“It was amazing! The teacher said I’m really smart, and I made lots of friends!” he said proudly, his cheeks flushed with excitement.
Alana smiled, brushing a strand of hair from his face. “How about pasta for dinner tonight?”
“Yes, please!” he cheered, his enthusiasm infectious.
Back at their small apartment, warmth filled the air as Alana cooked. Her son sat on the floor, meticulously building a castle out of Legos. The soft hum of their quiet life was a stark contrast to the chaos she had left behind years ago.
“Mommy, how was your day at work?” he asked, looking up with curious eyes.
Alana’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “It was fine, sweetheart. Just busy.” She never shared her struggles with him, shielding him from the weight she carried.
“Mommy, can we visit Grandpa soon?” he asked, his face lighting up with hope.
Alana hesitated, her hands stilling. “Yes, Júlio. We’ll see him soon.”
But her mind raced. How will I face my father after everything that happened? And what will Noemi and Erica do when they see us? The thought of Erica discovering the truth about Júlio sent a chill down her spine. She had to keep her secrets close.
The next morning, Alana hurried to catch the elevator at work, nibbling on the last bite of her bread. The elevator doors slid open to reveal a familiar, imposing figure.
It was Enzo.
Alana froze for a split second, her cheeks puffed with food. Quickly swallowing, she stepped inside, willing herself to appear composed.
“Good morning,” Enzo greeted, his voice low and rich, a faint smile playing on his lips.
“Good morning,” she replied, her voice unsteady. But before she could compose herself, a loud hiccup escaped her mouth.
Her face burned as she clapped a hand over her lips. The mirrored elevator walls reflected her embarrassment from every angle. Another hiccup followed, and she wanted to vanish into the floor.
Enzo’s dark eyes glimmered with amusement as he watched her struggle. His calm, composed demeanor only made her feel more awkward.
When the elevator reached her floor, Alana bolted out as if fleeing a crime scene. Behind her, Enzo allowed a rare, soft chuckle to escape. She’s… intriguing, he thought, his gaze lingering on the closed doors.
In the meeting room, tension hung thick in the air. Franciele, the department director, sipped her water nervously, glancing at the door.
“President Presgrave will be joining us shortly,” she announced. “Everyone, be prepared.”
The designers exchanged uneasy looks, except for Alice, who fixed Alana with a pointed stare. “Alana, have you met President Presgrave before?” she asked, her tone dripping with suspicion.
Alana met her gaze evenly. “No, I haven’t.”
“Then why was he staring at you yesterday?” another designer chimed in, jealousy evident in her voice.
“Maybe you should ask him that,” Alana replied smoothly, refusing to be rattled.
Before anyone could respond, the door opened, and Enzo entered. His presence was magnetic, commanding the room effortlessly. His tailored suit emphasized his perfect frame, and his sharp features seemed almost too flawless to be real. He exuded power, wealth, and a quiet arrogance that made everyone sit up straighter.
Franciele straightened her posture, a nervous smile on her lips. “Let’s begin,” Enzo said, his deep voice silencing the room.
Alana avoided his gaze, determined not to draw attention. But out of the corner of her eye, she saw the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. It was going to be a long meeting.
Last updated on August 20th, 2025 at 11:21 pm
