It takes the both of us

Breakfast is ready!" I called them out for breakfast.  

The best thing to start your day is to have a breakfast together.

"Coming!"says Jhotam.

 I watched him as he descended from the stair.

He tried to fix his messy tie.

"Here you go, Mr." I fixed his tie so that he can properly eat, besides it's my duty to take care of small things as his wife.

"You're really good at fixing my tie."

"Indeed, aren't you lucky 'Mr' for having me as your wife?" 

"Is that a Question? cause' the answer was obvious." He gave me a naughty look before leaning closer to me, totally forgetting the presence of food.

"Morning Mom, morning Dad." 

"Good morning, baby."

"Daddy? Why are you eating mom's lips?" 

It was an awkward moment when our 6 year old son- baby Joshua Tamra caught us off-guard.

"I'm not eating moms' lips daddy's just greeting mommy."

"Oh I see that's how we greet good morning dad?" 

This kid he's very curious about everything.

"You got it wrong lil' boy it will work only between mom and dad." Jhotam replied.

"What do you want to eat baby?" I knew this conversation would never end. I need to interrupt their father and son talk.

"I wanna' milk mommy and koko crunch."

"OK...but later promise me you'll eat rice." This kid he's a second version of  Jhotam, he's also picky in foods just exactly as his dad.

"Are we going to daddy's work mom?" Tamra says while playing with the table napkin.

"Aren't we going to Hyunhe and Hyunra?" I'm talking about the twins of Hera, My best friend since elementary.

"I'm all fired up to play with Hyunra." His eyes twinkled like a shiny stars.

"Finish this meal or else we're not going to Hyunra."

"Ok. I'll finish this one then we're going to Aunt Hera?" 

"Then it's a deal," me and my husband hid our fascination over this brilliant guy. How can a 6 years old boy talk like an adult? 

"I'm done, mom finish yours too. We're going to Aunt Hera." What's with this guy getting all excited?

"Daddy finish yours too. Remember you're going to drop us in Aunt Hera's place."

"Alright, why don't you take a shower first?" I forgot to bathed him first before giving him breakfast.

"Shower first before breakfast right?" Tamra asked.

Now he got me there.

"Whose fault is it? you ate first before taking shower,"I asked him. He just shrugged.

"I should be the one to pick my outfit for today." Then he excitedly rush into his room.

"I'll prepare also, just put all the dishes in the kitchen sink." I said before passing through my husband's back.

On our way to my Best friend's place, Tamra saw a pastry shop. He kept on bugging us to buy something for his Aunt Hera.

"Didn't you say that every time we visit a friend's place we should brought something to offer."

When did I mention that? anyway I really love the reasoning of this guy. He won over me that's why we had the box of red velvet cake on our hands.

"Be a good boy, listen to your mom." 

Tamra kissed his dad's right cheek, while Jhotam brushed Tamra's hair.

"I'm going to pick you later." Jhotam kissed me on my lips before heading back to his car. He waved goodbye before closing his tinted window. 

After he drove away, Tamra rushed inside and went into Hyunra's playing mat.  I haven't formally introduced myself. I used to be Shaira M. Opalla but now I'm Shaira O. Chua, A loyal and loving wife of Jhotam Chua and hands on mom to my angel. Joshua Tamra is our 6 years old son, A total carbon copy of my husband. 

"Here, Aunt Hera I hope you like it." He handed the cake to Hera and later on run back to Hyunra's mat.

"Artemis will be here, probably next week."

Artemis is Hera's younger and sole sister, she got married last four years. She and Jun had a 3 years old twin babies while Hera have 5 years old twin babies both girl and boy.

"Can't wait to see them."

"Same here, who would have thought that she will also have son and daughter." Hera giggled. 

"Life is so unfair I really wished to have twins but it's ok. I'm already bliss with Tamra, besides I couldn't stand 2 curious Tamra. Just having a thought of it makes me dizzy." 

God has a reason for giving me Tamra only instead of  twins. Maybe he knew that I couldn't handle 2 kido's at the same time.

"Why don't you work it out... you know 6 years gap is not a bad thing to consider." Says Hera, throwing me a mischievous grin while her brows are dancing up and down.

"We have a curious guard over there,"pointing my lips to Tamra's direction.                                    

"By the way clean yours and Taehyung's schedule for the last day of May."

"Of course, we can't possibly miss that special day."

"Thanks, Bestfriend!"

"It's been 6 years since that day, I never had imagined that he's the one." I'm currently replenishing the memories from past page of my life.

"Same here imagine our 10 years foolish so called best friend zone." 

Compare to her my love story with Jhotam is quite common. We are the typical couple but what is truly amazing is that we haven't argue since we tied the knot.

 ( Flash back)

At the age of 22, I finished my study in business and finance. I applied in Jhotam's company as market analyst focusing in market expenditure, finances and money transactions.

I wore nothing but simple and formal attire—Black shiny ladies shoe, white ¾ buttoned sleeve blouse and black slacks. I also applied light lipstick and Johnson powder in my face.

"Good morning Mr. Chua." I usually don't feel nervous regarding things such as interview. I'm already used to it since I used to be a working student. 

I encountered different kind of personality but today I have a feeling that this guy sitting in black swivel chair is hella' scary and strict boss, if ever I got this job.

 I should triple my effort or else I would end up scolded by these scary guy. 

"Relax, Have a seat." He said without throwing a single glance at me. He is currently reviewing my resume.

"Ms. Shaira M. Opalla?" How old is he? He actually sounded like a stubborn old man. 

I mean not literally an old man it's just his aura projects the characteristic.

"I have no further question, I'm quite impress in your resume." It's good to hear that he is already satisfied with the laid information...does it mean I'm already qualified?

"I want to hear the reason why I should hire you instead of hiring those other applicants?" 

"I assure you my loyalty and dedication in my work and also I'm quiet efficient when it comes to my work. I already have the privilege to be your employee because I have experience the marketing works during my OJT  and part time jobs."

"I see, I'll contact you as soon as it's decided."

"Thank you, sir," 

After that interview it took 3 days before they reached out.

 yeah I got the job and today is my very first day. 

So far so good, I'm done reviewing the sales for the past One month and I made it sure that there's no error in my computations before handing all the records to his personal secretary.

Time flies so fast I actually didn't notice that it's been 3 months since I started working in Mr. Chua's company.

"Gosh! he is such a hottie boss." I heard the conversation of my co-worker as usual the topic of their talk no other than our boss.

"I heard he is still single." 

I wonder are they not getting tired of chattering over our boss' life?

"But you know what? I heard a rumor that he and his secretary are secretly dating."

"Really?" Rita, my co-worker stopped putting foundations instead she looked at Lenny with curious face.

"Haven't you heard why Trixie always having Over time?" 

I actually do some over time in my office and yeah I saw them once working together late at night but, I didn't see some love-dovey acts. Well anyway I sounded like a secret gossiper here. I'm here for work, to earn some money.

I better not stick my nose on others business besides it's not a big deal, what's new? 

Boss end up marrying their secretary, come on' it's a typical ending.

I'm about to go back to my respective department when I bumped into a tall guy. 

"Watch your step Shaira," 

I was preoccupied, I didn't see him coming...seriously what's wrong with me? why do I feel like my mouth was sealed with tape? I supposed to say 'sorry, sir' but I couldn't  utter a word.

Does his presence always this intimidating? Nah! Maybe it's just my wild imagination. 

"Is there something wrong in marketing?" It's my second time to look at him this close, the first time was on the interview. I must admit that he's really a good looking guy and his breath ---smells like a mint.

"Come to my office later," 

oh no! did I do something wrong? 

"Y-ye, sir" gulp! Did I just stammer? Geez! why today? 

Out of the shameful event I went straight to my office. I swear I heard those pussy chatter girls are laughing at me. I'm really unlucky today, I just made myself hilarious in front of my co-workers. 

I started reviewing the financial statements in my table suddenly a knock coming from my window glass interrupts. Trixie was standing outside my office so I opened it for her, I also offered sit for her but she refused.

"Mr. Chua wants to talk to you in his office." I just nod, I walked next to her. The atmosphere inside the elevator makes my stomach turns upside down. 

"Shaira have a seat and Miss. Vandourt you may leave now."

"I review your performance this past 3 months..." my temperature dropped to 0 degrees Celsius Oh my god! Tell me I'm doing great and that I will still be able to work here.

"Your performance was not that bad that's why I decided to make you my secretary. So that it won't be hassle to you since the statements will go to you right away."

What? Make me his secretary?! but wouldn't it sounds a double work for me and higher chance of overtime every now and then? What's so good about it?! 

"To make it fair, I'll double your wage," now that's great being your secretary and market analyst at the same time. 

'work and make money while you can, save your future' that's my motto.

"How about Ms. Trixie?" If I'm going to be his secretary then what will happen to Miss Trixie? 

It's not like I don't like the position, of course who will refuse to double wage? My only concern is I don't want to spread my wings to hurt others.

"Don't worry about Ms. Vandourt, she's promoted to operation manager." Phew! That's a relief to me. "May I ask what happened to Ms. Ichigan?" I'm really that type of person who has a lot of concerns in life. 

"She filed a resignation last week because she's getting married." I see maybe her husband doesn't want to see her working, that is also a relief to me.

"Shall I take my leave, sir?" I'm being disturbance here, I better leave now aside from that I have a mountain of papers in my desk.

"Yes sure you may ...but before that Shaira, I forgot to mention you will start today as my secretary." Woah! Insta-quick I'm not yet prepared.

"Today Ms. Vandourt will be there to teach you but tomorrow you're good on your own." 

calm down S-h-a-i-r-a O-p-a-l-l-a for the sake of double wage. I'm about to open the door when he suddenly call me again....by my first name....what's with him? he's not calling me Ms. Opalla. 

"Also your assigned table will also be here inside my office, your table and other staff will be placed here." Then he pointed out the direction of my newly assigned office which is also his office. 

Since that day I worked as his secretary and market analyst.  I found it fun, earning a lot of money sure is a fun thing. 

Right now we are having a meeting and proposal agreement with the other company.  As his secretary, I'm taking down notes every details in the meeting, more importantly the suggestions of each sides. 

I'm not praising him or what but he is really an amazing person. He managed to have a great deal between parties. I think he's only 30 or something years of age yet he can run a huge business, he's such a nice catch.

"You have a nice and attentive secretary Mr. Chua." Joseph says, one of important person in adjourned meeting. 

"Can I have a lunch with your beautiful secretary?" you mogul! Are you serious about asking me? Can't you read his facial expression? 

My boss suddenly turned into someone—with a gloomy face.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you but I don't sell my workers...specially my secretary." What's with that scary expression and scary voice? 

"Just kidding anyway the deal was great." Joseph says.

"I'm not kidding, but thanks for the deal," they shake each other's hands.

"I see you really value your workers but I really wished to have a nice chat with Ms. Opalla." Joseph replied, there he goes again (Chua) I don't get it! His gloomy face showed up again.

"Then shall I lead you to the lobby Mr.-" Anyway it's also my duty to properly guide the visitor to the lobby and parking lot if they want to.

"Shaira you can go back to my office, I'll walk him to the lobby." I just nod and went to his office, just like what he told me. I bit the tip of my pen while reflecting on my boss' reaction.

I see maybe he is moody? Or bipolar? 

Well whoever my boss is, why would I bother myself? Since he is not yet here might as well relax myself for a while.

I heard the incoming footsteps, I feel startled all of a sudden. I sit straight and start holding whatever my hands touched.

"Is it ok for you to work at late hour today?" what if it's not fine with me are you going to dismiss me early?

"Yes of course sir." I replied without looking at him. I'm too focused with my job. I couldn't have the time to look at his still gloomy face.  

"Good, Shaira brew 2 cups of coffee." 

Did I mention that my boss office is a place for luxury. Who would have thought that he occupied the whole top floor to make an office with home setup...amazing right? Being rich is really something! The coffee is ready to serve, I handle it with care.

 I'm about to notify him that I'm done but I keep myself invisible as much possible. I don't want to distract him. It's the first time I saw him smiling, I wonder who's the person on the other line. He often smile inside the office more precisely he often leave his office. 

"I'll be there, I miss you too." Maybe he is talking to his girlfriend, basically Jhotam and Trixie are nothing but a mere employee and employer.

"She's already here, I'll call yah later." He already noticed my presence maybe he thinks that I'm eavesdropping. 

"Here's your coffee, sir." I placed the 2 cups of coffee in his table. Is he really workaholic why drink 2 cups of coffee at this time? 

"You should drink coffee too we're going to work till night," though I didn't see that coming, should I refuse my boss offer? 

Besides I think I badly need it to stay awake while I'm doing my job.

"Thank you, Sir." I said, while getting the other cup of coffee, I place it in top of my coffee table. 

I kept all the papers aside to avoid losing or spilling coffee on it. I sip on it for more than thrice then I stop mainly because I caught my boss looking at me with his intense brown eyes. 

What?! Is there something wrong with my face? It's not the first time I caught him looking at me as if he wanted to say something. "Sir?"  Maybe he needs some assistance? Or another cup of coffee, perhaps? 

"Kindly remind me later, I have a sunset meeting with new client." I checked his schedule but there's no sunset meeting written in my planner.