Aliza has lived with her uncle and aunt for the last twelve years. She lost her parents in a road accident when she was just six. Since then her paternal uncle had been taking care of her. Her aunt despises her since the beginning and refused to take responsibility for her but since Aliza's mother was an orphan and had no other relation from her father's side she was helplessly left to the custody of her uncle.

Aliza's aunt known to be a witch by her mentality took the optimum advantage of her impotent situation and used her as a housemaid, cook, and all-purpose house cleaner. But Aliza was a hard worker from the beginning. After completing her housework she used to sit to study till late in the night and obtained the best grades in school.

Five years back her Uncle Nelson retired from work as a head supervisor at Messrs Schroeder's & Co since then Aliza's problems increased manifold. The savings Nelson could make hardly sufficed to feed the four stomachs at home. She and her cousin's brother's education were out of choice. As a result, Aliza was forced to take over employment immediately after school.

*****

Flashback.

It was nine in the morning and like every day Aliza took the newspaper daily and started circling the jobs that were suitable for her qualification. "Aliza, did you prepare the lunch box for your brother?" Her aunt yelled from the living hall painting her nails. Every day Aliza got up at five, prepared breakfast and lunch for all four of them, and went prepared for the interviews after searching the daily. This routine had been continuing for a month leaving more despair to Aliza for each day passing.

"Do not lose hope so soon Ali." Her uncle patted her shoulder. With the breeze coming from the window the paper holding vacancies notification flew out of her hand and Aliza's vision accidentally fell on the top of the business column. It was a photo of a young and handsome entrepreneur. Aliza was instantly attracted by the charming Apollo and looked through the column to learn more. On the headlines words were pasted with clear blank ink in bold - The youngest and the most successful businessman of the country swipes another record.

Below the photo was of Adonis shaking hands with the president of the US. Wow. Aliza was intrigued and read through the report. Charles Rodriguez, the CEO of Richmond Industries sweeps away the previous record of the country's richest magnate with a turnover of more than 500 million a month. Aliza's jaw dropped to the floor reading the business column. Can anyone be that rich in the world? Probably he is richer than the president of the US. She thought it implausible.

She was so engrossed with Apollo and his achievements that Aliza did not take notice of Andrew who went behind her fascinated to see what his sister was reading. "Hey sis," he asked, surprised, pointing to the young businessman in the newspaper. "He came to our school just three days ago and gave a brilliant speech on self-motivation at the assembly. That young man is very rich." Andrew remarked with his eyes wide and hands spread to explain the enormous wealth of the tycoon. "He donated a huge sum to our library and science lab and our principal was corps Perdue to describe his achievements and generosity."

The day and the next followed by many such days Aliza went around the streets of California searching for jobs. With the meager education that she obtained no firm was ready to adopt her for a white-collar job and the few that wanted to hire, paid very less which was insufficient even for a day's meal. With the days passing Aliza felt more distressed.

Her uncle was jobless and at the age of sixty-five, nobody was ready to appoint him. The blow-ups of her aunt were increasing day by day. Aliza desperately needed employment. Ten days later as she was once again looking through the daily, her eyes caught sight of Trident Pharmacy. 

The company was new but its turnover was magnificent. It was hiring a personal assistant cum secretary to the CEO. Aliza was belowqualified for the job. They wanted post-graduates or at least a graduate with a minimum of ten years of experience. Aliza was qualified for neither of them but she wanted to try her luck for the last time.

If Aliza fails in the interview which is most probably destined she will take over the job of a waitress in a local restaurant. She had given them the interview two days ago and they were happy to give her the job. Though the shift was very long from morning six to eight, at least they were to pay her a reasonable salary to secure a seat for her in the university and to help her brother continue his education.

The next morning, Aliza searched through her closet to find a decent dress to wear. But even after an hour of searching, she couldn't find one. Was she forced to empty the scholarship money that she reserved for the registration fee of her university for a dress that may or may not secure her a job? Finally, as though God wanted to give her a boon her eyes landed on the bottommost drawer of her cupboard.

On the top was a simple cream-colored top her uncle presented her on her birthday just before his retirement. Aliza carefully secured the decent garment for emergency purposes. She was a petite woman which was a blessing in disguise for her. Else a top bought five years ago wouldn't fit her today. She matched the top with black colored pants. Her brother stole his mother's shoes and gave them to her to compliment the apparel. Aliza thanked him, putting on minimal makeup using black eyeliner, mascara, and nude lipstick to make her presentable. "You look, gorgeous sis." Andrew complimented Aliza."

She ruffled his hair and told him. "Andrew, the chances for me to grab this job is less than five percent but I want to give it a try at least to secure your school fees. Wish me all the best." After taking the best wishes of her brother Aliza started with her most improbable job search. Taking the cab ten minutes later she was in front of the most sophisticated high-rise building. On the top of the superstructure proudly stood the letters 'The Richmond Industries'

Aliza had applied for Trident Pharmacy but the cab driver was more than sure that he had dropped her at the exact address mentioned. Apprehensive, Aliza took cautious steps towards the reception and mentioned her details to the receptionist. To her utter surprise and relief, she was in the right location. Pressing the 17th floor she waited for the lift to reach her twiddling with her thumbs while clutching the file to her chest.

The office felt extremely rich and costly. It oozed power and rule. Employees dressed in cosmopolitan suits and business wear scurried left and right in a hurry. Aliza felt like an underprivileged person entering the high-rise office. On the ceiling was a huge crystal chandelier hanging. To one side were oak wood sofas. On the center table were many business magazines. The air conditioning was divine that could instantly make her fall asleep.

At the other end of the enormous lounge was a huge fridge that had a stock of delicious cakes and pastries. Just beside was a bar. For a moment Aliza thought otherwise and wanted to run away. She wasn't fit even to step into the building to secure the job. But her gut-churning instinct said she had to do this, if not for her it was for her brother. Andrew deserved a good education. She thought and the lift pinged followed by the opening of the door.

Looking ahead Aliza had a knockdown of the world. The visitor's area was swarmed with more than a hundred applicants. All of them represented rich families, polished and elegant. Aliza felt diffident and insecure at the costly place. Clutching her file to the chest she gave her name at the reception and occupied one of the seats cornering her to the rear end of the room. She silently prayed for the wall if only it could swallow her at the moment so that nobody could see her anymore.

No sooner than she sat down a girl came out dressed in a mini skirt wiping her tears. The next name was called and not even ten minutes had passed. The candidate came rushing out as if driven by a tsunami, then the third and the fourth. The list went on as the names were being addressed. But none of them could stay in the room for more than five minutes. Aliza wondered with fear and surprise. Was the man inside a tyrant? "That man is a monster. He doesn't know how to behave. You should leave this place without seeing him." The last one before Aliza yelled to her.

Aliza's feet were already trembling in fright. She had second thoughts to turn away from the interview but before she could run to the exit, her name was called. Alas, she had no escape but to see the power sitting inside. "Come in" came a deep voice that sent shrills down her spine. With sweating hands, Aliza walked inside the chilling room. He wasn't facing her but looking through the window. The immaculate black suit was perfectly tailored to suit the thick panes of his elegant shoulders. His hands were inside his pant pockets and his shining, gelled black hair was flawlessly trimmed just above his neck.

Aliza gulped heavily feeling cold shivers radiated by his dominating aura. "If you are here to show me your body, you can leave. I'm already running short of my time." He spoke not even sparing her a glance still gazing through the window. His voice held power, authority, and most importantly a control that could make a person go pale in a matter of seconds. "Excuse me?" Aliza asked, taken aback. She wasn't able to accept what she was hearing.

The man turned around and Aliza's breath went into her throat.

The young CEO she had seen a few days ago in the news daily was the same person standing in front of her. Was she in the right office? Photos did little justice to his arresting virility. He was much more attractive in person. "Stop gawking like a hawk. Haven't you seen a man ever in your life?" He was more irritated seeing the shock in her eyes.

Aliza coughed restlessly and the man pushed the water glass on the table towards her. "I'm sorry sir. I'm here for the interview for the personal assistant and secretary. I think I have entered the wrong room, I think I heard you wrong....." She went blabbering in pensiveness. "Will you stop the prattle? You are in the right place." The man pitched high at her.

"Well Ms Aliza Stelwart...." He looked down at the candidates' list placed on his desk to address her by her name. Aliza jumped out of her skin the way her name rolled out so casually from the tone of the handsome CEO and for a moment she felt her name was really beautiful. Putting aside the job interview, in which 99% of the cases she wouldn't succeed, Aliza felt immensely lucky. For the normal middle-class girl that she was, Aliza was fortunate to have met the richest businessman in the country. Will he give me an autograph....at least a photo? She thought like an innocent school-going girl.

"Ms Aliza Stelwart...." The CEO spoke annoyed. "Have you got a problem with concentration? Well, there rests the exit." He pointed to the door behind her with his eyes. "You are unnecessarily wasting my time." Sexy dominating hunk...She thought going mesmeric by his steel Grays that moved tantalizingly complimenting his prepotent supremacy.

"Yes sir, I...I mean no sir." She answered feebly. Aliza felt like a stupid losing her control influenced by the dominating ambiance of the sexy CEO. "Stop the chatter and show me your file?" He extended his hand in exasperation. Within two minutes he raised his eyes to her from the file. "You are not even a graduate. Who allowed you inside the office for the interview? He spoke, ruling about dialing a number with his face going red in anger. "Sir, please have mercy and listen to me. I heard you have a generous heart." Aliza requested almost touching his hand to stop him from holding the receiver.

Charles raised his eyes in a warning. "I'm sorry sir..." Aliza whispered low, trying her best to hold her tears before the strict CEO. "Ms. Stelwart I'm not running a charity here if you're talking about my philanthropy. I am conducting interviews for my assistant and you are wasting my time." He raised his hand and checked the time on his Rolex impatiently waiting for Aliza to leave. "You may take the lift and reach the seventh floor of our concern. Our employees present there will provide you with assistance for whatever financial help you require."

"Sir, please give me two minutes. You have been very generous to me all this while giving me a lot of your time, just two minutes more." Aliza urged with her hands folded. "I told a lie at the reception that I was a graduate and came to this interview." She exposed herself with her head bowed to the floor. "And how did you manage with the duplicate certificate?" Charles asked, surprised at the mediocre girl. "Jack, my uncle's colleague, helped me with this. My uncle used to work in a printing press before his retirement."

Charles muttered a curse low under his breath then his eyes flared daggers at the immature girl. "Do you know Ms. Stelwart for this bypass, I can send both you and your friend Jack behind the bars?" Aliza shivered in fright, arrested under his gaze. "Sir, please forgive me. I will never do such an illusion in my life again. I desperately need this job. I know I am below qualified but just give me a second to explain myself. Please look at my accomplishments stated in the file. I have obtained the best grades in every field concerning academic as well as extracurricular activities. I stood my school first and am also a scholarship achiever for continuously being the first ranker in the last three academic years."

Charles looked down at the file, thoughtful, playing his pen between his fingers. "Ms. Stelwart to tell you frankly you are not suitable for this job. But...." He looks at her contemplatively. "I like the spirit inside you. You go out and wait outside in the visitor's lounge. My secretary will give you a set of questions relating to our businesses and you will need to answer them. The stationary and other necessary items will be provided to you. Any further queries you can ask her." He nods at her as a sign of dismissal.

Aliza gave a relieved smile to the CEO. "Sir, thanks for giving me this opportunity. I will not disappoint you." She told him in confidence and walked out of the cabin. The CEO was much a patient man for the dignity and power he beholds. Aliza mused without a doubt. After one and a half hours she finished her test and handed over the papers to the secretary.

The night Aliza finished her household work and kept her fingers crossed. There was an untold adoration and respect in her for the humble CEO who was so benevolent to consider her despite her being underqualified. Heebie-jeebies crossed her heart as Apollo’s features crossed her mind. He was charismatic, powerful, and very knowledgeable. The way he conducted himself....the manner he moved his eyes...the movement of his fingers....the body language everything about him held elegance.

His perfect black suit that covered his well-defined shoulders, those sharp gray orbs during the very few times he looked at her.....every feature about him held a might. Aliza landed smiling to herself like a bovine. She may not see the man ever again in her life but the virility and the power with a subtle gentleness in his conduct will always keep her fascinated with him.

******

It has been ten days since she gave the interview but Aliza did not receive any response from Richmond Industries. Well, Aliza knew since the beginning that her chances were very remote but still disappointment etched her features not for losing the job but for the fact she would never be able to meet the fanciable CEO again.

It was a pleasure to meet you Mr. Charles Rodriguez. She spoke to herself with a smile and pinched her hand after looking around if anybody was watching her. Get out of your fantasy Aliza. He would have forgotten you the moment you left the chair opposite to him. He desperately needed to get you out of his room so that he could work in peace and that is why the pretext of the secretarial examination he fled you away. Her mind taunted teaching her the lesson much required.

"You bitch...how much time would it take for you to make lunch?" her aunt strides into the kitchen and awards Aliza with a slap. Aliza could see stars with the hit. Looking down to the floor she rubbed her cheek to arrest the sting and spoke meekly, arresting her tears. "Within two minutes I will place the dishes on the dining table Aunt Stella." Gripping Aliza's hair, her aunt made Aliza face her. "Since the time you gave that stupid job interview, you have been building castles in the air. Why will the top firm in the country hire an after-all school graduate like you?"

I spoke to my brother yesterday and he had kindly obliged to appoint you as his assistant. Be prepared to receive a phone call from his office by tomorrow. Aliza's features went pale in fear and helplessness. Her aunt Stella's brother is an owner of a motel nearby. He was divorced by his wife ten years ago and a womanizer. The whole family knows he lusted for her and her aunt is making plans to marry her off to the forty-five-year-old philanderer but nobody has the guts to fight Stella in this matter including her uncle.

The next day at nine in the morning Aliza received a phone call. "Am I speaking to Ms. Aliza Stelwart?" Placing the phone between her shoulder and ear Aliza gave a feeble reply cutting the onions for making breakfast. She knew where she was being contacted. "Yes, speaking?" The next words the woman spoke at the other end gave her the shock of the millennium.

She is hauled.

"I am speaking to you from Richmond Industries. You are selected for the job appointment of secretary cum personal assistant to the CEO." Aliza pushed the phone to a distance and stared at it for a few seconds. "Madam, are you there in the line?" The woman at the other end asked. Closing her eyes tight Aliza gave a loud squeal and laughed like a maniac to herself fisting her hand in the air. After taking a breathing exercise of long heavy inhales and exhales to calm her down, she answered the phone pulsating. "Yes, I'm there. I was running, you know.... exercise in the morning? Sorry I couldn't reply to you immediately." She winked to herself and lay biting her lip in excitement.

"Oh yeah, I understand. That's okay madam, you need to reach the office today at nine and receive your appointment letter."

"Okay, I will be there before nine." She leveled her speech-answered professionals and cut the call. Her uncle came inside the kitchen to fetch water. Aliza ran to her uncle hugging him tight and then jumped in the air like a schoolgirl. "Uncle I have been absorbed in Richmond industries as a secretary cum personal assistant to the CEO." She squeaks in exhilaration. "What?" Before her uncle could reply her aunt asked, staring at her unbelievably with her jaw dropped to the floor.

"Oh come on Stella, give the poor girl a break. Let her stay happy at least for this day." Nelson requested his wife. Stella stared at her husband as if he had grown two heads. "Do you think I'm torturing your niece every day? She is one day going to be married and have kids. I'm just giving her the training on how to manage her home." She defended herself though she could see clearly in Nelson's eyes that he did not believe her. 

"Congratulations, Liza, I'm very proud of you dear." Nelson kissed Aliza's forehead. He called her Liza with love only when his wife wasn't around. Andrew came inside the kitchen and stared at his father's and Aliza's joyful faces. "What is happening, am I not knowing something very important?" Aliza ruffled the hair of her cousin and told him. "I got the job at Richmond Industries."

"Hey sis I am very happy for you, a small gift for you on my behalf of me." He whispered in her ear. "Today I'm going to send mommy out of the house. She will return only at midnight and all three of us can have a pizza party. Do not worry, I am the sponsor for the pizzas." He winks. Aliza hugs her brother. "That is not necessary Andrew. Do not waste your pocket money. All of us are happy. That's the most important thing and now you can continue your school uninterrupted." She declared in happiness and laid hands around her uncle, Andrew to go in a group hug.

"I am very happy today." She tells more to herself and sighs after releasing them. After two hours Aliza was inside the office of Richmond Industries giving her details to the receptionist. She was sent again to the seventeenth floor, the floor of the CEO. Aliza's heart began to beat fast with the anticipation of meeting the sexy powerful hunk again.

Charles was busy conducting meetings one after another. Richmond industries were going to launch innovative hearing aids for the deaf where the machine is invisible by going inside the ear. With a minor surgery of ten minutes, the doctors can implant the device in the patient's ear and the patient can forget that he once upon a time had a hearing problem.

Allen Rodriguez along with his son Charles, a few ENT specialists, and other business delegates were busy in the conference room. "Do you think the price of the product will be affordable even for a middle-class person's son?" Allen asked Charles, apprehensive. "Charla, switch on the projector," Charles ordered the lady sitting beside him. He stood up from his seat like a king presiding over his subjects and buttoned his Gray blazer.

"Thank you ladies and gentlemen for sparing your valuable time." He added professionals and started explaining the important points about the innovative product to the assembled professionals. Charla exchanged slides as he began to explain one after the other all the features of the hearing machine.

Ten minutes later the people clapped. Allen came forward and patted the shoulder of his son. "That was an excellent presentation, Charles." He complimented and all of them walked out of the conference hall discussing business.

Aliza looked through her watch. She had been waiting at the visitor's lounge for more than two hours by then. With the high air conditioning and extremely comfortable executive sofas, her eyes were slowly dropping close. She looked at the fridge ahead of her. On the top rack were mouth-watering pastries followed by soft drinks, muffins, chicken patties, and many more 

Aliza's stomach rumbled for want of food at the sight of the tempting eatables. Gulping heavily she muttered some courage and took a pineapple pastry. No sooner had she taken the first bite than her name was called at the reception. Hastily wiping her mouth with a paper napkin she rushed to the foyer. "Sir wants to see you now." The receptionist gave her a plastic smile and directed her to the huge oak wood door with a name board sealed in bold letters 'THE CEO'.

Aliza, you can do this. He might be impressed by your talent. That's why you are absorbed in such a multinational firm even though you are underqualified for the job. She gave a pep talk to herself and knocked on the door before rubbing her sweaty hands to her long skirt. "Come in" came a deep masculine voice from inside.

The beating of her heart began more intensely. "Go...good morning sir." Aliza stammered entering the room with trembling legs. Charles's sharp Gray eyes rose from the computer to look at her for a millisecond and diverted back to the computer in completing the work he had been doing. "Sit down" he ordered her to still look through the screen while handling the mouse. "So you are?"

"Sir I'm Aliza...Aliza Stelwart." Aliza released a long breath silently congratulating her for not stuttering this time before the handsome hunk. "Oh yeah Aliza, you were the girl who secured the job through a written test," Charles said with a subtle enthusiasm.

"I am intrigued by your knowledge of bookkeeping and secretarial practice. For just a school pass out that you are, you are quite knowledgeable." He complimented her and shut off his laptop to give Aliza his complete attention. "Did you work anywhere previously before this job?" He asked her curious questions. "No sir, this would be my first employment," Aliza replied to him with a shy smile. Charles gives an understanding nod studying Aliza's features intensely. "Well..." He stiffened his lips stating his bewilderment. "Nine of your answers were right out of the ten questions given to you."

"Well Ms. Stalwart, you are absorbed in the job," Charles confirms leaning back to his high-class executive chair. Aliza was in seventh heaven as she heard the words she had been waiting for for a long from the CEO's lips. "Regarding your nature of work, as soon as you enter the office you will get me my morning beverage, a cup of espresso with full cream milk and one spoon of sugar. You will have to organize my schedule every day, receive telephone calls on my behalf and brief the necessary details to the contacts."

"During charity functions and other such occasions, you will accompany me as my date irrespective of your working hours. It may be just for the night or it can last for a couple of days depending on the situation. We may have to travel to a different country. Is that clear?" Charles emphasized his last three words.

"Yes, sir" comes a firm answer from Aliza in pensiveness hearing the intonation in the speech of her boss. "You will bring my suits from the laundry and buy new ones whenever necessary suiting the occasions. For my private dates that I may not be interested in anymore, you will forward the girls a bouquet of fresh red roses accompanied with a sorry card and a golden bracelet." Aliza had her lips slightly opened receiving the piece of information. If just for a date he could give a golden bracelet to the girl what would be the estimation of his wealth? She thought puzzled.

None of your concerns, Aliza. Her mind immediately taunted her. "Because you aren't even a graduate and are underage for this employment, you will stay under probation for one year. If your work is impressive then only your name will be added to the employee payroll of this firm." the CEO stressed his words 'probation and impressive' to make Aliza clear about the status of her job. His novel revelation brought Aliza an

unexpected consternation. She just nods to him, unable to trust her speech.

She would only be a probationary employee in the firm for the next 12 months. All that seems green is not green.

"Okay" He bends down to his desk and pulls out a document from the bottom drawer. "This is the agreement between you and Richmond Industries that you will not leave the firm before five years. Failing which you will pay us 20 million in compensation. You can take your time. Read the agreement in detail and then sign it." Charles said to Aliza.

"That's not required, sir. I will sign it." Aliza took the pen forwarded to her and signed all the documents in a go. "You can join the office tomorrow and collect your appointment letter from the personnel department." A calculative smirk etches Charles' features.

The poor innocent is hooked on him forever.

The next day...

"Charla will direct you to your chair and acquaint you with the office." Saying those words Charles pinged and immediately there was a knock at the door. "Sir, you called me?" A gray-haired woman in a stiff business skirt and a shirt came inside. "Yeah Charla, meet Aliza. She is my new secretary cum personal assistant and Aliza is Charla, the head of the personnel department. Charla please acquaint her with the office and show her the desk. "As you say, sir...." Charla nodded and Aliza followed her out.

Aliza looked around in awe at her new office room. The walls were painted in a gray and cream delightful combination. To one of the walls was a huge glass window where she could record the busy city life of people. In the center was a huge African wood desk with a high profile comfortable chair attached. Aliza could never dream she would one day be an employee of a well-to-do concern like Richmond Industries.

On the center of the desk was an Apple Laptop placed. Aliza's eyes went wide in amazement. Charla who was standing beside her patted her shoulder in cheerfulness. "Here is your new Apple mobile. The CEO's number is already fed in this and the others you can add depending on your choice." She handed her a brand new smooth mobile carton. Aliza's eyes glittered in happiness and choked on her speech as she thanked Charla. Using an Apple laptop and mobile was incomprehensible for a middle-class girl like her.

Later Charla introduced Aliza to the staff, the cafeteria, and the coffee machine where she had to make coffee every day for Charles.

****

Tomorrow night is going to be a huge drug business deal. Charles returned from his office early to Sarte - the club he owned and where most of his cocaine trades are done. No sooner than he entered the bar, the bartender bowed to him and forwarded Charles his usual drink. A scantily dressed dancer with glitter all over her body and breasts bulging out walked to Charles. "Good Evening boss, you called me?" She asked him politely.

Charles nodded after sipping the contents of the Bourbon in his glass and spoke. "Tomorrow we are going to have a huge trade of Coke Laila. Tell the dancers to be ready. Nobody will be forced into sex against their will and I take responsibility for it." His eyes were serious and sharp looking straight at Laila. "You and your colleagues will be paid double what you are paid for doing overtime tomorrow and the next day all of you can take a day off. The only thing I want to be sure of is that you and your team should be efficient in diverting the cops from this covenant."

"You are the most liberal paymaster I have come across in my career sir. We are always pleased to do the extra work because you amply fill our pockets. I will keep my team ready." Laila answered professionally and bowed to Charles before taking her to leave. Lighting a cigarette Charles dialed his sister's number. "Hello Princess, how is college?" He spoke cheerfully to Edith. With the information, his sister delivered he wasn't happy. Edith had joined her college late and was denied hostel admission because the rooms were full.

His innocent sister was obsessed with a manipulative rogue and the Rodriguez family couldn't risk her staying outside the college hostel. "Wait, do not call dad yet. You are still on the college campus. Am I right? Do not leave the campus until I call you again. It is late at night and unsafe for you to go out." Charles ruled on Edith and dialed the next most warranted number - the Dean of New York University. "Thank you very much, Mr. Mandela. My sister will join her classes this Monday." Charles spoke crisply and disconnected the call.

He then called his best friend Allesandro. "Hey man, how are you?" Charles asked his friend, nipping the ash of his cigarette in the ashtray. "I have a request for you about my sister. Edith lost her hostel accommodation because of joining late. I want you to accommodate her in your home so that she will stay safe away from that wolf and also complete her education. I have already spoken to the Dean of New York University and she can continue her graduation there without a problem." Charles took a sip of his drink and chatted for a few more minutes with his best friend. Later cutting the call he exhaled a huge sigh. Edith's matter is settled.

****

That night after she returned home Aliza was on top of the world. Her Uncle and Stella were going to an anniversary party of one of her friends. Andrew left for his friend's place and would stay for the night. Aliza took a relaxed bath and put on her old but comfortable nightwear. After she gets her first-month salary she plans to buy a few dresses and official wear for the office but till then she has to adjust with the little she has.

She made some beef sandwiches and steamy chicken soup to go by and sat for dinner. After long years of waiting Aliza was finally bestowed with something cheerful to happen in her life and she cannot stop but is tickled pink. Relaxing on the sofa with her dinner plate in her lap Aliza put on her favorite movie on Netflix and started to watch it.

Not even half an hour has passed. It was nine at night when the doorbell rang. Aliza wondered who was at the doorstep. Her uncle and aunt wouldn't return this early from the party and Andrew wasn't expected before tomorrow morning. Perplexed, she went to the entrance and stared through the peephole and the air blocked her throat, peeping at the person on the other side.

Bolting the chain Aliza half opened the door and spoke through the gap. "Hello Fredrick, aunt Stella, and Uncle Nelson had gone to her friend's anniversary party. You can come and meet them tomorrow." She answered Fredrick Stella's brother in an anxious voice. "Do not play stupid games with me. Did I tell you that I came to visit Stella? I'm here to meet you. Fucking open the door now, I am dying here in cold." He snarled.

Aliza plastered a fake smile and opened the door in trepidation. Fredrick wobbled through the entrance entering inside. His shirt was half tucked and his huge stomach was bulging out from his low-tucked pants. A smell of cheap alcohol was leaking out from him. "Get me a bottle of soda." He commanded Aliza after taking a glass from the crockery shelf.

Sitting on the sofa of the front hall he poured himself a drink and some more in another glass. "Fredrick, you are already drunk. Please stop drinking and relax in bed." Aliza told him in a shiver gathering her last bit of courage. "Did I ask for your advice?" He roared at Aliza in anger. With quivering hands, Aliza placed the bottle of soda on the table.

"Come on, give me company." Fredrick extended the glass to Aliza. "I just had my dinner. I'm full." Aliza told him in begging orbs. "I did not ask about your interest. I told you to drink." Aliza took the glass in her cold hands. She was sweating profusely even in the coldest month of winter. Creating as much distance between them as she sat on a single chair and took the glass.

"So it is true that you're over the moon grabbing a job at Richmond Industries. That sexy hunk, Charles Rodriguez... I heard the worst things about him. He is a playboy and a manwhore. Stay away from him as much as possible." Then what are you, a saint who worships women? Aliza wanted to ask but she controlled her bursting instincts. "Do not build hopes that you would work too long with him. Within the next six months, we are getting married and you will resign from that job. Is it clear?" He roared, cleaning the glass of its contents in one swoop.

"Yes...." Fredrick opened the chips packet he brought with him and munched on them. "I did not hear you." Aliza gulped heavily. "Yes..yes Fredrick. I will resign from the job as soon as we are married." She restlessly played with her fingers answering him. He immediately bent forward and slapped his hand on the table shaking the articles on it. "Damn it! It is not after marriage, it is before marriage." He stressed the last two words. "Okay....okay as you please Fredrick." Aliza's face went pale with discomfort.

"Now come on, give me a kiss." He waved his fingers like calling a dog and patted his lap. "I wish..." Aliza choked in her voice. "I wish kisses and hugs are after marriage Fredrick." The next moment he was in front of her pulling her hair. "You whore, you keep whoring around with that sexy hunk CEO and you thought I will keep my hands folded? Come on, kiss me, otherwise, I will make you resign from that idiotic job tomorrow itself."

"Please no..." Aliza pleaded. Fredrick held her neck so hard that the mark of his fingers could be seen. He pushed her to the wall and Aliza hit her head. An instant bruise formed on her forehead. He forcefully kissed Aliza and bit her lip when she did not open her mouth for him. Blood began to ooze out of her rims. He hastily opened the first two buttons of Aliza's top before squeezing her breast and giving her a hickey on her throat.

"No amount of concealer will help you with those marks." Fredrick gives a sadistic smile. "Now everyone in your office will see you as mine, including that handsome hero." A disgusting look involuntarily crossed Aliza's features. "Do not dare to give me that look." He threatened. "You hate me. Isn't it right, and now you're going to bear the fruit of it? He lifted her and walked to the bedroom. "Leave me...leave me please," Aliza begged.

"Next time you disobey me, you are surely going to be fucked. Give me what I want and you will live happily. Kiss me now. Otherwise, I'm going to rape you right here." Aliza raised her head and gave a trembling kiss to Fredrick. "That was simply amazing." He remarked.

Little did Aliza know that was a blunder she made.