The Odd Billionaire

Traizle

“Will you go back to the company now?” Zarsuelo asked.

Shaking my hands. “I don’t have any plans to go back there,” I answered. “After hearing you, I don’t think I have to go back there.” I added.

“Ahh, why?” Zarsuelo fussed. “When someone tells you he or she likes you, you should be shy and reciprocate it afterward. Why are you so different from the others?” He added.

“You’re the only one who’s different here,” I argue. “I told you clearly before. I am just your secretary, nothing more and nothing less!” I added angrily.

“But I want more. What should I do about that?” He asked back.

“I don’t know! Why are you asking me?” I replied.

“Because I wanted to know your opinion.” he answered.

“You are strangling me indirectly!” I complained. “I need to go back-”

“Stay.” Zarsuelo said, after stopping me from going out.

I thought he was taken aback by what I had said, so I used that time to stand up and go out, but I calculated it wrong.

“I am sorry, I won’t force you to like me back. Please stay.” he added.

“Zarsuelo, I can’t reciprocate your feelings. I am telling you already,” I told him. “If you want me to go back to your company just because of your feelings, I am sorry but I will decline your offer.” I added, explaining my side calmly.

“Okay, I won’t tell you to like me back and I won’t force you as well. I am also not forcing you to go back to my company just because of my feelings. It is because I am having a hard time,” Zarsuelo responded. “I have been struggling working on my schedules without you. I can set aside my feelings just for you to work with me again.” he added.

“Why don’t you hire one? A secretary who can guide you more carefully?” I asked.

“Why did I ask you to work with me before? It’s because of your abilities. You have the potential to be one. Why would I find someone new if you are here?” He answered. “If getting your trust will make you work for me again, then I will gladly do that.” he added.

I don’t even know what I should say to him. I am already speechless as it is.

“Traizle, I have an idea.” said Zarsuelo, who is now smiling at me.

“And what is it?” I asked, not interested anymore since he was always thinking of his high-paid ideas.

“You can make rules, do’s and don’ts. I can follow those.” he shared.

“Do you think you will obey every rule I will make? I don’t think so.” I mocked him.

“I will promise to obey them, if that’s what can make you work for me again,” he confidently answered. “I just hope it won’t be too hard for me.” he added.

What should I do?

“Are you really having a hard time working alone?” I asked, confirming what he had said a while ago.

“I have been working at your desk for straight days too. I didn’t know that having a secretary was very helpful. When I still don’t have it, it is really stressful to make a schedule and approve any appointments by myself,” he shared. “Then, you came and helped me with everything. In other words, I am being spoiled by you. I find every task easy because you are there. Can’t you see my beard-ah I shaved this morning to be a presentable man.” he added, laughing.

I thought I saw his beard last night, so it was not an illusion after all.

So, he is not joking this time.

“I even wore the expensive perfume, to show that I smell good. Am I?” Zarsuelo added, leaning onto me.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Yeah, you are.” I answered halfheartedly.

“Ehh, that’s mean. You don’t like the smell?” He asked.

“You smell good in the first place, so why bother using one?” I responded.

I’ve known him for months now and he doesn’t smell bad for once. If he is not using his so-called expensive perfume, then what is he using? The really expensive one?

“Do I really smell good even without using the expensive one?” He asked. “Aiden told me to use that. I should have used my own perfume since you like that smell.” he added.

“Arias?” I asked.

“He is my closest friend, I usually run to his house whenever I have a problem or if we should celebrate something.” Zarsuelo explained.

Yeah, I can see that they are really close.

“Okay, let’s get down to our business,” I told him, as I got my phone from my pocket. “I will work-”

“Really?!” Zarsuelo excitedly butted in.

“Yes, but as what you have said, we will make rules that I hope you will follow.” I replied.

Zarsuelo immediately put his left hand on his chest as if he was swearing sincerely.

“I will be good! I will follow them all!” Zarsuelo commented.

“Firstly, do not call me anything aside from my name.” I answered, first thing of all.

I should clear my name for him to understand it carefully.

I jot it down in my notes. Just to make sure Zarsuelo won’t betray me after.

“What do you want me to call you?” He asked, continue eating the buns we weren’t able to finish.

“I just told you to call me with my name. Traizle or Cerezo will do.” I answered.

“I have a rule too!” He replied.

“And what is that?” I asked back.

“Call me with my first name,” Zarsuelo said. “You have been calling me Zarsuelo ever since, while you call others by their first names, like someone who is babysitting Layzen.” he added, still bitter with someone who is Zac.

“I will try.” I told him.

“Try it now,” he retorted. “I want to hear you call my name.” he added.

I opened my mouth, trying to speak his name, but there was something stopping me.

“Maybe next time.” I responded.

Zarsuelo immediately pouted his lips. Looking mad at me.

“If you don’t want me to call you names you don’t like, then call me with my first name,” he complained. “That is why I have been calling you any endearment because you kept on calling me Zarsuelo.” he added.

“Then call me Cerezo.” I replied.

“That’s too formal,” he responded. “Call me Matthew. I am planning to remove my surname, so that you don’t have any choice but to call me Matthew.” he added, showing his idea bank skill.

He is eager to hear me call his name. Not now and not soon, Zarsuelo.