SECOND TO NONE
1114 Words
CHAPTER 2
The loud knocking on Alia’s door sent a shiver down her spine. She hesitated before unlocking it, her heart pounding as she slowly turned the handle.
"Alia, please… I just want to talk” Fernandez slurred, his breath heavy with alcohol. He stood unsteadily at her doorway, his figure silhouetted against the dim hallway lights.
Alia’s stomach twisted. The scent of whiskey and desperation clung to him as he swayed, struggling to keep his balance.
“Fernandez , you're drunk. You need to go back to your room," she said, gripping the edge of the door, prepared to close it on him.
But Fernandez stepped forward**, his expression desperate.
"Alia, please… Just hear me out," he whispered.
Alia’s fingers tightened around the door handle. "I can’t have this conversation with you in this state. It’s late, and I need to rest."
She attempted to shut the door, but Fernandez pressed a hand against it, his strength momentarily overpowering hers.
"I love you, Alia," he whispered, his voice filled with longing. “From the first day I heard you say your name, I knew you were special. Please… let me love you."
Alia’s eyes widened, shock flashing across her face. Fernandez eyes, glazed from alcohol, tried to find meaning in hers. His hand reached toward her, but before he could touch her, Alia shoved him backward.
“Fernandez, stop this! You're not thinking straight," she snapped.
Fernandez stumbled, his shoulder hitting the doorframe.
"Go back to your room and sleep this off," she said firmly before slamming the door shut and locking it.
Leaning against the door, she exhaled deeply, her heart still pounding.
"What the hell just happened?"
She walked over to her bed and sat on the edge, running a shaky hand through her hair.
Should she report this to the Master? Would that make things worse?
“Maybe he was just drunk… Maybe this won’t happen again…"
She let out a nervous laugh, shaking her head. "Fernandez , in love with me? He must have lost his mind."
With a deep sigh, she turned off the bedside lamp and lay down, but sleep refused to come easily.
---
The Alfredo Mansion bustled with activity at the break of dawn. Chefs, decorators, and staff hurried back and forth, ensuring every detail was perfect.
Despite the busyness, Alia couldn’t shake off last night’s encounter. The scene replayed in her mind, making her stomach twist.
"I have to confront him," she told herself, clenching her fists.
If Fernandez had real feelings for her, why would he only confess while drunk?
With determination, she stormed into the mansion’s hallway, searching for him.
---
Meanwhile, in the Corporate Offices of The Alfredo Group…
Fernandez sat in the lobby of Mr. Gael’s office, his elbows resting on his knees, head bowed in frustration.
“Damn it, Fernandez! What were you thinking?" he muttered, hitting his forehead with his palm.
His mind swirled with regret. He had been waiting for the right time to confess his feelings to Alia, but last night’s drunken outburst ruined everything.
“How do I even face her now?"
A light tap on his shoulder made him snap back to reality.
"Fernandez, the boss needs you in his office."
He looked up, his mind still clouded, and nodded. “Yes… I’ll be right in."
As he stood, he took a deep breath. One problem at a time.
---
Marco, Mr. Gael’s eldest son, gathered the staff in the grand hallway. His expression was firm, his voice sharp with authority.
“Listen up, everyone," he commanded, his voice carrying across the room. "You all know what today is. My father is a powerful and influential man, and his birthday celebration must reflect that."
The staff nodded attentively as he continued.
“Expect a flood of gifts, incentives, and deliveries today. No one enters the mansion unless they are on the guest list. All gifts must be inspected at the gate before being brought inside. Once the clock strikes 4 p.m., gift collection stops, and every hand must be on deck for the dinner preparations."
He narrowed his gaze at the staff.
"Today is an important day for my father—and for all of us. Do not mess this up. Am I understood?"
A chorus of nervous voices responded.”Yes, sir! Yes, sir!"
Satisfied, Marco dismissed them, and the staff hurried off to their duties.
---
In the servants' quarters, Alia held a small, neatly knitted bracelet in her hands, her fingers brushing over the delicate threads.
She had spent six nights crafting it, pouring her thoughts into every stitch.
But now… she hesitated.
“Why did I put so much effort into this?" she murmured. "Would the Master even accept it?"
Would he mock her for giving him something so simple?
“A billionaire with an empire… and I made him a handmade bracelet? How ridiculous."
She let out a soft laugh, stuffing the bracelet into her pocket.
"You’re such a fool, Alia," she whispered to herself.
---
While the mansion buzzed with activity, Mr. Gael remained locked in his room.
For hours, no one had seen him, and even his morning meal remained untouched.
His sons had visited him early in the morning, offering their birthday wishes, but after that, he had shut himself away, lost in deep contemplation.
Standing on the balcony of his lavish suite, Mr. Gael gazed across the acres of land surrounding his estate.
"I’ve never spent this much time at home before," he mused. "It feels… different. But I like it."
A soft breeze ruffled his hair as he sighed, speaking into the silence.
"Retirement is approaching… and I should embrace it peacefully."
A pause.
"Not alone, though. I deserve to share this life with someone… Someone young, someone who can take care of me."
A small smile formed on his lips, but soon faded into hesitation.
"But am I making the right choice?"
The weight of the decision he was about to make settled on his chest.
"Tonight, everything changes."
---
As the dining room clock struck seven, the staff gathered nervously.
Marco adjusted his sleeves, his eyes fixed on the grand staircase.
"Everyone, prepare yourselves” he ordered. “The Master will be down any minute."
Then—
A loud bang echoed from the top of the stairs.
Gasps rippled through the room.
Footsteps.
A hushfell over the servants.
Alia felt a chill crawl up her spine.
Then—
Mr. Gael appeared.
And everyone froze.
Something was different.
Whispers swept through the crowd.
"What’s going on with the Master?"
The shock in the air was palpable.
Tonight was going to change everything.
---
- Writer
