Chapter 21 XXI.
Today was Saturday, and I was planning to have a relaxing time all to myself. The goal was to free myself from dangerous thoughts about a certain someone who looks unbearably hot with a wet body.
It was not a work day, so I planned to have a relaxing time by myself at the beach or somewhere fun.
But luck wasn't on my side. I was already dressed and ready to go to the beach when Mr Ricci called to inform me that he wanted to see me at his mansion. As always, I didn't question him. I only changed from my beach outfit to a more professional outfit.
Well, welcome to my world where having fun is equivalent to knowing the date of your death.
I arrived at Mr Ricci's house some minutes earlier, praying and hoping that I won't see any of the twins.
The last time I saw them both was yesterday. Alessandra was leaving the house, and Alessandro almost kissed me in his room.
I wonder how I've been managing to survive this insanity that was now my life. But I guess avoiding them for the time being would help me clear my head.
Avoiding Alessandra wouldn't be that bad, but Alessandro and I literally work in the same office, and he's the one making me feel forbidden things. He's the one who I really needed to avoid. I guess I'll just find a way to go about it before he drives me to the brick of insanity.
Mr Ricci was seated in the living room for once when I walked in. He was, as usual, reading a newspaper. "Good morning, sir."
"Morning Rowan. Please have a seat." He smiled up at me. I noticed he looked a little bit cheerful today, which is a big thing, because Mr Ricci is almost never cheerful.
Did something good happen?
"You asked for me, sir?"
"Yes, son, I did." He cleared his throat and pushed his newspaper aside. But before he could go on speaking, Alessandro came downstairs dressed in his usual casual tanktop and shorts with his jacket tied around his waist.
I avoided looking at his meaty arms covered in dark ink tattoes that shouldn't be attractive to me, but I find them insanely attractive anyway.
"Grandpa I..." He stopped short when he saw me sitting there. I watched as his green eyes brightened and a small smile graze his lips. "Hey Rowan. I didn't know you were here."
"Y-yeah, I just arrived." I said, trying to keep my voice straight. It still surprised me that he was never awkward the next time we met after we almost kissed. He always pretended to have forgotten what happened.
He doesn't even care. He wasn't even affected by it. So why am I acting like the world was slowly coming to an end?
"Good to see you." He said, and the sincere tone of his voice forced a smile out of me. He returned his attention to Mr Ricci. "I'm going out with a friend, Grandpa, and I'm not sure I'll be back for dinner, so don't wait up for me."
"Sure, son." Mr Ricci replied with a slight smile. I was surprised to see them getting along. It's also weirdly comforting.
"See you, Rowan." With that, he left the house.
I frowned after his retreating figure and suddenly curious about what friend he was going to hang out with on a Saturday. Don't tell me it was that dude I saw him having sex with the other time?
I've been around Alessandro for days now, and not once has he mentioned any friends of his.
Was I right with my thoughts? Was he seriously going to get laid?
I thought about running after him to demand an explanation.
But why do I need any stupid explanation? We are nothing to each other, so why should I care who he was going out with and for what reason?
"Rowan?"
Mr Ricci's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "Yes, sir?"
I looked at him only to find him frowning at me. "Are you okay, Rowan? You weren't listening to me call your name for a good five seconds."
I ran a hand through my face to get rid of my thoughts. "I'm good, sir. What do you want to talk about?" I intentionally changed the topic so he won't ask about what I'm feeling and make me feel nervous.
He cleared his throat and dropped the subject. "Well, it's actually about Alessandro. I had no idea he would change this much after training under you. I'm amazed to see that he hasn't missed a day at work since he started."
I only realized it's true after Mr Ricci said it. Actually, Alessandro could easily avoid coming to the office or sit idle and refused to do anything, but so far, he has been attentive. He actually tries to learn a few things about his family business. Does this mean Alessandro is warming up to the thought of becoming the owner of Ricci's enterprise?
"I can see it now." Mr Ricci continued. "My grandson wants to become the next president of Ricci's enterprise."
I tilted my head curiously. "Has he told you that?"
"Not yet, but I can see it in his actions. He used to hate you and would barely talk to me. But after being at the company, Alessandro has changed drastically. Even his sister is happy about it. You're a very good teacher, Rowan. I'm proud to see that I've taught you well."
I smiled proudly. "I'm honoured, sir."
He nodded and continued. "However, there are two things you must do for me before I can finally pronounce Alessandro as my heir and set you free from your engagement to Alessandra."
I sat up, ever ready to carry out whatever task he may want from me. "What is it, sir? I am ready to do whatever it takes."
Mr Ricci smiled, pleased with the expected answer. "There's a deal I want you to seal in France. It's a difficult one. The client is a hard man, to please. Take Alessandro with you, and if you can seal the deal in five days, you've fulfilled one of the things that will set you free."
Excitement bubbled in my chest because this request is actually a piece of cake. I have huge hopes that we are going to be able to sign this deal. It's my area of expertise, and I knew we would succeed.
"What's the second task, sir?" I asked eagerly.
"It's the initial plan from the beginning, Rowan. Just in case I'm wrong and Alessandro still doesn't want the company, you will have to convince him. If you succeed, you have automatically freed yourself from marrying my daughter. But, he would have to tell me himself that he wants the company."
Okay, this one isn't going to be easy, but I'm going to try my best. At the very least, Alessandro and I were getting along little by little. We have already talked about this before and I told him that I can help run the company while he remains the president.
I'll try using that to convince him again, but first of all, let's go get that deal in France.