Chapter 41
SHANE
“What are you going to wear?” he asks me as he opens one of the drawers in his dresser, looking for a shirt. His voice has a carefree tone, but there’s a spark in his eyes that reveals his excitement.
“Speaking of which, where’s my handbag?” I respond, trying to sound calm, even though the rapid beating of my heart betrays my apparent tranquility.
“Downstairs…” He doesn’t finish the sentence before I’m already leaving the room. I hear him running down the stairs, and in an instant, he’s back-“Here you go. Let me help you, what are you going to wear?” His smile is warm, and I can’t help but feel grateful for his support.
“Some jeans and the turquoise three-quarter sleeve shirt over there.”
As he searches for the clothes, I realize this is what it feels like to have someone special in your life, a boyfriend. Because that’s what we are, right? The thought of Liam’s life intertwining, slowly but surely, with mine fills me with a deep emotion.
“This will fit you perfectly,” he comments, handing me the clothes. Happiness floods me, as if I’m receiving a new dress. In the end, I choose some shoes that make me look a bit taller, thinking that maybe that will help me feel more confident. I’m aware that every little step counts.
Finally, ready to leave, a mix of nervousness and anticipation accompanies me. As we pass through the door, Liam naturally yet profoundly takes my hand, and that simple contact offers me a sense of calm, as if everything is going to be okay.
The drive to the office is short, but my mind fills with dissonant images of what might happen. How will his mother react when she sees me? What if she doesn’t like me as Liam’s girlfriend? However, I find comfort in the noise of city traffic and the warm sun shining down on us. Every moment in the car beside Liam reinforces that I’m in the right place.
Once we arrive at the impressive building towering above us, where Liam works and which he also owns, we get out of the car without letting go of each other’s hands. As we approach the entrance, a golden sign that reads “WASHTHOM” glimmers in the light, as mysterious as its owner. Liam’s protective gesture makes me feel less vulnerable, as if we can face the outside world together. The reception area is modern and bustling, filled with moving employees and the sound of ringing phones in a vibrant atmosphere. He leads me toward the elevators, where other employees greet him with nods.
When we finally reach the top floor, the main entrance shines brightly in the sunlight. My eyes light up as I cross the large foyer, where contemporary art decorates the walls and minimalist designer furniture seems to invite me to stay, although the air carries a palpable aura of exclusivity.
Upon reaching the glass desk, the receptionist greets me with a radiant smile. Her black hair falls in soft waves over her elegant dress, and her flawless makeup enhances her professionalism. However, there’s warmth in her gaze, a spark of enthusiasm that makes me feel welcome. When she sees Liam approaching, her face lights up, and with a soft click, the glass doors open to allow him access to the elevator area.
“Good morning, Mr. Thomas!” her voice sounds cheerful, and I can’t help but feel intrigued by the connection between them.
“Good morning!” Liam replies curtly, a gesture that makes me relax and feel satisfied.
Liam’s office is a reflection of his bold style. Upon entering, I’m left speechless, my eyes wandering over every detail. The light gray walls contrast with black and gold accents, and a panoramic window reveals an impressive view of the city that makes me feel tiny. The decor is sophisticated, with Italian designer furniture and modern art, each piece meticulously chosen by a connoisseur of good taste. My eyes drift to an extensive bookshelf filled with books on design and architecture and several awards his company has received.
“I can’t believe how spectacular it is… It’s wonderful, every detail is perfect… I guess you play god from here,” I whisper, still overwhelmed by the beauty of the place.
“And you say that as an expert. I guess Gigit has good taste. And no, I’m not playing god. I’m just an Alpha controlling everything.”
Just as I’m about to respond, the door unexpectedly swings open. A man bursts in energetically, his vibrant and bold presence filling the air.
“Liam! We need to talk about the morning meeting…” he says, but stops abruptly when he notices me. His gaze pierces through me, and my heart races, feeling all his attention on me.
“And this is Gigit,” Liam says, his tone grumpy.
From the corner of my eye, I can see how Gigit looks at me with interest. He addresses me with a playful smile:
“Oh… But look who you’ve decided to let meet. Shane.” He speaks to me so familiarly, as if we’ve known each other forever.
A cordial silence fills the air, and I realize that now all eyes are on me. The grandeur of the place and the importance of the moment hit me in the chest, and although I feel a bit intimidated, I can’t help but smile. Gigit, whether he wants to or not, is really handsome, with his dark brown hair and green eyes, and his slim physique does not go unnoticed.
“Wow, I guess they’ve talked about me,” I smile, hiding my nervousness as I approach to shake his hand- “I suppose I can’t say the same.”
“Oh, you don’t know how much you hurt my heart,” he replies, looking at Liam with a puppy-dog expression- “I blame him for being so selfish. I’m Gigit Snow, personal assistant and best friend of Liam.”
“I wouldn’t say that…” Liam murmurs, crossing his arms as I release Gigit’s hand.
“You know it’s true.”
“I guess you’re here for something.”
“That’s correct. If you’ll excuse me, sweet beauty, I need to steal Mr. Liam for a second.” The comment makes me feel like I’ve become secondary. I smile again, nodding.
“Yes, of course.”
“I’ll be right back. I’ll order breakfast. Make yourself comfortable.” He gives me a kiss before leaving, and Gigit’s expression of happiness is so automatic that it scares me a little.
I’m sure mine isn’t any less bright than his as I walk to the comfortable sofa situated in one corner and settle in, waiting for Liam. I take out my cellphone and start checking emails, sending reminder notes to some of my clients who still have unpaid invoices. I also call others to ask how the work on their houses is going and if everything is on track, leaving Mrs. Rosa for later since we’ll go directly to her house.
Shortly after, the office door opens, and an Asian woman with extremely straight black hair enters with a small notepad in one hand and a pen in the other, ready to add another dimension to this emotionally charged day.