Chapter 1: Trouble In the Office
I love my job. Getting up every morning, putting on a suit, and calling all the shots? I know when people see me, they think I'm outgoing and talkative. In reality, I love to stay closed off and keep to myself. This job would be a dream come true for the majority of people. But, it just doesn't give me that fulfillment I long for. Having hobbies give me the satisfaction I don't normally find in my work, but one hobby, in particular, does just the trick.
Four years. That's how long I have maintained this secret. Being CEO of Epsilon Software is no joke. Presentation, image, and an excellent reputation mean everything in this company… which is why I could never let my employees or the press find out. My name is Andrei Shultz, pen name: Saturn Hilz. And I… am an undercover boy's love writer.
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As I arrive at work, I gather my briefcase and steaming cup of hot coffee before getting out of my car. 'Why do they make coffee cups so flimsy??' I wonder as I gently squeeze the sides, hoping to not crush it. I make my way through the automatic doors of the building. My receptionist, Leah, smiles, and nods her head. I return the gesture while briskly getting onto the elevator.
'Hmm, I sure am glad I got here early before it was too crowded.' I love getting to work early. It gives me more free time to work on new chapters of my boy's love novels. My current work is about two college sweethearts who are unknowingly in love with one another. Forty chapters have been uploaded so far and my readers love it.
The elevator dings and the doors slide apart. While walking out, I take a careful sip of the hot coffee making sure it doesn't waste on my white button-down shirt. I make my way down the hallway and into the room where my office is located. Each cubicle is still empty, no chairs seem to be filled. I walk around inspecting my employee's desks. They should all be kept tidy in case potential clientele arrive. Presentation is everything, remember?
As I turn the corner, something underneath one of the cubicles catches my eye. 'Did someone leave their briefcase at the office over the weekend?' I curiously walk over to inspect it. 'Hmmm, it doesn't have a name tag or any proof of identification.' I bend over to pick up the briefcase and a book quickly falls out.
While looking down, I take a sip of coffee and begin to chuckle, "Aha, this book cover sure does look familiar--" I choke as I flip the book over and read the author's name, "Saturn… Hilz." My stomach clenches as I begin to internally panic. 'Who the hell in my office reads this?!' Whichever employee it is must be a dedicated fan. I stopped printing novels two years ago and strictly updated online.
I shuffle to put the book into the briefcase and place it back, but I pause. 'If I take this briefcase to my office, then whoever it belongs to will be forced to ask around for it and show who they are!' I glance around to make sure no one has come into the room before quickly dashing into my office and shutting the door.
"Shit!" I mumble, "I wish I could remember who sits at that desk!" I usually close the blinds in my office during work hours so that people can't see me while I… 'work.'
Employees begin to arrive, a signal for me to shut my blinds. I take a seat behind my desk and turn on my monitor. 'Maybe I'll just work on my next chapter. That should ease my mind a lot.' Locking eyes onto the screen, I begin to let my creativity flow. Between typing, backspacing, editing, and revising, I get completely immersed in my storyline.
"Ahh, my fans are gonna love this scene!" I proudly mumble as I scoot back and take a few sips of coffee.
While closing my eyes, I soak in the progress I've made on my new chapter. Then suddenly, my door swings open. I jump hard and warm coffee spills all over my shirt.
"M-Mr. Shultz--," the young man calls out from the doorway as his face loses all color, "I'm so sorry! I should've knocked! Are you okay?" He takes his jacket off and runs over to me behind my desk. I frantically shake my hands to gesture that I'm okay, but he proceeds to pat my shirt dry.
"Asher, Asher! I'm fine, okay? Why were you rushing into my office??" I firmly demanded to know.
"I'm sorry about this disruption, but I was wondering if you saw a random briefcase laying around…" Asher's question faded off as he locked eyes on my monitor's screen. I immediately try to close out of my work… but it's too late.
"Holy shit! You're Saturn Hilz?? THEE Saturn--" Asher energetically whispers in shock.
My face turns red and I quickly cup Asher's mouth with the palm of my hand. "So it was you?! Asher? You read my stories?"