ELENA
It's late, and my grandma still hasn't returned. Panic begins to well up inside me as I dial one of her friends. After three rings, she answers.
Elena, what a surprise to hear from you! How are you? - asks Mrs. Charo, my grandma's close friend.
I'm fine, Mrs. Charo. I'm fine. Is my grandma with you? - I ask, feeling the worry intensify.
No, Elena, I haven't seen her since the weekend. We've been busy preparing for the gathering in two weeks. Didn't she tell you? It's going to be so much fun. I spoke to her this morning, but she hasn't been here - she says, and my heart skips a beat. I'm afraid that's not right. If she's not with her friend, where could she have gone? Suddenly, the door opened, and she entered, radiant and cheerful.
You didn't have to worry. He's such a gentleman, not to mention handsome - she says, furrowing my brow. Her blue eyes meet mine, and she smiles mischievously. I'm left speechless as I watch her enter my apartment, arm in arm with Damian.
Elena, Elena? - says the voice on the phone, snapping me out of my trance.
Sorry, Mrs. Charo, she has just arrived. Excuse me - I say and hang up. I'm still in shock. What are these two doing together?
What is going on? - I manage to ask, attempting to maintain my composure. My grandma continues to smile while he looks at me with an air of superiority. Something feels very wrong about this situation.
I went to your office to bring you some papers you forgot, but you weren't there. Mr. Fabre kindly offered to get me. Isn't he charming? - she says flirtatiously, and I glare at her.
It was my pleasure, Anna - he says, seemingly amused. My grandma approaches me and whispers in my ear.
He's even more handsome in person - she says, and I stare at her in a mix of anger.
Well, I'm leaving. Thank you for the ride. Mr. Fabre is at home - says my grandma, escaping my cold gaze. He smiles and watches her walk towards her room.
Don't you invite me in for a drink? - he says, standing in the middle of my apartment. I'm at a loss for what to do. It's the first time he's been here, and I no longer work for him.
I don't have any expensive whisky - I reply, and he shakes his head.
Water is fine - he says, and I know he's just doing it to annoy me. I sigh and gesture for him to have a seat. He grins widely and strolls over to the couch in my living room. I head to the small kitchen, realizing that my hands are trembling. What on earth is happening? I don't understand why he came; he could have simply sent my grandma home in a taxi. Whatever his intentions are, I can't imagine they're good. I pour water into a glass and return to the living room, offering it to him. He looks up, his blue eyes meeting mine.
Thank you - he says, taking the glass and gazing into the distance with a smile.
I see my flowers are still here - he remarks, and I follow his gaze to find them on the table. No, I couldn't bring myself to throw them away.
Thank you for bringing my grandma, and I apologize for the trouble. She can be a bit... - I begin to say, but he interrupts me.
Very pleasant - he says, smiling. God only knows what my grandma has told him. The mere thought of it makes my heart race as if I'm on the verge of having a heart attack.
Why do you want to leave me? - he suddenly asks, his frown directed at me.
You left, didn't you? Why - he coldly questions, his eyes fixed on me.
I spared you the trouble of firing me - I reply, and he rises from the couch, making his way towards me. I just stand there. He won't provoke anything in me.
Is it about money? - he probes, earning a disapproving look from me. Though I'm not wealthy, I earn a decent salary. I appreciate simplicity and have been saving to buy a spacious home for my nanny.
I can offer you a raise, and... - he begins, but I cut him off.
No, I don't want more money. I simply believe it's for the best - I state, but he doesn't allow me to finish.
Best for whom, Miss Molina? Why are you doing this to me? - he says, a little annoyed.
Do you even know why you're quitting? Because of the flowers? - he asks, desperation seeping into his words.
No, no, it's just... I'm sorry - I respond, unable to confess that I quit as a form of self-punishment because there was a glimmer of hope in me that I couldn't forgive.
Come back to me - he pleads, taking hold of my hands. His penetrating blue eyes lock onto mine. Why doesn't he simply find another assistant?
I promise I won't send you any more flowers - he offers, and I can't help but smile. He reciprocates the smile.
So, I'll expect to see you at the office tomorrow, Miss Molina - he says flirtatiously, causing me to roll my eyes.
Consider it a yes. See you tomorrow, then - I reply, as he releases my hands. He heads towards the door and turns to glance back at me.
Say goodbye to your grandma. Let her know it was a pleasure meeting her - he says, flashing his enticing smile. I nod, and he exits my apartment. I am undeniably returning to work with my annoying and sexy boss.
DAMIAN
After convincing Miss Molina to come back to work with me, I arrive at my apartment. It's been a crazy day, but I got what I wanted. I'll never find a woman as intelligent and understanding as Miss Molina.
I enter my room and see Ivana naked. She looks at me and smiles with fascination.
What are you doing here - I ask, and she approaches me.
I came because I really want you to f**k me hard - she says and undoes my belt. I let her do it. She kneels naked in front of me and does her job, and I just... let myself go. The morning arrives, and Ivana sleeps naked. I get up and take a shower, get dressed, and leave without waking her up.
I arrive at the office, and as I leave the elevator, I see Ms. Molina sitting at her desk. Our eyes meet, and I offer her a flirtatious smile. Unfazed by my advances, she rolls her eyes in response. Undeterred, I widen my smile further.
Good morning, Ms. Molina - I greet her, the smile still lingering on my lips.
Good morning, Mr. Fabre - she replies curtly. I have managed to regain her favor, but I must exercise caution with her. She has always been the one to extricate me from the predicaments I find myself in. Without her, this company would descend into chaos. While I focus on designing cutting-edge cars, she ensures that my projects generate substantial revenue.
I left your tasks in your office. Today, there's a lunch meeting with the General Pickup team - she informs me, and I nod in acknowledgment.
Yes, I know. Don't worry, I have everything under control - I reassure her, and she shakes her head.
I hope so, Mr. Fabre - she remarks with a hint of warning, prompting me to smile. Another day commences with Ms. Molina.
The day went by, and after lunch with the General Pickup team, I returned to the office. I look at Ms. Molina, and she seems worried.
What's wrong? Don't worry. Things went well with the General Pickup team - I say, attempting to reassure her, but my words fail to alleviate her concern.
The International Association of Automotive Industries called - she gravely informs me. My body tenses up in response. The association serves as the highest authority in the automotive industry and is responsible for authorizing the release of new cars and prototypes. Their call carries significant weight, and I wonder whether it bodes well or not.
What did they want? - I ask expectantly.
They want to talk to you, and they emphasized that it's urgent - she replies, furrowing her brow.
Did you send them the documentation for the last project? - I question, and she nods in affirmation.
Yes, of course. Everything is in order, but I don't think they want to discuss that. They refused to disclose any details, citing confidentiality - she explains, highlighting the abnormality of the situation. Everyone knows that Ms. Molina basically runs the entire company. With her, nothing is confidential.
They want to see you tonight - she reveals, and I nod, hoping against the odds that they haven't rejected my latest project.
As night falls, I leave the office, accompanied by Ms. Molina's lingering worry. The truth is, I share her apprehension. If the association rejects my project, it could result in substantial financial losses.
I arrive at the offices of the International Association of Automotive Industries. Hugo's secretary grants me access, and as I enter, I spot Hugo waiting for me. He is the association's president, renowned as one of the most influential figures in the industry.
Good evening, Damian - Hugo greets me, rising from his seat. We embrace each other like old friends.
How are you, Hugo? - I ask, and he motions for me to take a seat.
I'm fine, Damian, I'm fine - he responds, and we both settle down. He offers me a glass of whisky, and I accept with a nod.
Ms. Molina informed me that you wanted to see me - I say, and he nods.
Yes, that's correct. I know Elena is your right-hand woman, but this matter must remain strictly confidential - he states, leaving me puzzled.
What is it about? - I inquire, my anticipation growing. Hugo takes a puff from the cigar in his mouth and meets my gaze. His salt-and-pepper hair and impeccably tailored suit lend him an air of elegance, yet the weariness seeping through the wrinkles beneath his eyes is apparent. I recall our first meeting when I was only eight years old, winning first place in a robotics competition. Hugo served as a jury member, and he has witnessed my growth ever since. Though always strict, he holds the position of president in the world's most influential automotive association for a reason.
I'm going to retire - he calmly declares. I had no idea he was going to do it so soon. He has held this position for over ten years.
Is everything alright, Hugo? - I ask, observing him sip his whisky pensively.
I'm old and tired, and although I love this office, it's time for me to go - he declares, and I continue to stare at him, struggling to process the news. I can't imagine who could take his place and match his level.
I know it's very difficult for someone to take my place. I don't trust anyone. It's not just a position; it's a lot of power - he acknowledges, and his words ring true. Hugo is an unbreakable man. He has never been bribed by anyone, and power has never overwhelmed him as a person. That's why I don't think he'll find anyone to replace him.
I know, Hugo, you should reconsider retiring. No one could handle this position. You were made for it - I say, and he smiles.
You can't leave. If you go, who will approve my crazy projects? - I joke, aiming to lighten the mood, but his smile fades away.
You - he asserts with determination, his dark eyes turning cold.
I'm retiring. It's a decision I've made, Damian, but I can't leave this place to anyone. I don't trust anyone except you. - he trails off, but I remain in a state of shock.
Are you... Are you saying that you're going to pass the presidency to me? - I ask in astonishment. This is the best outcome I could have imagined.
Since I met you, I recognized your immense talent. You possess remarkable intelligence, and you have positioned your company exceptionally well - he compliments, holding his whisky glass. A wide smile spreads across my face as I rise from my seat, overwhelmed by the enormity of the moment. This is truly incredible.
Thank you, Hugo - I exclaim, bubbling with enthusiasm, but he interrupts, dampening my elation.
No, it's not that simple, Damian - he interjects, his tone serious. I regard him attentively, unable to comprehend his meaning.
I wish I could pass on the presidency without excessive bureaucracy, but unfortunately, that's not the case - he explains, extinguishing his cigar.
I don't understand, Hugo. Do you want me to invest? I can contribute a few million - I suggest, but he halts me.
Money isn't always the solution, Damian - Hugo calmly responds, causing me to lean back in my seat, perplexed.
Then let me know what I need to do - I implore, and he gazes directly into my eyes.
Get married - he states firmly. I chuckle, assuming Hugo is jesting. How could I forget his penchant for humor? But his expression remains resolute.
Hugo, let's stop joking - I remark, still wearing a smile, but he appears unamused.
Do you think I would jest about something so serious? - he questions, and my smile fades away.
Wait, what? Hugo, no, no, it's impossible. I don't... - I begin to protest, but he interrupts, not allowing me to finish.
I know. I know you love women, that you sleep with a different one every night. However, if you desire the presidency, you must commit to marrying just one person and starting a family at least... for two years. That's the only condition. By doing so, no member of the association can oppose your appointment as president - he states firmly. My head spins, contemplating the weight of his proposition. Assuming the presidency of the most influential association in the automotive industry would place me among the most powerful and affluent individuals on the planet. But the cost of getting married that's a decision I'm unsure if I can bear.