The next day, I talked to Gio about helping Marion get a job. As expected, he didn’t like the idea. It was as if just mentioning Marion’s name angered him, and if he couldn’t control his temper, he might erupt like a volcano.
“Gio, there seem to be many vacant positions in the company-”
“I said no, Millie. If you mention that guy’s name one more time, you won’t like what I’ll do.”
I pursed my lips and remained silent. He’s so jealous, even though Marion hasn’t done anything wrong.
We both entered Gio’s office. I was still figuring out how to tell Marion that I wouldn’t be able to help him get a job at our company. This is just the way Gio is, he’s not the nicest man I’ve ever known.
When I had some free time, I called Marion. I didn’t leave the office because the last time I did that, I got kidnapped. It’s a relief that such incidents haven’t happened to me again.
“Hi,” I greeted Marion when he answered my call.
“Hi, Millie!” he responded cheerfully.
I was at a loss for words, unsure of how to tell him I couldn’t help him. How could I let him down gently?
“Sorry, Marion, it seems I won’t be able to assist you in securing a position in the company. I mentioned that the CEO is quite strict, and it made the air heavy with concern because the CEO happens to be my husband.”
Marion laughed on the other end of the line. “I guess your husband doesn’t like me because of our history. That’s understandable, Millie.”
My expression fell. He knew, even without me explicitly saying it. “I’m really sorry. But I’ll inquire with some acquaintances if they have any vacant job positions-”
“You don’t have to do that. It’s okay. I’m still looking for a job and have already submitted a few applications. I’m just waiting for their responses. Don’t worry.”
Our conversation didn’t last long. I said my goodbyes, and he thanked me once again. I hung up the phone and sighed.
As I returned to my desk, one of Gio’s staff members approached me. I looked around for Mariana and Dario, but I couldn’t find them.
“Where are Mariana and Dario?” I couldn’t help but ask.
“Mariana and Dario left, Ma’am, they’re just running an errand for Sir Gio. While they’re both gone, we’ll take care of you.”
I nodded. They may hold lower ranks than Mariana and Dario, but since I was in the office, nothing bad would likely happen. I decided not to go to any secluded areas to avoid a repeat of the kidnapping incident.
“Ma’am Millie!” I looked over as one of our junior staff entered the office. He was carrying a box, which he placed on my desk. I approached to see what it was. “There’s a package for you.”
I was puzzled about what the package could be. I couldn’t recall making a purchase or being informed about an incoming package. I checked the sender’s name, but it wasn’t familiar to me.
I was about to open it when one of Gio’s staff members intervened. I looked at him, puzzled by his actions.
“We should check it first, Ma’am. There might be a bomb inside.”
“It was already checked by the guard downstairs. They have detectors, and they would have known if there was metal or a bomb inside before sending it up. It’s safe, and it doesn’t look like it contains a bomb. I shook it earlier, and it didn’t explode,” our junior staff said with a laugh. When he received a disapproving look from Gio’s staff member, he closed his mouth.
I approached the box and opened it, with my guards surrounding me, just in case there was something unpleasant inside.
After successfully opening the box, all I found inside was torn pieces of paper. It was completely puzzling.
I reached into the box to see if there was anything else inside. My hand did touch something, but it wasn’t until later that I realized what it was. I let out a startled scream when a snake inside the box bit me. The snake quickly released its grip on my arm and slithered rapidly onto the floor. Chaos ensued, but Gio’s staff members quickly managed to capture it.
I held my arm where the snake had bitten me, still in shock. Some staff members rushed over to examine my wound.
“It’s a non-venomous snake,” one of them announced. I breathed a sigh of relief. The others, however, were still uneasy, so they directed me to the company’s infirmary. Accompanied by some staff members, I went there for a checkup.
The doctor confirmed that the snake was non-venomous. He treated my wound and applied the appropriate bandage to prevent any infection.
The infirmary door opened, and we looked towards it. I immediately locked eyes with Gio. He quickly approached me, asking about my condition.
“She’s fine, Mr. Locatelli. The snake wasn’t venomous,” the doctor said, smiling as he stood up. He left us for some privacy.
Gio didn’t speak and just stared at me. I didn’t know what to say either, so we remained silent. I wondered who had sent the snake and why they had done it.
“Sir, we are heading to the sender’s address. It was a fictitious address. There’s just an empty lot there. We traced the name on the package, but we found out that the person with that name has been dead for a long time.”
My eyes widened upon hearing this. It meant that whoever sent this knew that Gio could potentially track them down, so they created a false identity to hide their true identity.
Gio still didn’t speak. He dismissed his men using hand gestures, leaving the two of us alone.
“I’m okay, Gio. It’s just a minor snakebite-”
“From now on, you won’t be working anymore. You’ll leave the house only when I permit it. I will triple the guards. If you absolutely need to go out, you will tell me. Under no circumstances are you to leave the house without informing me, Millie.”
I stood up abruptly upon hearing this. It took me by surprise, but for now, I’d go along with him removing me from work.
“Why are you taking me out of work? Gio, this is just a snakebite. Whoever did this was just playing a prank-”
“This is for your safety, Millie. I don’t want to hear any ‘buts’ from you.” Gio’s eyes blazed with anger, but it wasn’t directed at me. It felt like his rage was for someone who wasn’t in the room.
“I can take care of myself, Gio. That’s why I’m training, right? To protect myself. Don’t treat me like fragile glass. In some way, I can protect myself. I’m not like before, easily broken. Gio, have some faith in me.”
Gio didn’t immediately respond. He just gazed at me, his breathing so heavy that I could feel its weight in my chest. “No,” he replied.
I furrowed my brow, disappointed with his response. He still doesn’t trust me with this.
“Gio, it’s like you want to imprison me with your desires! I can take care of myself. Don’t overreact just because of some snake-”
“It’s not just because of the snake, Millie!” he shouted, stopping me dead in my tracks. This was one of those rare moments when you’d hear Gio raise his voice.
His voice was so commanding that, even though I wanted to complain, I couldn’t find the words to speak. Gio closed his eyes as if something was tormenting him.