The Cost of Leaving Chapter 2

Before me, Carter had cycled through six secretaries.

He was cold, dictatorial, and impossibly demanding. One wrong word and his face would instantly darken.

He was a nightmare to serve.

I had answered his calls at 3:00 AM, getting out of bed immediately to accompany him on last-minute business trips.

I had pulled endless all-nighters with him and navigated countless corporate galas and drinking parties.

I worked diligently and walked on eggshells, all for a very handsome salary.

Everyone in the company knew I was Carter’s most capable secretary, yet he had never once given me a smile.

He trusted me, but kept me at an icy distance.

He once told me that the reason I was allowed to stay was because I "had a brain and knew where the boundaries were."

So, after our first absurd, alcohol-fueled night together, I didn’t ask anything. I didn’t say anything.

Neither did Carter.

Except...

From that day on, on many late nights, he would follow me home.