Ricardo entered hurriedly and slammed the door shut. His loud voice startled the deputy who was engrossed with the computer.
“Vonda,” Ricardo called as he walked towards his office door. “Call Mecca. Tell her to meet me right away.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Entering his workspace, Ricardo quickly grabbed a glass of water and downed it in an instant. Sandra’s command left him breathless.
A knock on the door caught Ricardo’s attention. He hurriedly sat behind his desk and exclaimed, “Come in.”
The door opened, and Mecca entered. She smiled politely as Ricardo motioned for her to sit.
“What’s the matter, Sir?”
Ricardo wiped the sweat off his forehead with a tissue and squeezed it. He tried to smile to suppress the escalating panic.
“I want to ask something,” Ricardo said, hoping not to raise suspicion. “How is Velia doing?”
Out of the many reasons Ricardo could have called her, this possibility was unexpected for Mecca. Confusion immediately appeared on her face as she answered.
“Velia seems to be fine. Why, Sir?”
“Oh, she’s doing alright. Thank goodness for that.”
Ricardo’s words and expression did not align. Mecca could sense something unusual, but she could not guess what it was. Especially when Ricardo asked again.
“Has she found a new job?”
Mecca remained silent for a few seconds before shaking her head. Despite the fact that Velia had been working, it wasn’t a job befitting her.
“Not yet, sir.”
A radiant glow appeared on Ricardo’s face, suggesting spontaneous relief. It was as if he had just received good news.
“Okay,” Ricardo said, nodding repeatedly. “Contact her immediately. Tell her I can arrange everything if she still wants to work here.”
Mecca’s confusion about Ricardo’s behavior was shattered by that statement. She was shocked by his sudden burst of happiness.
“What do you mean, Sir?”
Ricardo clasped his hands together, slightly leaning forward with an expanded smile.
“Velia can work here again. Tomorrow morning, I’ll submit a reemployment letter to the company. She will return to work soon.”
“R-really, sir? Velia can work here again?”
“Of course, it’s true,” Ricardo replied, nodding meaningfully. “So, contact Velia right away. Let her know this news. She doesn’t need to look for a job elsewhere. Don’t waste this opportunity while I’m still feeling generous. Opportunities don’t come twice.”
“Yes, Sir. I will inform her immediately.”
After Mecca left, Ricardo immediately brainstormed. It could be said that his plan would surely succeed. Velia could not possibly refuse that job, and he had to make the most of it.
Ah, of course. I can invite her to inspect the construction of the branch office or tower. An accident at the construction site? Yes! That’s a perfect idea.
Ricardo’s panic subsided slightly. Velia would come back, and the plan was already set. However, one question could not help but make him pause.
What exactly are you doing, Velia? Why does Mrs. Hernandez want you dead?
It was a shame, really. More than a shame. Thinking about Velia’s beauty and grace made Ricardo feel a little pity.
It would be such a loss if you were to die soon, but what can I do? It’s better than my family bearing the consequences.
*
Of because Ricardo, that evening Mecca visited Velia’s rented house after work. Intentionally avoiding contacting her through the phone, she wanted to meet Velia in person and ensure her well-being.
Mecca was certainly pleased with the news Ricardo had given. Despite his strange behavior, Mecca thought it was good that Velia could work again. However, one question made her doubt. Would Velia be allowed to work?
“Hey! Aren’t you Velia’s friend?”
That question stopped Mecca in her tracks. She was about to step onto the porch when a woman with curly hair approached.
“Y-yes, Ma’am,” Mecca stammered. “I am Velia’s friend.”
As the owner of the house, it was not difficult for Nia to remember a few faces associated with her tenants. Especially since there were not many office workers wandering in that area.
“Are you looking for Velia? Well, she doesn’t live here anymore.”
Mecca’s eyes widened. “She doesn’t live here anymore?”
Nia nodded, and Mecca looked at the locked door. The large padlock seemed to confirm Nia’s words.
“She moved on the day you came here,” Nia tried to remember. She took a deep drag of her cigarette and nodded. “Yes, it seemed to be her last day here. Shortly after you left, someone came to pick her up. Since then, she hasn’t come back. She even left her belongings behind.”
Mecca was shocked by Nia’s explanation. She had no idea that Velia had moved. And even more surprisingly, Velia had not informed her.
Embarrassment. Mecca was stunned when that word crossed her mind. Maybe that was why Velia had not said anything about her move.
“Oh, by the way, do you know where Velia moved to?”
Nia grinned. Cigarette smoke played on her face as she shook her head.
“Who knows where she moved? It’s definitely a hidden place that nobody will find out. Being a mistress, everything is kept secret.”
Mecca’s face turned red. Regardless of the truth of Nia’s words, she still could not accept hearing her friend being talked about in that way.
“She must be staying in a place unknown to anyone. So that she won’t be discovered by the legal wife.”
Nia burst into laughter, providing a clear signal to Mecca that it was pointless to linger there. She excused herself, deciding to leave in a hurry. It seemed she had no other choice. She would call Velia.
*
One ring interrupted Velia’s activity in the kitchen. Assuming it was Lucas calling, she left the carrots and hurriedly grabbed her phone from the kitchen island.
“Mecca?”
Velia suppressed her surprise and immediately answered the call. “Hello.”
Just a moment after Velia greeted, Mecca’s voice could be heard. It was fast-paced and hinted at the caller’s breathlessness.
“Hello, Ve. Oh my God.”
There was panic implied in Mecca’s voice. And Velia would not be mistaken in guessing that Mecca repeatedly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed like she was wrestling with a great worry.
“Mecca,” Velia whispered uncertainly. “Are you okay? What’s wrong with you?”
“Oh, my God, Ve. I should be the one asking that.”
Velia furrowed her brow. Mecca’s voice sounded different. It was somewhat higher and conveyed panic.
“I just came from your rented house.”
Velia’s confusion was answered. She closed her eyes, realizing there was no use hiding anything from Mecca.
“You no longer live there, and I was worried about your condition.”
“I’m sorry.”
Those were the only words Velia could utter. She could not explain her situation.
Mecca did not need any explanations either. She did not press further. As a friend, she surely understood.
“It’s okay. I just wanted to know how you’re doing. Are you okay? Are you healthy?”
A faint smile that Mecca could not see appeared on Velia’s face. She affirmed all of Mecca’s questions.
“I’m fine and healthy. You don’t need to worry.”
“Thank goodness. I was just concerned about your well-being,” Mecca said, exhaling deeply. “Ve, there’s something I want to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“I was asked by Mr. Bell.”
One name made Velia freeze. But she was not completely stunned until Mecca finished her sentence.
“Mr. Bell said that he wants to call you back to work here. Tomorrow, he will submit a request to the company, and you can fill the position as soon as possible.”
It was unexpected news. Immediately, Velia’s thoughts turned to Lucas. One question echoed in her mind.
So, Lucas really granted my request?
“I know Mr. Bell has been almost harassing you, but…”
Mecca’s words interrupted Velia’s thoughts. Everything was replaced by a terrifying glimpse that almost engulfed her.
“… I thought everything would be fine as long as you’re not alone with him. I will always accompany you, and oh, God. I’m sure you don’t want to be-”
Mecca’s words hung in the air. There was a moment of silence, and Velia realized the truth in Mecca’s words. She also doubted them.
Lucas would never let me go. Even if he allows me to work, it must be to fulfill his promise.
*
Five minutes passed without anyone speaking. It was eerily quiet, as if no one was there. Yet, it was evident that the two people were sitting face to face, with a cup of tea as a mediator.
Lucas let out a sigh. His eyes blinked once and then settled on the graceful figure sitting in front of him.
Clarissa really came. Just as Sandra had said on the phone earlier.
A beautiful smile curved on her beautiful face. It seemed that Clarissa had made up her mind to start the conversation. However, Lucas surprised her with an unexpected statement.
“I think our meeting is sufficient until this point.”
The words that were about to leave Clarissa’s tongue immediately disappeared. She gaped, not only because of Lucas’s formal tone but also because of what he said.
Lucas ignored Clarissa’s surprise. He stood up, straightened his suit, and spoke again.
“Excuse me. Good afternoon.”
That was it. Afterward, Lucas really left his office, leaving Clarissa alone. She was shocked and could only gape at his behavior.
“Oh, God. How could this happen?”
Lucas was no different from a heartless person. He left even before they could engage in a brief conversation. They practically did not talk anything, except for a brief introduction.
Just a waste of time.
For a businessman, time was everything. And for Lucas, there was something extremely important that made him not want to waste a single second.
Someone was waiting for him at the apartment. A woman who made Lucas not think twice about going straight home after his meeting with Clarissa.
Lucas entered, and his instincts kicked in. He walked towards the kitchen after placing his work bag on the couch.
A delicious aroma welcomed Lucas, accompanied by a melodious and rhythmic humming.
Lucas smiled faintly. He walked slowly and immediately felt Velia’s surprise in his embrace.
“Luc.”
Lucas’s smile landed on Velia’s neck. There, he whispered.
“I’m home.”
*