My Beloved Boss (The Short Story)

20

Kyra Lewis:

The weeks dragged on, and finally, the long-awaited day of the inauguration arrived. The anxiety was palpable, accompanied by extreme tiredness; I’ve been feeling unwell for some time, which I believe is the result of the nerves consuming me.

The last few weeks were intense and full of errands, but somehow, I always managed to find time to be with Matteo. Our connection grew stronger, bringing me a mix of joy and anticipation. Today, after the party, I will finally summon the courage to tell him how I feel. I pray that nothing interferes with this very special moment.

— Daughter, let’s go! — my mother called, interrupting my thoughts. — We’re heading to the salon.

— I’m coming! — I responded while taking another look in the mirror before leaving the bedroom.

When I got to the car, I found Alysson glaring at me with an irritated expression.

— I thought you weren’t coming! — she exclaimed.

— Stop being annoying! — I shot back, impatient.

I got into the car, and we headed toward the salon. A few minutes later, we parked in front of the place.

As soon as we entered, we sat down, and I went to prepare my hair while Alysson did her nails next to my mother.

— And you, who are you going with? — Alysson asked, curious.

— With Matteo — I replied, feeling a flutter in my stomach.

— So you’re dating? — she asked, raising an eyebrow.

— Not exactly. But today, after the party, I’m going to tell him everything I feel — I confessed.

After leaving the salon, we returned home to get ready. I was almost done when my mother entered my room and announced that Matteo was already waiting for me.

I took a deep breath and decided to go downstairs after looking at myself one last time in the mirror.

When I stepped onto the staircase, Matteo looked at me and a smile lit up his face.

— You look perfect — he complimented, genuinely.

— And you look stunning — I responded, and he smiled, a special sparkle in his eyes.

— Shall we? — I asked, and he nodded, following me outside.

We headed to the car, where he kindly opened the door for me. After I got in, Matteo circled around the vehicle, and we were soon on our way.

— When the party is over, I want to talk to you — he mentioned, with a hint of anticipation in his voice.

— I also have something important to tell you — I revealed.

— Are you going to sleep over at my place tonight? — he asked, looking into my eyes.

— Yes, definitely — I confirmed, and a smile formed on our faces.

As we arrived at the party location, Matteo got out of the car, went around, and opened the door for me again. I took his hand, and as I stepped out, I was greeted by a flurry of camera flashes.

We walked along the red carpet and entered the celebration. Matteo introduced me to some of his partners, then handed me a glass of champagne. As I admired the stunning decor, I noticed that pictures of me were scattered all over, as if I was the star of the event.

— Matteo Rossi — I heard a deep, commanding voice behind me. Turning around, I saw a strikingly handsome man, blond, with piercing green eyes, staring at Matteo with an unsettling intensity.

— Dylan Russo — responded Matteo, tense tension filling the air between them.

Dylan shifted his gaze to me and, with a mischievous smile, introduced himself.

— Kyra Lewis, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you — he said, holding my hand and giving a gentle kiss on the back. The gesture caused Matteo to grip my waist more firmly.

The captivating scent of the man invaded my nostrils, and a wave of discomfort washed over me, as if I was starting to feel queasy.

— Matteo, I think I need to step outside for a moment — I said, trying to mask my unease.

— Do you want me to go with you? — he asked, showing concern.

— No need, I’ll be right back — I assured him, sharing a brief kiss before slipping away from them.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to clear the strange feeling that was taking hold of me. I walked down the corridors in search of some fresh air, but soon felt someone behind me. When I turned around, something was placed over my nose, and suddenly everything around me started to spin. Before losing consciousness, I heard Melissa’s voice.