I returned to my room to prepare because I still had work to do. Even though I lacked motivation for everything, I needed to work today.
I wouldn’t be going to the site. I would keep myself busy with office work. There were others who would be observing the expansion’s progress, so it would be fine even if I didn’t attend.
I spent the entire day at the office. I didn’t even want to have lunch, but I did it out of necessity.
Someone knocked on my door, and I lazily allowed them to enter.
“Ma’am.”
My head shot up when I realized it was Dario. I thought it was my secretary.
“Sir Gio called earlier. He asked me to check on you and apologized for not being able to say goodbye properly before leaving for Russia. He said that when he returns, the two of you will have a conversation.”
I felt somewhat relieved by Dario’s words. Dario also bid his farewell to me. Somehow, I managed to smile that day upon hearing Gio’s message from Dario. Even though he didn’t call me, I was still happy about the news I received.
On Friday, the office floor was abuzz when I arrived. People were exchanging birthday greetings, so I inquired about the celebrant.
“It’s Jazmin’s birthday, Ma’am,” one of them said.
Jazmin was an employee in our company. I knew her because when my secretary was absent, she would attend to my needs.
“Happy birthday!” I greeted her.
“Thank you, Ma’am,” Jazmin replied with a smile. “I’ll treat everyone after work. Since it’s Friday, if you don’t have any plans, I hope you can join us.”
Jazmin’s invitation took me by surprise. I hadn’t expected her to invite me, but her colleagues readily agreed. Jazmin was younger, probably a few years my junior.
“Sure! I’ll come,” I said.
They were thrilled with my response. I entered my office to begin my work.
I was in a better mood now, thinking about the upcoming conversation with Gio when he returned this weekend. I was nervous, but I hoped our talk would go well.
When work was over, I got into my car and drove to the place where Jazmin was celebrating her birthday. She had reserved a table for us at a bar. I spotted them as soon as I arrived, and they were delighted that I had come. On the way, I also bought a gift for her so I wouldn’t arrive empty-handed.
Dario and the others were not far away, keeping an eye on me. I couldn’t feel their presence, so I hoped I could enjoy myself tonight.
They ordered various drinks, but I chose juice. I wasn’t good with alcohol, so I avoided it.
“Ma’am, try this! It’s not every day, bottoms up!” they exclaimed when they noticed I was only drinking juice, and they offered me a cocktail that looked like it was made with rum. I enjoyed the taste, and it made my eyes sparkle.
It couldn’t hurt to have a drink once in a while, right?
We had a great time. They cheered again when I got my second glass of the cocktail. I must have had a few glasses when I decided to stop for a while. I had some tequila earlier, and my throat was starting to hurt.
I stood up to go to the restroom. As I walked, I caught sight of a familiar man at a table, and my eyes widened in surprise. He was looking at me while sipping from his glass. It was Rory.
I hadn’t realized they were also here. He had some companions I didn’t recognize. I quickly averted my gaze, thinking that I needed to stay away from him because of Gio. I didn’t want to add more conflict to our already strained relationship. I decided I would head home after using the restroom to avoid crossing paths with Rory.
The restroom wasn’t crowded, and there weren’t many people outside of it. I felt a bit dizzy, probably due to the drinks I’d had, so I chose to rest in the restroom for a while.
I touched up my makeup before deciding to leave. As soon as I walked out, someone grabbed my hand and pinned me against the wall, preventing me from escaping.
“Rory!” I exclaimed when I recognized him. Despite feeling a bit dizzy, I could still make out his face. Rory’s eyes were glassy, indicating he was more intoxicated than I was. With each of his breaths, I could smell the alcohol on him.
“Let me go.”
“You haven’t been to the site for the past few days. Is there a problem?”
“No problem. I’ve been busy. Besides, I’m not needed there right now, so I didn’t go. Let me go.”
“I miss you, Millie…”
My eyes widened at what he said. I struggled to break free, but he held me even tighter.
“I miss you so much,” he said, slowly bringing his face closer to mine. I tried to break free from his grip, but he only pulled me closer. I could feel his weight on me, and I couldn’t move.
I closed my eyes and turned my head. His lips brushed against my cheek, and it appeared as if we were kissing if someone were to see us.
“Millie-”
I jerked back when Rory suddenly disappeared in front of me. I saw him lying on the floor, coughing, with blood around his mouth and nose.
I looked to see who had done this, and I felt a rush of blood leave my face when I saw Gio. His fists were clenched, and his veins were bulging with anger. His neck turned red, and his eyes seemed murderous.
“Gio…”
Gio looked at me, and I could see the pain in his eyes.
I could only manage to utter Gio’s name in my shock. He’s here! Gio has returned home, even though he was supposed to arrive this weekend. A smile crossed my face when I realized it, but it quickly vanished when I noticed the sadness in his gaze when he turned towards me. I only caught a glimpse of it because it was immediately replaced by an emotion I couldn’t explain. It brought me back to the present. We were outside the restroom, and Gio and I were caught in a moment, about to kiss, when Rory almost got to me. From his vantage point, I knew he thought Rory and I were kissing.
The headache and dizziness I felt earlier seemed to evaporate into thin air. I was shattered by this realization. Rory attempted to rise from his prone position, but Gio swiftly approached him and kicked him forcefully in the abdomen. Rory vomited blood. Gio turned back to me, and I opened my mouth to speak, but he shook his head and walked away, muffling my words.