The Billionaire's Wife Is His Secretary

Ericka took a moment to assess herself in the mirror, satisfied with her appearance for the day. As the executive secretary to the president, she had held this position since her graduation. Her parents, including her father who was once the right-hand man of Señor San Miguel, perished in an accident that left Señor San Miguel disabled.

Following the tragedy, he took on the responsibility of her education and placed her in a boarding school, where she graduated with honors. Despite tempting offers from other companies, Ericka chose to stay loyal to the San Miguel family due to a sense of gratitude. Initially thinking she would be the personal assistant to Señor, her fate changed when Monte, Señor's eldest grandson, selected her. There was a mysterious attraction she felt, perhaps stemming from a crush since their school days. Monte had always defended her from bullies, earning him the nickname "popper fish" due to his unique traits.

She took another look in the mirror, revealing a stern expression. Satisfied, she headed out, each step resonating on the staircase. Ericka proceeded straight to the kitchen.

"Ah, Miss Ericka, i'm so sorry, we do not change the bed sheet. I did not know that you're coming back," explained Nanang Perlita.

"I was also surprised when Sir Monte picked me up last night. He mentioned it's more convenient for us to be under the same roof so he can easily ask me questions or vice versa. Besides, he said I really live here, this is my house too," she clarified.

The older woman teased, "Maybe you still have a crush on him, huh?"

"This is purely work-related, Nanay," Ericka responded.

"Ericka..." they heard the call from the elderly San Miguel.

"Oh, it's you, sir," she smiled, approaching to bow. "Allow me to push your wheelchair."

She guided him to the center of the table. She signaled Nanay Perlita to start serving.

"How are you, hija?" he asked.

"I'm good. Getting beautiful... hahaha," they shared a laugh at her joke.

"Your term is incorrect. It's not just getting beautiful; it should be getting even more beautiful," he corrected playfully.

"You and your jokes," she chuckled. "How are you, sir?"

"I'm glad you're back home; at least, I have someone sensible to talk to. Monte is always busy with work. I think he was surprised to realize that he's truly taking over the company, and I won't be involved anymore."

"I could have stayed elsewhere, i have my home, but sir insisted," Ericka explained.

"I personally asked him to bring you back here."

She felt a sudden sadness, realizing it wasn't Monte who wanted her back.Indeed the man seemed oblivious to others' feelings.

"I would have been content at my own home, Señor. Yet here I am, letting you feed me again. I eat a lot, you know."

"That's fine, hija. I'm used to you eating a lot, hahaha," Señor chuckled.

"Coffee?"

"Yes, please, and make it your way. I've had enough of Perlita's inconsistent brew."

Ericka briefly left the elderly man. As she entered the dirty kitchen near the sink, she overheard a conversation between an older house helper and Leona, the new helper.

"It's true that she's the señor's daughter." the elderly helper said with envy in her tone.

"Ow?, some say she's the señor's mistress," replied Leona.

"Her mother is the señor's mistress; that's why she's always around. She didn't finish school but got hired as a secretary. I guess her mother's beautiful looks played a part."

"Sir Monte is her boss now, right?"

"She wants to seduce him to become wealthy."

"So, she's flirtatious?"

"Yes, she is..."

"Eheeem.." their conversation was abruptly interrupted, and they both looked surprised.

"Uhm... Have you been there the whole time, Ericka?" Manang Lorie recognized her.

Manang Lorie worked alongside Ericka's mother and, being naturally intelligent, became the señor's secretary. The rumors about Ericka's mother being the señor's mistress had circulated for a long time, but they chose not to entertain such issues. For her parents and the señor, such stories were superficial. Perhaps that mindset still persisted today. She felt Manang Lorie's intense gaze, sensing that she was being judged.

"Not really... I just arrived," she smiled at them, grabbing the coffee condiments.

"I'll do it, Miss Ericka," Leona offered.

"Don't call me Miss... we all receive the same salary here," Ericka replied.

"The señor might get upset," warned Leona.

"Even Manang Lorie just calls me Ericka. You can do the same, or maybe 'ate' so you'll feel more comfortable, as I'm staying here again."

"Huh? You're coming back?" Manang Lorie asked.

"Yes, is that okay with you?" Ericka faced them.

"Well, um, yes. I'm happy that you're coming back."

"I'll just bring this to the señor. He prefers the taste of my coffee."

As she turned away, she caught a glimpse, out of the corner of her eye, of the two whispering. She promised herself she would talk to them later. Her once peaceful parents' lives were disturbed by idle people. If only she could wake them up and make the household staff realize the truth.

She found Señor and Monte engrossed in what seemed like a serious conversation. They glanced at her as her heels tapped on the wooden floor. Señor's face was shadowed, a sign that he might not be pleased with whatever he and Monte were discussing.

POV: Monte

His grandfather wanted him and Almira to get married, unaware that they were no longer together. This morning, as he descended, he heard his grandfather asking Ericka to prepare coffee. He approached when the woman left.

"Good morning, Lolo," he said, taking a seat beside him.

"How was your sleep in your own house?" his grandfather teased.

"Lolo, I came back, and your question sounds sarcastic."

"You're too sensitive," his grandfather chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Coffee?"

"You're already having Ericka prepare it; she probably brought a thermos."

"When is your wedding with Almira?"

"Lolo, I'm not ready to get married."

"You're at the right age, Monte. I want to see some little ones running around before I leave this world."

"What if I just adopt?" he joked.

"Ah, this kid is crazy," his grandfather playfully slapped his hand. "That's not good."

"Just kidding."

"I want Almira. You've been dating her since college, and she comes from a prominent family. It would be better if you marry her. She's beautiful, and your children will surely be stunning."

"Oh no, lolo, are we dogs that need to be bred?"

"You're really philosophical, Monte. Perhaps you're like that in the office too. How will your subordinates respect you if you're like that?"

"I'm different with you. You're the only one I can be affectionate with." Since his sister's disappearance, he became distant from people. Even with Ericka, their conversations were strictly business.

Almira's family had many connections, especially in politics. However, he wasn't ready for marriage, and Almira was not the one he wanted as a wife. He was still investigating what truly happened to his sister, and he felt Almira was somehow involved.

Their conversation halted as they heard the sound of Ericka's heels. They turned to look at her, and Monte wondered about her peculiar attire-long skirt and raised hair, making him curious about its length.

This quiet person seemed to have changed. Montana often observed them at the office, always with a smile now. His contemplation was interrupted when he was called by Señor.

"Will you have coffee, Monte? Ericka has been asking you for a while now," the old man tapped him.

"Yes, please," he replied, avoiding eye contact. Did she notice that he was looking at her? Embarrassing, he hoped she wouldn't think he was being inappropriate.

"Any creamer?" the woman asked.

"Half a teaspoon," he responded.

As the food arrived, they were surprised by the abundance. Even Ericka seemed taken aback.

"Señor, do we have a visitor?" Ericka asked.

"No, hija, it's your first day, so I prepared your favorite dishes. I'm sure you don't get to cook like this at home," Señor said with a smile.

"Oh, I might gain too much weight here..."

"That's okay; you'll still be beautiful even if you gain weight."

They laughed together, and Montana, just observing, could easily mistake them for a father and daughter. If he didn't know them and his grandfather, he might believe the rumors he hears. But he knows his grandfather deeply loved his late grandmother. After her death, he rarely saw his grandfather at home; he went straight to the cemetery after work.

"Oh, Monte, something's wrong?" Señor asked.

"Nothing, Lolo... let's eat," he said, slightly embarrassed. He let the two go first and get their food before he did.

Having home-cooked meals is truly something he missed. He initially resisted returning home to avoid memories of his younger sister, but his grandfather's affection convinced him to come back.

He realized that his grandfather, in old age, seemed to seek the care of loved ones. His mother was alone, and his father was no longer in their lives, leaving them with few close relatives. While he had second cousins, he rarely interacted with them as most were abroad. He mainly conversed with friends.

Ericka thoroughly enjoyed the shrimp dish. If she didn't have a napkin on her clothes, they might be stained with moisture. She laughed because his grandfather imitated her. She smiled when Señor asked where she learned such table manners.

When his grandfather suggested Monte try it too, he attempted to eat with his hands. However, he noticed this woman was different, and he found himself noticing many things about her. Although she wasn't his usual type, there seemed to be a unique attraction. He excused himself, Ericka offered to go with him, he refused to and asked her to finish eating.

As he left, he saw Mang Turing tending to the car.

"What happened?" he asked the elderly man with his back turned.

"Senyorito, it's you. There's an oil leak; it needs to be taken to the casa."