*Andrea*
“I don’t want to speak in front of strangers.” She said, looking at me, “Leave!” She ordered.
“Why should I?”
I think it was time I stood up to her less she thinks I am some pushover.
Her eyes widened in surprise. I have never spoken to her in such a tone before. Yes, I wanted my relationship with Alejandro to be a secret, and I know I shouldn’t try to push him to interfere, but I honestly don’t want him to interfere.
“What did you say? It seems you don’t know your place, and you need to be reminded,” she said, her voice filled with disdain.
“I don’t. You met me engrossed in an important discussion with my boss; you can’t just butt in and tell me to get out.” I said. Her face reddened with anger, “and I think it is you who needs to be reminded of your place.”
Alejandro had a slight smile on his face in support of my outburst.
Clara’s lips trembled in anger as she tried to speak. She couldn’t form a coherent word. She turned to Alejandro, her chest heaved up and down.
“Alejandro, fire her. You can’t just watch her speak to me in such a manner; it’s demeaning.” She whined.
I stared at Alejandro, daring him to interfere. “Clara, Anna is right. You can’t just ask her to leave.” He reasoned.
“You can’t be serious, Alejandro,” Clara said, looking between Alejandro and me. Sensing that Alejandro was not going to take her side, she stood up rashly and stared at me, “You think you can speak to me in such a manner because you deluded yourself that you are so important to Alejandro and he will not get rid of you?” She let out a low mocking laugh and continued.
“You forget you are but a pauper, a piece that can easily be disposed of and replaced. You are no match for me. So don’t even dream of speaking to me in such a tone and not getting punished.”
I felt a rush of adrenaline surge through me, but I refused to be frightened by such baseless threats. I stood forward, meeting her gaze with the same intensity, “I may be poor, but I am not less than you. Do whatever you want, and watch me retaliate,” I said
“I wonder which madman let you in,” I said underneath but loud enough that she heard what I said.
She clenched her black Louis Vuitton bag tightly, “Alejandro, you heard her right?” She turned to Alejandro, her voice dripping with anger.
“Heard what?” Alejandro asked, and I almost laughed; I am sure he heard me. She seemed to know Alejandro was pretending, too.
She crossed her hands over her chest and turned to Alejandro, “is it her or me?” She asked. She tapped one foot impatiently on the floor.
“Her or you on what?” Alejandro asked, his patience with her seemed to be on its brim.
“Who leaves, her or me?” She repeated her question, her voice louder and clearer this time.
Alejandro didn’t look between us, not contemplating, before picking up the telephone on the table. “Come up here.” He instructed the security on the other end.
Clara smirked at me and walked towards the chair at the side. She sat and crossed one leg over the other and said, “Just wait. Let’s see how you get thrown off this building.” She had a smug look on her face.
I said nothing as I stood waiting for the security personnel to come into the office. I was very sure she would be thrown off. She has overestimated her relationship with Alejandro, not realizing it was as fragile as anything could be.
In less than two minutes, there was a firm knock on the door. “Come in,” Alejandro said.
The door pushed open, and a man in black uniform stepped in. Clara leaned out of her chair, ready to dish out instructions to the security man, but he ignored her completely and bowed to Alejandro in respect.
“It seems you’ve gotten a job somewhere else,” Alejandro said, and the man’s eyes widened, not sure what Alejandro was talking about.
“Have you?” Alejandro asked.
“No, sir.”
“Then why aren’t you doing your job properly?” Alejandro asked. The man knew better than to argue with Alejandro.
“I’m sorry, sir.” He apologized, though he was yet to know what he did wrong.
“Escort this young lady out,” his voice was firm as he ordered, and the security man moved close to Clara, whose brows furrowed, “Alejandro, you can’t be serious.” She thundered from her seat.
“And the next time you allow her in without permission or a planned meeting with me will be your last day in this company.”
“You can’t throw me out,” Clara stood looking at the security man who respected her enough not to hold her by her arm and pull her out.
“Alejandro, I am one of the major shareholders in this company. You can’t just throw me out.” She paused in the realization that Alejandro had picked me over her.
“Get her out.” Alejandro was deaf to whatever she was saying.
The security man moved to hold her but she raised her hand stopping him in his tracks. “I’ll go out myself.” She turned to Alejandro, “I hope you don’t regret this.”
“Don’t let the door hit you behind.”
Clara glared at me, and I sent her a smile of triumph. She gritted her teeth and stepped out. I don’t care if she comes back at me; I have never been one to run away from a good fight.
The office went back to how it was before her arrival.
There was no need to mention what had just happened, “the meeting is two hours away.” I told Alejandro, who closed the file he was reading, “The proposal is fine.” He handed me the file, “Email this to the legal director.” He said.
I nodded slightly before stepping out.
.
.
I had never dreamed of coming to Eclipse. It was the most famous restaurant in the whole city. Only the rich, famous, and most influential get to enjoy the meals there. But here I am inside it now.
Soft music resounded from the speaker, which was invincible. It is said there were three stories here for three distinct classes.
I inhaled deeply, inhaling the devious aroma that wafted through the air.
The first story was for those who are wealthy. I heard this was no different from the regular people that are here.
The second was for the VIPs, and the third was for the VVIP, and that was where we were heading.
We were led to the table that had been reserved. It was a table of four as Jane would be joining with her P. A. The table was secluded from the other, though we could see other people.
We sat at the sleek, black table. My eyes took everything in front of me quickly. I tried hard not to gawk like a peasant-the golden chandelier that hung on the ceiling, the antique paintings and drawings on the walls.
I looked out the window at the beautiful scenery. She had designed it in such a way that it seemed to snore when it should not.
A waiter soon came towards us. He handed us a menu, and Alejandro picked an Italian wine.
Jane walked in immediately after the waiter left, her heels clicking loudly on the tiled floor. She made heads turn. Everyone seated waved at her, and she had a small, polite, and humble look as she acknowledged them all.
Her P. A. walked behind her. I noticed some men in black were suddenly placed at each corner, some sat like customers, but I knew enough to know that they were her security personnel.
Alejandro stood, and so did I.
“Thank you for honoring my invitation,” Alejandro said, and they shook hands.
“How could I not? I’ve heard so much about you, Mr. Costa; it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” She said.
“The pleasure is all mine.” She sent me a smile as she sat.
My heart missed a beat. Her blonde hair was nearly styled, and her ocean-blue eyes flicked from my face to Alejandro’s as they spoke.
Her makeup was on point, complimenting her natural looks, and I could swear she would still look as beautiful as she was without it.
She could easily pass for a model. “Tsk tsk,” what a waste of beauty. I said within.
She studied the file that was handed to her. As she scanned through it, I noticed Alejandro typing on his phone.
Immediately, he kept his phone, and my phone beeped. I didn’t want to check the message at first, but he nudged me with his foot.
Wait, don’t tell me it was Alejandro who sent me a message. I quickly picked up my phone, “does she look that pretty?” I raised my hands at once and met his gaze briefly.
He has been watching me.
My face warmed up, and I tucked some hair strands behind my ear. “What?” I sent back, pretending not to understand what he had said.
Jane was done with the file, and they began discussing again. This time, I tried to listen and contribute.
“I am quite impressed with this plan. I must say this proposal is the best I’ve had since my return.” Alejandro beamed, but he did well in containing it. She turned to her P. A. “Why am I just having this meeting, Andrew?” She asked.
Andrew scratched the back of his head, not sure what to say.
“I’m glad.” They had come to an agreement.
“My legal department will get in touch with yours and draft the contract,” Alejandro said, and she nodded in agreement.
I was glad we finally had a contract with Jane.
I sat in the passenger seat with Alejandro.
“So, why were you staring at her intensely? Was she that beautiful?” He asked, and I smiled.
“You don’t think she is beautiful?”
“She looks normal.” He said, ” I thought I was the only one you looked at with such eyes?” He asked and moved closer to me.
“Don’t tell me you are jealous of her,” I leaned towards him. He smirked, “Of course not.” He reached for my lips and stroked my bottom lips with his thumb.
He leaned towards me. I closed my eyes, craving for a taste of his lips.
Before he could meet my lips, the car stopped abruptly.
He groaned and turned to the driver, “What’s wrong?” He asked.
The driver said something, but I didn’t pay attention.
We didn’t intend anything till we got to the office.
We spent some time in the office. The director of the legal department had prepared the contract. I sent it out to Jane since it was in electronic form. She seemed to be anticipating the contract, too, as she signed it and sent it back before the end of the day.
.
.
The rest of the week went swiftly, and before long, the month was over.
It was not one of the best months for me. We had so much work to do, and though Alejandro took me out for dates most of the time, and we had some fun alone, I found myself getting weak and dizzy most of the time.
Alejandro had gone out with Lucas and Nora on a trip, as Lucas requested. Though I wasn’t the happiest about it, I tried to be happy for him when he told me.
I understand he felt happy because his son wanted to spend time with him regardless.
That evening, Alison’s loud voice woke me from my nap. She barged into my room, “You’ve been sleeping for a long time now.” She whined.
“Are you okay?” She asked and I nodded as I sat slowly, resting my back on the bed frame.
“I just feel a bit dizzy. Is there something you want?” I asked.
“Let’s go out.”