Chapter 40 Forty

Chapter 40 Forty
I'm at a loss for words for a moment as I take in his smug response. In his mind, he probably—hell, no. Not probably.

He certainly believes he's doing me a favor by allowing me to work outside his office, even though it's just a door separating both spaces.

Annoyance swirls inside me, but I don't know what to do.

Each time I voice my discomfort to him about something he's done, he presents me with a far worse option as a solution.

Asking if I prefer to work inside his office instead is just a no-no.

I think I'll manage just fine out here.

Blinking off my daze, I glance at the cozy section again, then back at him before shaking my head defiantly. "No. I'm good... I think," I trail off skeptically.

He notices my uncertainty and counters, "You think? If you're not okay out here, mi esposa, you can always let me know. I want you to work in a conducive space where you feel safe and comfortable."

I'm surprised. But I know this is too good to be true.

Narrowing my eyes with slight optimism, I ask, "So if I happen to ask for another office that isn't attached to yours, would you heed my request?"

He deadpans, the amusement disappearing from his features. He replies in a clipped tone. "No. You're still new around here. The only way I can make sure you're always safe is by having you within reach at all times."

I mutter under my breath, my lips twitching in a sneer, "You mean watching me like a creep at all times."

I'm hoping he didn't hear what I just said. But judging by the way his jaw just flexed, I think he heard me. He simply chose not to acknowledge it.

"This isn't up for debate. Welcome to your new office," he says assertively, and I bite back the urge to sneer at him even though I shoot him a glare.

He's so annoying and mean. And the worst part is that he doesn't even care about his callousness.

I'm still contemplating the seven ways to get rid of Lorenzo before today ends when a woman with short black hair approaches us. She's dressed in black-and-white corporate attire just like me, and the heels of her black stilettos clink on the marbled floor as she waltzes into our space with a warm smile etched across her pink lips.

"Morning, Sir." She greets Lorenzo with a slight bow of her head before straightening her stance. Although she doesn't look him directly in the eyes, I don't notice any sign of fear from her, unlike the other employees who scurried away when they accidentally crossed paths with Lorenzo in the elevator earlier.

In fact, I think this woman is all too familiar with my husband, given that she's still standing here firmly even after her greeting.

A flicker of annoyance stirs in my chest as I study her closely, wondering who the hell she is to him and why the hell she isn't leaving already.

We were in the middle of a conversation before she barged in like she owned the place. What the fuck?

And no, I'm not jealous, nor am I overreacting right now. I just don't like it when someone disregards my presence and acts too friendly with the man who's supposed to be my husband.

But I mentally call myself to order when I realize I'm overthinking again. This was totally how I misread the situation the first time I met Carmen. I had assumed she was Lorenzo's girlfriend when she's just his sister.

I recognize that I'm repeating that mistake, so I heave a quiet sigh, pushing my slight jealousy and annoyance aside. This lady could be just an ordinary employee to him, for all I know.

"You okay?" Lorenzo's sudden inquiry jolts me out of my thoughts.

My cheeks heat up when I meet his stare. A frown lines his brows as his gaze sweeps over my face. It feels as though he can see right through me and even read the thoughts I was having just now.

That makes my stomach curl with anxiety, and I curse myself inwardly for being such a loser.

Gathering my composure, I clear my throat. "Yeah, I'm okay," I reply.

He hesitates, his gaze lingering on me suspiciously. But I'm glad he doesn't push it because eventually he relents and introduces me to the woman standing in our midst.

"This is my wife, Liora," he says to the black-haired woman. "She's my new secretary."

"Oh wow." Astonishment floods the lady's face, and a genial smile tugs at her lips. "You're welcome, ma'am. I'm Clara Cross," she says, extending a hand toward me for a handshake. "Assistant to Boss's consigliere, Alec. You must know him."

Recognizing that her hospitality is genuine and she isn't faking it just to impress Lorenzo, I accept her hand, and a smile forms on my face for the first time since we arrived.

I introduce myself, temporarily forgetting that Lorenzo has already done it before. "Nice to meet you. I'm Liora Fletcher—"

"Liora Sorrentino," Lorenzo growls, cutting me off.

My spine stiffens instantly, pulse skipping a beat.

Shock tightens my chest as he glares at me, grunting with warning, "Don't start with me, mi esposa. You should always introduce yourself properly."

My bewildered gaze rakes over him, and my mouth falls open, but no words come out. I just blink weakly, too stunned by his reaction.

But damn. Oh my goodness! It's just a name. He should really learn to chill out.

Sparks of fear zap through me as I absorb his darkened orbs. He's upset... because I made a mistake with my surname?

I would say I can't believe this, but I know better, and I've seen him get upset over littler things.

However, not wanting to cause any further trouble, I clear my throat and correct myself remorsefully. "My mistake. It's Liora Sorrentino," I say with a forced smile, dragging my eyes back to Clara—who just exchanged a subtle, weird glance between my dramatic husband and me.

She plays it off by acting cool, nodding gently. "Nice to meet you."

I withdraw my hand after the handshake, my lips still faltering into a soft smile even though, deep down, anger is stirring inside me.

"Where's Alec, by the way?" Lorenzo asks, his voice losing the dark edge he used on me just now. Well, that's because he's no longer talking to me. His question was directed at Clara.

She answers politely, "He's running late, Sir. But he asked me to fill in for the new secretary before he gets here. I just didn't realize it was going to be your wife at all, Sir. I'll be sure to teach her everything she needs to know, if, of course, that's okay with you and her."

There's a beat before Lorenzo turns to face me. "Would you prefer her before Alec gets here?"

Clara seems cool. So why not?

In fact, she seems like the perfect escape from him I've been searching for.

Without further hesitation, I nod eagerly. "Yeah, sure. That would be great."

He pauses, staring at me for a second like he's contemplating whether that's a good decision.

Ultimately, he nods curtly after thinking it over. "Alright then," he tells Clara, his voice thick with firmness. "Introduce her to the rest of the team. And make sure every one of them knows she's fucking off-limits."

With that, he strides away to his office with a nonchalance that leaves my heart feeling hollow as I digest his possessive declaration.