Chapter 2 *** The National Husband ***

[IRIS'S POV]

My legs began to shake violently like I had just seen a ghost. The once spacious elevator shrank immediately and I started to feel suffocated.

“Breath Iris!” I muttered to myself. “Everything is fine… you’re okay. It's just the freaking president! No, wait… calm down. He is your boss from now so this should be fine–right? Yeah… you’re totally good.”

I continued repeating this in my head like a prayer, trying to look as composed as possible. Having a full blown panic attack in front of the president of the fucking nation was not on my list of things to do today. Fortunately for me, he was still talking on his phone. Even though President Gray didn’t speak to me, I didn’t miss the disapproving scowl that seemed to swallow me whole. I felt as if he was hurling daggers at me with his steely gaze. Why the hell was President Gray even here in the first place!? One would think, considering his importance, that he would have his own elevator. Confused as to how I ended up in this situation, I shifted uncomfortably in my shoes. My phone began to vibrate loudly, making me clutch my purse as I mentally cursed at Daisy for bringing me more unwanted attention. He finally stopped glaring at me and turned to look directly at the opposite wall, avoiding me completely.

As he turned from me, I noticed the tattoo on his neck. It was of a dragon’s head. The tattoo was intricately detailed and the black ink boldly stood out in contrast to his pale skin. It truly looked like a work of art. This man was rightfully nicknamed, “The National Husband”. Not only was he breathtakingly handsome, but his whole persona radiated strength and authority. President Gray’s striking features made it impossible for anyone not to stop and admire him. Even under the white neon lighting, his silhouette resembled that of a Greek god. His dark hair was combed back and a pair of penetrating blue eyes rested under dark defined eyebrows. The sharp and straight nose, along with his chiseled jawline, gave him an aristocratic look. Speaking in a heavy British accent, his thin lips twisted into a frown–conveying extreme displeasure. The navy blue suit he wore increased the domineering air around him. I concluded that his presence resembled that to a king of Hell. Warning bells rang loudly in my head and it felt like this damn elevator wasn't going fast enough.

He gave me a sideways glance and my eyes gravitated toward those cold blue eyes. I felt as if I could drown in those eyes. It was a tempting thought but that’s not why I was here. Breaking my gaze, I hurried out of the elevator when the doors finally opened.

“Thank God he was still on the phone!” I thought, exhaling in relief.

I just wanted to disappear from his line of sight and I had only taken two steps, when I heard his cold tone.

“Wait...”

I shut my eyes.

“Damn it… yep… you are dead, Iris.” I said to myself, while I turned around.

President Gray slowly approached me with a dark expression while stuffing the expensive looking phone into his pocket. I swallowed hard when I noticed that no one else was around. He stopped within an arm’s reach from me and I nervously looked up to meet his gaze.

“Who are you?” He asked, frowning hard. “Are you the secretary hired by Mr. Scott?”

I nodded affirmatively and parted my lips to apologize for not introducing myself, but his words interrupted me.

“Are you blind?” He asked, as he pointed to the elevator. “Didn't you see the sign that was also downstairs?”

I titled my head to see where he was pointing. My stomach dropped as I saw the engraved silver sign on the wall beside the elevator, which read, “President Xavier Gray and Approved Personal Only.”

“Damn it!” I screamed internally. “Well that explains why it went straight to the 18th floor! How can you be so stupid, Iris? Using the president's elevator means you broke one of the biggest rules on the first day. Congratulations…”

I mentally slapped myself and bowed quickly to offer an apology before the situation could get any worse.

“I–I'm so sorry, Mr. President. I was in a terrible rush and didn’t even realize that I had gotten on the wrong elevator. Please discipline me anyway you deem fit.”

Glancing up with frightened eyes, I noticed his expression slightly softened.

“Go and report yourself to Mr. Scott's office.” He ordered. “Remember, I do not tolerate irresponsible people. If you continue to act negligently, you will be fired within the week.”

“Thank you, Mr. President. I will be more careful in the future.” I said.

He hummed coldly and turned to walk away. Before he had gone too far, I heard him mumble in a low voice.

“Women are so troublesome.”

My eyebrows knitted together and I sneered at his overbearing attitude. He could have just forgiven me out of the consideration that I was new to his office. Staring at his retreating back, I felt somewhat bewildered by his arrogant charm. As he turned a corner, his tall figure vanished. My watch beeped, announcing the hour, and my eyes reflexively shut.

“Shit! It's 8 o’clock. There goes the second rule of being punctual.” I said in defeat.

Hastily, I went in search of Mr. Scott. After going down a long hallway and accidently bumping into someone, I finally arrived at my superior’s office. Panting heavily, I pulled open the door and stepped inside. Drawing in a long breath, I realized that I didn't even knock!

“There goes another rule. I’m going to get fired before I even start. Could this day get any worse?” I thought.

I couldn’t believe how many mistakes I had already made! Looking up nervously, I prepared myself to hear another earful about not being mindful. Yet, to my surprise, the man on the phone just solemnly stared at me. His expression remained unaltered as I scratched my head out of embarrassment. Mr. Scott continued chatting on the phone speaking fluent English, while occasionally glancing over at me. He had a handsome face and a calming aura. My mind subconsciously compared him with the president. Shaking my head, I mentally cursed myself for having weird thoughts. A few moments later, he finally put down the phone. Readjusting my top slightly, I initiated the conversation.

“I sincerely apologize for not knocking before coming in, Mr. Scott.” I continued faking a bright smile, “Heh… I really hope I didn’t offend you. I'm…”

“Iris Young, you are two minutes late.” He interrupted in a soft tone.

I gulped nervously as I watched him get up from his office chair.

“Miss Young, you are aware of the fact that we set strict rules for our employees here.” He proceeded in a serious voice. “Our president is very particular about our work environment and demands everything to be flawless. You must have heard that there are no other females employed here and that includes headquarters. Mr. President does not like to be around women. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances, we needed to hire a female secretary for him.”

He paused and looked at me calculatingly.

“Mr. Cullen suggested for me to hire you; however, you still need to pass the president’s evaluation. Your background and list of achievements show that you are quite an intelligent and capable young woman. I have high hopes for you. Don’t disappoint me, Miss Young.”

His frank words made me realize the seriousness of my position. I smiled back, assuring him that I would give it my best. He gave a curt nod and led me towards the “dragon's cave”–I mean, the president's office!

Walking through the corridor, I found several men curiously eyeing me. Weren’t they all supposed to be busy working? I offered each of them a warm smile, but they all remained unfazed. I smirked at their vacant expressions and continued to follow Mr. Scott. Jeez, why was everyone here so serious! He stopped at the office entrance and ordered me to stay put until he came back. I nodded obediently and waited to be called.

...

[XAVIER'S POV]

“Fuck! Women are so troublesome!” I cursed, stomping all the way to my office as I thought of that stupid little girl.

As I entered the elevator earlier, I was having an urgent meeting with the chief commander. Seeing the small woman, I assumed that she was the secretary Scott had hired for me. But why the hell was she in my elevator? Honestly, I was firmly against hiring a woman from the beginning. However, it was painfully pointed out to me that I needed a female employee to accompany me to certain foreign gatherings, corporate parties and any other functions that required a companion. Scott had hired out a couple of celebrities to join me a few times, but they were all incredibly annoying! I even took steps to ban those girls from even setting a foot into any of my facilities ever again. What I hated most about the whole damn situation is that these women tried to gain my favor by offering to sleep with me. What a joke! After all of that, I avoided women like the plague.

However, a few months ago Scott informed me that my sexual preference was being called into question since I was almost thirty and didn’t have a woman beside me. I had a feeling that my mother was the mastermind behind these baseless rumors. She had been pestering me for almost a year to get married or, at the very least, find a girlfriend and I really haven't felt any attraction towards any woman–until now. Truthfully, I would say this girl looked different from any other woman that I had ever met. Her head barely came up to my shoulders, despite the fact she was wearing heels. When our eyes met, the blush that crept into her cheeks accentuated the green tint in her hazel eyes. She looked ethereal with her wavy hair going past her shoulders, cute turned up nose and small red lips. While wearing a black sleeveless dress that fitted her petite figure, she still maintained her girlish features. To me, her appearance was refreshing. I was immediately drawn to those hazel eyes. Sighing helplessly, I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the leather chair. Abruptly, a vague memory of a laugh crashed through my mind and my eyes shot open as I heard Scott come through the door.

I frowned as he took bold steps into the room, but he stopped right in front of my desk. Scott’s professionalism was always impeccable and I waited to hear what he had to say regarding our new little addition.

“Mr. President, the secretary has arrived and is waiting for your approval. I believe that she won't disappoint you.” He said with confidence.

I sneered and straightened in my chair.

“Disappoint me? She successfully already disappointed me.” I said. “Did you know she took my elevator to get up here this morning? She even admitted to not paying attention to the designated signs. You think someone like that can manage my affairs? She will need to handle issues from both headquarters and my company. Do you seriously believe this girl can handle all of that, Scott?”

His face flushed with embarrassment and disappointment. I laughed inwardly at his reaction to hearing of the girl’s behavior from earlier. Nevertheless, Scott didn’t waste any time putting back on his serious expression.

“I seek your forgiveness on her behalf Mr. President.” He said with a bow.

“Well, would you look at that?” I thought.

“Miss Young is still new here and doesn't know the rules very well.” He continued. “I will strictly guide her and make her perfect in all aspects to successfully carry out her duties as your secretary. Moreover, if you ask about her education qualifications, I guarantee her capabilities. Miss Young graduated with two different degrees, both from renowned universities. In addition, she has also completed a few programming and game developing courses. She is licensed to drive all sorts of cars and knows more than seven languages, due to the fact that she has lived aboard. Not to mention, she is ambitious and takes her work quite seriously.”

He paused and the grin on my face slipped hearing her list of accomplishments.

“In conclusion, I think you should give her a chance at least.” He pleaded. “You will be gaining a knowledgeable secretary and shut down the rumors surrounding you at the same time.”

Frustrated, I ran a hand through my hair.

“Fine… I give up...” I admitted. “Let her come in but if she doesn’t prove to be on par with my standards, I’m not hiring her.”

I waved my hand dismissively and Scott gave me a last bow and headed outside to fetch my “secretary”.

“All these years working together really has made him quite the expert in knowing how to persuade me.” I thought as I rolled my eyes.