(Alana)
The flight was two hours and some minutes. When the jet landed, It was in the afternoon. The sun was bright and at its full peak. Throughout the journey, I was completely occupied with going through the city's brochure. I wanted to pin down some nice places I was going to be visiting. The city was huge, with countless things to explore.
Paris had a reputation for being a romantic and cultural city. The city was also known for its high-quality gastronomy and the terraces of its cafés. Other than fashion, I was eager to know more and learn the French language. Although this was new to me and the people, I was going to try my best to adjust
When we exited the jet, we found two cards already waiting for us. A slightly medium-height man wearing a black suit came to us. He looked to be French and well-kept
“Good day, Mrs. Romero… welcome sir,” the man greeted us with a low bow. I responded with a bow, not sure how to react since I had no idea who he was. While Ricardo ignored him like the plagues and made his way to the cars
I followed him and so did the man, my suitcases and bags were taken to the other car Ricardo didn't board. When I reached the car, Ricardo settled in. I was shocked when he slammed the door shut in a split second. The car drove away from their leaving me standing there with closed eyes.
Blinking a little, I managed to open my eyes only to find another car parked before me and the black-haired man standing in front of me smiling
“Mrs. Romero, my name is Dennis… I'm the boss's assistant… he has an agent meeting, but this car will take you to the boss's house,” the man said politely showing the black car before me
“Nice to meet you,” I said, returning the same warm smile. He opened the back seat door for me and I settled in. Wouldn't it hurt to tell me he was going to an important meeting? It wasn't as if I would stop him. Dennis took the front seat together with the driver dressed in a white uniform with a police-like cap. This one was white. Probably what drivers wore
The car started moving, I rolled down the car windows, so I could feast my eyes on the beauty of the city. The cars whooshing by and the various people walking to the sides
This was a new place, I felt fuzzy inside. To keep myself busy, I dug into my purse and took out my pro camera. I loved the blue sky and the white floating clouds which I captured. The skyscrapers looked luxurious
It took like thirty minutes when the car started slowing down, and soon we reached some fancy neighborhood. It was nothing but glorious mansions which had me staring in disbelief. Rolling up the car windows, I settled back in my seat. The car was approaching a mesmerizing gold made gate which opened as soon as the car arrived
Seeing all the men dressed in black standing around. I guessed rich people loved having so many guards around, from the gate going to the entrance of the mansion I saw so many men standing like statues. If one wasn't careful, they would think they were indeed statues, not people. The car came to a stop. I was about to get out myself when Dennis stopped me
“Please,” he said once he opened the door for me and I stepped out while shielding my eyes from the sun…a cool breeze blew my hair in my face only to stop when I found some girls lined up in a straight line all dressed in the same uniform. Some were dressed in chef's uniform
“Welcome madam,” they all chorused with low bows. I was a little hesitant not used to such an approach
“Welcome madam, I'm Mrs. marks… the head servant,” an elderly woman elegantly wearing a black skirt reaching below her knees with a tucked-in white shirt inside and a black coat with black heels came forward and said with a smile.
“H-hello everyone” I greeted them, not sure what to do. But the lady said and guided me to the other male and females. She introduced them. One at a time. They were two chefs, a man and a woman, their names were French, hence couldn't remember them. Five girls were said to be the ones who cleaned the interior of the house. They weren't old, but could be the same age as me or more. The other men were gardeners, as introduced by Mrs. Marks.
“These two are Santiago's nannies…he's still at school but will be here shortly…the driver went to pick him,” the woman said introducing me to two women nearly her age, they bowed respectfully, and I did the same
“All of us will be at your disposal, if you need anything feel free to tell us…and if there are some things you don't find good, kindly correct us” Mrs. Marks went on and said as we walked inside the mansion. I was used to doing my things, sometimes my mom helped me. I didn't think I would get used to others doing things for me
There were numerous servants. We came inside and my jaw dropped. Just the entrance had me wondering just how wealthy these people were. I thought the farmhouse back in Italy was breathtaking, unfortunately, this was more of a resort than a mansion. Just how many people lived here
“The lower left wing is for servants.” The woman said pointing towards the left side then turned to the other side, “That's where the kitchen is…. I'll show you once you settle down, and all the guest rooms are downstairs, to the east wing... you'll find some game rooms for Santi… the lounge is down there,” Mrs. Marks continued giving me a tour while we headed to the stairs. Everything from top to bottom looked expensive. From the walls to the floor and the ceiling, as well as the chandeliers.
“And finally the second floor… You can take an elevator if needed. So, this part is where all the rooms are… sir and your room is down here… that one there is Santiago's room, next to it is his playroom…his drawing room is down the passageway to the right…don't mess with his drawings,” the man said the last words with a chuckle. I didn't understand who Santiago was. She mentioned him in every introduction
“I'll have Dennis bring your suitcases up then you can choose which closet you want, we already prepared something for you to eat since you had a long flight” she added once we reached two pairs of gold-painted doors, and she pushed them open
“Oh gosh, sorry, Santi must have left these here,” the woman said when I nearly tripped on some paintbrushes lying on the floor as soon as I walked in.
“It's okay, but…who is Santiago?” I asked, not minding about the paintbrushes
The woman straightened up and turned around. Her eyes beamed as if the question I asked her was amusing
“The boss's son, oh gosh, sadly he didn't attend the wedding… no wonder you don't know him, he's a sweet boy, so charming,"she said facepalming herself then grinned happily, and I was left in a daze. Did I just hear son?
“S-son…what do you mean son?” I couldn't keep from asking her. Did the man have a son, how come no one told me about this? Not even my parents nor Erin. The woman was staring at me with a questionable raised brow. But I was unable to hide my shock, did this mean the man they made me marry had a son…was he married too…did this mean I was some second wife or something.
(Alana)The lady told me Ricardo had a five-year-old son. I didn't believe it but, I wanted to ask him why none of his family members told me he had a sondid they think marriage was a joke, how was I going to be a mother to a five years old boy? This wasn't right, I was too angry to do anything; hence I started unpacking my things. The room they gave me was okayI didn't like big rooms, although this one was like the master bedroom“This should be burned,” I said once I took out my designs and sketchbook. I just needed to find time and a place to burn everything. “What's this?” I said once I took out a white envelope, I didn't remember having it. Maybe it was something my mom packed without knowing With ease, I carefully opened the envelope. There was some document inside. When I pried it open, I was stunned to find something I wasn't expecting, “No way, when did this come in!” It was unbelievable, it was a letter of acceptance. I applied for a job at several companies. I didn't mi
Alana had woken up early after her alarm clock went on just as she managed to get some shut eyesTo be honest, she didn't get any sleep. She kept tossing and turning until it was morning. Only when she closed her eyes to get some sleep did she hear her buzzing alarm which startled her“Oh gosh, I only have thirty minutes to get ready,” she jumped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. She didn't even manage to arrange what she was going to wear. Getting in the shower room, Alana didn't even mind bathing in cold water. She was getting late for her first day hence had to be quickAfter minutes of showering, she was finally done. Alana quickly got ready, she didn't have to wear too much makeup but just blow-dried her hair. Straightened it and was good to goShe grabbed her files and purse and rushed out of the room when she met Mrs. Marks on the way“Ah, good morning madam…breakfast is ready…what…” the lady said adjusting her specs“Well I can't eat…maybe later,” I said as I walked towa
The Romero jewelry company had existed for years and Armando had run the company to success and greater heights that it became the number one leading jewelry company across the world. A highly fragmented sector of most developed economies, the jewelry industry was the sector that involved the making, distribution, and repair of jewelry, such as watches, rings, and necklaces. The company offered a wide range of career opportunities. When Ricardo took over the company, he decided to make some changes. Used fine gems and diamonds to extend their business. Moving to France, Paris was a good idea because of its rich in fashionEvery week, the company got over a million clients, and Ricardo knew he had to produce the best. The reason why he needed a highly trained secretary. He needed a person he could trust, a woman for that matter. He knew women had creative ideas, and something new on the tableHe fired some employees due to their lack of experience, Two years ago, Armando decided to
(Alana)After I was told what to do by Ricardo, one of the employees dragged me away an empty office so I could get rid of the clothes I was wearing “This should do…please be still”“You don't have to… I'm fine,” I tried to say slightly, pushing the lady's hands away, but she looked up at me with a frown. To be honest, it was my fault that I climbed that tree and got hurtThe lady cleaning my wound was the same receptionist who guided me to the boss's office and told me I got the job…her name was Brigitte, and she was French and beautiful as well as friendly“You are new here… you should get your wound cleaned before you suffer any infections… we don't want you going on leave before you even work for two days,” the lady said with a smile and gently cleaned my arm. I was a little nervous, but she was so welcoming and lovely. No wonder she was given a position at the reception. She knew just how to treat people “Thank you, it's terrible that my first day is this disastrous, oh I do ap
(Alana)“Do you need a ride?” Brigitte asked when we were heading out, it turned out my first day wasn't so bad, I attended the board meeting. And no one found out about my identity “No, I'll take a taxi,” I said while glancing at my wristwatch. It was just 7:30 pm. I wondered if Ricardo already left. Earlier in the day, I heard Brigitte say the boss left for a meeting. He didn't tell me to come with, so I didn't bother. “Are you certain, or is your husband coming to pick you up?” She asked throwing a mischievous look, I shook my head feeling a little embarrassed “Nope… it's just that I have someplace to go to,” it was true, I had plans to get some nice fabric at some local shop I saw online. I wanted to buy a sewing machine as well. I thought of asking Ricardo to let me have space for setting up my office in the house for making my designs“Fine Alana, you seem like a pretty secretive girl…but, see you later,” Brigitte said with a loud exhalation but smiled once we left the buildi
Alana Woke up to the sound of her alarm clock. Like always, Mrs. Marks was already arranging her things. Alana sat upright. Rubbing her eyes a little while trying to get out of bed“Good morning, madam, I hope you slept well,” Mrs. Marks said with a smile which Alana returned “You don't have to… I'll arrange my clothes once I get back,” Alana said and got out of bed. “It's my job, don't worry madam, I'll make sure you are comfortable" Mrs. Marks smiled and finished up what she was doing…she was a happy lady. I wondered why Ricardo was hiring that nurse. Especially when she said Santiago was mute“Mrs. Marks, about Santiago…well, I want to meet him but…” I started saying, I was hesitant. Afraid I might say something inappropriate, but I feared talking to Santiago. The idea of being labeled a stepmom scared me. What if he didn't like me“He's a sweet boy, actually you can go and see him now… he just woke up,” Mrs. Marks said and took the laundry basket and left the room. “Oh gosh,” o
Alana reached the company earlier than the first day before Ricardo could show up"Good morning love…did you sleep well," Brigitte greeted her as they proceeded to the check room. "Yeah, how about You?" Alana asked although she had a terrible morning. To think she was still troubled about Ricardo's stipulations. She failed to sign the contract unless he uttered it and made a few changes"Well, great as always… today is special though, I hope you are ready?" Brigitte asked as both picked up their ID'S and left the room"What is it?" She was new to the company. Already she had a quick orientation and knew a few departments and heads. However, she was yet to know more about it. Especially where all the merchandise was made"Every month end, the boss throws a small party for his employees…especially new ones… it's to welcome them to the company and team, so today we'll hear what plans he has for us " Brigitte explained as they headed to the canteen to grab some breakfast. Like yesterda
Alana decided to knock, whatever was happening inside didn't concern her. She came strictly to deliver the file; Hence she knocked a few times and waited. Shortly after, the door creaked open, and a shirtless man covered in various colors of paint walked out“Umm, who are you,” the man asked without letting her in, Alana was stunned to see him. For a second thought, she was seeing some runway models or something. From the color of his hair to the contours of his face. He was nothing but good-looking, with thin red lips and sharp dark eyes. That playfulness tugging at the corners of his eyes as he scanned her made Alana uncomfortable “Well, I came to give you this,” she regained her wits and extended her hand to give him the files when he smiled and opened the door wide for her“Come on. Pardon me,” he said, inviting her inside. Alana was a little hesitant, she shook her head and decided not to go in there“Sweetheart, relax and come inside. I'm sure Ricky sent you,” he said and dragg