TO JAPAN
Viviana
When I get to work, I’m a few minutes behind time. Usually, my boss comes two hours or more after my arrival but unfortunately for me, today happened not to be that day. As I duck into my shared office with another secretary, I hear Hannah’s call line ring.
“Yes Mr Bianchi. She’s here now.”
Oh perfect he must have asked of me prior. “Mr Bianchi wants you in his office right now.” She says to me sharply. Hannah is a nice girl. From her name, you can tell the kind of personality she has. So for her to have that sharp slightly harsh edge in her tongue, it must mean Mount Everest just found out there is another mountain twice its size and height. In other words, sht has hit the fan.
I straighten my black shirt and brown skirt before pushing Mr Bianchi’s heavy door open. And that is after I knocked and he said I could come in. The last thing I want is for him to think I’m thinking of slacking on my job now that he plans on pursuing me like one would their enemies. Ferociously.
As I make my way in, I almost stagger when I notice the presence of someone else. He is squatting close to a table and running his hand underneath it like he’s searching for something.
Mr Bianchi’s new bodyguard- whom I have forgotten his name. He turns to look at me as he rises and his gaze bore into me like he is scrutinizing what I’m wearing.
Mr Bianchi’s eyes are on a bunch of files before him so he doesn’t notice the look I dart his bodyguard.
Because seriously, what is it with this guy?
I send a measured nod his way and he sends one back at me. Poetic!
Then I walk past where he is and is like I can feel his eyes follow my steps and settle on my behind.
“Good morning Mr Bianchi.” Jacob lifts his head from the papers he was looking at and settles his eyes on me. He looks tired. Whatever must have happened over the weekend must have dealt a blow to him. But it was just his eyes that did, his face and appearance were still as sharp as ever- the thorough and true embodiment of a tough CEO.
“Oh Viviana, the sight of you is relief to my eyes.”
What are we, in the ‘80s? What is with such manner of speech? But I say not what I’m thinking and maintain my smile.
“You don’t look well rested Mr Bianchi.” I say, concerned. “ He sighs before placing his hands on the table and intertwining them. “How can I be when I’m more than certain there is someone out there for my life?”
The surprise and mild shock on my face must have made him to continue.
“As you might have seen on the news, the reason I had to end our date was because a part of my house was set on fire.”
I nod my head sympathetically. The topic is on the lips of almost everyone. We know how much he adores his mansion.
“Well, I got to know that whatever started the fire was not coincidental. It was purely intentional and the person was good at what he or she did because nothing captured the moment the person started it and the person’s exit. It’s like there is a ghost living with me. You know what’s worse?”
I shake my head sideways. “I also just found out that someone has been bugging my house for years. Do you know the implication of that Viviana? This person has been listening to everything I say, every damn sound I make - a complete and strategic defilement of my privacy.”
His eyes flashed, promising vengeance. Oh boy, whoever you are ensure you stay far and away because if Mr Bianchi gets a hold of you, it’s over for you and your bloodline. Literally.
People know tales of his ruthlessness. I have first hand witnessed it.
One time a girl began a rumour of having slept with him and being pregnant with his baby and he made a scapegoat out of her. He sued her and took her to court and the little money she and her family had went towards it. Last I heard they now reside in the countryside and till tomorrow the girl continues to pay a particular sum of money monthly. He made her incur debt for life.
“I’m sorry for your distress Mr Bianchi. Is there any way I can be of help?” I ask courteously.
When a small smile emerges on his lips, I immediately get the feeling I would not like what was going to come out from his lips.
“I’m going on a trip to meet some of our investors in Japan. You will be coming along.”
Can someone please kill me now?