"Sir, there's a woman who wants to see you. She says she'd like to apply for the position of your secretary. I already told her that we're not hiring right now, but she's being incredibly stubborn," Lina reported, the receptionist who worked at the company.

"Good grief! You're useless, Lina. You should have been able to convince her that we don't need new employees. If necessary, call security and throw her out of here!" I replied, somewhat irritated.

"But, sir... the person—"

"Never mind, I'll see her myself. Where is she now?" I cut her off impatiently.

"In front of your office, sir," she answered quietly, full of doubt.

I stared sharply at Lina, raised an eyebrow, and let out an annoyed huff. How could a receptionist like her be so careless? She and the security guard I'd already paid should have worked together properly. If someone uninvited like that woman showed up, they should have thrown her out already.

Still feeling irritated, I walked toward my office on the third floor of this tall building. My company did indeed consist of three floors, and above it were several other companies. About three hundred employees worked under my leadership, with many contributors who continued to help this company grow.

When I reached the hallway leading to my office, I saw a woman standing there. Her hair was straight, neatly tied back to her shoulders. She wore a knee-length black skirt and a simple white top. When she saw me walking toward her, she flashed a small smile, a bit shy. In her right hand, she held a brown envelope, apparently containing her personal identification and various work certificates as proof of her achievements, hoping I'd be interested in hiring her. But I clearly knew better. There was already an HR department in this office that handled all employee recruitment matters.

"Excuse me, sir. My name is Tari," she said with a slight bow, greeting me as I approached.

"What do you want to see me about?" I asked with a furrowed brow, my eyes seemingly reluctant to look at her.

"I... would like to apply for a job," she answered carefully.

"I'm sorry, but we're not hiring right now. This office already has too many employees. Try applying at another office instead," I said, stepping toward my office door and starting to turn the knob.

However, she stopped me with a voice that was slightly higher. "Sir! I'm sorry, but... could you at least look at my documents first? I've brought all the necessary paperwork. I also brought a portfolio so you'll be interested in hiring me."

I paused for a moment, stopped turning the knob, and turned to look at her with an unreadable expression.

"There's no need," I answered firmly. "I don't need employees. Even if I did open a position, the HR department would handle it."

Tari seemed hesitant for a moment, but then suddenly she grabbed the hem of my black shirt. At that point, my irritation truly peaked. Why did such a stubborn woman have to be here? My jaw tightened, and I turned around to face her.

"I don't need employees!" I said firmly, with a sharp gaze meant to intimidate. But she remained undeterred. She even grew bolder, handing me her achievement documents with slightly trembling hands.

"Why do you so badly want to work here?" I asked, feeling a bit curious despite still being angry.

"Sir, please. I really need this job. I have a reason why I want so badly to join your company. I have experience as a secretary, and I can be relied upon for record-keeping and work schedule management," she answered, her voice full of hope.

I fell silent for a moment. Yes, I knew everyone must have their own reasons. Everyone has hidden life problems. At that moment, my memory went back six years. Back then, I lived only by relying on parking fee income. Applying for jobs with a worn school diploma, not a single company wanted to accept me. I was confused—did a piece of paper really determine a person's worth? Could a scrap of paper prove someone's ability? Did having job application documents guarantee competence and dedication?

I looked at the woman before me. Her sad eyes held deep sorrow, but there was also a glimmer of hope shining in her black eyes.

I sighed, turned around, and finally said, "Come in."

She was silent for a few seconds before stepping inside. I sat in my work chair, watching her slow steps. It was clear she felt relieved, but I knew there was also a nervousness inside her.

"Sit down," I continued.

She quickly sat in the chair across from my desk. Her eyes narrowed, as if avoiding my sharp gaze. With some hesitation, she handed me the brown envelope containing her application documents and several sheets proving her achievements, such as expertise in managing computer data, and other certificates.

"I don't need your documents. They're not important!" I said firmly.

Tari seemed shocked, but she maintained her composure. "Then, what should I do to be hired here, sir?"

I glanced at her. "What position are you applying for at this company?"

"I have experience as a secretary, sir. If I could—"

"Want to become a secretary right away?" I scoffed impatiently. "Where have you worked before?"

"I worked at an advertising company, sir."

"Why did you stop working there?"

"I—"

"Okay, that's enough." I cut her off. "No need for a long explanation."

I stood up and walked around the desk, speaking in a more serious tone. "What you need to know is that in this company, all employees must follow my orders. I'm the boss here. No one is allowed to be late, and there are other rules that govern employee discipline. More importantly, employees in this company are strictly forbidden from falling in love with each other, dating, or anything related to romance!" I said firmly while turning a chair and standing beside where Tari was sitting.

Tari looked very nervous, swallowing hard nervously as I approached. I could see the tension on her face.

"Whatever order I give to employees cannot be disobeyed. It must be carried out well. My opinion cannot be contradicted; it must be accepted without exception."

Tari raised her hand hesitantly, trying to speak.

"What is it?" I asked in a flat tone.

"I want to ask, sir. Why can't employees here..." She hesitated, looking worried.

"Fall in love, you mean?" I guessed with a sarcastic tone.

"Y-yes, sir," she answered, her face red from embarrassment.

"Because that is a rule I made. No one is allowed to break that rule. No one is allowed to disobey. My orders must be followed absolutely." I paused, staring at her sharply. "If you're willing to accept the rules I've mentioned, or others I haven't mentioned yet, you can be hired here as my secretary. My previous secretary? Incompetent and frequently absent. I'll fire her."

I opened a desk drawer, took out several sheets of paper, and threw them in front of Tari.

"Read that. If you're ready, sign the contract. I'll give you a copy later, but for now, read and understand its contents." I sat back in my chair and leaned back, waiting for her reaction.

Slowly, Tari picked up the stack of papers and began reading the clauses printed in bold on the contract. Her eyes occasionally looked at me, as if seeking guidance. After a few minutes, her gaze met mine.

"Well? Understand? Are you ready?" I asked while smiling sardonically, sharpening my gaze.

Tari took a long breath, put the paper back on the table, and reached for a pen nearby. Without saying anything, she signed the contract, making her officially my secretary that very day.

"Okay. From now on, you're officially my secretary. And... there are a few other things I forgot to mention. You're not allowed to speak unless I order you to speak, or unless I ask you a question. There will be other rules that I'll mention if I remember them later."

Tari swallowed hard. Her breathing sounded heavy, and she nodded slowly, indicating that she understood.

"Good that you understand. Starting now, you're working," I said firmly.

"So, I—"

"Stop! I haven't asked you to speak! Remember? That's a rule I made and it must be obeyed absolutely."

Tari looked annoyed, her breathing heavier, and I knew she was holding back her anger. I just looked at her without changing my expression.

"You must start working today. Your office is next to mine. I hope you work well. Now, go to your office. Your job description is already available there. You can start getting to know the other employees. But when I call you, you must come quickly. Don't take long. I hate waiting."

"But, sir. Today I—"

"Stop! You've already signed the contract. That means you're officially my subordinate. You're not allowed to disobey. If you disobey me one more time, I'll give you a punishment."

Tari took a deep breath, then stood up hesitantly, walking out of the office. Before closing the door, she looked at me sharply, her jaw seeming to tighten. I knew she was angry, and I could even feel the hatred beginning to grow inside her, smoldering slowly as time went on.

When the door closed, I smirked slightly.

Eventually, they will feel what I once felt.

-II-