Chapter 20

**CHLOE DUARTE**

Shit, James!

With no time to lose, I run to my closet to find a scarf that I have had for a few years and never used, I tie the fabric around my neck in a casual way, I like the result when I'm done.

To go with the black scarf, I decide to opt for a more elaborate look since I woke up this morning feeling terrible, but willing to convey a good image to others.

I choose a white lacy top as the only casual piece in the look, while I complete my outfit with a pair of high ”waisted, tight” fitting black social pants and a beige social blaze.

Letting my hair loose and naturally wavy, I put on my favorite pair of heels before preparing a quick and nutritious breakfast.

With my headache slowly subsiding, I grab my purse and Matt's jacket from the bed before leaving my apartment.

When I arrive and pass through the company hallway, I am annoyed by the simple fact that I don't find my best friend at her workstation, so I head straight for the elevator to my old floor to return the jacket and say hello to my friend since I still have a little bit of free time left.

But to my misfortune, Camily gets into the same elevator as me, I lean back on the other side snorting discreetly while the cow adjusts the deep neckline of her social blouse.

Just be quiet and she won't even remember I'm here...

“Looks like someone had a bad night...", I control myself not to assault a company employee inside the elevator when her viper "ike gaze inspects me from top to bottom with a grimace on her Botox" filled face.

“Quite the contrary Miss Sparke, my evening was very pleasant!", I say the half”truth with a fake smile.

Part of what you said is true, but my pleasant evening went down the drain after what happened inside that car.

“That's not what your tired face is saying, little darling.", he completes with a laugh.

Bitch!

“It's that I prefer to keep my face natural rather than fill it with unsuccessful surgical procedures."

“What are you trying to say?", an irritated question, but I thank God when the elevator arrives at my old floor.

“Have a wonderful day, Miss Sparke!", I exaggerate as I step through the metal doors, leaving her inside.

“This is not your place of work, Mr. Colucci will be very pleased to know that his assistant is roaming the floors of the company.", he says with his head sticking out in a threatening tone.

I could be scared of that, but I'm so pissed at James that I might as well tell him to fuck off too.

“Oh, do it!", I say in a loud tone as I continue on my way.

“Mr. Colucci can't stand this kind of behavior, it will be a surprise if he manages to stay in this job.", I roll my eyes in a grimace remaining silent because I might risk losing my job if I go after this bitch.

After crossing the floor corridor, I see several people working at their posts, some acquaintances waving with smiles as I pass by them.

When I get to the end, I see my friends chatting animatedly at Matt's desk, but they stop talking when they see me walking towards them.

“Wow, you look so cute!", Sam says with a huge smile as he greets me with a kiss.

“Who are you trying to impress, princess? You know that my heart has no owner...", Matt, who is so stupid, comments with a malicious smile when I hug him and throw his jacket over him.

"Huum, she got the smell of his perfume, now I can sleep peacefully with her every night.", I roll my eyes and shake my head.

“ Feeling good after yesterday, girlfriend? “ Sam asks with a frown as she hands me a cup of coffee.

“ She drank them all yesterday after you left, I don't know how she is visibly fine today...

“ Idiot! I woke up with a damn hangover, but it's going away.

“ What about you? How was your night with Andrew? “ I lean back against Matt's desk staring at my friend with a naughty smile on my face.

“ My God! It was great, we even made plans to go out again this weekend...”she says with a blush on her face.

“ I'm happy for you, Sam.

“ How was your evening, Chloe? Did you call the handsome doctor?

I think of Matteo and his phone number, which must still be in the other bag I took with me last night.

He is nice and I would love to go out and talk to him more, but I don't know if I am looking for a relationship right now.

“ No! I haven't even had time yet and I don't even know if I'll call. “ I comment, but Matt opens his damned mouth.

“ She didn't have time, because she was busy puking with her head in the toilet before leaving with the big boss. “ I hold my tongue in a childish gesture to him as Samanta's eyes widen.

“ Did I hear right? Did you leave with Mr. Colucci?

“ She left for...

“ Shut your mouth, Matt! Yes, he took me home because I was too bad to come back by motorcycle or taxi...

“ And something happened? “ she arches her blond eyebrows while waiting for my answer.

“ Nothing happened, now I have to work or Camily's cow will get on my back again...” I change the subject quickly as I walk away.

“ See you at lunch, then? “ Matt asks, but I quickly deny it.

“ No can do that, I have to accompany Mr. Colucci to a lunch meeting with an important investor. “ I explain.

“ Wow, did you hear that, Matt? She's having lunch with the big boss...” she smiles, nudging our friend's shoulder as I roll my eyes.

When I return to the elevator I thank God again for not meeting the HR cow, but my relief doesn't vanish so easily since I will meet and face James soon and this is bothering me because I won't be able to maintain professionalism at all times.

When the metal doors open on the top floor, I take a deep breath before exiting the elevator and meeting the unfriendly blonde receptionist.

It seems that everyone is in a bad mood in this building!

“ Good morning! “ I greet her, but he just nods before focusing on a folder of files.

As I enter my office, I close the door and lean against it, a little relaxed that I won't run into James at the entrance of the floor, but I mentally wonder if he has already arrived at the company at this time.

I want to avoid him as much as I can and only keep in touch by e”mail, but I know that won't be possible since we have lunch with the investor at noon.

I leave my thoughts behind as I settle into my comfortable chair, about to turn on my computer when something catches my eye.

A beautiful red rose is on my desk with a handwritten note beside it.

Enchanted by the beauty of the intense and vivid colored flower, I take it in my hand taking care of the trimmed thorns that still exist on its stem, I touch the soft petals take the beautiful rose to my nose, and inhale deeply its natural perfume.

Never in my entire life has someone given me flowers, I thought that this simple and meaningful gesture only existed in movies and romance books.

A smile breaks out on my lips, but I try to take it back when I pick up the small note with the beautiful cursive handwriting:

Dear Chloe...

I am sorry if my words or actions hurt you the night before, it was not my intention to hurt you or make you uncomfortable in my presence.

I told you about my second passion, I don't expect you to forgive me so easily, but if you could, you would make me happy.

This rose and you have similarities, they are beautiful and should never be hurt, they always deserve to be cared for in the right way.

"The scent of red roses is unmistakable, but it can't compare to yours"

With affection, James Colucci...