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Prologue

"I really need to find a new secretary. Please create a job posting with clear qualifications. I want someone hardworking and professional and, most importantly, someone who won't develop a crush on me."

Tinawanan niya ang request ko. Dito ko napagtanto na hindi si Yuri ang natawagan ko.

"You're still drunk, Sol," she commented. "Where did you disappear last night after Rain took Amihan from us?"

"Oh, Yan! I'm sorry, I was supposed to call Yuri." Si Yuri ang Human Resources Officer ng hospital at university na pagmamay-ari ng pamilya namin.

"Now, back to my question. Where did you go last night?"

"I ended up making out with a girl I met at the hotel. But don't worry, I'm still a virgin."

"With a girl?" Hindi siya makapaniwalang sabi. "I thought you didn't want to go back to girls because of Kaeda."

"Please don't mention that name again."

Si Kaeda ang ultimate crush ko noong junior high school. Akala ko lalaki ang gusto ko pero nang nakita ko siya sa gymnasium isang araw na naglalaro siya ng volleyball ay napakaganda niya. Sumasabay ang natural na kulay brown na buhok sa galaw niya at hindi ko napigilan na humanga. Paghangang hindi ko naramdaman sa kahit sino, lalo na sa lalaki.

But everything changed when she replied to the letter I placed in her locker, expressing my feelings for her. She responded by saying that she was not interested in dating girls.

I did not know if she was being homophobic or not. Since then, I started to develop negative feelings towards her without her even knowing who I was. Hindi ko isinulat ang pangalan ko sa sulat para sana mukhang misteryoso.

I felt rejected by the most beautiful girl I had ever seen, all because I was too afraid to reveal myself.

But if I were to write my name, would she give me a chance?

"Alright, I'm sorry," Yan said, laughing. "Do you hate being the young president of your family's university now?"

"Yeah. You know I hate responsibilities."

"That's why, even though you weren't a business graduate, they put you in that position."

Napabuntonghininga ako. "They don't seem worried that I could ruin or even bankrupt this business."

"Your family and relatives make up the board of directors. They are still doing their utmost to advise and support you in your decision-making, so there is no need for them to be afraid," she reassured me.

I shut my eyes tightly. Despite the early hour, I knew I had to start moving. After all, I was the president of Haya University.

I pursued online studies to enhance my skills in managing our family business. My family strongly encouraged me to pursue a degree in Business Administration and then continue to complete a master's and a doctorate. Initially, I wanted to study nursing and aspired to be a nurse. I graduated as a nursing student and even passed the licensure examination. Now, I was being directed to take on the role of president in our family business.

"I'll call you later, Yan. Sorry to interrupt your sleep," I said as I checked the time. It was 7:30 in the morning.

"I was already awake when you called, bitch."

Doon natapos ang pag-uusap namin.

I parked my car in the designated spot reserved for the president and took a deep breath before shutting my eyes. Memories flooded back, as did my previous secretary's constant attention and flirtation. In just six months since assuming the presidency, all five of my secretaries, regardless of gender, had developed feelings for me.

I had to let each one go. As someone in a high position, I could not afford to engage in office romances that might compromise my professionalism and relationships with my staff.

One secretary would present me with a fresh bouquet each morning and a unique note. Na-appreciate ko naman ang lahat ng ginawa niya, pero hindi ko magawang i-reciprocate ang nararamdaman niya.

"Yuri, can you please come into my office?" I said after she answered the call.

"Yes, President."

Pagdating niya ay pinaupo ko siya sa chair sa harapan ko.

"We need to find a new secretary as soon as possible. Please post a job opening and schedule interviews with the applicants starting today."

She nodded. "Alright, ma'am."

"Thank you, Yuri."

Knowing Yuri, we would have applicants today, as I knew many wanted to work here at Haya University. So when the clock struck 9, I started interviewing applicants after she had interviewed them. I had already interviewed 15 applicants but had not found the right fit. I felt hopeless about finding a new secretary today when someone knocked on the door, and a familiar face entered.

I felt a lump in my throat as she smiled at me. I instructed her to sit in the chair across from me and cleared my throat. Parang bigla na lang, nakalimutan ko kung sino ako at ang posisyon ko sa university na ito.

"Your name?"

"Good morning, President," she said. "I'm Kaeda Saito."

"Why did you apply for this job?" I asked, looking straight into her eyes.

She was still as beautiful as ever.

"Because I was so reckless," she said, sadness becoming visible in her eyes. "I was supposed to run our small business, but I got addicted to gambling and lost my parents' small inheritance for us, which was 3 million pesos."

"You lost three million, which was already a big amount to start a business, I understand. But in that case, why do you think I should hire you?"

"Because, aside from the capabilities and qualifications I have, I know how to take care of a business, I just had a setback. I have been taking care of my siblings since our parents passed away when we were young. I took on the role of a parent for my siblings. In that situation, you can see that I can excel as your secretary as I know how to take care of people. I also possess the interpersonal skills necessary for this job. I can get along with people easily, as I also have experience in online selling."

She was both a risk-taker and a brave person. She was qualified for the job, but should I hire her?

Since I had a crush on her when we were in high school, I knew it would not happen again.

"You're hired," I said. A smile formed on her lips, and I averted my gaze. She stood up, and I offered my hand for a handshake. "You may start working today."

Kinuha niya ang kamay ko. Ngumiti siya ulit na para bang wala lang sa kanya na magsimula agad ngayon. She was willing to do anything without hesitation.

"Thank you, President," she said in her formal yet alluring voice.