The Secret

Percy POV

"Ms. Chase, may I come in?" I asked politely.

Annabeth smiled while waving me into her office. She was wearing a new dress today. I'd never seen it before, and I understood why she was wearing something new. It was her birthday, and she seemed to be in a very good mood.

I closed the door and locked it behind me just in case. My right hand stayed behind me to block the present from Annabeth's gaze.

"Do you have the documents from Amazonian? We will be starting the renovations for Hades's company very soon," Annabeth expressed.

"Yup. I got them right here," I said while waving a folder with my left hand.

I walked behind her desk and placed them on her table. Then, I planted a gentle kiss on her lips while gazing into her beautiful gray eyes.

"Happy Birthday again, boss," I said quietly.

"This isn't the normal way that people tell their bosses happy birthday. It usually doesn't involve a kiss, Mr. Jackson," she smirked.

"I couldn't help myself, boss. I won't do it again."

She quickly grabbed my blue tie and yanked me closer to her. This time, she kissed me, and it was filled with passion. I lifted her out of her chair and deepened the kiss. I've been waiting to do this all morning, and I was finally able to get some free time.

"Thanks, Seaweed Brain. Not a lot of people know about my birthday."

"Some people don't like their birthdays because they don't like aging. However, I love my birthday, and everyone knows about it," I paused hesitantly. "I have my best memories of my mom and stepdad on my birthday."

"My birthday has never been a special occasion," Annabeth replied sadly.

"Well, that's changing today," I exclaimed. I reached out and handed her a present. She seemed surprised, but she took the present regardless.

"You didn't have to get me anything."

"I wanted to give you this. You're the first person that I am handing this to because it's not even on the market yet," I whispered. "Not until later today."

Annabeth curiously tore the wrapping and unveiled the novel.

"Oh my god, it's your novel with your name on it,": Annabeth said excitedly. "Congratulations, Percy."

"It wouldn't be possible without you," I said. "Also, I remember that you wanted to be the first to read my book. Now, you have the chance to do so. Thank you for everything."

Annabeth wrapped her arms around my torso. I tightened our embrace. Her head nuzzled against my neck as I shifted my hands on her back. We simply stayed like that, embracing, for a long time.

"Come home with me tonight," I whispered.

"Your friends are throwing you a surprise party for your book," Annabeth said.

I already knew that. Jason is horrible at keeping secrets; he's not subtle at all. However, I was also planning a simultaneous surprise party for Annabeth, but she didn't know that. Annabeth

"I don't want to celebrate without you," I answered.

Annabeth nodded with a bright smile that practically made me melt. We finished work early that day (by four o'clock), and I drove us to our home. Just as I had hoped, all of our friends and family were in positions to surprise me and Annabeth.

As soon as I open the door, noise exploded out of my apartment.

Annabeth and I laughed while pushing into the party. Many of them were holding purchased copies of my book. Meanwhile, a bunch of Annabeth's friends engulfed her in a birthday embrace. Congratulations and compliments were thrown around the room as everyone engulfed me and Annabeht in hugs and kisses.

Most of them don't know about my relationship with Annabeth. However, the ones that did know made sure not to raise any suspicion.

The party was fun. My apartment was too small for everyone, which meant that we were all crowded. We are forced to interact with each other. That's the endearing part of having a small home. There's a certain level of physical closeness.

I was glad that Annabeth was having a good time.

Of course, I was also incredibly happy about my book being published. It felt great to see copies of my book in the hands of other people.

I couldn't wait till they read the novel and give me their thoughts and opinions. I'm sure that they would love it.

"Percy, how's it going with Annabeth?" Grover asked. We were on the balcony alone, so Grover decided to bring it up.

"It's great, G-man. I never thought that I'd get to be with someone like her. As you know, I initially didn't like her, but now I can't imagine life without her."

"I have to say that you've been so happy the past few weeks."

"I have Annabeth to thank for that."

"When are you guys going to tell everyone?" he asked. He clinked his beer bottle with mine before taking a sip. We both were enjoying ourselves tonight.

"I don't know. If it was up to me, I would scream it to the world," I exclaimed.

"I'd go to the top of the Empire State building and shout that Annabaeht Chase is my girlfriend. However, I'm her secretary. It would be very problematic if we were to reveal our relationship right now. I would negatively impact Annabeth more than me."

"Yeah. It would be awful for her reputation as the COO," Grover agreed.

"Exactly, so we're keeping it a secret for now."

"That's the best option. Regardless, I'm so happy for you, Percy. Your book got published, and you're in a loving relationship."

"Yea. It's amazing." I replied.

I smiled while enjoying my party. I watched Annabeth from my balcony. She was passionately talking to Thalia and Piper about something. I love watching her talk. Her voice and expressions lit up her surroundings.

We have a big secret, but I like our secret. It made me special and happy.

I just pray that nothing would ruin it.

***

I didn't want to go to the Olympus Sails social. However, I didn't have much of a choice. Annabeth and Athena were attending, so I had to attend as well.

The social event was held at Olympus Sails headquarters. They have a huge convention hall on the second floor. A buffet was set up along the wall. Round tables were dispersed through the large, chandelier-lit hall. It reminded me of a grand ballroom except that there wasn't any dancing space due to the tables.

This felt like a redo of the business formal that occurred a few months back. Of course, that event ended in a disaster for me.

My senses were on high alert. I couldn't shake the feeling that something would happen at this event as well. Annabeht did her best to comfort me before coming. She helped me feel slightly better, but I was still nervous.

I don't want to interact with Poseidon or Rachel tonight.

"Dude, Poseidon went all out for this social party. The event is practically rivaling the business formal that we had a few months ago," Jason expressed.

I didn't say anything. I didn't want to compliment him.

"Poseidon can do whatever he likes. I'm not going to let him do anything cruel to Percy this time around," Thalia interjected. She closed her hands into fists and punched the air to emphasize her determination.

I chuckled while continuing to get some food. Rachel and Mr. Dare were at the party with their associates as well. I stayed as far away from Rachel as possible.

Calypso was sitting with Leo at the Hephaestus table. The Grace siblings and I let them be. Leo doesn't get a lot of attention from women. We generally let him be when he's talking to a girl as a way of helping him out.

Besides, Cally and Leo would be great together.

Before long, we stuffed our plates with food and headed back to our table. Fortunately, the Olympus Airlines table was right next to Olympus Architecture. While Poseidon and Athena despise each other, Poseidon wouldn't dare set Athena in the back. The whole Olympus Magnate was scared enough of Athena to not cross her.

Annabeth was off talking to some representatives from Amazonian. Reyna and Annabeth were very alike, so they get along well professionally.

"Why didn't Piper come to the event today?" I asked.

"Olympus Cosmetics isn't making a presentation today," Jason paused. "According to Piper, Aphrodite is furious with Poseidon about the arranged union. She is known as the ambassador of love in the media. She doesn't believe in fake unions for business."

"She sounds like a nice woman. If only Poseidon was like that," I murmured.

"Percy, don't be so naive," Thalia instructed. "Aphrodite doesn't actually care about love. She has an image to uphold. That's it."

Jason and Thalia were naturals in the business world. However, I realized a while ago that this isn't the place for me. I don't like politics and power struggles. It wasn't my thing. I like staying at home and writing my novels.

Even now, I didn't know what they meant about Aphrodite. My thoughts were interrupted by a male voice.

"Hello, Mr. Jackson," a voice greeted.

I turned in my seat to face Mr. Hermes. He runs a mailing company and a magazine. I looked into his business before but decided against publishing my novel with him. After all, his company is a part of the Olympus Magnate.

"Hello, Sir. I wasn't expecting you to greet me. Ms. Chase is talking with some business partners right now."

"I came to speak with you, Mr. Jackson," Hermes said. "I have a few questions on behalf of the Olympus tabloid. First, have you decided on a marriage date with Rachel Elizabeth Dare?"

I choked on my drink, and Jason quickly patted my back.

"I'M NOT MARRYING, RACHEL," I said aggressively. "I have no feelings for her, and I refuse to aid Poseidon in a business deal."

"You refer to your father by the first name?" he continued slyly. An employee next to him was taking notes. Hermes was known to be involved with communications and tabloids.

"As far as I'm concerned, he's not my father," I snapped.

"PERSEUS JACKSON," a voice boomed. The surrounding tables quietened as Poseidon stomped towards me confidently.

"Get lost, Hermes. If anything that Percy just said ends up on a tabloid, I will make sure your company goes bankrupt by the end of the week," Poseidon warned.

Hermes gulped and motioned his staff away from the table.

"How dare you, Perseus?" Poseidon asked gruffly.

"It's not like Percy was lying," Thalia stood up for me. She glared at Poseidon with so much anger and disgust. "Percy doesn't have to marry Rachel or respect you."

"Stay out of our business," Poseidon growled. "Come with me, Perseus. Now."

I didn't budge. I don't need to listen to him. Besides, he was actively trying to ruin my life, and I refused to let him do so. I turned back to my food. The conversations continued amongst the elegant and rich business people at the social.

I took a bite of mashed potatoes and continued talking to Thalia and Jason.

I could feel Poseidon's glares on the back of my neck. He was angry, and I loved it. However, the satisfaction didn't last long.

The hairs on my arms rose as his breath wafted my ear.

"Come with me now, Perseus. You don't know what I'm capable of. More importantly, I know something that you wouldn't dare want me to share aloud."

"You're bluffing," I said firmly.

"I don't bluff, Perseus. Unless you want your precious little Annabeth Chase's reputation in the mud, I suggest that you follow me."

Despair settled in my chest as I stood up shakily. How did Poseidon know about Annabeth and me? How did he find out? Suddenly, all my defenses crashed down as I followed Poseidon out of the large conference room. Pain and turmoil swirled in my eyes. My heart pounded heavily as I walked through the empty hallway.

Poseidon had gone into a nearby office on the second floor. Athena, Mr. Dare, Rachel, and Octavian were waiting for me inside.

Mr. Dare and Rachel were sitting on a couch to the right. Athena was glaring at me from a leather chair behind a desk while Octavian was smirking at me. Poseidon stood in the center of the room. They were all staring at me, and I knew what was coming.

I couldn't let them expose Annabeth's and my secret.

I love her so much. She is an amazing person. She cares so much about her work and her company. I couldn't let them destroy her reputation by exposing our affair.

However, based on the look of things, that's exactly what the terrible people in this room are planning to do.