"Good morning!"
A smile spread across L's face once she entered the company; almost blinding people's day with a bright grin. "What made you so happy, Larissa? Wanna share some good news?" Curious, Mian approached the woman. "There's no good news" L shook her head.
"So, you are just being you right now?" Mian frowned. "Maybe?" L shrugged. She grabbed the cup. "Wait, is that for our Boss?" Now, Mian caught up with the situation. "Yes. Luke asked me a favor" The reply stunned the friend. "Stop. You are joking!" Mian gasped.
"Why would I?" L frowned. "Why am I sensing the appearance of a new couple in the company?" A murmur escaped between Mian's lips as L chuckled. "I am out" She headed to the office. "Boss" She knocked. Then, the door opened. But to her surprise, Adelio wasn't alone.
Warren Vincent sat there across him. "What do you want?" Beneath a frown, Adelio threw a question towards the woman standing at the door. "Ah! Your coffee is ready, Boss" She promptly stepped near them; placing the cup on the table. "You are that woman"
Warren voiced.
His eyes rested over L. However, she did not respond and backed up from the table. "Did you just ignore me?" A scowl tugged. "Warren, that's enough" Adelio interrupted. "You may leave" His eyes lifted to meet with the woman's. "No, she is not. I am letting her know"
Warren hissed. Arousing L's curiosity. "Warren Vincent, she has nothing to do with our problem. Stop dragging others in" Adelio's cold gaze pierced through his brother's eyes. The atmosphere became suffocating for the woman. "What? Are you scared to be exposed?"
Warren scoffed. "Risa, you should leave" The voice rang; attracting L's eyes. Her name, he had called it at last. But his tone did not sound calm like it used to be. "Pardon me then" She chose the safe option. Leaving the room as Warren cackled. "How obedient of her!"
He acclaimed; his eyes gleaming with amusement. And the door closed. "It was not a good move, Warren. You should work hard to earn well rather than threatening others" Adelio stood up, hands in pockets. "You may think I am in your palm now because you know it"
Adelio gazed down.
"But we both are aware of the fact that I am letting you do these because we still share the same blood. Whether you expose me or not, I can simply make you vanish. Don't ever think about crossing the line" He warned. Hushing down the man beneath. "Wow"
Warren's lips curved up. "You fucking talk well, Adelio. Although you are the older brother, I am the one who has been taking care of your shits! I kept your secret and tried to cover it every single time! Yet, that's how you try to express your gratitude?" He got up.
Scoffing at his brother. "Gratitude? Tried to cover my secret? You must be out of your mind, Warren. You sucked the money out of it and even threatened me. Do you even consider me as your brother at this point?" Adelio never raised his tone but his fury was visible.
"It is not my fault that our parents did not give me a chance to do what I want! You are the firstborn, of course, you wouldn't understand it! They let you take over their business and shit. But me?! They neglected me! You can't blame me for leaning on you for money, Adelio!"
The argument was on heat.
And there was L who had been eavesdropping the entire loud conversation from outside. The family matters became complex for her to solve. "I will transfer the amount tonight. Now, get out" Adelio kicked his brother out without hesitation. Making L dashed back to desk.
"Fucking bastard. Just because he is the CEO does not mean he can treat me like some filth. He will regret this" Muttering to himself, Warren stepped out of the office. On the way to leave, his eyes fell upon L. She ignored him; not sparing a glance even. It's when he smirked.
"Risa, let's meet again" Warren raised his tone, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Shit..." L couldn't help but cursed under her breath once the man left. "Miss Larissa, what did you do this time?" Mian approached in curiosity. "I swear, the problems love me a lot" L sighed.
That night, Adelio appeared at the café. The first thing he did once he stepped in was search for a certain woman. "Welcome, Sir!" The girl, Cherry flashed a grin. "One espresso" He ordered. His eyes glanced around. "Yes, Sir. That will be twelve dollars" Cherry beamed.
Her eyes glued on the man.
His gaze never rested on her. It was obvious that he was looking for someone. "She works on Mon, Tue, Wed and Friday only, Sir. So, she's not here tonight" Under a grin, Cherry informed. Grabbing Adelio's attention. "I did not ask though" He gulped. How did she find it out?
Was he being obvious? Adelio began to concern. "Oh, I am sorry, Sir. I thought you were searching for Risa" Cherry chuckled; believing the man was blushing to be caught. "No" The man refused. "Alright, your order will be ready in a few minutes, Sir. Thank you"
Strangely, Adelio finished the cup in five minutes as soon as he received it. His mind was tangled with thoughts. It did not feel delightful to observe the painting anymore. He returned. For the first time, he felt extremely unpleasant about his day, without knowing why.
Next day; "Shit, I forgot my phone" Once she reached to the company, L failed to find the phone in her purse. "I must have left it on bed" A sigh crawled up between the woman's lips in exhaustion. The day without a phone could kill her. How's she going to survive?! "Risaaa. Risaaa"
Luke called out.
Startling L who was working during lunchtime. "What's wrong?" She scowled. The bright expression upon the man's face somehow scared her. It's either he had a request or he had a request. "I wanted to thank you for yesterday" Luke grasped L's palm as she flinched.
"It's fine. Making coffee wasn't a big deal" She beamed. "Have you had your meal?" Luke queried. "No, I have a few papers to finish" L declined the upcoming offer. "Come on. I can persuade our Boss to postpone. Have lunch with me" With the strength of a man, Luke pulled L.
Surprising her entirely. The face of a puppy with the strength of a man did not match! "I am still new to this area. So, I don't know a good restaurant" L frowned. "Trust me" Luke winked. Hushing down the woman. With him, she could not pretend to be energetic girl.
It's hard to catch up. "This restaurant is actually my favorite around here. Order whatever you want. It's my treat" Settling down across each other at table, Luke disclosed. "Oh, it's fine. I will pay" L waved her hand. "No, no. Let me. Please" The man pleaded. "W... well"
And the woman had to agree.
"Having meal in silence is awkward. Why don't you ask me something you wish to know instead?" With the fork in grasp, Luke paved the path. "Then, I want to know about our Boss" L snatched the opportunity right away. "Oh, Adelio is a good guy" Luke chuckled.
"The rumors say the opposite though" L tilted her head. "That's why they are rumors. Adelio and I have been friends for years. I know him the best. He just cannot speak well to please the other party. But he can be caring and someone to depend on when you need him"
The way Luke described his friend quieted down the woman across. They seemed to be really close. "Are you frightened of him?" The man's brow arched. "I would be lying if I said I'm not" L grinned; "But after a few encounters, I realized I was scared for nothing. Our Boss is the best"
She giggled as Luke smiled in bliss over her statement. "I am so glad he finally has someone on positive side" A sigh crawled up. The two enjoyed the meal. They decided to return to work after. "Is there any convenience store nearby?" L asked out loud. "Yes, but why?"
Luke frowned. "I have something to buy" "Well, there's one near the company. Go straight and turn left. You will see one there" Luke instructed. "Thank you" L beamed. "Do you want me to follow?" The man's brow wrinkled. "No, no. You can go ahead. Thank you for the meal" L waved.
Walking towards destination.
"Yo!" However, the unexpected yell ceased L's steps when she turned. Warren leaned on his Lambo while waving at the woman from across the road. "Fuck, not that shithead again" L pressed tongue against the inside of cheek. Why him?! "Come here! You can't run away!"
Warren shouted; attracting people's attention. "Do you really want me to yell again, Risa?!" He cackled. "Ugh, this man is fucking embarrassing" Having no choice, L crossed the road to approach. "You really are obedient, Risa" Warren smirked. "What do you want?"
L frowned. "Let's talk. Don't you wish to know what kind of secret Adelio holds?" He persuaded. Believing the woman would want to dig the truth. "No, thank you. It seems we have nothing to talk. Have a good day" L smiled and turned around. Making the man chuckle.
"Not so fast, Risa" Warren seized the woman's arm. Forcing her to face him. "Please let me go, Sir" L gritted her teeth. Her palm balled up to form a fist. Ready to throw it in the man's face. "Just wait. Your Boss is coming to rescue you" Warren whispered. Perplexing the woman.
"What the fuck do you mea-"
"He is scared of crowd"