Ch.14
535 Words
Althea’s pov
"This is Eros' favorite spot," Essel remarked once we arrived in the rose garden.
The rose garden was stunning. Roses of various colors were in full bloom, filling the air with their delightful fragrance. It was fresh and heavenly. The area was beautifully landscaped.
Roses of similar colors were grouped together, encircled by large stones.
"Eros tended to the roses every weekend. He dug the dirt and designed the layout himself."
"He planted all the roses?”
I was taken aback by my boss, he was quite the homebody.
"You’re incredibly beautiful, Althea," she said.
"I’m not."
"You are.I can recognize true beauty when I see it. Eros must really have feelings for you."
"Um… I think you’re misunderstanding things."
She flashed her flawless smile and shook her head. "You’re the first woman he’s brought home to meet his family."
"No... he’s just my boss, ma’am."
"Just call me Essel."
"I mean Essel. Our relationship is strictly that of a boss and an employee."
She smiled and began to scrutinize my appearance from head to toe. Suddenly, I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me.
"Have you ever experienced love before, Althea?"
"Yes, but he cheated on me."
"That’s unfortunate." We took a moment to admire the roses, and then Essel suggested it was time to head inside.
Eros Pov
"Hi, how are you?" I greeted Rachel and then wrapped her in a gentle hug.
"I’m doing well, thank you," she replied, resting her hand on my forearm. "You didn’t attend my birthday party last month."
"I was in Germany," I said, taking a step back to let her hand slip from my arm.
"I was hoping to see you," she said quickly, her pink lips forming her familiar charming smile.
I chuckled. "My business takes precedence over globe-trotting to parties, Rachel."
She quickly lowered her lashes, likely to conceal her disappointment. "I understand. You’re a busy man, just like my father."
A wave of guilt washed over me. Why had I been so unkind to her? The matchmaking scheme wasn’t even her idea.
In reality, Rachel would make an ideal wife for someone like me. She was the daughter of a billionaire and knew exactly how to act like a billionaire’s spouse. She had been groomed and raised for that role.
Our parents hoped that Rachel and I would eventually marry. For clear reasons. To merge the Valenti and Corsino empires in the business sector.
"Would you join my family and me for dinner tomorrow?" Rachel inquired.
"I don’t believe I can, Rachel. I have other commitments."
"Even in the evening?" Her delicate eyebrows arched.
Fortunately, Essel and Althea entered the room. I discreetly signaled Althea with my eyes, which she promptly grasped.
"Althea, could you find out if I’m free for dinner tomorrow night?"
Althea quickly retrieved her pear pad from her bag. "Um... You’re fully booked for the week, Mr. Valenti. You’ll be dedicating significant hours to Mr. Thompson’s project."
"See? I’m occupied." I gave a slight shrug of my shoulders.
Rachel’s demeanor shifted abruptly, clearly irritated. "Alright, I suppose I’ll see you when I see you."
"Yeah, that’s correct."
After Rachel departed, I laughed and remarked, "Well done."
- Writer
