Chapter 59

Chapter 59

Leonardo Cooper

The glass door of the company opens before me. I walk through the lobby, giving a brief and warm greeting to the employees I encounter.

It's strange to see the surprised looks: used to my grim expression, many don't even know how to react to seeing me like this, in a good mood. And with reason.

The elevator opens and I enter alone, pressing the top floor. Nobody imagines, but I carry a silent satisfaction. It's subtle, but real. When the doors open again, Clara walks towards me with the clipboard pressed against her chest.

— Sir, your schedule is packed today. We have a meeting right after lunch with investors, a second one late in the afternoon, and I'm still trying to reallocate duties after Gabriel's departure. Oh, and Adrian offered to be your new assistant. — Her voice sounds efficient, but tired.

I cast a calm look in her direction and reply:

— It won't be necessary.

She raises an eyebrow, confused, trying to understand if she heard correctly.

— Are you sure?

I approach a little closer, lower my tone and whisper:

— Don't tell anyone yet, but Gabriel is coming back.

Clara breaks into a relieved smile, her shoulders immediately relax.

— Thank God. I'm overloaded, sir.

I give a brief, sincere laugh.

— I can imagine.

I take a step towards my office, and before I turn the handle, I hear her warning:

— Oh, Adrian came in to organize the papers.

I hold back a sigh and roll my eyes. Time to end this charade.

I push the door open. Adrian is there, with a cup of coffee in his hand, papers stacked perfectly on the desk. Upon seeing me, he smiles with that carefully rehearsed false sympathy.

— Leonardo, I took the liberty of bringing you a hot coffee. I also left the documents organized. I imagine the last few days have been tough.

It's irritating how he tries to pass himself off as helpful. His eyes sparkle with ulterior motives. I'm not naive and I know the kind of game he's trying to play.

My eyes fix on the papers and I reply coldly:

— Thank you, but I already had coffee.

He insists, placing the cup closer to me:

— Just try it. It's the way you like it. Strong, no sugar.

I ignore the attempt at closeness and start reorganizing some documents my way. His intentions are more evident than ever.

— Adrian, — my voice comes out firm, with no room for dubious interpretations — Focus on the duties you're already performing. I'll handle the rest.

He swallows hard. His eyes dart from side to side, trying to keep a smile on his face, but it's easy to see the discomfort behind the facade.

— Sure, if that's what you prefer.

— That's exactly it.

I turn my attention back to the laptop, ending the conversation. In the background, I hear the subtle sound of the door closing. Finally, I find peace.

With a silent sigh, I allow myself a thought: Gabriel is coming back. And this time, he's coming back stronger. Adrian will learn the hard way that certain places were never his.

Minutes after Adrian leaves my office, I take a deep breath and try to refocus. I adjust the papers on the desk, open the laptop screen and dive into the reports that await me.

I'm still reviewing the numbers for the Milan branch when the door opens unceremoniously. Chrystian, my partner, enters with that air of someone carrying an urgent matter, but it's hard to ignore the mischievous grin plastered on his face.

— We need to talk about the new investments in Foxni Industries — he says, walking towards one of the chairs in front of me. — There's a point we can't ignore.

I nod, indicating for him to sit down.

— Sure, sit down.

As he settles in, his eyes scan me almost analytically, as if he were putting together a puzzle based on my features. He tilts his head slightly, and the furrowed brow betrays the throbbing curiosity.

— What's that smirk about? — he asks with a teasing tone. — You even seem happy today. Actually, your skin is more vibrant, more radiant. A less tense look. I understand. You had sex last night.

I bring my hand to my beard, rubbing it slowly, while I look at him with an expression that mixes surprise and disapproval. Chrystian has always had this habit of crossing boundaries. Even so, I can't help but let out a sigh and a half-smile, because he never misses.

— You really have no way — I comment, trying to maintain a serious air.

He shrugs, casually leaning back, as if expecting exactly this reaction.

— Seriously, there's no denying it. Your skin is more beautiful, that idiotic smile of yours gives everything away. It was with the kid, wasn't it? Your little model that you try to hide from the world.

I avoid answering. I just keep looking at the papers in front of me, although I can't concentrate anymore. His name whispered like that already makes my chest react. Chrystian notices my silence and takes advantage of it to poke even deeper.

— Are you avoiding me? That confirms everything. Are you going to say he's back with you? Or better, that you spent the night together. Look, if you invite me to be the best man at the wedding, I'm already going to choose the suit.

I shake my head, laughing against my will.

— We're not getting married.

— But almost. Don't try to fool me. You're not the type to hand out smiles to just anyone. Gabriel is doing you a good that even your aura seems cleaner. Seriously, you should thank him. Or better, give him a raise.

— He already has the diamond card. — I comment, trying to disguise the pride that escapes in my tone.

Chrystian widens his eyes as if I had just announced a scandal.

— Oh, that's not possible! You gave him a black diamond? Friend, you're not in love, you're on the verge of kneeling. All you have to do is plan a honeymoon.

I bring my hand to my chin and observe Chrystian's mocking expression, who is having more fun than he should.

— You're unbearable.

— And you're in love. Deny it all you want, but that silence of yours speaks louder than any speech. Listen to me, Leo... if he makes you smile like that, maybe it's worth stopping running. Everyone sees you as a wall, but this kid is finding the cracks.

I lean back in the chair, staring at the ceiling for a moment. What Chrystian says carries weight. Not just because of the usual provocation, but because of the accurate observation. Gabriel has invaded my spaces in a way that no one has ever been able to.

Chrystian gets up, adjusts his tie and walks to the door.

— Shall we have lunch later? I promise I won't talk about your "boyfriend" anymore.

I nod, authorizing.

— I'll meet you at the rooftop restaurant. But no jokes.

— No promises. — He winks and disappears on the other side of the door.

I'm left alone in the room, staring at the city's reflection through the window. I smile without realizing. Yes, Chrystian is right. Something is changing. And Gabriel has everything to do with it.