Chapter 20

Z A R A

Charlotte looks at me with the most horrified expression. I put Alejandro on mute for a second, "Please bear with me, Charlotte."

"Ma'am, please don't—"

I put a finger up to my lips to hush her as I unmute the call.

"Hm, this is an odd request," he says.

"I'll feel much more comfortable with her alongside with me," I try two convince him.

"I won't be enough?" He sounds slightly offended.

"You're a popular man," I sigh. "I'm sure you won't be able to spend the whole night beside me to keep me company."

"Frank will be there as an undercover bodyguard," he says as if Frank's a good company to have.

"Charlotte will keep me at ease at the party because I'll be able to speak with her more comfortably," I'm trying to push this as much as I can without upsetting him.

"Fine, you win, my love. Have her choose out something appropriate, she has to look the part of a socialite. Charge it on my card," he finally agrees.

"Thank you! I appreciate it!" I grin.

"Maybe you can show me some of that appreciation when I'm back home," the playful tone is back.

"Uh, sure, I'll bake you cookies or something," I suggest for the sake of it.1

"I was asking for a different kind of appreciation. Besides, with your skills, you'd set the kitchen on fire, so, no thank you," he tries to hold in his laughter.

"Alejandro! You know I bake the best cookies!" I pout. "Don't slander my cookie baking skills!"

He chuckles softly, making me pout even more intensely, "Okay, okay, my sweet Zara. I'll be expecting some gourmet level cookies, then."

"Ask and you shall receive," I laugh. "I'll see you at home, bye!" I hang up the phone.

I stop for a second to think about how normal the conversation we just had was... it was so natural and loving? I almost forgot who I was speaking to.

"Ma'am! That was very uncalled for!" Charlotte looks really pale.

"Cookies? That's your special skill? A bit dull, no?" Frank huffs in amusement.

"Hey! No cookie slander in front of the cookie queen!" I scold Frank.

"Ma'am!" Charlotte tries to catch my attention.

"Sorry, Charlotte," I grab her hand. "I would really appreciate you being there, think of it as a selfish request instead of me doing this for you. Besides, I know you want to attend!"

She looks down at her hands on her lap, "Thank you, and yes, I would love to attend, I've always wanted to see what these parties are like but I really can't go. I'm..."

I can tell she's feeling self-conscious so I break the news to her, "My scary but generous husband has bestowed upon us his credit card to use to find you everything you need for the party. We have his permission and he's paying for everything. Charlotte, there's nothing to worry about! Your job is to just have some fun now!"

A tear escapes her eye as she softly thanks me for everything, "You didn't have to go so far to do this for me, Ma'am."

"Yes, I did. I want to have fun at the party, not be lonely and sad. You're the perfect person to take with me," I grin.

She thanked me over and over again and I let her know that it was no problem at all.

"Should we go to Saint Laurent for your dress?" I smile as I grab her hand and start to lead the way.

The woman who was helping me with my dress stops me to hand me a shopping bag.

I blink in confusion, "Uh, I'm sorry, there must've been a mistake. I didn't buy anything."

"Mr. Genovese had this bought for you already," she says as she hands me a large Chanel shopping bag.

"Oh... thank you," I take it from her in complete shock.

"Have a great day," she waves at us as we leave the store.

"Boss is very attentive towards you," Charlotte grins.

"It's those rare times..." I sigh as I stare at the bag in my hand.

As we walk towards YSL, I see something—or rather someone—that stops me right in my tracks...

It's can't be... there's no way...

My feet bolts into a run, I wasn't thinking of anything or anyone. All I know was that every bone in my body wanted to reach her. She's here, it's her, I know it.

It's Yasmeen, there's no mistake that it's her across the street.

"Hey! Lady!" Frank yells after me. "Fuck!"

My sudden sprint is the reason for his slow reaction. I don't know how far behind he is or what he plans on doing.

I don't care, I don't care about anything, I just have to see Yasmeen.

Do I wave her down? Do I yell her name? She won't be able to hear me; it's too crowded and loud. I have to reach her, I have to–

Suddenly, my phone rings and the caller ID says that it's Alejandro. My heart drops and my throat dries up. I pick up the phone only for him to sound extremely angry, "One more step forward and it's game over for everyone."

"Alejandro, please, please let me see her. I beg you, I'll do anything, if you let me just tell her I'm okay," I'm on the verge of a breakdown. I'm desperate, so very desperate to see her; to hear her voice.

"Zara, listen to me very carefully," I can tell from the tone of his voice that he is enraged and is trying to do everything he can to not lose his shit. "If Yasmeen even catches a glimpse of you, I'll have Frank take down Charlotte, Yasmeen, and himself right where they are."

"Please, don't..." Tears stream down my cheeks while watching Yasmeen disappear into one of the street corners.

"What you just did–running off without my permission–has made me awfully upset. You broke one of the most principal rules that I had clearly set up for you," he's gritting his teeth. "I understand now that it was too early for me to allow you out in public. Now, if you know what's best for you and everyone around you, you will quietly let Frank escort you back to the apartment. Your trip ends right here, right now."

"What about Charlotte's–"

The line disconnects.

I'm screwed... I'm so very screwed.

I walk back where I find Frank and Charlotte both looking very nervous. I'm pretty sure I genuinely just risked everyone's life by doing something so stupid.

"I almost called Boss but I'm glad you decided to come back on your own," Frank sighs with relief.

"Almost called?" I blink in confusion. "You didn't tell him?"

"No, but I'll assume he already found out," Frank sighs.

What the—

I look down at my phone, he must've been tracking me or something.

"I'm sorry, Charlotte. I ruined it for you... I'm so sorry..." quiet sobs escape from my mouth. "I just saw a glimpse of my best friend after so long, I shouldn't have run but I couldn't help it. I'm so sorry..."

"No, Ma'am! It's alright! I'm so sorry you weren't able to see your friend," she pats my back.

"I'm taking a quick guess that Boss asked us to take you back to the apartment?" Charlotte says.

I nod, "I'm so sorry I ruined this for you guys. I'll try to—"

"Lady, there's been a change in plans," Frank interrupts me. "Boss wants to see you in his office."

"No, no, no! I can't... He'll... I can't go to his office," my lips start quivering.

Frank sighs, there's an obvious pity in his eyes, "There's nothing you or I can do about it. I've been ordered to bring you to him."

"Ma'am, I'm sure you'll be able to... explain yourself?" Charlotte tries the comfort me but she's unsure herself.

As we walk to the car, I decide this is the perfect time to crack a self-deprecating joke, "If you guys don't see me tomorrow, you know who to accuse!"

Charlotte gently squeezes my hand, "Please stay strong, ma'am. Stay strong for the sake of being able to see your friend again."

Her simple words leave a large impact. She's right, catching a glimpse of Yasmeen brought me so much joy, something I genuinely haven't felt in months. Just imagine the burst of happiness I'll feel if I ever get to see her and my parents again.

I want to see that, one more time before life throws whatever endgame it has for me.

• • •

Walking through his office was a struggle in itself. Every single soul whom I walked past didn't hesitate to stare me down. There was no ill intention to their stares, it was more out of curiosity. Many of them politely greeted me as well, but only because they were caught staring for too long.

"Why are they staring at me so much?" I whisper to Frank.

"Because you're nothing like the women he always brings around to his office," he answers bluntly. "You look absolutely nothing like his type."

"Oh," Is all I managed to say.

So, they all think I'm one of his playthings?

That's great! What a reputation to have! I think to myself.

"He'll be inside," Frank says as he leaves me by myself outside the intimidating door.

My shaky hand reaches up to knock on Alejandro's door, waiting for a response.

"Come in," he answers, his voice sounding drowned out. Once I open the door, I realize why his voice was drowned out.

He had Amelia sprawled out on his work desk, his head in between her legs. A sight that made me wish I was blind just for this moment.

Don't let this get to you, don't let this get to you, don't let this get to you, I try to calm myself over and over again but the tears are an automatic response for obvious reasons. He treated me oh-so-gently just last night and this is what I'm greeted with literally the next day.

But, truth be told, I did this to myself. I knew exactly who I'm dealing with and I let myself get carried away in fantasy so far from reality. The only reason I haven't shoved his dick down a grinder is because I would like my family and Yasmeen to stay alive.

"You summoned me?" I try to keep my voice as flat as possible. This mothertrucker is not getting any of my gourmet cookies, I secretly huff out of anger.

He stands up, wiping his mouth, "Ah, it's you, my love.

"No, it's Stephanie from down the street," I say sarcastically. "Obviously, it's me."

"You look rather upset," he states an apparent fact.

I roll my eyes, "I didn't sign up to watch porn today. If I did, I would've found some better content online."

"Oh? Is that so?" He raises his brow in amusement. The anger he had been exhuming over the phone just an hour ago isn't visible, or at least not outwardly visible.

"She's quite the girl, Al. Looks like you've done it this time," she giggles, making my blood boil over.

"Oh, no Marcus today? Disappointing, I really enjoyed watching him last time," I mumble. Amelia's eyes widen at my words and that's when I realized I might've gone too far but I honestly didn't care if I ended up with a couple of broken bones at this point.

I'm angry and upset. I feel like I'm about to explode and swing at him. Alejandro makes me want to set this building on fire.

Before I can even blink, Alejandro's standing in front of me, crushing my face in his hand. My jaw feels like it's about to snap in half and the pain burns through, all the way down to my ears.

"Say that again, I fucking dare you," his cold, grey eyes are burning with wrath.

I stare back at him with the same burning fury,

"I said, I'm disappointed that Marcus isn't here today. I enjoyed watching him last time."

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