Elise's alarm blared, a jarring sound that pierced through the quiet of her apartment. 6:00 AM sharp, as always. She stretched, the stiffness of sleep leaving her limbs, and reached for her phone to silence the insistent alarm. Her morning routine was a well-oiled machine, a symphony of efficiency she had perfected over years.
 A hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs and whole-wheat toast fueled her for the day ahead. Her work clothes, a tailored charcoal skirt and a crisp white blouse, were laid out on her dresser, ready to be donned. A quick shower, a touch of makeup, and her reflection in the mirror revealed a woman ready to conquer the corporate world.
 By 6:45 AM, Elise was already at the Marina Shipping Company, a sleek, modern building that housed the bustling headquarters of Caelan Cambridge's empire. Caelan, the CEO, was known for his demanding nature and high expectations. Elise, however, thrived under pressure. Her dedication and meticulousness were legendary amongst the company's employees.
 As she settled into her spacious office, bathed in the soft glow of morning light, she began her day. Emails were sorted, reports were filed, and agendas were meticulously prepared. Every detail was meticulously considered, every task completed with unwavering precision.
 At precisely 7:15 AM, the elevator doors opened, and Caelan Cambridge emerged, his sharp features softened by a tired yet resolute gaze. He was a man of few words, and Elise knew better than to interrupt him with idle chatter.
 "Good morning, Mr. Cambridge," she greeted him, her voice a soft murmur, as she handed him a steaming cup of coffee, his favorite blend, prepared just the way he liked it.
 "Elise," he acknowledged her, his eyes scanning the pile of files neatly arranged on his desk.
 Elise then proceeded to the day's agenda, her voice calm and measured as she outlined his schedule. "Mr. Cambridge, you have a conference call with the Japanese delegation at 8:30. They are expected to finalize the shipping contract for the new container line. The meeting with the Port Authority representatives is at 10:00, regarding the new regulations..."
 She continued, detailing the day's schedule, seamlessly transitioning from one point to the next. Caelan listened intently, occasionally nodding his head in acknowledgment. Elise was a master of her craft, a silent force behind the scenes, ensuring that Caelan's day ran smoothly, his every need anticipated and fulfilled.
 And as the day unfolded, Elise continued to be the steady hand, the calm amidst the storm, the perfect secretary for a demanding CEO. She was a quiet, unassuming figure, but her presence was a comforting constant, a testament to her unwavering dedication and commitment to her work...
 =================================
 After a few hours...
 The plush velvet curtains of the French restaurant swished shut behind them, muffling the sounds of the bustling city outside. Elise and Caelan were the only patrons in the dimly lit, elegant space, a tableau of quiet luxury. The air was thick with the scent of freshly baked bread and the subtle aroma of fine wine. It was Caelan's preferred setting for lunch - a quiet sanctuary where he could escape the clamour of the office and the demands of his business.
 Elise, ever the efficient secretary, had navigated the complex world of "The Devil" with an unwavering calm. She had gracefully orchestrated his whirlwind of meetings, ensuring that each agenda item was ticked off with precision. Now, seated across from him, she found herself enjoying a rare moment of respite.
 "Escargots, as usual?" Caelan asked, his voice deep and resonant, a slight hint of weariness lingering in his tone.
 "Of course, Mr. Cambridge," Elise replied, her smile polite and professional.
 The waiter, a portly man with a thick mustache, approached their table, his movements as smooth and precise as the Parisian clockwork he resembled. He recited the menu with an air of practiced elegance, but Caelan barely glanced at it, his gaze fixed on Elise.
 "And for you, Elise?" he asked, his voice a low murmur.
 "Just the grilled salmon, please. With a side of green beans."
 The waiter bowed slightly, taking their order, his eyes lingering on Elise for a moment longer than necessary. She met his gaze with a cool, unflinching stare, her expression a mix of amusement and quiet annoyance.
 "He's rather smitten," Caelan commented, a hint of amusement in his voice. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes observing her reactions.
 Elise chuckled softly. "It's probably the combination of my impeccable taste and the fact that I'm the only person who can keep up with your schedule."
 Caelan's words hung in the air, laced with an icy authority that made Elise's stomach clench. "Yes, I agree with that. You're an efficient, reliable, and a hardworking secretary," he repeated, as if those qualities were mere stepping stones to a higher level of performance. He took a languid sip of his wine, his gaze fixed on her, analyzing, dissecting.
 "But that's not enough," he continued, his voice a low rumble. "You need to be more...presentable, sophisticated. A company representative needs to project an image of power and elegance." He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "I've been thinking about your wardrobe. A makeover is in order."
 Elise's fingers tightened around her wine glass. She had always taken pride in her appearance, her clothes reflecting her practical nature and her dedication to her work. But Caelan's words, delivered with his usual air of entitlement, felt like a personal attack.
 "Duly noted, Boss CC," she replied, her voice perfectly even, her expression betraying nothing of her inner turmoil. She reached for her phone, slipping it out of her purse, her fingers flying across the keyboard.
 But instead of diligently jotting down his sartorial suggestions, she began typing with a furious intensity.
 "How dare you critique my fashion sense?" she typed, her anger bubbling beneath the surface. "How gay can you get?" she continued, her frustration escalating. "Anyway, before you start judging me, you should take a look at your cold and devilish attitude and do an overall makeover about it!!!"