“Why didn’t you choose our company for that expansion project? I know Valerio would approve it if he hears my name or yours. He would have returned me to the office by now.” We had lunch at the hotel and Gio also bought a new set of clothes. “I forgot! And I didn’t know, okay? Maybe it slipped my mind to mention your company, that you offer such services. I only found out that someone else got the expansion project. Furthermore, it seems like you have many clients.”
I probably didn’t pay much attention to this because I was thinking about Gio and me not having children. Gio didn’t say anything. Maybe he thought of a way to replace Rory and the others.
“Whatever you’re thinking, Gio, don’t pursue it.” I added. I know when he’s silent like this.
“It’s still early. They’re just getting started, and they could…”
“We already signed a contract! Stop it.” I playfully smacked his arm because of the silly thoughts he had.
“Tss,” he muttered.
We arrived at the company. I already informed my secretary, so I knew she was here.
“Goodbye! See you tonight!” I kissed him on the lips and quickly wiped off the lipstick stain.
“I’ll be the one to pick you up. I’ll tell Dario to keep an eye on you, but I’ll come get you later.”
I paused as he was about to leave his car. I stared at him with questions in my mind.
“Huh?” I asked.
“See you later.” Gio just grinned and stole a kiss from me while I was in a daze.
I got out of his car and entered our building. The guard greeted me, and I greeted him in return. At the lobby entrance, I met Dario, who seemed to be waiting for my arrival. They followed me to the elevator, and we went up to our floor together.
Gio is acting weird. That’s what kept crossing my mind as I reached the expansion site. I hadn’t been here for a few days because I was busy with my work at the office, and now that I had some time, I decided to visit.
Gio is acting weird because there’s a strange smile on his lips every time I see him, and I don’t know if I want to see it. Sure, I want to see Gio smile, but when my husband’s smile is like that, even I get nervous. He’s plotting something.
“Are you okay, Ma’am?”
I was startled when someone sat beside me and even called me “ma’am.” I saw Rory grinning at me. “You seem lost in thought, Millie. Why are you spacing out, anyway? Is there a problem?” he asked before handing me a drink. “Do you want one?”
I accepted it because I was getting thirsty. There was some distance between us, so no one would think anything of it. Unless, of course, you were as malicious as Dario. But luckily, Dario hadn’t been reporting anything lately. There really was nothing for him to report!
“No, nothing. I’m just thinking.” I forced a smile at him.
I was wondering what kind of plan was running through my husband’s mind, and it seemed like a peculiar smile was always lingering on his lips whenever I looked at him!
Rory didn’t press me about that matter. We fell silent for a moment and sipped our respective drinks.
“I heard that you’re rushing the construction of this expansion. Your company hired a subcontractor to assist us with this project.”
I took a deep breath. It just struck me now, while thinking about Gio.
“Yeah, the schedule changed, and we have big projects coming up, so we need to finish this quickly,” Rory replied, nodding. I felt like he wanted to say more but decided not to.
In the midst of our silence, I excused myself, saying I needed to use the restroom. I don’t know why, but I felt uncomfortable around Rory. There was some awkward feeling in the air.
As I exited the restroom, I paused when I saw some other people talking to the head engineer of our expansion. I furrowed my brow for a moment. However, my eyes widened when I noticed a tall man staring at me.
My throat went dry as his gaze pierced through me. He was talking with the engineers and architects, and the manager was there too, but his attention was not on them; it was on me.
“Ah, Mrs. Locatelli!” the manager called out to me. I forced a smile before deciding to approach them. I was still confused about what Gio was doing here!
“Ma’am, we’ve engaged the Locatelli Development Corporation as a subcontractor for this project. They have a considerable amount of manpower and equipment that we believe will help speed up the work here and meet the schedule you desire.”
I can hear what he’s saying, but my full attention is still fixed on Gio. It’s as if, from the moment I saw him today, he’s completely absorbed and taken over my thoughts.
“Weren’t you told, Mrs. Locatelli, about that?”
I heard a few girlish giggles in response to Gio’s words. Although his expression remained blank and cool, I knew that what he said had charmed quite a few, including me. If I weren’t so confused about what he was doing here, I might have been swept away by his sweet words.
They continued talking for a while, and when I saw an opportunity, I pulled Gio away from the group. I noticed Rory looking at us, but I chose not to pay any attention to him.
“What’s this all about?” I asked him when it was just the two of us. c”What’s ‘this’?” I retorted. “What are you doing here? Why didn’t you tell me about this plan?”
“I didn’t have any plans, Millie. I heard your general contractor needed a subcontractor, so I thought, being your husband, I’d help expedite the completion of your expansion. Valerio was willing to help, but because he has a lot on his plate, I’ll facilitate the project.”
Help? So, he wants to keep an eye on me even though I’m not doing anything. This man, really.
“And you? Aren’t you busy?”
“I don’t have to devote my entire day here, so I can do my work when I return to the office.”
I sighed, my eyebrows still furrowed. Gio can be quite unpredictable at times.
“What’s your schedule here?” I asked him.
“I matched my schedule with yours. I’m here when you’re here.”
My jaw dropped at what he said. So, he’s not here to assist with the expansion; he’s really here to keep an eye on me.
“You’re here to monitor me! I am not cheating, Gio! I thought we were done talking about this.”
“It’s a plus. It’s like killing two birds with one stone.”
I could have facepalmed at his words, but I thought, whatever, let him be embarrassed that I’m not doing anything wrong here and that his jealousy of Rory should stop!