Lucas was certain he would never grow tired of that sight. Specifically, in the kitchen, where a woman was busy with cooking utensils and ingredients.
Velia was preparing breakfast with a casual appearance. She was still wearing last night’s nightgown and had only washed her face. It was strange, but it looked charming in Lucas’ eyes.
The stove went off. The sound of utensils ceased, and Velia turned her body to reach for a plate, her gaze meeting Lucas at the doorway.
“Oh my, Luc.”
Velia was startled, but Lucas grinned instead. He took a step forward, approaching Velia, who was repeatedly patting her chest.
“I surprised you.”
“W-were you there the whole time?” Velia asked. “What were you doing?”
Lucas simply shrugged briefly in response. His focus shifted to the contents of the frying pan. He needed to confirm what Velia was cooking, although the aroma wafting through the air had already given him a clue.
“You’re making fried rice.”
Velia nodded, and Lucas’ remark reminded her of the plate she needed to fetch. She moved away while speaking.
“Please, have a seat. I’ll prepare your breakfast.”
Lucas did not wait long. A plate of fried rice was served before him. Its appearance and delicious aroma stimulated his appetite, but it was not what left him mesmerized. It was the grated cheese on top of the fried rice.
“Is the cheese not enough?” he blinked. Velia seemed ready to get up, but he quickly held her hand to stop her.
“It’s sufficient,” Lucas replied, shaking his head. “Sit down, and let’s enjoy breakfast.”
Without saying a word, Velia agreed with Lucas’ words. She began to peacefully enjoy her meal, unaware that Lucas occasionally looked at her with deep meaning.
I know exactly what kind of woman you are, Ve. Maybe you can be stubborn, but I can melt your heart. Not just in the past, but also now.
The savory and aromatic flavors danced on Lucas’ taste buds. He chewed with the impression of truly savoring each bite.
It’s all a matter of time. Slowly, you will belong to me completely.
Velia paused her breakfast momentarily. She seemed hesitant to speak, taking three sips of water to calm herself.
“Luc.”
Lucas’ thoughts were interrupted. “Yes?”
“Regarding my job,” Velia whispered. “I might have to go to my home for a while to pick up some equipment.”
A faint frown on Lucas’ forehead disappeared. He understood, but it seemed he did not t agree.
“Or we can look for new equipment for you. How about that?”
Lucas finished his breakfast in one large bite. The plate was left clean, not a single grain of rice remained.
“I can accompany you for shopping. What do you want to buy? A bag? Shoes? Shirts?”
Velia appeared uncertain. It was not just that she felt uneasy, but going out with Lucas did not seem like a good idea.
“I thought you didn’t have time,” Velia gently declined. “I don’t want to disturb your work.”
“There’s Saturday and Sunday. I think weekends should be used for relaxation.”
Velia could not refuse. She nodded in agreement.
*
Arriving at the office, Lucas could barely contain his curiosity. He immediately called Vlora.
“I want you to find out something.”
Vlora nodded. “About what, Sir?”
Without answering directly, Lucas took a long breath for a moment. He needed to explain a few things before giving instructions to his secretary.
“Yesterday, Velia was contacted by Mecca, one of the employees in the Development and Planning Department. She said that Ricardo called Velia to return to work.”
It seemed that Vlora could sense Lucas’s intention. Indeed, her expression showed a similar doubt to what Lucas felt.
“I know,” Lucas nodded. “It’s strange, and I don’t know Ricardo’s reasons for doing this. Moreover, he seems convinced that Velia can be called back.”
“I will find out the truth about it, sir.”
That’s exactly what Lucas wanted. However, he would not overlook one crucial thing.
“Do it subtly and discreetly. I don’t want anyone to know or suspect anything. You understand, Velia is just an ordinary employee.”
It was not just that one thing Lucas needed to emphasize, but there was another equally important matter.
“I hope you don’t forget, Vlora. You work for me. I hope you remember that as best as possible.”
There was a hint of surprise in Vlora’s eyes, but she quickly composed herself. She understood the implied warning without any misunderstanding.
“Of course, Sir,” Vlora nodded. “I understand.”
In a different place, Ricardo, who had just arrived at the office, wasted no time. He decided to take care of one important matter before the workday began.
Ricardo headed to the Human Resources Department. Carrying his work bag in one hand, he pushed the door hastily.
“So, have you taken care of it?”
Without any courtesy whatsoever, Ricardo immediately confronted Simon Johnson with his questions. Not just two questions, but he also threw a third question.
“When can Velia start working again?”
Simon let out a long sigh. He had just brewed a cup of coffee, and Ricardo had already come to disrupt his morning. Perhaps, at least, Ricardo would let Simon enjoy his first sip.
“I’ve already told you, Mr. Bell. It’s not an easy matter. There’s no precedent for the company calling back an employee who has been fired.”
Apparently, Ricardo was also having a bad start to the day. Simon’s logical answer made his head throb.
“I was wrong,” Ricardo quickly said, patting his chest. “I acted wrongly. Let’s consider the performance report back then as my mistake.”
“How is that even possible?”
Ricardo’s headache intensified. He could not wait any longer. His mind was spinning, trying to find another way.
“Where is Mr. Davis? Let me talk to him directly.”
That would not make a real difference. As a result, it was no wonder Simon just sighed briefly. However, at the same time, the door opened again and revealed another middle-aged man who became the subject of conversation.
Ricardo’s eyes widened, and he exclaimed, “Mr. Davis.”
Howard Davis, the department head, was almost startled. His name was called out suddenly, and Ricardo was already standing in front of him.
“Sir, I beg you. Help me this time.”
Howard shook his head. He was about to go straight to his desk, but it seemed futile. Ricardo blocked his path and showed no signs of retreating.
“Enough, Sr. Besides, what’s there to think about? Let’s consider it bad luck for her. I think she has already found another job anyway.”
It seemed odd indeed for someone to act like Ricardo. Desperately trying to call back an employee he had previously let go.
“I-I can’t rest easy,” Ricardo said, seeking an excuse. “I feel guilty. You surely know, right? Finding a job is difficult.”
Speaking of restlessness, of course, Howard could understand. There was a touch of humanity there. Unfortunately, dealing with the matter was not an easy task.
Ricardo became more confused. Howard’s expression signaled something unfavorable. He felt cornered and truly desperate, so he had to resort to his last resort.
“Mr. Davis.”
Ricardo pulled Howard aside to a corner of the room. He looked around to make sure no one would overhear.
“I’m really forced to do this, and I hope you won’t tell anyone about it.”
Howard sensed something unpleasant. “What do you mean, Sir?”
“Mrs. Hernandez asked me to call Velia back to work.”
Howard’s eyes widened in shock. For that, Ricardo happily confirmed his surprise.
“You surely know what will happen if we can’t fulfill her orders, right?”
“M-Mr. Ricardo, are you serious?”
Ricardo nodded. “I’m more than serious, and…”
Taking a deep breath, Ricardo needed to emphasize something important to Howard. He did not want it to leak.
“… make sure nobody knows about this, Mr. Davis. Only the two of us know. I really don’t want to face her wrath.”
Howard swallowed his saliva. The fear reflected in Ricardo’s eyes was clearly not an act. The middle-aged man was serious about what he said.
“A-all right, then.”
A slight relief surged in Ricardo’s chest. He took a deep breath and hurriedly went to a table to grab three tissue papers. His sweat had already soaked his face.
The first step of Ricardo’s plan went smoothly. Now, he just had to wait and find the right opportunity.
Ricardo moved and went to his office. Once there, he made sure the door was locked before contacting someone. With a contact named Boy, that was Ricardo’s second step of the plan.
“Hello, Sir.”
Ricardo’s call was answered in a matter of seconds. He took a harsh breath before speaking.
“Hello, Boy. I have a job for you.”
“What kind of job?”
“Do you remember the accident nine months ago?” Ricardo asked without beating around the bush. “I want you to spy on Velia, the woman who survived that incident. Monitor her movements, and if you find an opportunity, eliminate her immediately. Remember, don’t leave any evidence behind.”
“Alright, Sir.”
“I will send you her address shortly. I hope you can finish this job quickly.”
The call ended. Ricardo sent Velia’s address and then squeezed his hands.
Ricardo needed some time before starting the job. He had to calm down and try to get rid of the curses that had been echoing in his mind.
Damn it! Because of that wretched woman, I can’t be at ease like this!
*