Ch.13
963 Words
Althea Pov
I must confess, it was a mistake to wear my work outfit to my boss’s family dinner. Ella and I had a disagreement because I didn’t want to appear as his date or steal the spotlight.
Now, I find myself being scrutinized from head to toe by the women in their lavish, brightly colored dresses paired with stilettos. They looked stunning with their makeup, hairstyles, and sparkling jewelry around their necks.
I felt completely out of place. The moment of truth struck me when Mr. Valenti introduced me to his mother. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she turned to her son with a look that seemed to ask, “What’s she doing here?”
Indeed, I shouldn’t be here... I didn’t fit in at all.
She eventually regained her composure, welcomed me warmly, and introduced me to Mr. Valenti himself. Yes, Eros's father.
"Darling, I want you to meet Althea Dawson. She’s our son’s personal assistant."
"Oh, certainly." Mr. Valenti wrapped his arm around his wife’s waist, pulling her close.
"It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Althea." He beamed at me before turning his gaze back to his wife.
"You know, dear, she’s the one who assisted Eros with the designs for Mr. Thompson’s project."
"Is that so? Eros mentioned that someone stepped up to help with the designs, but I had no idea it was his secretary. God bless you, my dear," Mr. Valenti remarked.
"I agree completely, but I was merely fulfilling my duties."
Mrs. Valenti smiled and took her leave. I noticed her leaving the living room alongside Eros.
Mr. Valenti inquired about my speed and the time it would take to create designs for a significant client. He wanted to know if I could generate enough designs for a client he anticipated after we finished Mr. Thompson's project.
"What is this lecture focused on regarding designs?"
I heard a soft feminine voice from behind me. Turning around, I was greeted by the sight of a stunning young blonde who was smiling at me. She was the epitome of beauty, flawless and captivating. She truly stood out among all the lovely girls present in the room.
"Darling, I was just sharing with Althea about the various countries our clothing company has reached, thanks to our former architects. Did you know she’s now volunteering to assist Pascal with the illustrations?"
"Is that so? Our family has a passion for fashion, especially Eros and Dad. By the way, I’m Essel."
"I’m Althea, the personal assistant to Mr. Eros Valenti."
"Oh, I see. I assumed you were his date," she said, raising her eyebrows in curiosity.
"Um... no... definitely not, ma’am."
She chuckled and replied, "I’m just joking with you, Althea. Please, call me Essel."
"Excuse me, ladies, Althea. I’ll leave you in the capable hands of Essel," Mr. Valenti announced.
"Yes, Mr. Valenti... um... thank you."
It felt a bit awkward being alone with Eros's sister, Essel Valenti. Even though she was incredibly kind and often flashed a warm smile, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of intimidation. She resembled a princess or a movie star... I was completely mesmerized by her stunning presence.
"What do you think about visiting our garden, Althea?"
"Absolutely." I quickly responded and accompanied her.
Eros Pov
"What were you thinking? This is a family matter," my mother, Celestine Valenti, remarked as we stepped into her study. "You shouldn’t have brought your personal assistant here."
"And what are the Corsinos doing in this space? They aren’t family either."
"Eros, we’re hoping that one day they will be. It’s our desire for you to marry their daughter Rachel, and you even considered it at one point." Rachel was at the top of my parents' list of potential brides for me. Their matchmaking efforts always drove me insane.
"For heaven's sake, that was four years ago.”
I groaned audibly. Rachel Corsino was incredibly delicate, fragile, and exuded a classy, prim, and proper demeanor like royalty. With her black hair and flawless white skin, she resembled a Barbie doll.She was regarded in that manner by her family and her three older brothers, Latif, Nazif, and Vicent. They acted like wolves attempting to scare me, believing I should submit to them simply because I was set to marry their sister. Foolish jerks. They ought to realize by now that I don’t submit to anyone.
I held more power than those fools when it comes to authority, influence in the business realm, reputation, and wealth.
"Our seating arrangement has been disrupted, and there isn't enough space at the table. Our chef prepared for only twelve people." Mom shot me an angry glare.
I frowned and then moved behind my mom to gently massage her back. "You’re worrying about trivial matters, mother. It’s not good for you. You’ll just end up with more wrinkles under your eyes."
"You’re impossible, you know that."
Mom let out a heavy sigh. "I’ll go to the kitchen and see if the chef can accommodate one more guest."
"Thanks, Mom."
Mom started to leave but paused before opening the door. "I hope you’re not in love with your secretary, which is why you bought the townhouse for her."
Holy s**t! Who on earth spilled that secret? It was meant to be confidential.Mothers seem to have an innate ability to know everything about their children.
"Who informed you?" I inquired, feeling let down. I had always desired privacy. Ideally, I wished for none of my family members to be aware of my activities.
"I was with the real estate manager when you reached out to him."
"Of course not. It’s simply part of the agreement the company made when hiring her as my assistant."
"I hope so," she said as she exited the room.
- Writer
