“You know firing your secretary wasn't really necessary.” I said, going through an employee file I had picked from his desk.“You mean I should promote unethical work behavior?” He responded with a quizzical expression on his face.“No, I'm just saying she probably had a situation come up, for the Director of Operations to lie for her sake, I'm pretty sure it's an important cause.” I defended, my interest piqued at the file I was going through.I heard the ruffling of what sounded like paper and his voice along with it, “An important cause like what?” I turned the file towards his direction, pointing at a particular profile, as if he could see it from his desk, “Her file here says she's a Mrs… with two kids.”“What are you telling me?” He asked.“At my old job, our secretary usually came in to work very late, no one knew why she was always late until the day our boss threatened to fire her, she'd worked overtime everyday since that day. We'd notice her puffy eyes each time she came o
It had been a week since I had begun working at The House of Osvaldo, with my former experience, I had an insight on how things worked even though this was a luxury brand. Remo finally gave me the space I needed at work and I worked tirelessly with Michelle towards the launch of their newest fashion collection ‘Corletta’ .After one of my supervisions with Michelle and the designers for the collection, I made my way to the restroom to take a piss. I had my own private restroom but I didn't want to stress going up three floors to take a piss. The restroom was empty when I got in and I took a stall to relieve myself. I heard the restroom door open and some women chattering their way in, and for some reason I couldn't help but eavesdrop. “I was surprised as well when I heard the boss was married.” The first voice said, and the sound of water gushing from the tap accompanied it.“We all know he's gay, he's probably using her as a cover, I mean no one has ever seen him with a woman and
Richard's POVI woke up late with a terrible headache and an overwhelming tiredness. The headache had begun the night after I had gotten home from a business meeting but I had decided to sleep it off and this morning it had developed into a splitting one. Making my way to the shower I caught a glimpse of something or should I say someone through my balcony. I approached my balcony out of curiosity and there she lay on a beach chair in a two piece bathing suit tanning. I found my eyes trailing her body the bruises Vanya had told me she was decorated with but it seemed they had healed completely. I remember the night I had met her vividly, I had concluded a business meeting and was asked to out of for some drinks. Not being comfortable in loud places and brothels, I decided to leave early only to find a woman screaming for help as I was about to get into my car.At first I was dismissive, no one wants to involve themselves in brothel problems but she seemed desperate and I remembere
Lenora's Pov:After Tara left, Richard retreated back into the mansion and I called after him, “Richard, wait!”He stopped and turned in response. I walked up to him and placed my palm on his forehead, confirming my suspicion. “You're burning up.” I stated.“I know.” He replied, taking my palm off his forehead and continuing his stride. “Do I need to call Vanya?” I asked.“No.” He responded, sharply. “I'm fine.”“Let me at least come with you.” I insisted. “I said, I'm fine!” He yelled, and I saw him stumble a bit as he walked. I went after him, “Are you really going to act like this, even in this state?” I scolded, and he let out a deep sigh of exasperation. “I'm fine, satisfied?” He sighed, going up the stairs. “And don't follow me, you're only going to worsen my headache with your nagging.”“It's called caring, which I'm sure you can't relate with.” I snapped back. “Why do you care?” He retorted. And I raised my hand at him, showing off the ring on my finger, “In case you've
Lenora's Pov:The morning came in faster than anticipated, I woke up groggily to the sound of water. On opening my eyes I peered at my surroundings, it didn't look like my room and I instantly recalled last night's events. How did I even sleep soundly? Richard wasn't on the bed, so I assumed he was using the shower. The running water came to an abrupt stop and when I heard the bathroom door open, I pulled the sheets over myself pretending to be fast asleep. I heard him walk across the room, “Vanya, have someone bring in breakfast.” He said, moving to another part of the room. After what seemed like a minute he resurfaced and I heard him open what sounded like a bottle of water. Water droplets fell on my face and I jumped up, and met an indifferent Richard staring down at me. He stood shirtless, showing off his fit chest and damn was he ripped. I was almost tempted to run my fingers over his abs, almost.I sighed and hissed, “You know, there are other ways to rekindle with your inne
Lenora's Pov:“Ricardo!” An older woman exclaimed as we alighted from the car. The place we had arrived in was a large mansion, a type of house people with old money would live in. “Mamma, come stai?” Richard said, going in for an embrace, I didn't get what she said next because I obviously didn't know Italian. She glanced at me and said something to Richard, I guessed it as my cue to offer a greeting. “Ciao, Signora Giulia, Richard has told me all about you.” I said, giving her a hug.“Signora?” She gasped. “I wasn't sure to call you mother yet.” I explained, fiddling with my thumb nervously.She waved her hand as if dismissing the thought, “Absolutely nonsense, Mamma sounds very wonderful, come inside dear.” She said, taking my hand. I turned to Richard and gave him a wink and a thumbs up but of course, he rolled his eyes at me.“Tell me dear, what is your name?” She asked as we made our way inside.“Lenora.” I replied, giving her a sweet smile and she responded with an even swee
Lenora's Pov:I lay on my bed bored, restless, and craving a late night snack. My inner turmoil went on and on until I came to a final decision and got out of bed. Heading for the kitchen, I made my way past Richard's study and noticed it was slightly open. I was tempted to drop in and maybe get on his nerves since I really had nothing to do, but I waved the idea off and continued to the kitchen. Making myself a fruit smoothie and grabbing a full jar of cookies I made my way back to my room. Stopping in front of Richard's study again, I sighed and approached it. I kicked the door open, trying to balance my smoothie and the glass jar of cookies in my arms while I pushed the door close.“I don't recall asking you in.” He said, engrossed in paper work. The dimly lit room drew its illumination mainly from the focused glow of his desk lamp. His features highlighted under the soft glow of the room and his brows furrowed in concentration. Ignoring him I headed for a seat, slurping my smo
Lenora's Pov:The limo stopped in front of the event location, there were paparazzi everywhere and a red carpet. As soon as we stepped down, we were surrounded by paparazzi. I almost went blind from all the lights but Richard seemed used to it seeing how composed he was. My only hope was that my pictures turned out really good because I had my eyes squinted from the lights throughout.We took pictures on the red carpet, and for some reason I felt like the photos would come out bad. I've never been photogenic, I barely even took photos.I hated the fact that I wasn't mentally prepared to appear in public without any sort of beforehand warning but it was Richard, of course he'd never tell me what to expect. The paparazzi however seemed surprised, but none of them asked any questions. “Richard!” A very familiar voice called, a few minutes after we had stepped into the very large hall the event was holding in.We both turned and saw Tara moving towards our direction, the first question t