GARBA A Billionaire Romance

Marie

I was awoken by my alarm clock, ringing and vibrating. God, I hate Mondays! I pull the covers off my body and head to the bathroom. I look at myself in the mirror and decide to take a bath, honestly, I look like shit. I put on a knee length black skirt with a V-neck white top. I put on a pair of black heels and decide to leave my hair open and all natural today.

Once I'm properly dressed, I head to the kitchen and make myself a bowl of oatmeal. After finishing breakfast quickly and cleaning the dishes I grab my car keys and head out the door.

My office isn't too far, about 10-13 minutes so I don't really have to hurry. I work at one of the biggest companies in America, Allan Establishment, I work at one of its branches in New York as Mr. Carl Rodgers, the CEO's assistant. At 22 I'm pretty happy with my professional life, a stable job at a good company, a good boss and friendly colleagues. I also earn pretty generously, people my age are usually struggling to find a suitable job but I'm happy.

I park my car in my usual parking spot and head inside the building. I reach the elevator and I'm greeted by my co-worker, Adam Smith. "Good Morning Marie. How are you?" He asks politely.

"Morning. I'm good. You? How was your weekend?" I ask.

"Very peaceful actually. We sent the kids to spend the weekend at their grandmother's place! Kids tend to get on your nerves, even though you love them." He says with a dry laugh.

I slightly laugh along with him. Almost immediately the elevator stops at my floor, "Here's my floor. Goodbye Adam!" I say stepping out of the elevator.

"Bye Marie, have a good day!" He says as the elevator door closes.

I walk into my office and put my things down. I reach for the landline phone on my desk and dial a number, "Hello Steve, Marie here. I'm good you? Yeah the usual for Mr. Rodgers and I. Thank you so much. No he isn't here yet. Okay. Byee!" I hang up. I know how irritated Mr. Rodgers can get without his morning coffee. One of the only times Mr. Rodgers had actually snapped at me was when I forgot to get him his coffee.

Mr. Carl Rodgers has been working at Allan Establishment for nearly 10 years now. He's literally the best boss anyone can ask for. Kind, polite and fair. We all love him. I honestly thought working as the CEO's assistant in such a big company would be hard work but Mr. Rodgers is a really good boss, never burdens me or anything, one of the reasons why I love my job.

There was a knock on my door, I get up and open it and there stood Steve, the coffee guy "Thank you so much!" I say with a smile as Steve hands me two cups.

"Marie, it's my job. Stop thanking me!" Steve smiles and heads to the elevator.

I go to Mr Rodger's office which is right next to mine. I place the cup of coffee on his desk and head back to my office. Before I can enter my office, I hear someone very loudly say my name, "Marie Rodrigo!". A smile instantly appears on my lips as I know very well who that voice belongs to.

I turn around and greet my best friend with a smile, "Hi Nina!"

"Don't "Hi Nina" me! Where have you been? You didn't call me back the entire weekend, I was worried!" Nina narrows her eyes at me, clearly showing that she was pissed off.

"Sorry, I was super busy. It won't happen again. I promise!" I say flashing her with my best apologetic look.

Nina cools down and gives me slight smile. She moves towards me and gives me a hug, "It better not! I'll see you at lunch. I'm somewhat late! I have super important clients coming in. Byee!" Nina says pulling away and heading to the Accounts Department.

Nina Kelly and I were together at the NYU Stern School of Business. She was junior while I was a freshman but we became very close. Nina had actually recommended me to Mr. Rodgers for the job as his assistant as she had been working here for longer. She works as the Chief Financial Officer. Most of my friends are either in Texas or moved to different parts of America after college. Nina is the only one who's close by and one that I trust with my life.

As soon as I enter my office I get back to work. The telephone on my desk ran and I picked it up,"Mr. Rodger's Office, Marie speaking. How can I help?" I ask in the most polite manner possible.

"Marie, it's Carl. Please come to my office." He says.

"Okay Sir" he hangs up and I head to his office.

I knock on the door and hear a barely audible "Come in" and walk inside.

"Good Morning Mr. Rodgers" I smile.

He returns the smile, "Good Morning Marie. Marie now tell me, how long have you been working as my assistant?" He asks.

"Uh about a year now sir?" It comes out as a question.

"Exactly and how many times have I told you to call me Carl?" He asks.

"Sorry sir. I forget." I say looking at the ground.