Lucio Bianco POV:
I woke up feeling refreshed and happy, recalling the events of yesterday. I looked over at Moon, who was peacefully asleep beside me, her face covered partially by her mask, which had slipped down to cover her mouth and eyes. I couldn't help but feel curious about the woman who had given me the most incredible sexual experience of my life. Her features were still obscured, and I longed to see the face behind the mask.
I reached over and cautiously pulled the mask away from Moon's face, hoping not to wake her. She stirred slightly, but remained asleep. As I fully removed the mask, I was utterly stunned by her beauty. Her face was exquisite and her features were stunningly perfect.
Rising from the bed, I started searching for my phone so I could capture this moment. I spotted my phone in my trousers and pulled it out, being careful to keep the noise to a minimum. I snapped a quick picture of her sleeping form, ensuring I didn't disturb her slumber.
I stared at the picture of Moon, still sleeping peacefully, a smile spreading across my face. I decided to get ready to head home, and as I was about to place my phone on the table, it rang. I glanced over to check if I had woken Moon, but she remained asleep. I answered the call, recognizing the number as my assistant's.
"Hey," I greeted, keeping my voice low as I snuck glances at Moon. My thoughts lingered on the night before and the stunning woman lying next to me.
My assistant spoke up. "Boss, your mom is on her way to the office right now."
I felt a wave of surprise wash over me. "Why is she coming to the office?" I asked.
"I'm not sure, Boss. She didn't give a reason," he responded.
"Okay, please stall her. Keep her busy until I get there," I instructed. "I'll be there as soon as possible."
"Yes, Boss. I'll do my best to delay her," my assistant assured me.
I hung up the phone and turned my attention back to Moon. The sleeping beauty was still sleeping.
I quickly slipped into my clothes, deciding to forego a shower. Before I left, I grabbed my business card and placed it on the table where Moon could easily spot it. My hope was that she would call or text me, and we could see each other again.
I made my way to the reception and paid for my stay, leaving a generous tip for Moon. I admired the hotel as I left; it was my first time there, but I was already impressed. The hotel was sleek and stylish, with a secret underground strip club beneath it.
I hailed a cab and instructed the driver to take me to the Bianco business firm, a towering skyscraper that was one of the most prestigious in the country. As the building came into view, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. It was the company that my family had built and the largest business in the country, employing countless people.
As I stepped into the building, my employees greeted me with a chorus of "Good morning, Boss." I smiled back at them, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders.
My employees' eyes lingered on me as I strode through the halls, some of them no doubt puzzled by my disheveled appearance. But I had more important things on my mind than my clothing, and I brushed off their stares. I entered my personal elevator, and it whisked me up to my office floor.
As I stepped out, my assistant's secretaries greeted me with a cheerful "Good morning!" I gestured for my personal assistant to follow me into my office. Once we were both inside, I shut the door and leaned against my desk, trying to collect my thoughts.
My personal assistant quickly informed me, "Your mother is currently in the meeting room, with your younger brother."
I took a moment to glance around my sleek, modern office. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the cityscape below, while a minimalist desk dominated the center of the room. High-tech gadgets were strategically placed around the office, and the walls were adorned with a collection of business books and personal interests. It was a workspace that reflected my status as the head of one of the country's most successful businesses.
After a quick glance in the mirror, I realized that my current appearance wasn't quite fitting for a CEO. I stepped into the inner room of my office and changed into a clean, pressed suit, transforming myself into the image of the professional and powerful leader my employees expected.
Once I was satisfied with my appearance, I turned to my assistant, Perry, and issued my instructions. "Perry, I need you to go and fetch my mother. Please do so in a manner befitting her status as the matriarch of the Bianco family," I said, my voice authoritative yet polite.
Perry nodded in understanding and left to collect my mother. I took the opportunity to sit behind my desk and mentally prepare myself for the conversation ahead. My relationship with my mother was a complicated one, and I knew that whatever had brought her to my office today was bound to be important.
A few minutes later, Perry returned, ushering in my mother. She was an elegant, regal figure, dressed in a designer dress and sporting perfectly coiffed hair. "Lucio," she greeted me, her voice carrying the hint of a reprimand. "I trust you can spare a few moments to speak with me?"
"Of course, Mom," I responded, getting up from my CEO chair and gesturing for her to take a seat on a small, comfortable couch. "I'm always happy to make time for you."
We settled ourselves into the couch, and my mother turned to face me, her expression warm and affectionate. "Lucio, you know how much I love you," she began, her voice soft and gentle. "And I want to make sure you're doing well."
I smiled in response, but remained quiet, waiting for her to continue.
My mother stood up abruptly, her voice filled with determination. "Lucio, I want you to get married," she declared, her eyes fixed on mine.
I mirrored her movement, rising from the couch to face her. "What, Mom?" I asked, unable to hide the surprise in my voice.
She met my gaze, her expression unwavering. "My son, please," she pleaded. "You need to settle down and find a suitable bride."
"Who is the bride?" I demanded, not bothering to hide my disapproval.
My mother sighed, as if she had anticipated my reaction. "Her name is Danarose di Luca," she revealed, her tone suggesting that she knew this information wouldn't be well-received.
"No," I stated firmly. "I won't marry her. I don't even know who she is."
My mother shook her head, disappointment etched on her face. "Lucio, please. The di Luca family is one of the most influential and respected families in our country. This union would be incredibly beneficial for our business and for our family's legacy."
My jaw clenched in frustration as my mother continued to plead with me. "No, Mom. I won't do this," I said, my voice low and angry.
"Lucio, why can't you just forget about that woman?" my mother asked, desperation tingeing her words. "She's dead, okay?"
Her mention of my first love sent a surge of rage through me. "Mom, stop talking about her," I barked, my hand slamming down on my desk in a gesture of finality. "I want you to leave."
I pounded my fist against the door as my mother exited the room. "Leave this room, Mom. Now," I commanded, my voice shaking with anger.
Even as she left, my mother's parting words echoed in my mind: "You're getting married, whether you like it or not."
I sank back into my chair, the weight of her words bearing down on me. I opened a hidden compartment in my desk and pulled out a framed photograph, staring at the image of the woman I had lost, my heart heavy with grief.