Beautiful Mistake (Us against The World)

Chapter 6

Mr. Alessandro raised an eyebrow but gestured for him to continue. Go on.

Well, Mateo began, clearing his throat, I was reviewing the current logistics plan, and I think we could cut costs significantly by partnering with local suppliers in the area instead of relying entirely on imports.

It would not only save money but also create a more sustainable model. Plus, we could negotiate exclusivity with those suppliers, giving us an edge over competitors.

His father listened quietly, his expression unreadable, before shaking his head firmly. Son, I appreciate your input, but there’s no need for you to concern yourself with this. Riccardo is already handling the Milan expansion alongside your aunt's husband, Smith. He’s more than capable of managing it.

Mateo’s posture stiffened, his hands clenched into fists by his sides. Dad, why do you always do this? Why do you dismiss me like I’m some stranger in my own father’s house?

Mr. Alessandro looked at him calmly but sternly. Mateo, you know why. This is not about dismissing you; it’s about ensuring the business stays secure. Riccardo has proven himself time and again.

Proven himself? Mateo shot to his feet, his chair scraping against the floor. What about me, Dad? Don’t I matter to you anymore? Why do you always bring Riccardo up as if I’m invisible? Admit it, you love him more than me.

You’re getting it all wrong, Mateo, his father replied.

Am I? Mateo’s voice cracked with anger. It was just one mistake, Dad. One mistake! And no one is above making mistakes. Even Riccardo.

Mr. Alessandro’s calm demeanor finally cracked, his tone hardening. One mistake? Mateo, It was a mistake that nearly cost this family its entire legacy. Do you even understand the gravity of what you did?

Mateo shook his head, his voice trembling now with frustration and pain. I have apologized a thousand times, Dad. I’ve tried to prove myself every day since then. But you refuse to let it go. You’ve already decided that Riccardo is the perfect son, and I’m just nothing but a failure.

“That’s enough, Mateo,” his father said, turning his chair to face the window.

No, it’s not enough, Mateo said, his voice low but bitter. He stepped back toward the door." You’ve made it clear how you feel about me. I won’t waste my time trying to earn your approval anymore.

His father didn’t turn back to look at him.

Mateo lingered for a moment, his gaze on his father’s back. Then, without another word, he walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

In Riccardo’s room, his mother, Laura, adjusted Riccardo’s tie with a proud smile on her face. She stepped back slightly, inspecting her son from head to toe.

“How do I look, Mom?” Riccardo asked, turning to the mirror and flashing a confident smile.

Like the true Alessandro that you are, she said warmly, smoothing the front of his suit.

Riccardo grinned. This is perfect for the meeting.

It is, Laura said, admiring him. You will leave a lasting impression, as always.

Well, I have to go now, Riccardo said, leaning down to kiss her cheek. Wish me luck.

You do not need luck, Laura replied with a soft laugh. You have everything it takes.

Riccardo smiled one last time before walking out of the room. Laura watched him leave with a satisfied look.

As soon as Riccardo left, Laura’s phone rang. She answered it, her tone calm at first.

“Hello”

Listen, Laura, Beatrice’s voice came through sharply from the other end. I don’t know what you have done or said to my daughter, but my gut tells me you had a hand in her disappearance.

Laura’s brow furrowed slightly, but she kept her composure. “Excuse me?”

Don’t play dumb with me, Beatrice snapped. If you have threatened Maya or kept her hostage, take her back. Now!”

Laura’s voice turned icy. I have no idea what you are talking about, Beatrice. If your daughter is missing, that is no business of mine. And if you think I had anything to do with it, you are gravely mistaken.

Laura, Beatrice said firmly, if you are involved, bring her back or else

Or else what? Laura cut her off, her voice sharp and mocking. What exactly are you going to do? I dare you to let the cat out of the bag. But be warned, Beatrice, you will not like what happens next.

With that, Laura hung up and stood still for a moment, her expression dark. She glanced around the room.

I can’t let this slip out, she muttered under her breath. If someone has to go down for me to stay at the top, so be it.

Maya had been living in the small staff room at the back of the restaurant for a week. One evening, after the day’s work, the guard approached her.

“Maya,” he said with a concerned look, I am sorry, but you can no longer stay here.

Maya’s face fell. What? Why?

Some of the workers are getting suspicious, he explained. I overheard someone saying they saw you walking into my room. They do not know you sleep there, but if this goes on, things could escalate, and I could lose my job.

Maya nodded slowly. I understand, sir. You have been so kind to me already. I will figure something out. Thank you for everything.

The guard gave her a small nod before walking away. Maya stood there for a moment, thinking hard. Later that evening, after most of the workers had left, she approached Johanna in the break room. Johanna was cleaning up when she noticed Maya standing nearby, looking tense.

What is it, Maya? Johanna asked, raising an eyebrow.

Johanna, Maya began hesitantly" I need to tell you something, and I hope you can forgive me for it.

Johanna stopped what she was doing and crossed her arms, waiting.

I am not who you think I am, Maya said quickly. I didn’t apply for this job. I am new to this city, and I was desperate. The day I showed up here, you mistook me for the girl who applied for the position, and i went along with them. I needed the money and a place to start.

Johanna’s eyes widened, and she took a step back. Wait, you mean you lied about who you are?

Yes, Maya admitted, looking down. But I had no choice. I don’t know anyone here, and I have nowhere to go. I was hoping to make things right once I got on my feet. Please believe me, I never meant to cause trouble.

Johanna stood frozen after Maya's confession. Her expression quickly turned to one of disbelief and anger.

“Maya, how could you?” Johanna exclaimed, stepping back. I trusted you.

I am sorry, Johanna, Maya pleaded, her voice trembling. I didn’t know what else to do. Please, believe me, I was desperate.

You know, Johanna said, her voice rising, I really wish you’d told me earlier. But now? This? Oh my God. She shook her head and took a deep breath. “Your work here ends right here and right now. I don’t want to see your face here tomorrow!”

Please, Johanna, Maya begged, grabbing her arm. I have nowhere else to go. I will do anything to fix this.

Johanna sighed, clearly conflicted. She pulled some cash out of her pocket and handed it to Maya.

Here. This should be enough for you to get by for the night, she said firmly. Go back to wherever you came from.

With that, Johanna turned and walked away, leaving Maya standing there in tears.

Maya returned to the security guard. She clutched the money Johanna had given her tightly.

Sir, please, she said, her voice breaking. Just let me stay one more night. After tonight, I’ll leave for good.

The guard, unaware of what had happened with Johanna, nodded sympathetically.

Alright, Maya, he said. You can stay for one more night. But you have to figure things out soon.

Grateful, Maya bowed her head repeatedly in thanks and went to the small staff room she’d been staying in. That night, she cried herself to sleep, feeling utterly lost and hopeless.

Maya woke up before sunrise, packed her things, and quietly thanked the guard as he opened the door for her.

Thank you so much, sir, she said, her voice heavy with emotion. I will never forget your kindness.

The guard gave her a little nod as she walked out into the cold morning streets. She wandered from house to house and place to place, looking for work as a maid, cleaner, or waiter.

But no one hired her. Exhausted and hungry, she used some of the money Johanna had given her to buy a small piece of bread, which she ate quickly.

By afternoon, her feet ached, and she sat down on a bench in a small park. She rested her head against the backrest, her body slumped from exhaustion. At some point, she fell into a restless sleep, startled awake by the sound of children playing nearby.

Maya, desperate and ashamed, returned to the restaurant that evening. She waited outside until Johanna finished her shift and came out. Seeing her, Maya ran up to her holding her hands together in desperation.

Johanna, please, Maya begged, tears streaming down her face. I know I lied, and I will regret it for the rest of my life. But I truly have nowhere to go. Please forgive me.

Johanna sighed heavily, looking down at Maya with a conflicted expression. After a long pause, she finally spoke.