Chapter 2
2132 Words
Anna
Walking straight to the table, he seats majestically.
Derick— the team lead, freezes as he tries to proceed with the presentation, but it seems like words failed him.
My pulse rises as the CEO scoffs, sending chills down my spine.
“Begin,” he commands.
His aura is calm yet dreadfully slicing through the air. He watches as Derrick goes on with the presentation but along the line, he rolls his eyes without interrupting when Derrick talks about the team's marketing strategy for the project.
I stand quickly, clearing my throat, when Derrick lost track and the board went silent. Those eyes moved everywhere, weighing every word and I shiver.
The board went silent— all eyes were on me.
“The team has completed sixty percent of the development stage of the project and, if we're lucky—”
He bluntly cuts me off, “If?” he says coldly. "You base a multi-billion dollar project on assumption?"
“Few changes were made, sir. Project Flexi needs to be adjusted to market trends for this year due to last year's market shift. If we're going to win the market and make clients invest in this expansion of our housing facilities, then we need to structure our facilities with the latest standards and designs. We can't rely on last year's architectural structures, that's outdated, sir.”
“Assumptions don't secure contracts, Ms?” His brows lift.
“Anna Rossell, sir,” I boldly reply, sweat crawling down my neck.
His voice is calm yet like a razor, “Anna Rossell?”
“That's right sir,” one of the managers jumps in. “She's the best we have at the moment, the one and only Rossell family.”
He exhales deeply, rubbing the back of his head as he locks eyes with me. “Well… let's see what you have for us, Ms. Rossell.”
I nod and continue. “Take a look at the Aurora project by our competitors. It is technology packed. Imagine not having to lift a finger while you control every corner of your home with just a command of your voice? And not only that, imagine the amusement when such a project gets into the hands of customers using pop stars as our brand ambassadors? Imagine being the first company to pull that off?”
The board glances in bewilderment.
After a few suggestions to back up Derrick's presentation, the last slide finally fades onto the screen and to my greatest surprise, the air was filled with hands jamming together— they all stood up, acknowledging my expertise and my lips curled up.
But not him— The acting CEO of Conti Corporation.
“That's what we get from the Rossell family,” one of the executive board members chuckles as he lets out those words. “Neatly done, Ms. Rossell.”
For a week now, I feel on top of the world— They all adore me.
But something about this man seems odd— Why isn't he thrilled?
He suddenly leans forward slightly, fingers interlock behind him.
“You may have identified the problem, but that doesn't guarantee success.”
“Huh?!” I raise a brow. “I believe we have been able to provide a lasting solution here, Mister Patrick. But in the end, your judgment will speak of your team's expertise on this fine work.”
I raise my chin— Pride erupts me.
“Very well then,” he says.
Without saying another word, he walks towards the door with his team, causing a flush of relief running through us.
Applause follows— I sigh briefly, plastering the brightest smile on my face as the board surrounds me with accolades.
“Thanks guys!”
I look at the door, hoping to see him hanging onto the exit, but he wasn't and, for some reason, I feel uneasy.
I sigh deeply.
Patrick Conti huh?!
*
Knock!
I look slightly at the disturbing sound on the door, hoping I heard wrong. Ever since I left the meeting, I haven't been myself.
There's just something about that man.
“Please go away!” I whine, swinging on my executive chair with a pen in one hand. “I am done for today. I need to catch my breath.”
“Ms. Rossell, you may want to hear this. Mister Conti likes your presentation and has decided to push through with the deal. You did it, Ms. Rossell.”
His voice hangs in the air, causing me to rise with a curl lip. I twist my neck, my eyes almost popping out as my belly tickles in excitement.
“That jerk!” I chuckle slightly, exhaling deeply as tears slip down my eyes. “That's great news.”
I quickly rush towards the door, twisting the doorknob with a bright smile on my face. His face meets mine and I nod in approval.
“Lunch is on me, Ms. Rossell. You did fantastic,” Derrick says.
*
LATER THAT NIGHT
Dinner with the team was lit, and I can only imagine what is ahead of me. I am so ready to do whatever it takes to maintain the life in front of me.
With a glass of champagne in one hand, I look around the penthouse, it reeks of luxury, causing my belly to tickle as I walk around with the keys in my hand. I still can't believe I was gifted with this just for securing the investment with Conti corporations.
“Damn!” I scream at the top of my voice, jumping nonchalantly like a happy baby. “I can't believe this is all mine.”
Ring!
I slip out my cellphone, connecting the call in a heartbeat.
“Hi, Emma. What's up? I have had a long day and guess what? I got the deal and, right now, I have a f*****g apartment as a reward. Can you imagine?” I gush a glass of champagne down my throat.
“Anna!” Emma yells. “You know this is awkward, right? Lying is wrong.”
“I am not a liar and if I were, it's all for the good. Hey! You need to understand that I have no choice, Emma. You need to see them all over me and not to mention, I have got a luxurious apartment as a gift. You really need to see this.”
“Whatever!” She sighs. “I have to go now. Love you!”
“Muah!”
I run straight to the bedroom, the perfect night awaiting me. Tears stream down my eyes at the perfect view outside the window. I fall to my knees, wiping my runny nose. I still can't believe this is happening to me.
“This is for you, Grandma!”
Slowly, the lights fade away, darkness erupting me.
With a glass of champagne beside me, I embrace the darkness.
*
Buzzing!
I jolt, slipping away the glass on the floor as it shatters beside me. My jaw clenches at the sudden disturbance, my toes hurt badly as I try to stand on my feet. I hate the morning calls, everyone knows that.
“What the heck!” I yell.
I let out a yawn, grabbing the phone beside me as I rub my eyes with a pale expression dancing on my face.
“Please make it brief. No morning calls, most especially during the weekends. Everyone knows that…” I whine but the brief silence from the other end of the line instantly draws my attention. “Hello! Is anyone there?”
Hiss!
“What a waste!” I sigh in frustration, almost ending the call when a strange yet familiar voice cuts through the line.
“No expectations?!” His voice echoes through my ears and I open my eyes in shock.
“Who is this?” I ask, just to be sure.
“Let's make it a date to discuss the upcoming launch of our partnership. How about next weekend?”
“Mr. Conti?! I don't understand— the deal is sealed already.”
“I don't do crowd, Ms. Rossell, and you are yet to convince me,” his voice sent chills running down my spine. “I will keep in touch.”
I swallow anxiously, rubbing the back of my head as my heart pounds without a care in the world. The call ends in a heartbeat and I gasp, clutching the helm of my garment in bewilderment.
That was weird.
Day after day, night after night, Patrick Conti wasn't giving up. The late night calls, the random gifts and attention— causing my rivals to hate me more at work. Every day spent with him at the office made the atmosphere more serene.
I don't know what this is but I kind of like it.
I thought he was just some rich jerk, but it seems I am wrong.
He is the perfect gentleman.
*
DATE NIGHT
I spin around, hoping to gain Emma's attention on the video call, but she keeps turning every outfit down. I rush to my wardrobe, hoping to get a better choice, but nothing fits. I am sure the media is going to be everywhere, and I need to make a good impression.
“Girl! Help me out here,” I snap.
“Do I look like clothes to you? You should have thought about moments like this before lying to be who you are not.”
“Don't be mean!” I glare from a distance but she chuckles.
Ringing!
“Heck no! It can't be.” I yell.
“What's that?” Emma asks, but I wave her off, making my way to the door.
I stumble upon the driver, he bows, and I flash him a small smile.
“Hi!” I smile anxiously.
“Hello Ms. Rossell. From Mr. Conti. Your ride awaits you.”
He hands me a gift box, my eyes widen in disbelief. I didn't get the chance to say another word as he gently bows, leaving me behind. I run straight to my bedroom, end the call with Emma and quickly unbox the item.
He f*****g got me a dress for the date?!
I twist my lip, my eyes almost pouring down tears.
No man has ever treated me this way before.
I sniff and rub my puffy eyes as confusion flushes through me. I shrug and take a deep breath, my eyes flickering on the perfectly tailored red gown and silver heels before me. I bit my lip slightly, admiration flushing through me.
Then comes a note.
A LITTLE GIFT FOR PRINCESS ANNA.
*
I blink back my tears, stepping down the sleek SUV with the driver bowing before me like some kind of royalty. I raise a finger with my chin up, my eyes full of pride as I dismiss him. Just as I approach the entrance door, time stands still as all eyes cast on me with admiration.
A 5-star restaurant— interesting!
Standing tall and elegant was Patrick Conti, the man that made all this possible. His charming yet mysterious gaze cast on me from a distance, it felt magical. Slowly, he walks in my direction, my heart pounds, my breath shortens.
I smile softly, almost choking on it.
“You look beautiful, Ms. Rossell,” he says.
“Thanks,” I stylishly look away, my legs feeling heavy to move forward.
He takes my hand and right there, I felt something I haven't felt before. Something strange, alluring. A pull so strong I can't deny. I swallow, slowly following from behind. Everyone present whispers in admiration.
I feel seen— important perhaps.
I walk graciously out of the limousine, rubbing the back of my head as I take a glance of prince charming from his car. His smile melts my racing heart. I freeze at the entrance of the penthouse when his driver suddenly steps down, making his way towards Patrick.
He slips out of the limousine— champagne in one hand.
“Here, you should have this.”
I look slightly, exhaling deeply when my eyes caught on the date boldly written on it.
My birthday this year.
My eyes soften, hugging myself tight, I sniff, holding back my tears. I reach for the wine, but he slowly pulls me close, running his fingers through my hair with a reassuring smile plastered on his face.
“Happy birthday,” he whispers.
“I–”
He cuts me off with a smile, plants a kiss on my forehead and then walks away.
My lip trembles, my breath shortens. I swallow, clutching my dress as tears stream down my eyes like a fountain.
What is this feeling?! I wonder.
He cares for me.
- Writer
