Spinning the pen in her fingers for a few seconds, Diana listened to the report of her secretary and best friend, Ema.
Her voice was soft but the atmosphere was professional.
They were in the penthouse of Adventum. One of the largest companies in the country. There was no room for mincing words.
Maybe that was why she dropped the pen.
Surprised, her heart skipped a few beats as her lips and eyes expressed her surprise.
Ema had one eyebrow raised. That brought the beautiful woman back.
Taking a deep breath, Diana swallowed hard, bent down and picked up the pen.
"You can repeat that last part," a subtle and cold authority escaped unintentionally.
It was Ema's turn to swallow hard. She looked at the papers again, thinking about how to report that.
"Our largest shareholder... This person has nominated someone for the position of Co-CEO. The candidate is a new name with no track record to hand over..." Diana's eyes resembled those of an eagle.
Her well-shaped eyebrows marked her skin and highlighted her brown eyes.
"And the name?..."
"Nero... Nero Bernuri."
Diana placed her hand over her face.
'How many Neros are there in this city?!'
"Right. If it's your nomination there's not much I can do, so... When will he come?"
"He'll take office on Monday. The council has already voted in favor."
"Of course they did...", she gave an empty laugh.
'Right. Let's hope it's not... that it's that person? I can't imagine him with such a flashy last name anyway.'
"... Diana?"
"Huh, yes?"
"Can I continue?"
Diana tilted her head.
"Is there still more?"
The corner of Ema's lips lifted.
"Just minor details."
"Then leave it for next time. I don't want to worry about it today. It's Friday, shall we go to that café tonight?"
Ema made a reluctant expression at first but soon sighed and accepted. Soon they both left for their next appointment of the day.
The afternoon and evening passed like a typhoon. Diana turned and turned, avoiding facing the wonderful and painful memories that awaited her on the other side of the winds.
She was very well protected there. She never wanted to return to that loneliness, despair, fragility and...
'... And love', in the comfort of the luxury car, her thoughts intimidated her a little. They hit her face and messed up her hair.
When it stopped, she opened her eyes and realized it was the wind. The driver had arrived at a shiny and huge building near the city center.
Diana sighed.
'Regardless of whether it's him or not, I'm going to leave it aside...'
...
..
Finally it was Monday. The routine was the same, the building was the same, the meeting room too. There was only a new chair next to her and an old face too.
Normally she expected these kinds of things to happen with some filter, with a crazy situation or any incident that would take her out of the way.
But no...
The damn bastard was there. With the same peaceful expression and the corner of his lip pulled.
Without stopping for a second on the way, she kept her composure and walked to her seat.
With her heart in her throat, she must have been out of breath, but it seemed that the sight of him offered all the oxygen her brain needed.
She sat down, took a deep breath and looked to the side.
There was a hand extended towards her. And blue eyes looking into her soul.
Yes, that oxygen was different.
Diana had forgotten what it was like to breathe such pure air. She barely noticed his voice.
She could only feel the palm of her hand.
Memories of a walk in a park, the fresh smell of flowers, the wind on her face and the aroma of spicy food.
Her mouth was watering, her eyes were celebrating, enjoying the moment, until someone came to her.
They sat next to her on the bench, handed her snacks and sweets.
The young woman's eyes were shining but the best came at the end. Hand in hand, they walked out together and kissed.
Diana could still feel the tightness, in her hand and in her chest, when her thoughts finally stopped. As soft as they had come.
'Was it always this big?...'
Of course, she still had her hand in his.
"... I hope we make a good couple."
'Huh?!' Diana's eyes flashed with confusion and something more 'subtle'.
Nero smiled as serenely as ever.
The smile she revealed blossomed like a flower. As colorful as ever. For a moment she was proud that she also smelled like one.
"Me too," she replied.
Diana felt the stares. She knew where she was. But she didn't care.
Moving in the chair, towards him, she could almost feel him.
She raised her knee high and gave the closest foot a good stomp.
'Ah... Leather heels have never been so worth it.'
She wanted to laugh for a moment. Her smile should have been like a fox's now. But slowly it froze.
The beautiful, and wretched... that man in front of her also approached. As gently as a snake.
He tilted his head and his straight, black hair fell over his eyes. His smile changed and her heart stopped beating.
He ran away somewhere. He hid. But she didn't feel him for a whole second.
It felt like an eternity.
That smile was so beautiful and attractive...
Her expression died while his had never looked so comfortable.
"It will be a pleasure to work with you, miss."
She felt her hand being gently wrapped and rocked. She swallowed hard and answered.
"The pleasure will be all mine."