Chapter 53 Games of survival
Isla’s POV.
“Good morning,” I waved at the receptionist, heading toward the entrance to the elevator.
“Morning! Isla.” She waved back, smiling.
The morning was already hectic for me. I hadn’t had a good rest for days, it’s either I was working.
Or I was attending to my husband’s dramas or to my father’s pathetic threats.
“Uugh, goodness.” I managed to steady my legs on my heels.
The elevator doors opened and I got in. The door almost flipped together when a hand slid between them.
I didn’t really pay attention to whoever it was, I was focused on my screen.
“Mrs. Romano.”
A familiar voice whispered.
I raised my head without hesitation to know who it was.
Not everyone knew I was married into Romano's family…
Just close friends, relatives, and my family.
There she was, Andre De Lucia. She looked stunning and elegant as she always was.
“Lucia.”
“You’re starting to look good. Unlike before.” She started.
It was just the two of us in the elevator. Our image reflected on the mirror at the side.
“Ohh, I’d like to know what I looked like.”
The tension between us was cold and sharp. I was no longer the Isla who could be trembled on by her or anyone.
“You look desperate, and naive.” She continued.
“Desperate you say, but not foolish.” I smirked.
“You learn so fast, unlike you. You used to be dull and pitiful. Now you throw words back at me.”
“You should be grateful. Not everyone’s worth my time and attention.” I fired back.
“You! Hmm,”she scoffed.
“I see how to cling to Dante. Isn’t that desperate enough? I’ve seen little sluts like you who think they’ve arrived.”
Dante?
What does she mean?
I didn’t find any meaning on that… sometimes people mistake the twins… that was normal.
“At least I don’t cling to people’s husbands. Who knows how many homes you’ve destroyed.”
The expression on her face changed. Like a viper snake.
“If your father hadn’t sold you in exchange for the success of his damn company, you wouldn’t have interfered with our relationship.”
“If he loved you, he wouldn’t have chosen me. You and I know what he’s capable of.”
“Careful. I see your little movements with his brother.”
“I see yours too, Lucia. I am no longer the little Isla you trembled on. I bite too. And I aim for the neck.”
The elevator doors opened, she stepped out. “I’ve been in this game before you. Be careful with me.”
She walked away.
“Ohh God! Can I be done with this mess soon?”
Damian was already seated in his office when I arrived.
“Morning,” I greeted. Files in hand, and a smile on my face.
He slipped from his seat, arms open.
“Good morning, sweetheart.” He folds his arm around me, placing a kiss on my lips.
Something I had been craving for last night.
He always paid attention to me, more than I expected him to.
Always knew when to approach and withdraw. Like he had already done this for years.
“You look pale, honey. Still bothered?”
I pressed his chest against mine, head resting on his shoulder.
My comfort zone. My cheeks flushed, there was this relief whenever I hugged him.
“You’re not being shy today?” He teased, pulling me to the couch.
“Who cares?”
“Nobody dares to,” he replied.
He sat back against a chair, one arm caught my waist before I could react.
With a gentle tug, he drew me toward him until I settled for his lap, my knees brushing his.
I stiffened for a second, then relaxed on them.
“You were on my mind all night.” He said, eyes locking mine.
My hands reach for his neck, folding around them.
“I couldn’t wait to see you. I missed you so much.”
We both yelped.
“I ran a quick check on the contracts for the Ai artificial intelligence. It’s clean. You only have to sign on it. Product starts next week.”
He chuckled. “Okay.”
“I’ll get to work then.” I stood, and headed for my table.
“Don’t forget we’re attending a charity gala today.”
I almost forgot about it. I was thinking it was tomorrow.
“Sure,” I answered, then gave a nod.
The gala already started when we arrived at the scene.
Different powerful men and women attended.
They whispered, clicked their glasses, and laughed.
The air smelled of wine, whiskey, and different perfumes.
Heads turned when we walked in. I wore a silk red dress that curved my body.
A black heels, my hair was tied in a messy bun, and light makeup to fit in.
He wore a cream suit, hair slid back, shoes neatly polished.
My hand looped lightly across his forearm. His posture was straight, powerful.
“Mr. Romano,” a man wearing a white suit greeted, pulling his hand for a shake.
“Mr. Ben,” he returned the greeting.
“This must be…” he turned to me for a handshake.
“I’m Isla. His secretary,”I cut him off.
“And also my companion for the night,” Damian finished.
“Nice to meet you, Isla. You look wonderful.”
I nodded, “Nice to meet you too, Mr…”
“You can call me Ben.” He chuckled.
“I’ll be back,” Damian whispered. “Feel free to walk around.”
He excused himself.
I reached for a glass of champagne.
“Hello,” a hand tapped me from behind.
I turned. “Hi.”
She didn’t look familiar. I’ve never seen her anywhere.
“Are you Isla?”
I hesitated for a moment. “Yes, I am. Do I know you?”
“You don’t remember me? I’m Laura.”
My head spinned. I tried to remember if I knew anyone with that name, but I couldn’t.
“Sorry, I don’t think I know you.”
“Laura from high school. Harvard university. The chubby girl in business department.”
My gaze sharpened. “Oh my goodness. Look at you.”
“It’s been ages Isla, how have you been?”
“I’m great. You look so stunning. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
“I’ve been trying to reach you after we graduated. Nobody had your contact. It’s nice to see you again.”
Laura and I were roommates in high school. People always laughed at her because she was fat.
She was the only real friend I had back then.
“You came alone?” She asked.
“I came with my boss,” I replied, voice soft.
“I came with my husband.” She pointed in his direction.
“You’re married? How long?”
“I got married two months ago. You? Are you married? How’s your family doing? How’s your father?”
Before I could open my mouth, his voice came through.
“Yes, she married. I’m her husband.” Damian stepped in.