The Beauty and the Beastly CEO

Chapter 03

It has been a few days and months since I've been focused on work, and the rumors about me and Gio have died down. During those months, I would often see Gio because I work in his office. Although we would talk frequently, our conversations were strictly work-related and we didn't revisit the past.

At noontime, I was having lunch with my other officemates and we were discussing work when the topic about me and between Gio came up. They all stared at me expectantly.

"So Beauty, what's really going on between you and Boss Gio? I've noticed that you always avoid him and he seems to be in a good mood whenever he talks to you," Thea asked.

"Oh, come on! There's nothing going on between them. In fact, they are mortal enemies," Melanie chimed in while devouring her chicken dish.

"Really? You two actually look good together, Beauty . If I were Cupid, I'd definitely shoot my arrow at you two," another officemate teased.

I just shook my head in response and continued eating when my cellphone vibrated.

"Hello, Sir Gio?"

"I need you to be there in 5 minutes in the parking lot," he said authoritatively.

"Okay, sir, I'm coming." I quickly hung up the phone and took a deep breath to calm myself.

"I'll go ahead, I need to meet our boss-beast in the parking lot," I said, leaving my unfinished food behind. It's better to prioritize first my job even if it means going hungry. I wouldn't want to be fired.

I walked and ran through the hallway towards the parking lot. From a distance, I could see the beast impatiently looking at his expensive watch while one hand was in his pocket, waiting for me.

"Sir, where are we going?" I asked when I reached him. He looked me up and down and raised an eyebrow.

Well, isn't he sassy!

"Let's go to Monticello Mall. I need to buy some tuxedo for tomorrow's event, and you need to change as well. I don't want to be embarrassed with you wearing a denim skirt and a simple polo tomorrow," he said, getting into his car and leaving me standing there with my mouth open. How dare him! It's as if he wasn't once a playful child. Hmp!

"Well, are you coming? Time is ticking, Beauty," he said, closing the car window and starting the engine. I quickly got into the car, not wanting to be left behind. Public transportation fares are so expensive, you know!

We arrived at Monticello Mall around 1 PM. He parked his car and we got out. As soon as we entered the entrance, his employees greeted him.

"Good afternoon, Sir Gio. We have prepared your tuxedo and the dress for your secretary on the 3rd floor. This way, sir," one of the salesladies pressed the elevator button to the 3rd floor, and we entered. Within a few minutes, we reached the 3rd floor and entered one of the high-end boutiques.

"You can see and try your dress, Beauty. I'll just check the tuxedo on the men's section," he said, leaving me. One of the salesladies pointed me towards the fitting room where the dresses I can choose from were lined up. "Just take your time, ma'am. I'll be outside the fitting room if you need anything." I nodded in response and turned my attention back to the dresses, picking out my choices.

I chose a red dress with a thigh-high slit. It was backless but not too revealing in the front. The length reached my ankles, but it didn't hinder my movement. The dress had small diamond designs that added sparkle to it and made it look more than just a simple dress.

After trying it on, I looked at myself in the mirror. It was stunning! that's all I can say about the dress I chose. I quickly took it off and went out of the fitting room. "I chose this dress," I said, handing it to the saleslady to check out at the counter. "Now, let's go to the heels. This pair would be perfect for you. It matches the dress you chose," she said, presenting a pair of red crystal heels. The heels had a 3-inch height that perfectly complemented the dress I picked.

"Okay, I'll take those," I said, handing it to her with a smile.

"Are you done?" Gio asked me. He was carrying two shopping bags. He quickly noticed what I was looking at. "Your accessories, you need to wear them tomorrow so you won't look plain at the event," he said, handing them to me. I looked at the receipt and my eyes widened when I saw how expensive they were!

"It's just a coin for me, so you don't need to complain." It's as if he read my mind.

"Thank you."

"Ma'am, here's your dress and heels. Have a nice day, ma'am, and to you, Sir Montecillo!"

We quickly left the boutique when my stomach growled. "You didn't eat your lunch?" he asked me, but why does he seem concerned when he looks at me?

I immediately looked down at the floor. "I didn't finish my meal when you called earlier," I replied, and he clicked his tongue in response.

"Let's go to my restaurant. You need to eat before we leave here. You're getting too thin. I don't want a skinny secretary," he said.

I quickly followed him as he walked towards the restaurant. Upon entering, he was greeted by his employees, and we were promptly escorted to a VIP table and handed the menu card. He made his selection and handed it back to the waiter, who then left.

"Tomorrow at 2:30 PM, I'll fetch you from your house. We'll take the same route. You don't need to go back to the office, just prepare yourself for the event," he said, and I nodded in response. Soon enough, the food he ordered arrived and was placed in front of me.

I noticed that the amount of food served seemed to be for just one person, and I glanced at him questioningly. "Start eating, you look so thin," he said, diverting his attention back to his cellphone. I couldn't do anything but start eating until it was all finished.

As I continued eating, I couldn't help but wonder what his intentions were. Why was he suddenly being so considerate and taking care of me? There was a part of me that wanted to resist his gestures, but there was another part that felt a sense of comfort and security in his presence.

After I finished my meal, he paid the bill and we left the restaurant. As we walked back to his car, I couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and nervousness for tomorrow's event. It would be the first time I would be attending such a formal occasion with him by my side.

"You don't need to be nervous. I'm sure you know someone there," he said as he dropped me off in front of my house. I looked at him in surprise and wanted to ask how he knew where I lived. "I check your information about your location, so don't be surprised," he said.

I got out of his car and bid him farewell. Exhausted, I plopped down in my room after changing into comfortable clothes and unpacking the things I bought earlier. I was about to go to sleep when I heard the message tone of my phone, and I checked it.

From Boss Beast: Don't forget tomorrow, I'll fetch you.

After reading the text, I immediately turned off my phone and went to sleep to prepare for tomorrow.

The next day, I woke up early and spent extra time getting ready for the event. I wore the dress Gio had bought for me. As I stood in front of the mirror, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness.

At exactly 2:30 PM, I heard a knock on my door. I opened it to find Gio waiting outside, dressed in a sharp tuxedo. He looked even more handsome than usual, and a sense of pride swelled within me as I realized he was accompanying me to the event.

"Ready?" he asked and I nodded. We walked towards his car, and as we drove to the venue.

Upon arriving at the event, we were greeted by a grand entrance and a flurry of activity. The room was filled with elegantly dressed guests. As we entered, heads turned, and whispers filled the air. It was clear that Gio's presence commanded attention.

Throughout the evening, Gio remained by my side, introducing me to important people and engaging in polite conversation. I was grateful for his support and guidance, as it helped me navigate the unfamiliar territory of high society events. Despite the initial awkwardness, I began to feel more at ease, and the evening turned into a memorable experience.

As the night came to a close, Gio and I made our way back to his car. The event had been a success, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. It was a night filled with talking about business. I also saw some familiar faces of my schoolmates who became business partners of Gio. I thanked him and got out of the car as he quickly drove away. Exhausted and sleepy, I went to my room and fell asleep without changing.