Episode 5

CHAPTER 4.

By Isabella.

"I've scheduled an appointment for you with the psychologist today at 6 p.m. sharp," Mariana told me over lunch at work.

Truth be told, I heard her, but I wasn't interested. I knew it was pointless to keep attending those sessions. However, my friends believed they were helping me. I just nodded to make them think I was interested. But, in reality, I wasn't.

Today, I was swamped with work. Valentino had some meetings to introduce himself as the new CEO and I was responsible for the rest of the pending tasks and making sure he had everything he needed at hand. After lunch, I went back to my workstation. Valentino was due back any moment from a lunch meeting, so I decided to get ahead on what I could in case he needed me.

Suddenly, a tall man, taller than Valentino, entered the floor from the elevator. A man with dusky skin and jet-black hair. Very elegant, but he didn't compare to Valentino's allure.

"Good morning, beauty. I'm looking for Valentino Marshall," he declared cheerfully.

"Mr. Marshall isn't here right now, but if you tell me your name, I'll let him know you were looking for him."

"How impolite of me," he said, leaning over my desk. "My name is Francisco Guevara. A friend of Valentino's. And you, beauty, will you tell me your name? Oh, and don't forget to write down your phone number," he exclaimed with a playful smile.

From afar, it was clear this man was a ladies' man, only interested in flirting. Though he seemed humorous too. I guess he was just trying to be kind and entertain me for a while. However, before I could respond, Valentino had approached. I noticed his face marked by annoyance. I didn't understand— I thought they were friends.

"Now you're trying to seduce my employees?" he questioned.

"Come on! I was just telling the lady I needed to speak with you. That's all."

"Fine. Come to my office."

As he walked away, Valentino glanced at me with irritation. I was worried this fool's antics might cause trouble for me at work. My boss was in a meeting with the man for several hours. When he left his office, he approached me with a charming smile and a raised eyebrow.

"Did you get that down, beauty?"

"I don't know what you're referring to, sir," I said.

"Your phone number," he exclaimed, winking at me. I suppose he was just trying to bother Valentino.

"Francisco. I thought you were leaving," Valentino stated from behind him, arms crossed.

"Of course. I'll see you tomorrow. Miss, don't forget," he called out and finally left.

"Can you come to my office?" Valentino said sternly.

"Yes, sir," I exclaimed, following him.

I entered his office, preparing myself for what he was going to say. He seemed very angry, probably due to a bad outcome in one of his meetings, but I tried to remain positive. Although, that didn't last long.

"Miss Moretti, I want to make it clear that just because you're the president's assistant, it doesn't mean you can flirt with anyone who comes here to see me."

"What? What are you talking about?"

"I saw you flirting with Francisco Guevara. This is a serious company, Miss. I can't allow people working here to do as they please. And you should understand that."

"I don't know what you're talking about. He came looking for you, and I..."

"And you took the opportunity to play matchmaker?"

"What? That's insane! You're completely mad! You have no right to speak to me this way! You have no idea what's going on with me, with my private life! I don't owe you explanations," I shouted, deeply offended.

"I'm your boss! And I won't allow for you to play harlot in the hallways!"

"You are heartless! You don't know what you're saying! You're a complete fool!"

Valentino was moving closer to me until he was inches away.

"Repeat what you just said."

"You're a complete fool. You show respect for no one. Who the hell do you think you are to treat me like this? You don't even listen to what I have to say. Anyway, why do you care? It's my life!"

"It matters because this is my company and you're just a damn employee."

At that moment, rage flowed from every pore of my being. I slapped him across the cheek and shoved him with all my might, then stormed out of the office and headed to my apartment. I didn't care about anything else. I was angry and didn't want to see him. He's a complete fool. I went to my apartment, completely forgetting about my appointment with the psychologist, blinded by fury. I was also bracing myself to receive my termination letter, or worse, a complaint for having assaulted my boss. I showered, had dinner, and went to bed early. It was Friday again.

By Valentino.

I haven't been able to stop thinking about that girl since I saw her at the bar. I don't understand why, but something about her catches my attention. When I returned to my office after the meeting with the suppliers and saw her with that idiot Francisco Guevara, I felt a wave of anger. It wasn't that I cared about what was happening with the girl. It's that I wouldn't allow Francisco to involve my employees in his foolish games. I know sometimes he does it to tease the staff, but I wouldn't allow it with Isabella.

My reaction was poor. I admit it. Yet, I never expected anyone to talk back to me like that. I mean, I'm Valentino Marshall. Nobody ever dared to raise their voice or respond to me in such a manner. I decided to ignore it. I'd let it slide this time; she'd probably come back on Monday with her tail between her legs begging for me not to fire her.

For now, I needed to focus on the news my father would bring about the cellars in California. His last act as the company's president was to oversee the visit to California. The place of a thousand memories and the cellars where our dream began. I couldn't have gone myself. Upon reaching home, I received a call from Dad telling me he'd return to Chicago tomorrow morning, Saturday. Apparently, he had good news, but he would share them with me at the dinner tomorrow night. I didn't get the secrecy, but that's how my father is. I'd have to be patient.

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