Lorenzo
I allowed her to stand for a while, punishing her silently for yesterday, and I could feel her legs beginning to go numb. All I did was watch her, secretly savoring the sight. Her shirt strained against her chest, threatening to betray her, and it irked me to think she had been walking around like this while men ogled her without a care. Her skirt clung to her curves, professional yet undeniably seductive. Those emerald eyes of hers peeked from behind lenses, shielding the emotions I wanted to see. Her long, wavy black hair tempted me, so soft, so inviting, I imagined running my fingers through it as I pulled her head back.
I longed to see those tears from last night again, but this time, for a reason entirely different. When I decided she had endured enough, I gave her instructions and dismissed her to her office.
I watched her scurry from my office, and I smiled. Perfetto. I finally had her where I wanted her, though she had no idea. Those tears she shed for another man would never fall for anyone else but me. From behind the tinted glass of my office, I could see her clearly, but she couldn't see me. I caught her grimace after taking a sip of coffee, I presumed it was mine, and I chuckled softly. She never changed.
Later, I made my way to HR to collect my appointment letter and job description. The salary was generous, with additional bonuses for taking on tasks beyond the standard scope. I couldn't hide my smile; I needed the money, and the process had been surprisingly smooth and stress-free. Document in hand, I returned to my table, and that's when I saw her.
A blonde woman, sharp, classy, impeccably dressed, her badge dangling carelessly around her neck. Her heels tapped impatiently against the floor as she waited. Mandy.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting," I said automatically as I approached my table. "I went to HR to—"
"Save it," she interrupted sharply. "I don't care where you went. At Castellano Corp, tardiness isn't tolerated, and laziness is unforgivable." Her eyes pierced me, cold and commanding.
She handed over a laptop and a stack of files.
"The boss said to give you these, along with schedules for the week. The company phone, used to manage the boss's activities, will be delivered to your desk shortly. You'll handle scheduling meetings and taking calls for the boss." She huffed, turned sharply, and clicked her heels as she walked away.
I ignored her entirely. Today was my first day, and I had no intention of making enemies. I buried myself in work, sorting files, familiarizing myself with projects, organizing schedules. Hours passed. When I finally checked the clock, the office was nearly empty, the closing hour long gone.
I packed up my things and my new laptop, and for a moment, I hesitated at his office door. The morning's encounter replayed in my mind, making me hesitate. But I squared my shoulders and knocked.
"Come in," his voice rang, calm and commanding. I stepped inside. His eyes remained glued to his laptop, not bothering to glance up.
"Sir, is there anything I can do for you before leaving?" I asked softly.
At last, his gaze lifted, and a small, almost mischievous smile curved his lips.
"Did you read your employment letter?"
"Yes, sir."
"And the part about special duties?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you know what kind of special duties you might be required to perform?"
"No, sir."
"I'll let you know in time. For now, you're free to leave. Just… stay away from bars and clubs."
I blinked, confused, then smirked inwardly. He was joking. Who was he to tell me where to go?
When I got home, Sandra was lounging on the couch, munching on apples and watching TV.
"Why haven't you been picking your calls?" she asked immediately.
I ignored her question, hugging her tightly. The tears I had been holding back since morning finally spilled over.
"What happened? Why are you crying?" she asked, concern etched in every line of her face.
"I caught Steve cheating," I blurted, my voice trembling. Her eyes widened.
"You're serious?" She was in disbelief, because she knew how far we'd come, and our plans.
I told her the entire story. She flared up, ready to march over and teach him a lesson. I had to stop her, exhausted just recounting it.
"Alright, I won't go over there… but that doesn't mean I wouldn't confront him if I see him," I admitted, then burst out laughing to lighten the mood.
I grabbed an apple from her basket and sank my teeth into it. Hunger gnawed at me; it was the first thing I had eaten all day.
"Where are you coming from, dressed like this?" Sandra asked absentmindedly.
"Work," I said.
"You passed your interview yesterday?"
I nodded.
"Wow. That calls for celebration! We should go out, maybe have some wine to forget that scum Steve. I know you don't drink, but this… this is a reason to."
"I don't want to," I replied, sulking. "I'm still hungover from yesterday."
"You drank?" she exclaimed in shock.
"And I kissed my new boss, Lorenzo Castellano. I admitted softly.
"You what?!" she practically shouted. "Ok, girl. I need popcorn for this. Spill, everything. I'm all ears."
I recounted the events of the previous night, from catching Steve cheating, to ending up at a club, to meeting my Italian boss who had taken care of me all night. How I begged him to kiss me, and how he did, only for me to find out he was my boss the next morning.
"You mean Lorenzo Castellano?" she asked incredulously. I nodded. "Do you even know who he is?"
I nodded again. The Castellano family practically ruled Silverton, their influence touching business, politics, and society alike.
"I know, but last night, my mind was too cluttered to register his name when he told me. And honestly, I don't really know what he looks like, so don't blame me."
Sandra stared at me, disbelief plain on her face.
"Are you sure girl… that you kissed the Lorenzo Castellano? The Castellano family practically owns this city. Old-money rich, powerful. And you casually kissed the city's number-one bachelor and heir? Do you even understand what you've done?"
"I know they're wealthy, but are they really that wealthy?" I asked nervously, hands slick with
sweat.
"Yes. Rumor even says they influence the selection of presidents," Sandra whispered, her tone hushed. "They call it the king maker"
"Sandra… what do you suggest I do?" dread crept into my bones.
"Like you said, he didn't say anything when he saw you. He probably didn't take it seriously. Men like that always have a lineup of women," she said.
I nodded. I believed he would forget me within a week. If only I knew then how wishful that thinking was.
The next morning, I woke early, dressed appropriately, and headed to work. I sat at my desk, sorting documents and files for the day. By the time he arrived, I had already organized most of the materials from various departments.
I stood as he approached. He scanned me from
head to toe, then wordlessly entered his office.
I gathered the documents that had been submitted to me for signatures and knocked lightly before entering. I stood in front of him, files in hand, while he remained absorbed in his laptop, silent and unbothered.
When I realized he wouldn't speak, I broke the silence.