Chapter 2

Lucio’s POV

Waking up early is my routine. I had to do exercise before going to the office. I walked out of the bedroom and moved towards my gym.

It was currently 6 in the morning. I had an hour to do exercise and get prepared. I was supposed to be in the office at 7 since I had an early meeting.

I started off with 50 push-ups. After thirty minutes, I was done with exercising.

It was time to cook. I only had one worker, and she only cleaned the house. I went to the kitchen and decided to make a sandwich as my breakfast since time was not on my side.

Then I went back to my room and started preparing myself. After doing my daily routine and showering, I wore a pair of black trousers and a black shirt. I was not in the mood to wear a suit.

I arrived at the office at 7 sharp. I heard some people saying ‘Morning,’ but I only glared at them. I wondered where some people always got the courage from. Were they never tired of being glared at? Cause I always glared at them, but they still greeted me the following morning.

Upon arriving at the top floor, I did not go to my office because I knew that everyone was settled in the conference room eagerly waiting for me and wondering where I was.

I went to open the door, but my secretary outran me. When did she approach me? And how didn’t I realize it? I had so many useless questions in my head right now, and I had to push them aside so that I could concentrate on the meeting. This meeting was very important to our company since it would be beneficial to us.

I walked towards the end of the room where my chair was since I was the head. When I sat down, I gave a nod to my secretary, who cleared her throat to get the attention of the others. I had never known how she always did that, but I did not mind since it helped me to bring back attention when needed.

“Thanks all for coming. We can start now.”

Every department said what they have been doing and what they are planning to do. I was listening to them, and I did not know whether I should say that I was pleased. I was waiting for a better idea than those I had heard so far. Yes, there were some good ideas, but not good enough. Even a company from the very bottom of the list could come up with something like that. I wanted something more. My company was the number one company; therefore, I expected more than what they were giving me. I hadn’t talked even a bit because I was sure that if I did, I might end up shouting and firing each one of them.

“We can make some objects that people may buy. Maybe in the form of a button,” a woman said. She must be from the finance department.

“Come and tell us what you have in mind already,” I said, starting to get irritated.

“Uhm. Let me give you an example. The software will enable the user to see what they are imagining. So, when they press the button, they fall asleep, and they are taken to another world. The world of imagination. So, there, they will see what they have been dreaming to see, where they have always wanted to go, the accomplishments. In short, bringing one’s imagination to life,” she said.

Well. Wow. Is she really supposed to be in that department? She is so creative.

By the look on the others, I could tell that they were speechless and proud. Some exhaled because they knew if no one came up with something exciting, I would have fired all of them.

“Which field did you study, miss?” I asked her.

“I have a degree in computer science, sir,” she answered.

“Then what in hell are you doing in the finance department?”

“When I came for the interview, there were no open positions in the IT department, so I chose the position which I was offered and available back then,” she said.

“Alright, miss, you are in charge of this project. If anything goes wrong, you and the rest of the people present here will be fired. If you accomplish the project, then you will get a higher position, and everyone will be rewarded. So, don’t you dare to make a mistake. Make me happy and proud.”

“Yes, sir, I will,” she said excitedly.

“Excuse me now. I have a lot of work to do other than staying here. You can stay here so that she can tell you more and divide the work among yourselves,” I said before walking out of the room.

I walked towards my office. What I did not expect when I opened my office door was to find Elijah, my best friend, sitting in my chair.

“What the hell are you doing here? And mostly, why are you sitting in my chair?” I asked annoyingly.

“Hey. Do not get mad, big man,” he said while standing up.

“Do you have to always come and disturb me?”

“Ooh, please, spare me. I know that you love my company,” he said, making me roll my eyes.

“Anyways, where have you been? I have been here since 6:50, and now it’s already 12.”

“You have never been this late to the office. And as far as I know, you have no wife who, we can say, made you be late,” he said.

I was shocked. He got here even before me!

“Don’t you have work to do other than wasting your previous time in my office?” I asked.

“And don’t you have work to do because you came to the office at noon?” he asked sarcastically.

I wish I could beat the shit out of him!

“I arrived early and went directly to the conference room since we had an early meeting,” I said even though I did not want to tell him.

“Ooh. I guess that is why I have not seen Alice since 7,” he said.

“Hey, don’t you dare getting into a relationship with my secretary. I do not want disturbances in my building.”

“Look who’s talking. Haven’t you been fucking every single being who has ever been your secretary?”

Fair enough. But this is my company, my building, my employees. Therefore, I can do whatever I want with them, and it’s not like I force them into doing that. They are the ones who always make the first move!

I rolled my eyes before replying to him.

“That…” I was interrupted by a phone, which was ringing. Unfortunately, it was mine. I knew that it was my mom because Anisa had chosen that ringtone for her. I picked up the phone and received the call.

“Mom,” I said.

“Is that how you greet your mother, young man?” she asked, making me roll my eyes and Elijah chuckle.

“No, mom. How have you been?” I asked to avoid making her angry. No one liked to listen to her when she was angry.

“I’m doing fine.”

“That’s good.”

“Anyways, we will be visiting Carmello family for dinner, and you need to be present.”

“But, mom…” I tried to say no.

“No buts. You will be there by 7 sharp if you do not want to make your father angry, and I’m sure you are aware what will happen if you disobey him,” she said.

I hated the fact that she was telling the truth.

“Okay, mom. I will be there on time.”

“Good. See you in the evening then,” she said before ending the call.

“Why are you going to Carmello’s mansion?” Elijah asked.

“I honestly do not know.”

“Well, I hope that everything is fine,” he said.

I knew that he was also thinking why my family would be visiting Carmello family.

“I heard that their daughter refused to take over the company and that is why the old man is still in office,” he said.

“Yes. She refused, and no one knows who she is or what she does.”

“Anyways, you will find out when you reach there.”

“Yeah. I definitely will,” I assured him.

“So, what are you doing here?” I asked hoping that this time I would get some answers from him.