Love You As You Are

10 | Miles

“Look at him, he’s sweating,” I hear Anthony speak. “He did say he didn’t want to come here. Look what you did,”

“You think this is my fault?” I hear Mr Stark say. “He’s my assistant. He’s supposed to come with me. This is still a business event,”

“What the f**k is wrong with you?” Anthony says hitting Mr Stark’s arm repeatedly.

“Hey, stop that,”

“If anything happens to him, it’s on you,” Anthony huffed out, turning to me. He smiled gently, his eyes concerned.

In the last…almost two weeks, I’d experienced more than I bargained for in my entire lifetime. I can barely grasp what’s happening to me anymore. I’m living on autopilot as of now.

Now…it seems I’ve exhausted even the autopilot mode as I stared up at the building I never thought I’d ever come back to. The life I left behind, is now standing right before my eyes, as tall as it was. What was once my pride and joy, is now my very worst nightmare. In almost two weeks, I’d travelled two three continents, purely for business. It seems my personal life has bled on to my workplace. It continues to bleed even now, and I don’t know what to do.

The only reason I’d come here was because of Anthony. I’d promised to help him see through his success and I plan to do so.

“Miles,” I turned to Eloise, who’s sitting next to me. She offers a kind smile, watching me closely. “Firstly, I appreciate you for assisting my brother to get here,” she said. “Maybe…” she trailed off, eyeing Mr Stark and Anthony. “Maybe you don’t have to…to come with us. If it’s taking too much from you, maybe you can stay in the car or…take a drive around the city to cool down. We’ll- I’m sure we’ll be just fine,” she said placing a gentle hand over my shaking hands.

“You brought us to the door, and we’ll take care of the rest,” I eyed her hand over mine, my chest squeezing painfully hard because of the guilt that I’d slept with her husband. If only she was mean, I’d feel less guilty.

Clearing my throat, I tried to be subtle in getting my hands out of her touch, not wanting to be rude. “I’m fine,” I said smiling. My face felt numb and heavy, and I fear the smile looks forced, so I drop it. “I just need a few minutes, that’s all,” I nodded, fixing my suit. The suit costs more than my monthly salary and if it weren’t for Mr Stark insisting that I use his card to purchase the suit, I’d feel like a rag right now compared to what we’re about to walk into.

“You’ve said that in the last-“ Mr Stark stared at his wristwatch with a stern frown. “18 minutes since we arriv-“ Mr Stark says. Anthony slaps his chest, hard. “What was that for?”

“Be nice,” Anthony sent a glare to Mr Stark before turning to me. “Listen, whatever it is that’s bothering you, I’m all about giving you more time, but if we don’t go in sooner, we’ll be late,” he said.

“I’m fine,” I said again, making Mr Stark groan, rolling his eyes as he looked out the window.

“If you don’t mind me asking,” Eloise says next to me. “Is there a reason why you’re reluctant to go in there?” she asks me. Not knowing what else to say, knowing it was too late and they’re about to find out, I burst out into laughter. Grabbing the black bag I had with me, I checked inside to see if I had everything. Next, I pulled out my phone and looked into the contact list until I found the number I was looking for.

“You’re about to find out why I don’t want to go in there,” I said turning to her once my maniac laughter had died down. “Just a little favour,” I added, making a call. “Don’t let me drink,” I said pressing the phone to my ear. I considered my request and almost grimaced when I realised, I made a mistake. “Okay, maybe…just don’t let me get drunk. God knows I’ll need the alcohol for what I’m about to do,” I said just as the person picked up my call.

“Hello?”

“I’m here,” I said. “Meet me in the lobby,” I said before hanging up.

“You get more suspicious the more I get to know you, Miles,” Anthony says eyeing me sideways. I flashed him a smile, opening the door.

“Thanks,” I said getting out with the bag in hand. The cameras were on me before I can blink. I turned back to the car, waiting for everyone. I was in no mood for the f*****g press. Mr Stark would surely be the centre of attention, following the announcement of his ‘relationship’ with Miss Eloise. If I become his shadow, I should be fine. These people don’t even know me yet.

Just as I’d expected, as soon as Mr Stark and Eloise got out of the car and stood side by side, the press was on them like a swarm of bees, bombarding them with question regarding their relationship and the future plan. When I saw Isaac thread through the pile of reporters, I trudged forward, helping them in making way. It proved to be difficult seeing as most of the reporters were men and they towered over me. I was easily shoved back harshly. With Isaac helping, we managed to get inside the building eventually.

“f**k, we should have brought bodyguards or something,” Anthony says looking back at the flashing lights through the glass doors. The venue was just as I’d remembered now that I’m inside.

“Are you okay?” I asked Eloise, who’s fixing her dress and hair. She smiled at me shyly, nodding.

“Thank you for helping,” she said softly. “I didn’t realise it’d be this…overwhelming,” she said looking back.

“You’re getting her bodyguards,” Anthony turns to Mr Stark. We were led to the venue. I looked around for the person I was supposed to meet, clutching the bag tightly. There weren’t many people in this area. “Miles,” Anthony calls out. I turned to them, with me leading the way because I’m in a hurry. “Are you sure you’re-“

“I’m fine,” I said looking around. My eyes stopped when I found the one I was looking for, standing right at the top of the staircases on my left. I slowed down, eyeing him. When he realized I was looking at him, his smile widened, and he was racing down the steps. I’m almost tempted to scold him for running in a dangerous surface, a vivid memory at the forefront of my mind, but I held back until he was standing right in front of me.

His smile isn’t wavering, even as the tears pool in his eyes. “You’re…tall,” was the first words my words could conjure up. He laughs at that.

“And you’re still short,” he pointed out. I rolled my eyes, and the man is engulfing me in a bear hug, literary picking off the floor. I balled my hands into fists, gritting my teeth. “I’m not letting go until you hug me back,” he says against my ear.

“Ludo, let go,” I said. He immediately puts me down and takes a step back, smiling brightly at me.

“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself,” he said looking me up and down quickly. I’m almost tempted to cower from his scrutiny but his unwavering genuine smile and the innocence in his eyes stop me. I want to distance myself but a great part of me wants to embrace him. Clearing my throat, I handed him the bag.

“I need the bag before I leave,” I said. “Unless I tell you to approach me, you stay close and use the phone in there to communicate,”

“So straight to business, huh?” Ludo raised his brow at me. “We’re not even going to…talk?” I could see the disappointment seeping in, though he tried to hide it.

“There’s nothing to talk about,” I said. “What am I dealing with here?” I asked looking around. Ludo watches me closely for a second before sighing.

“The major shareholders are all here,” he said. “And their families too. And…everyone is here too,” he spoke softly. I sucked in a sharp breath, knowing what he was saying. “Also, whatever you’re trying to achieve here better work. Getting those invitations was hella difficult. Father was getting suspicious, so I really hope you know what you’re doing,” he said.

“Thank you for your help, Ludo,” I said with a nod. “I’ll call if I need anything,”

“Okay,” he said reversing back to the stairs, still looking at me. He stopped then, looking back. His smile came back full force, and I couldn’t stop what he was about to say, even if I wanted to. “It’s really good to see you again,” he said. “And you look great,”

“Thank you,” I said, hating how much effect that had on me.

I watched Ludo finally turn to the others. I’d totally forgotten about them. “Hi, I’m sorry,” he greeted then, shaking their hands. “I apologies for not acknowledging you. I got caught up in…catching up with…an old friend,” I rolled my eyes at that. “Welcome and if you make your way through those double doors, you will be escorted into the hall. I’d do it, but I need to take care of something really quick,” he said.

Once he left, I stood in the same spot, eyeing the double doors with wariness. The vultures are all in there, ready to tear me apart, should they recognise me. If I’m going to walk in there, I need to be prepared. I need to stand my ground. I already know what I’m dealing with. I don’t have to be here right to the end. Once everything is sorted, I’ll walk out those doors and leave this place behind. I just need to stand my ground for three hours and then it’s over.

I couldn’t do it back then, but I need to do this for Anthony.

I turned to Anthony, gesturing for him to step closer. “Here’s what’s going to happen,” I began. “At exactly ten o’clock tonight, Sirenio Group will have elected and appointed new members. It’s usually a younger family member taking over when the elders retire. I’m going to find those new members and I’ll speak to them, try, and convince them to give Roman Textile a chance,” I said.

“What about the Chairman? Mr Sirenio?”

“Don’t worry about Mr Sirenio, we’ll meet him last. First, we need to convince the minors to side with us. In any case the CEO and the Chairman refuses our offer, we turn to voting-“

“And that’s where the minors come,” Anthony finished in realization. “Wow, I didn’t think of it that way,”

“I can assure you with or without the Chairman or the CEO’s vote, you still have a greater chance. Even though they are in charge, they’d still have to consider the majority votes within the company,”

“But we’re forgetting something here,” Eloise spoke up. “The minor might not be considered for voting because they’re young and inexperienced, what about the Elders?”

“Oh don’t worry, we only need to speak to one Elder, and she’ll take care of the rest,” I said. “She’s a tough nut to crack, but I’m sure I can persuade her,”

“And how are we going to do that?” Eloise asked.

“Leave that to me,” I said. “We have three hours to do this,”

“Okay then, what do I do?” Anthony inquired.

“You’re coming with me,” I said. “Obviously, it’s your company now, and it’d be suspicious if I speak on your behalf. I’ll do my part and you do the rest in assuring them that they wouldn’t regret working with you in future. And…uh, word of advice, there’s going to be a lot of females taking over, so I’d suggest you leave your gayness right here because you’ll be doing a lot of flirting,” Anthony gawked at me. “What? Mingle and business works together. You just need to be your charming self and they’ll cave,”

“So you think I’m charming,” Anthony smirks at me.

“Shut up,” I said. “Oh…and whatever you find in there, it’s none of your business and I don’t want to talk about it. Don’t try to approach me unless it’s business. Shall we?”

*****

“Which one of them is the Elder you’re supposed to talk to again?” Anthony inquired as we blended in with the sophisticated looking crowd. I gripped the glass in hand, trying not to tip it over.

“The one in a silver dress,” I said looking to my right. The woman still exuberates power till this day, and she hasn’t aged. She’s swamped by a group that has taken her attention.

“And the minors?” Anthony asks, tipping his drink. I handed him my iPad to study the faces and names. “Okay, so we only need seven votes,” he said. “That can’t be hard, right? Four at best,”

“Yes,” I said. “I see one. Come on,” I said downing the drink before placing it on the random waiter’s tray, walking around. Our first target was a male and he gave us an immediate no. To be expected considering his attitude towards anyone he’d consider below him. He didn’t give us a chance to explain.

“Okay, we’re off a good start,” Anthony said sarcastically.

“Don’t lose hope. We still have six and the Elder, remember?” I spoke. He only nodded. I can only imagine the damage Kevin left behind is now blamed on him. It’d take a lot to persuade anyone to trust the Romans again.

Luckily for us, as soon as our second target, a lady realised that Mr Stark was also planning on merging with the Romans, she gave us her vote. Even went as far as flirting with Anthony, like I’d expected. In this case, I barely said anything. Only Anthony did the work. “Wow, you weren’t wrong about the flirting,” he said chuckling as we maneuverer through the crowd looking for our next target. “Who’s next?”

Within the first hour, we’d talked to all of the minors and in total, we got five votes. Anthony was more than ecstatic. He was over the moon. We found Eloise and Mr Stark once we were finished. “He’s a f*****g genius,” he said sitting down. “Oh man that went better than I thought,”

“What happened?” Eloise asked her brother, smiling brightly.

“We got five votes from the minors,” she cheered, hugging him. “I mean, admittedly some of them only gave me the vote because of Emmanuel,”

“Me?” Mr Stark eyed me.

“I guess you agreeing to merging the two companies was assuring enough,” he said. “And he was right about the flirting. Those women did not hold back,” he said laughing.

“How’d you come up with that?” Eloise turns to me. I sat back in the wider sofa chair, facing the three of them and sipped on the third glass of wine. Wine didn’t do it for me, apparently. I’m still sober. Guess I’ll stick with that.

“Businesspeople barely have time for…relationships,” I began my eyes finding Mr Stark’s eyes. “So they resort to…temporary pleasure,” that slight lip twitch had me looking away, swallowing hard. “And flirting,” I said turning to Anthony.

“I suppose you are right,” Anthony said. “That was so thrilling though. I haven’t done something like that in a while. You know, you have a knack for business,” he said. “You’re really good at this. You could benefit a lot from him if you give him a good position,” he says to Mr Stark, who’s been looking at me this whole time.

“I just found out something interesting,” Mr Stark began, his eyes watching me from above the glass he’s drinking from. “The Sirenios are missing a daughter,” he said.

“A daughter?” Anthony turns to Mr Stark.

“Yes,” he finally peels his eyes from me, looking at Anthony. “They have four children in total. Two girls and two boys. The girls are the oldest. Now, they have three children. No one knows what happened to their first daughter,” he reported his eyes finding mine again. I looked away.

“So you’re telling me the most important person to all of this, is missing?” Anthony asked in shock. “And they didn’t tell anyone? What kind of f****d up s**t is this? The rightful heir to all things glorious Sirenio is missing,” he said, in disbelief.

“Do you think that we should carry on with this?” Eloise spoke up. “If these people can hide something this big, is it a good idea to work alongside them? This could backfire for us should the press find out,”

“Miles knows what he’s doing,” Mr Stark said with a knowing look. “You should trust him,” we held eye contact and he was obviously taunting me. “Right Miles?”

“Hey,” my head jerks to the side when somebody else sits down. “Listen, we have a problem,”

“Didn’t I tell you not to approach-“

“Yes, I know,” Ludo said quickly. “But I have a problem and I need your help. Come with me and I’ll explain it to you,”

“What is the problem?”

“Dad’s appointing Eugene as CEO and not Irina,” he said.

“That’s not my problem,” Ludo gawked at me.

“Miles, how can you say that. She need our help,”

“No, she needs your help. Not mine,” I said. “You’re the Sirenio, not me,”

“You’re a Sirenio?” Eloise piped up, looking at Ludo, who’s literary pouting at me.

“Yes, I am,” he said. “Miles, I just ask that you do one thing for me. Help her. I know you can,”

“Your sister is not my business,” I said. “You are not my business. Sirenio is not my business. I’m not obligated to intervene,” Ludo opens his mouth, but I cut him off. “Meaning I reserve the right to say no,” I rose a brow. “Or have I been stripped off my right?”

“No, but I-“

“Ludo, it gets tiring eventually,” I said. “Repeating myself. It gets tiring. This event is already tiring, and I don’t need this, alright? Now, you left my stuff unattended, and they better be there when you go back upstairs,” I said. “Right the f**k now,” Ludo eyes me sideways. “You’re still here,”

“Okay this is getting ridiculous,” Ludo said shaking his head. He looked around for a moment. “I’m very much aware that I was young, and I didn’t understand what was happening, but don’t you think I deserve an explanation?”

“No, you don’t need an explanation,” I said.

“That’s unfair,” he said. “If you’re going to shut me out like this, then I deserve to know why,”

“You’re better off not knowing,” I mumbled, grabbing another glass. Ludo snatched the glass from my hand.

“I know about your drinking problem,” he said giving Eloise the glass. “Evidently, it hasn’t stopped. And you’re going to tell me what the f**k is going on here. You’re not about to baby me. I deserve to know,” he’s getting angry.

“Ludo, take a walk honey,” I hear a voice coming from behind me. I don’t turn to look because I know exactly who it was. “Come on,” she said giving his shoulder a squeeze.

When Ludo left, the woman took his place, eyeing me. “Hello how are you?” she greeted Eloise, Mr Stark, and Anthony firstly before focusing on me. “I’m quite disappointed that I wasn’t the first person you greeted,” she said. I looked at her, choosing to keep my mouth closed for the time being. “You didn’t think I’d recognise you?” I looked away, tempted to call another waiter for a drink. “What’s your name?” the question takes me by surprise and when I looked back at her, I can tell she knows.

“Miles,” I spoke up. “Miles Manando,” her smile widened.

“Ah…I see,” she said. “You took your grandfather’s name,” I’m meant to talk to this woman in helping Anthony. Now, she recognises me, and I’m tongue-tied. “The boy deserves an explanation, you know,” she said.

“After all, he’s still your brother,”

“He’s your brother?” Anthony repeated in shock, the same way Eloise said, “You’re a Sirenio!”