He cried like a baby, he screamed and threw things around. He could not believe that the love of his life was dead. He managed to place a few calls and the response was the same, there were no two ways about it. She was dead.
Vanessa was already home from work thanking her stars that her boss was absent today. Seeing the news online she knew exactly how Edwardo would be feeling at the moment.
"Holy shit! Oh my God I can't believe this, oh no...is she really dead?" She yelled.
"Yeah it's such a tragedy isn't it? I saw it too. It's so sad for your grumpy boss. Now he's going to be single forever." Philip said.
"Don't be so cold hearted Philp, he's going to be totally torn apart, I feel so bad for him. I know we never get along but... He's a good guy deep down there"
"That's the difference between both of us, even though you're older. I'm more rigid, when I hate....I hate completely. I'm off" he said, slamming the door and leaving the house.
Vanessa couldn't stop thinking of what Edwardo must be passing through right now. Her mum came in holding a basket.
"Nessa, could you please give this to the new neighbors? I made some bread, send my greetings and give it to them" she said with a smile on her face.
"Momma don't you think it's a bit old fashioned to gift something to new neighbors? Besides, they aren't even American. I saw their daughter, a stack Latina." She frowned.
"Love should be spread all over the world. It doesn't matter who they're okay? Up now, take it. And oh I heard about your boss losing his fiance, such bad news"
"Yeah, they're meant to be married in three weeks, I can tell how he feels right now. Okay, I'll just take these since you insist. But I'm taking out two for myself...yummy...so damn fluffy mum, have you ever made us such fluffy bread?"
She slapped her jokingly on the back and said. "Haven't I been making it better? Silly head" they both laughed.
She kept going to work for a week, Edwardo never came. It was normal because everyone knew he had to mourn the love of his life. No one even expected him anytime soon. The news and social media always reminded them of the event for the whole week. Most media stations wanted to have an interview with Edwardo but he declined.
After another week, to everyone's surprise he resumed work. He looked quite okay, they all greeted him and went back to work. Vanessa wondered how he was able to get over everything in such a short time. He sent for her and she went immediately.
"Good morning sir, I'm very sorry for your loss..." She said and he cut in.
" The files, have you treated them? The last I sent." He said flipping through some files on the table.
"Uhmmm....yes they're right there on the table" she stuttered with fear in her throat.
After a moment he stood up and walked towards her, she was scared, she kept taking her step backwards till she reached the wall.
"I'm not sure you understand how much I've put in to be here today! Do you think I run a charitable organization? You expect me to do all this for Public Relation? Donate food and clothes to an orphanage? Do so many humanitarian services? No, tell me really! Are you playing daft or are you really daft?" He yelled.
Her breath paused for a moment and she didn't know what to say. She breathed in deeply and summoned some courage.
"Your company needs to do some Corporate social responsibility for the society. It's at the peak and this will help it grow" she said.
He turned around and picked up the file and tore it into pieces. He then looked at her again.
"I only involve myself and my company with things that would generate profit not loss. Pack them up and get the hell out of my office right this minute!" He screamed.
She quickly picked the pieces of paper and rushed out of the office. She went back to her office and put her head on the desk. Victor saw her go into his office and he knew she always came out in a bad mood so he followed her to her office.
"Hey...he hurt you again right? I'm so sorry about that." He said and she raised her head and smiled.
"Victor I'm just fine okay, I'm used to his tantrums now" she said and he sighed with a smile on his face.
"Let's have lunch" "Alright then".
She took her jacket and they went for lunch at the office restaurant. They ordered some burgers and coffee.
" Are you really okay? I mean are you sure you're not disturbed at all?" He asked, looking into her eyes.
"I'm really fine I promise, you know...I always see a brighter future for myself. I don't see myself under Mr Edwardo forever, it's all temporary right? I'll be fine."
"But why does he always pick on you, you're not the only staff at the company. Why not me? Why not others?"
"Come on, we all know he doesn't have a good rapport with anyone"
"Sure but with you he's rather too particular. Some people say he likes you"
"That's bullshit, come on let's eat"
"Vanessa.....I've been meaning to tell you something. I've always been waiting for the right time but I don't even know when that would be anymore. I...I've fallen in love with you Vanessa. Ever since we met, I've been holding it in for a long time now and it's.... it's killing me softly. Please accept my love for you and let's see the stars together." He said.
She looked into his eyes with a smile on her face, she knew he loved her all along but she was only waiting for him to confess. She was the shy type and she was also a K-drama lover, although she had great fantasies about meeting a billionaire boyfriend who would elevate her status and marry her and live happily ever after, she also knew that she had to face reality and date a man in her class.
"I've always known that Victor and uhmm.....I've always admired how you treat me. And the way you look at me.... it's golden and no man has ever looked at me like that all my life" she smiled.
"Vanessa...is that a yes? Are you really accepting my love?