Chapter 27 Someone I know
ALESSANDRO'S POV
I looked at myself in the mirror. I was always praised for my charms. Women throw themselves before my feet just to get one glance from me.
Just a few days ago, I believed they correctly called me a heartthrob. But now? I don't feel like it at all.
It seems the patch of a dark circle has become my life partner and the growing stubbles. These blue eyes seemed to lose all their brightness since she stopped looking into them with her soft smile. Everything these days are frustrating for me. But I slept a little better last night after standing up for Victoria. I did make a move a lot later, yet I did.
I know I deserve to be punished on one side, but on the other side, nothing feels right without her. I want her at all costs! But how?
How will I bring her back to me? Should I kidnap her and lock her up till she agrees? The thought came, and immediately I shot it off from me. No, that would not certainly be a good idea.
I finally reached the office, thinking of thousands of ways to bring her back into my life. While I was still drowning in her thoughts, I heard a knock on the door, and Calvin walked in in an urgent mood. My left brow automatically raised high. "What happened?"
"I went to a cafe for breakfast before coming here, and..." He scratched his neck, taking a pause and making me impatient in the process.
"And what, Calvin?"
"Boss, I saw Miss Victoria in that cafe. She was very close to a man."
Immediately I straightened, snapping at him.
"Who?!"
"Well, it seems to be Antonio Edwards, the president of E Shine."
Fuck! Is she really with that man? How dare she?
I felt consumed by rage as I swept everything off the floor without regard for the chaos and likely damage to my laptop.
The only thing in my mind was Victoria being with some other man. How close are they? Did he touch her? Did they... NO! It can't be! She can't do this to me.
"Boss, please calm down," Calvin rushed beside me, but I had lost control already.
"How dare she cheat on me? HOW?" I growled, grabbing him by his collar.
Calvin gulped but did not move impatiently.
"Boss, you two are divorced already."
And suddenly, the reality hit me. He is right! Fuck! I left his collar, forcefully pushing him back with pressure. He stumbled on his feet but managed himself somehow. "Get ready; I want to go to E Shine, NOW." I declared.
I wanted to leave, but he stopped me. "Boss, wait! E Shine is not accepting visitors today because Reynolds will be there today."
That was another shock for me. Reynolds! That fucking man! He is a fucking dissembling bastard!
My blood boiled out of limits this time. Not in Victoria now, but on that, Antonio! How dare he allow that bastard near her or any woman! "Then we are definitely going there, now, without notice," I announced.
****
VICTORIA'S POV
I inhaled a deep breath rubbing my hands together. They are getting cold more and more as at the time Mr. Reynolds's arrival gets closer.
I am welcoming him alone as Antonio has left for a business trip this morning, which is causing me to feel even more anxious.
I also planned to convince him to support the jewelry show I planned. My first official project was in E Shine. I am happy and nervous at the same time!
Antonio and I had breakfast in our favorite cafe together, and he took his leave after dropping me at the office.
"You alright, ma'am?" Daniel asked for the fifth time since I entered the office. Well, I must say, this guy is an observer. He never let go of any details; as a jewelry designer, it's very important.
The more I know him and his talent, the more I am proud of my choice. He is an unconventional worker who enjoys having fun and gossiping but can also grasp new information quickly. He has a clever and humorous personality and appears to hold some level of fondness for me.
And sometimes, his words made me feel like he knew me from before! I don't know why it feels like that, but sometimes we find strangers that feel so close. Moreover, he gives me the vibe of someone so dear to me. Someone I know.
"I'm fine," I reassured him with a smile and a nod, but he disagreed by shaking his head and exhaling sharply.
"Why lying? I know you are not. This is your first project; you might feel excited and nervous."
Well, he is right, and there is no point in lying. He is goofy sometimes but also smart to understand things like my relationship with Antonio. He guessed we are siblings other than guessing absurd things like others.
Though he promised not to disclose it, well, let's see.
He looked at his wristwatch. "He still has some time to arrive. Would you like me to get you some refreasing tea in the meantime? That will help you calm down."
"Okay," I agreed immediately. The idea is good.
After Daniel was out, I kept checking on my preparations for his arrival. I kept checking them a couple of times when suddenly, one female designer knocked on my door, informing me about Mr. Reynolds's arrival.
I mean, what? Why is he here now? He came early! Oh, Lord!
Okay, calm down, Victoria. You can do it.
I nodded at her and walked out to receive the man.
He was waiting in the private waiting area with his assistant. As soon as the man entered my sight, I was left in a state of shock and stood still, observing him.
He is a middle-aged, obese man. No, don't take me wrong. I am not shaming him. It's just I didn't imagine him to be like this.
It's not entirely my fault; I've always been surrounded by attractive and youthful directors. Even my father looked more like our elder brother than our father.
So, yeah. The thought was there. But it's alright. His look really doesn't matter as long as he is ready to help us; I am glad.
"Good Morning, Mr. Reynolds," I greeted.
His eyes fell on me as they wracked all over my figure, making me uncomfortable. Still, I pushed the thought aside, keeping my confidence on track.
His lips twitched in a smirk. "A beautiful young designer! Well, your beauty is convincing enough," he said.
I only smiled professionally and led him to my office. His assistant waited outside as we went inside.
For some reason, I didn't want to be alone with him. I was hoping for Daniel to come soon.
"Please, seat, sir."
He sat on the sofa, and I sat on the opposite one, and slowly, under his uncomfortable gaze and praying for Daniel to arrive soon, I presented my ideas to him and requested his help.
He leaned back, putting his right leg on the left thigh, and his belly sat outside. It seemed like an attachment to his body. His perverted eyes went through me as he smirked a little.
"Certainly, your proposal is beautiful. Just like you. But why?" He arched his brow up. "Why will I support this? What will I get?"
His question caught me off guard. Why is he asking that? Has he forgotten this is freaking E Shine, or perhaps attempting to scrutinize me?
I will answer that if he wants to know. I smiled and held my chin up. "Of course, you will get the exposure as E Shine's partner and be more valuable than others. E Shine really expects your kind help."
He chuckled and then leaned forward with his raised brow and somewhat perverted smile.
"Oh darling, so innocent. I am not talking about the company's state but mine. A very personal one. What do you think about that?"
I frowned. Seriously didn't know what he was talking about.
"What do you mean?"
He stood up and came beside me, touching my shoulder, and then his hand started traveling down to my arm.
"I am talking about a beautiful advantage for both of us, darling. I heard you got divorced from your husband recently. I am sure Antonio is giving you much, but now his absence can make you frustrated. I can fulfill that. Why don't you spend a night with me, baby?"
His disgusting whisper gave me disgusting goosebumps. I stood up, getting away from him.
"How dare you? You obnoxious pervert!" I glared at him. But he laughed out loud.
"Oh, there is no point in making a scene, bitch. I know well what a woman like you wants. My one word, either sleep with me or lose the support."
Anger raised my head. What does he think? Could I do nothing without his help? Oh, sweetheart, you're mistaken for thinking like that.
Yes, I am organizing this show and want to get help from the partner companies to prove myself and extend my name.
He should know his position better. As I wanted to deny him, he again came to me, tried to touch me, and kept saying objectionable things.
Immediately, I changed my decision and raised my hand to slap him hard to put him on his mind when suddenly, the door of my room burst open only to catch me shocked as my eyes fell on the angry Alessandro!
What the?! Ooh...
A gasp escaped my mouth when Alessandro aimed at Reynolds without hesitation, throwing him painfully on the floor, and started beating the shit out of him!
Good Lord! What is happening here?!