My Beloved Boss (The Short Story)

17

Kyra Lewis:

After a delightful movie night with my family, the evening dragged on until past midnight. When I finally reached my room, I still managed to have a little chat with Matteo before exhaustion took over me; it was already three in the morning.

I woke up a bit later than usual and headed to the bathroom for my morning routines. Today is special: I will finally find out who was responsible for my accident and make sure they pay for their crimes.

As I entered the dining room for breakfast, I found my family gathered, all with serious expressions.

— Good morning — I said, trying to diffuse some of the tension hanging in the air.

— Good morning — they replied in unison.

— Any news? — I asked, my anticipation growing in my chest.

— Yes, we got the camera footage, and we were about to call you to go to the police station — my father explained.

— Let’s go — I said, with determination.

— Are you not going to eat anything? — my mother asked. I decided to grab an apple from the kitchen before heading out.

— Can we go now? — I insisted.

— Yes, let’s go — my father responded.

We headed to the garage, got into the car, and in a few minutes, arrived at the police station. The wait to be called by the officer didn’t last long.

— Good morning — greeted the officer, his voice firm and professional.

— Good morning — we responded, visibly nervous.

— We went to the accident site and managed to collect the camera footage. Only one was turned off, but we recovered some images, including the exact moment of the crash. Now, I will show them to you.

He opened his laptop and began playing the video until it stopped, revealing a car I recognized instantly.

— That’s the car of... — the phrase got stuck in my throat, and unable to hold back tears, I started crying.

It can't be. It was Alex who caused my accident.

— Calm down, daughter — my father said, trying to comfort me.

— Do you know him? — the officer asked.

— Yes — my father confirmed, voice choked. — His name is Alex Ferrari.

— I will request his arrest — the officer said.

— Okay — I said, looking at me solemnly. — Let’s go, daughter.

— Let’s go — I whispered, in an almost inaudible tone.

On the way back home, my mind was consumed with thoughts about how Alex almost took my life. At one point, I realized I could have died, and the pain of that fact hit me with full force.

And to think I loved him...

As soon as I got home, I ran to my room, threw myself on the bed, and let despair take over me.

— I just wish Matteo were here with me...

[...]

Matteo Rossi:

I arrived at the agency a little later than usual because I ended up prolonging my chat with Kyra. I admit that after talking to her, I sleep much better.

As soon as I entered the room, I approached the secretary.

— Marina, how many meetings do I have today? — I asked.

— You have three: one with the catering staff for the inauguration party and the others to close some business deals — she replied, checking her schedule.

— Thanks — I said before heading to the meetings. The delay turned out to be longer than expected, and when I finally returned to my office, it was already past 1 p.m. Upon entering, I found Nate, my coworker, sitting at my desk.

— Dude, check this out — he turned the computer toward me.

— What is this? — I asked, intrigued.

— Read it quickly, you i***t — he retorted.

On the screen, a headline read: "Alex Ferrari is being sought in connection with Kyra Lewis’s accident. He is currently a fugitive."

— It was that bastard who caused Kyra’s accident — I exclaimed, my indignation rising.

— Looks like it — Nate confirmed. — Where are you heading? — he asked, noticing that I was standing up.

— After my wife — I answered firmly.

— You have a meeting now — he warned.

— Screw that meeting! You’re coming in my place. Nothing is more important than her — I declared, rushing out.

I got into my car and sped to the Lewis mansion. When I arrived and rang the bell, Kyra’s brother, Eric, opened the door, surprised.

— Matteo? — he asked, a bit confused.

— Where’s Kyra? — I asked, anxious.

— It’s not a good time to talk to her — he replied with a worried expression.

— That’s exactly why I’m here — I insisted, voice choked. — Please, let me talk to her.

— Alright — he sighed, submitting. — Come in.

We went to Kyra’s room, and when we got there, Eric knocked on the door.

— Daughter? — he called, but received no response.

— Let me try — I said. — Kyra, it’s me, Matteo. Please, open the door.

Before I finished the sentence, the door opened, and she threw herself into my arms. Relief and joy flooded my heart.

— I’ll leave you both alone — Eric said, looking understanding. — Matteo, I want to talk to you later — he added, nodding.

I went into Kyra’s room with her and closed the door behind us. I walked to the bed and laid down beside her, feeling the tension melt away.

— I can’t believe you came — she said, eyes shining when she saw me, softly kissing me.

— That day at lunch, I promised to always be by your side — I declared, taking her hand. — As soon as I found out what happened, I dropped everything at the agency to come see you.

— You’re perfect — she murmured, smiling.

— And today I am all yours. Whatever you want, I’ll do it. Let’s put a smile on that face — I said, determined.

The afternoon passed with laughter and light moments. We watched movies and played pillow fights. I was tired, but her every laugh made all the effort worthwhile.

— Will you sleep here? — she asked, with hopeful eyes.

— Of course I will — I affirmed, kissing her forehead.

— Take off that suit, it must be hot — she suggested with a mischievous smile.

— I’ll get an outfit from my car — I replied.

— You have clothes in your car? — she asked, surprised.

— Yes, you never know when you might need them — I joked.

— I’ll take a shower while you come back — she gave me a little kiss and left, her eyes shining.

Leaving the room, I found Eric in the living room.

— Can we talk? — he asked, with a serious tone.

— Yes — I said, sitting beside him.

— What’s your thing with my daughter? — he questioned, serious in his look.

— I like her very much, actually, I’m in love — I admitted. — I know we’ve known each other for a short time, but I just want to see her happy. Today, learning what happened, I dropped everything at the agency to be here with her.

— Does she know about all this feeling? — Eric asked, somewhat curious.

— Not yet, but I plan to tell her. I want it to be special; I’m planning a surprise — I explained, with a smile on my lips.

— I’m impressed — Eric said, apparently pleased. — Well, I can’t stop you guys, but I just ask that you don’t hurt her.

— I won’t hurt her — I guaranteed. — I intend to make her very happy.

— Then all I can do is wish you happiness — he concluded, extending his hand.

— Thank you — I replied, shaking his hand in gratitude.

— I’ll get some clothes from the car to sleep here tonight — he said.

— Be careful with what you’re planning to do. — he responded and left the room.

I went to the car to get my clothes, and upon returning to the room, I found Kyra lying on the bed.

— You took a long time — she complained, pretending to be offended.

— I was talking to your dad — I explained, while approaching her.

— Did something happen? — her eyes showed concern.

— Nothing you need to worry about — I assured, kissing her forehead. — Now I need a shower.

I went to the bathroom, and after a revitalizing shower, I returned to the room. I threw myself on the bed beside her and hugged her.

— You don’t know how happy I am that you’re here with me — Kyra said, her eyes shining.

— I’m also very happy — I replied, as she snuggled closer to me, and there, wrapped in mutual comfort, the outside world seemed far away.