Beneath the Disguise

Chapter 2: Walking on a Tightrope

Lita stood in the office break room, gripping the coffee cup like it was a ticking bomb. The walls felt like they were closing in on her, and the smell of freshly ground coffee filled the air, reminding her of the pressure she was under.

How could I mess up something as simple as coffee?

She had never made high-end espresso in her life—her idea of coffee was instant 3-in-1 sachets, poured into a chipped mug in her cramped apartment. But for a billionaire like Diego Velasco, mediocre wasn’t an option.

With shaking hands, she remade the coffee, following the instructions from a laminated sheet labeled "Mr. Velasco’s Coffee Preferences." The level of detail was absurd—exactly 1.5 teaspoons of sugar, precisely 150ml of water, brewed at 93°C, served in a white porcelain cup.

Lita took a deep breath, steadying herself as she adjusted the machine's settings. The coffee maker hummed to life, and she tried to focus on the rhythmic sound, blocking out the myriad of thoughts racing through her mind. What if Diego didn’t like it? What if he noticed something off about her?

After what felt like an eternity, the machine beeped, signaling that the coffee was ready. She carefully poured it into the pristine cup, her heart pounding as she held it steady.

Just as she turned to leave the break room, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the polished surface of the coffee maker. The slightly baggy clothes she wore to disguise her figure hung on her, and the short hair she had pulled back felt like a constant reminder of her pretense. She looked different, and she hoped that no one would see through her disguise.

Taking another deep breath, she stepped out of the break room and into the corridor. The lavish decor of the office was striking, with sleek furniture and large windows that let in natural light. Lita felt small in this world of wealth, but she had to remind herself of why she was here.

She navigated the hallways until she reached Diego's office door. Her heart raced as she knocked lightly, trying to keep her nerves in check.

“Come in,” Diego’s voice commanded from inside.

She opened the door, stepping into the vast office that felt imposing. Diego was seated at his desk, engrossed in paperwork, his brow furrowed in concentration. Lita felt a flutter of anxiety as she approached, holding the coffee carefully.

“Mr. Velasco,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “I have your coffee.”

Diego looked up, and for a brief moment, their eyes met. There was an intensity in his gaze that made her stomach flip, but she quickly focused on the task at hand. “I hope it’s to your liking.”

He took the cup from her hand, his fingers brushing against hers for a moment—a fleeting touch that sent an unexpected jolt through her. Lita fought to suppress the reaction, reminding herself that this was a job, not a romantic encounter.

Diego brought the cup to his lips, taking a sip. The silence in the room stretched, and Lita held her breath, waiting for his response.

“Not bad,” he said, his tone neutral. “You’ll do.”

The compliment, however faint, sent a rush of relief through her. Lita managed a small smile, grateful that she hadn’t completely messed up.

“Thank you, sir,” she replied, feeling a surge of determination. I can do this.

---

Adjusting to the Job

As the days turned into weeks, Lita settled into her role. She learned to navigate the demands of the job, juggling tasks as Diego's personal assistant and driver. Each day presented new challenges, but she was determined to prove herself.

In the mornings, she would brew his coffee, carefully following the instructions. In the afternoons, she organized his schedule, making sure he was prepared for meetings and appearances. All the while, she maintained her guise as Lito, aware that one slip-up could unravel everything.

Diego was a difficult man to please, often buried in his work, and rarely engaging in small talk. His demeanor was cold, and he expected perfection. Lita often found herself tiptoeing around him, trying not to disrupt the rigid atmosphere he cultivated.

But as time passed, she began to notice subtle changes in his behavior. While he remained stoic, there were moments when his eyes softened—like when she managed to cheer him up after a particularly grueling meeting by bringing him his favorite pastry.

“I didn’t know you had a sweet tooth, Mr. Velasco,” she remarked lightly one day, trying to break the ice.

Diego looked up, a hint of surprise on his face. “It’s just a rare indulgence,” he replied, his tone softer than usual. “Don’t tell anyone.”

Lita chuckled softly, realizing how little he let others see the man behind the billionaire persona.

---

Maintaining the Facade

Despite the brief moments of connection, Lita was careful to maintain her distance. She reminded herself constantly that this was just a job, a means to an end. Any emotional attachment was risky, and she couldn’t afford to jeopardize her brother’s treatment.

During their drives, she focused on the road, engaging only in minimal conversation. Her heart ached at the thought of forming a bond with someone who could never truly know her. But there were days when Diego's sharp wit would catch her off guard, and she found herself laughing, albeit internally struggling with the facade she had built.

The slow pace of their relationship felt like a tightrope walk, one misstep away from disaster. Lita couldn't afford to let her feelings get tangled with her job.

As she continued to navigate the complexities of her new life, she focused on her ultimate goal: securing enough money for Junior’s treatment. Each day was a step closer, but with every encounter with Diego, the line between duty and desire began to blur, and Lita knew she was walking a dangerous path.