otherwise, I might have just collapsed from exhaustion here.

I called twice with no answer. It wasn't until the third call that someone picked up.

I immediately began my report: "Mr. Graham, sorry to bother you. Since you didn't come to the office today, should I bring the documents to your apartment later?"

"I've also postponed your meeting with Mr. Higgins."

I rambled on, but there was no response from the other end. Was the call not connected? I checked my phone.

Strange, it was connected, but there was no sound.

"Hello? Mr. Graham? Are you listening?"

Finally, he spoke, "Yes, I'm listening." But his voice was weak, and he sounded congested.

"Mr. Graham, are you alright? Do you need..." Before I could finish, I heard something shatter on his end, and the call abruptly ended.

This was alarming. Toby never acted like this. Even when he was sick, he would still come to the office.

I quickly wrapped up some tasks and rushed to his apartment. I knocked for ages and rang the doorbell, but there was no response. Forget the rules, people come first, I thought, as I quickly ran through possible passwords Toby might use.

"Click." The door opened.

Of course, I got it right on the first try.

I hurried inside, not bothering with slippers, and found Toby curled up on the bedroom balcony.

"Toby, are you okay?" I reached out to feel his forehead. It was burning hot.

Toby gave me a slightly resentful look. "Why are you here?"

"I heard something was wrong over the phone, so I came. Can you walk? Let me help you to the hospital."

"Okay."

He leaned heavily on me. They said he could have been a model, and it was true. At 188 cm, his proportions were perfect. In his usual business attire, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, he had the classic look of a reserved and commanding CEO.

But right now, his height was a hassle. Getting him downstairs was a struggle!

Seeing Toby's pale face and the sweat on his brow, I grew more worried. Could his stomach issues be acting up too?

Just as I was about to get Toby into the car, a sudden force pushed him away. A grunt followed, and when I turned around, I saw blood trickling down Toby's forehead.

"Toby, are you okay?" If he hadn't steadied me before falling, it would have been me who got hurt.

Toby shook his head, and once I was sure he was alright, I turned to see who had pulled him. To my surprise, it was Andrew.

My frustration grew. I wasn't usually quick to anger, but I shouted at Andrew, "What were you doing here? Were you crazy?" Look at what you've done!"

Andrew seemed stunned by the sight of Toby's bleeding forehead.

"I didn't mean to."

I ignored him and struggled to get Toby into the car. Just as I was about to leave, Andrew grabbed me.

"Let me explain... I thought he was holding you. I didn't know he was..."

Were you being childish? This was so annoying. I was exhausted, and now I had to deal with this. I shook off his hand and pushed him away. "Are you serious? Let go! If the paparazzi catch this, I don't want to waste time clearing things up with you!"

After a hectic time at the hospital, I finally got Toby settled. Looking at the diagnosis, it was a stomach ulcer and the flu. No wonder he couldn't make it to the office.

While Toby slept, I brought the documents from the car to handle them. Soon, I noticed a pair of sneakers in my peripheral vision. I didn't need to look up to know who it was.

Without lifting my head from the papers, I asked, "What are you doing here?"

Andrew looked at me with a pitiful expression. "I just wanted to see you. Can you not chase me away?"

I was about to lose my temper, but when I looked up, I saw how tired he looked, with dark circles under his eyes as if he hadn't slept in ages.

Had he just come back from abroad and were still jet-lagged?

I thought for a moment and decided to let it go. Yes, Andrew was my boyfriend from before, two years my junior. We were together before he became famous.

I reluctantly said, "Just stay quiet here and apologize to Toby when he wakes up."

He obediently sat beside me and soon fell asleep. Seeing how exhausted he was, I sighed and returned to my work.

Being a celebrity must have been tough.