Anna found a red rose on her desk at work. There was a small card next to it. The card said: 'From someone who thinks you are wonderful.' Anna looked around the office, but everyone was busy working. She smiled and put the rose in a glass of water. Who could have left it there? The next day, Anna found a box of chocolates on her desk. There was another card with the same handwriting. 'Your smile makes my day brighter,' it said. Anna started to feel curious about this mystery person. She asked her friend Lisa if she knew anything. 'I have no idea,' Lisa said with a smile. But Lisa was smiling in a strange way. Anna wondered if Lisa knew more than she was saying. On Friday, Anna found a book on her desk. It was her favorite book, and she had mentioned it once in the office. Someone was listening carefully to her. Anna decided to find out who the secret admirer was. She made a plan to come to work early the next Monday. She would hide and watch her desk. Monday morning came, and Anna arrived at seven o'clock. The office was empty and quiet. She hid behind a big plant near the entrance. She waited for thirty minutes, but nothing happened. Then, she heard footsteps in the hallway. Her heart started beating faster. A man walked into the office carrying a small gift bag. It was Mark from the accounting department! Anna had talked to Mark a few times, but she did not know him well. He was tall with brown hair and kind eyes. Mark walked to Anna's desk and put the gift bag down. He looked around nervously, making sure no one was watching. Anna did not know what to do. Should she stay hidden or should she say something? She took a deep breath and stepped out from behind the plant. 'Hello, Mark,' she said. Mark's face turned completely red. 'Anna! I... I did not expect to see you here so early,' he said. 'So it was you all along,' Anna said with a warm smile. Mark nodded and looked down at his shoes. 'I was too shy to talk to you directly,' he admitted. 'I think your gifts were very sweet,' Anna said. Mark finally looked up at her. 'Would you like to have coffee with me sometime?' he asked hopefully. Anna thought about it for a moment. Mark had been very thoughtful and romantic. He remembered everything she said and chose perfect gifts. 'I would love to,' Anna replied. Mark's face lit up with happiness. 'Are you free this Saturday?' he asked. 'Yes, I am,' Anna said. They made plans to meet at a nice cafe in town. As other people started arriving at the office, Anna went to her desk. She opened the gift bag and found a beautiful bracelet inside. Lisa came over and noticed the bracelet. 'Did you find out who it was?' Lisa asked with a knowing smile. 'You knew it was Mark all along, did you not?' Anna laughed. Lisa winked at her and walked away. Anna put on the bracelet and smiled at her reflection. The mystery was solved, and a new story was just beginning.
English Story (A2)The Secret Admirer
This A2 English story is designed for elementarys learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
Anna finds mysterious gifts appearing on her desk at work - a rose, chocolates, and her favorite book. Each comes with an anonymous card from a secret admirer. Curious to discover who is behind the romantic gestures, Anna arrives early on Monday and hides to catch the mystery person. She discovers it is Mark from accounting, who was too shy to approach her directly. When he asks her for coffee, Anna accepts, and a new romance begins.
Translations in English
Linked wordUnderlined wordOther words
Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
What was the first gift Anna found on her desk?
2
Where did Anna hide to catch the secret admirer?
3
Who was the secret admirer?
4
What did Anna find inside the gift bag?
Vocabulary
30 words from this story
