Beneath the Disguise

Chapter 5: Navigating Uncertainty

Lita returned to the office the next day with a mix of apprehension and determination. She knew that every day was a step closer to securing Junior's treatment, but it also meant confronting Diego and his complicated personality.

As she settled into her desk, she glanced at the large glass office that housed the billionaire. Diego was already deep in thought, staring intently at the numerous screens displaying data, graphs, and reports. The tension in the air was palpable, and Lita could feel it creeping into her own chest.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed herself to focus on her tasks. She had a long list of duties that required her attention, from managing Diego's schedule to organizing files for the upcoming board meeting. But her mind kept wandering back to Diego, the way he carried himself with an air of authority, yet there was a vulnerability hidden beneath his tough exterior that intrigued her.

“Good morning, Mr. Velasco!” she said, forcing herself to maintain a professional tone as he stepped out of his office.

“Good morning, Lito,” he replied, his gaze catching hers for a moment. Lita quickly returned her attention to the folder in front of her, reminding herself of the boundaries she needed to uphold.

Diego approached her desk, his expression serious. “I need those reports ready for this afternoon’s meeting. Can you handle that?”

“Absolutely, Mr. Velasco,” Lita assured him, fighting to maintain a calm demeanor. As he walked back to his office, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more he wanted to say, but he held back.

The morning unfolded with Lita immersed in her work, but every time she caught a glimpse of Diego through the glass walls, her thoughts would drift. She had heard whispers among the staff about his reputation—difficult, uncompromising, and a man who rarely let anyone into his inner circle. But Lita had seen moments of softness in him, fleeting glimpses that suggested a different story.

During her lunch break, she found a quiet corner in the break room, where the usual chatter was replaced by a heavy silence. Lita took a moment to eat her sandwich, letting the solitude wash over her. She pulled out her phone to check on Junior's medical updates, her heart sinking at the thought of the mounting bills.

“Hey, Lito! Mind if I join you?” Ana’s voice broke through her thoughts.

“Of course, Ana,” Lita said, forcing a smile as her colleague sat down across from her.

“I heard Diego was in a mood again this morning,” Ana said, shaking her head. “I swear, that man can be so hard to read.”

Lita nodded, not wanting to reveal too much. “He seems focused on the upcoming projects. It’s a lot of pressure.”

“You’re right. But I think he appreciates having you around. You’re doing a great job, Lito. Just don’t let him intimidate you,” Ana advised, a supportive glint in her eyes.

“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind,” Lita replied, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. It was easy to get lost in Diego’s intensity, but she had to remain grounded. Her priority was Junior, not navigating the unpredictable waters of Diego’s world.

The afternoon brought more tasks—emails to respond to, documents to organize, and calls to make. Lita was grateful for the busyness that kept her mind occupied. But as the day wore on, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was shifting between her and Diego.

When Diego called her into his office later, she felt a flutter of nerves. “Lito, I need to discuss the marketing strategy for our new product launch,” he said, motioning for her to sit.

“Of course, Mr. Velasco,” she said, taking a seat across from him. The proximity made her acutely aware of his presence, the way he seemed to fill the room with an undeniable energy.

As they discussed the details, Diego leaned forward, his focus entirely on her. “I value your opinion, Lito. I’ve been thinking about how to approach this differently, and I’d like to hear your thoughts.”

Lita felt a mix of pride and anxiety as she shared her ideas. Diego listened intently, nodding along as she spoke, his eyes never leaving her face. For a moment, the world outside faded away, and it was just the two of them—a team navigating the complexities of business together.

“Your perspective is refreshing,” Diego said, a hint of admiration creeping into his tone. “It’s hard to find people who can think outside the box.”

Lita blushed at the compliment but quickly reminded herself to stay focused. “Thank you, Mr. Velasco. I just want to contribute to the team’s success.”

As the conversation shifted back to business, Lita felt a tug of uncertainty. This connection felt new, but it also felt dangerous. She had to remind herself that she was playing a role, one that required her to keep her true self hidden.

When the workday finally ended, Lita felt a mix of exhaustion and relief. She grabbed her things and made her way to the exit, eager to check on Junior. But just as she reached the door, she heard Diego call out to her.

“Lito!” he said, stepping out of his office.

She turned, her heart racing. “Yes, Mr. Velasco?”

“I appreciate the effort you put in today. Keep up the good work,” he said, his voice softer than usual.

“Thank you, Mr. Velasco. I will,” she replied, surprised at how much his words meant to her.

As she left the office, Lita couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed, even if it was just a small shift. Diego’s acknowledgment felt like a crack in the wall she had built around her heart, a reminder of the complexity of their relationship.

When Lita arrived home, she found Junior on the couch, engrossed in a video game. “Hey, Lita! You’re back!” he shouted, jumping up to greet her.

“Hey, buddy! How was your day?” she asked, kneeling down to hug him.

“Good! I almost beat the high score!” he exclaimed, his excitement infectious.

Lita smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. In that moment, she remembered why she was working so hard. “That’s awesome! Let’s have dinner, and then you can show me your game skills.”

As they sat down to eat, Lita felt the weight of her worries lift, even if just for a little while. She cherished these moments with Junior, reminding herself that no matter how complicated her job with Diego became, her brother’s happiness was the light guiding her through the darkness.

Later that night, as Lita lay in bed, she couldn’t help but replay the day in her mind. The growing tension between her and Diego was becoming more challenging to ignore, but she had to stay focused.

Tomorrow will be another day, she told herself. I just need to keep pushing forward.