This is a work of fiction names, characters, places and events are fictitious, unless otherwise stated.
Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events, is purely coincidental.
This book or any portion there of may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without express written permission of the author.
Any infringement of copyright is punishable by law.
This chapter may contain some typographical errors; I apologize in advance.
Xylia Victoria Margaret Oligario's Point of View
"I don't like this. Isn't there anything else?" I said, my attention focused on opening the folder in front of me. I'd been sifting through files for an eternity, and none had met my exacting standards.
"Go get this now, Lily. I don't like any of it," I instructed my secretary before she retrieved it and departed.
I sighed and rubbed my temples. I leaned back in my swivel chair, closing my eyes briefly. This was preposterous. I had just returned home, and despite needing rest and eight hours of sleep, I'd been deprived. Upon arrival at the airport, I'd proceeded directly to the office, thanks to my ever-so-considerate brother.
A moment later, I opened my eyes to a knock and the entrance of my secretary.
"Ma'am Xylia, excuse me. Sir Kyle is inquiring if you have any engagements later? He intends to visit," Lily announced, her hand muffling the phone's speaker to prevent me from being overheard.
"Tell him I'm preoccupied," I responded curtly, a statement Lily relayed to Kyle. Kyle, my persistent suitor, ever since my separation from—my ex.
"Ma'am, even just 30 minutes," Lily persisted. I sighed, shaking my head. "Lily, inform him I'm unavailable, alright? Besides, I'm meeting my brother later."
Lily repeated my refusal. Good heavens! I'm already stressed out with work, and now you're adding to it, Kyle?
Lily eventually left, and I decided to peruse Chanel's latest offerings.
"Lily," I called, and she re-entered.
"Yes, Ma'am?" she inquired politely.
"Has my limited-edition Chanel bag arrived?" I asked, having requested it a month prior, yet it remained absent.
"Regarding that, Ma'am, we neglected to inform you; they're out of stock," Lily replied softly, prompting a raised eyebrow.
"How could they be out of stock? It's been a long time; it's been months since I requested it. How did you fail to secure it?" I exclaimed, my irritation evident.
"I apologize, Ma'am. We only addressed it last week due to company issues. I sincerely regret the oversight, Ma'am. It won't happen again," Lily's remorseful tone elicited a sigh from me.
"I'll speak with the owner," I declared, and she nodded nervously, about to depart, but then returned. "By the way, Ma'am. You have a meeting at 3 pm with other investors."
"Other investors? Shouldn't Chase be handling this?" I questioned, glancing at the clock.
"Sir Chase is unavailable; he has prior commitments," Lily explained anxiously.
"What?" I exclaimed, grabbing my phone to call my brother.
"Yes, Sis?" he answered.
"Where are you? Why aren't you attending the meeting, and why am I the one who has to go?" I demanded, my voice sharp. I heard his chuckle.
"Relax, sis. My apologies. I'm occupied at the moment—I have church matters to attend to. You can manage—you're a grown woman." I rolled my eyes.
"Perhaps we can postpone until tomorrow?" I suggested.
"No, sis. The investors might not be available then. You've got this—I have faith in you," he said cheerfully, earning another eye roll.
"I hate you so much, Chase Gabriel Oligario," I stated sarcastically, hearing his laughter.
"I love you too, Sis. Goodluck." He hung up.
Argh! If you weren't my brother, Chase, I'd have unleashed my fury.
I checked the clock again: 2:20 pm. A few precious minutes remained for respite.
I decided to indulge in my favorite Iced Matcha Tea Latte at Starbucks. "Lily," I called, but she was absent. I tried calling her, but to no avail.
I had no alternative but to leave. "Excuse me, Sarah. Where's Lily?" I asked an employee. "Ma'am, she's on her break. She left her phone; shall I procure anything? I'm heading downstairs as well," Sarah offered politely, but I declined.
"No need, I'll go down. Inform Lily, upon her return, to have Roger retrieve the files I left at the condo. Agreed?" I instructed, adjusting my coat. Roger is my butler. "Yes, Ma'am." I entered the elevator.
Fortunately, a Starbucks was nearby. The café buzzed with activity; several colleagues greeted me, receiving a smile in return. "Ma'am Xylia, welcome back!" Aya exclaimed happily.
"Hi Aya, yes, I just returned and went straight to the office," I replied, smiling.
"Oh Ma'am, it looks like you haven't rested since earlier. Isn't Sir Chase here?" Aya inquired, writing my name on my cup.
"Preoccupied with church matters," I responded, handing her my credit card—she knew my usual order.
"Thank you, Ma'am Xy," she said, and I reciprocated my gratitude before seating myself.
While awaiting my drink, I scrolled through Instagram; Zeke's photos dominated my feed, causing amusement. However, one image stopped me in my tracks.
His smile remained unchanged—his features had merely matured, enhancing his allure.
Did I ever cross his mind?
My contemplation deepened as I gazed at Zeke's picture, until the barista called my name. "Ma'am Xylia." I approached Aya. "Apologies, Aya. I was lost in thought," I apologized, expressing my gratitude.
"No problem, Ma'am. Enjoy," she replied, and I retrieved my drink. As I exited, Lily called.
Lily: Ma'am, the investors are en route.
I quickly typed a message confirming my imminent arrival and rushed out, inadvertently colliding with a man. "Oops, I'm sorry," I apologized, but didn't linger, hurrying onward.
The heavens opened. Just my luck. I checked my watch: 2:55 pm. Blast, I was about to be late.
I had no choice but to brave the downpour, having forgotten my umbrella. A guard with an umbrella promptly sheltered me until I reached the building.
"Ma'am, why did you venture out in the rain? You should have contacted us," a guard remarked, receiving a smile and thanks in return.
I entered the elevator and proceeded to my office to change, my clothes soaked. "Ma'am Xylia, why didn't you contact me? I could have picked you up from Starbucks," Lily said, concerned, offering a towel.
"It's fine, Lily. Is everything prepared? Where are the investors?" I asked, removing my wet coat. "Yes, Ma'am, it's all set. The investors are almost here," she replied, smiling, and I nodded, heading to the restroom to change.
I quickly freshened up, spritzing my favorite Chanel Coco Mademoiselle perfume before exiting. "Ma'am, they await you," Lily announced, and I nodded, entering the meeting room. The investors greeted me warmly.
"Good afternoon, Miss Oligario. CEO of Oligario's Corporation. It is a pleasure to meet you," the CEO of LZ Corporation, I presumed, extended his hand, which I shook. "Hello, Sir. Good afternoon," I replied, offering a small smile. The other investors offered similar greetings, and I took my seat.
"Shall we commence?" I inquired. "Ah, Ma'am, we're awaiting one more CEO," Lily informed me, and I nodded.
The door swung open, and I nearly leaped from my seat at the sight before me.
"My sincerest apologies for my tardiness," a familiar figure said, rushing in. My heart pounded in my chest. The world seemed to stand still as our eyes locked. Memories flooded back with that gaze.
But his expression shifted, his demeanor altering before he sat down. "S-shall we begin?" I stammered, masking my apprehension with a smile.
His gaze met mine again, but this time, I perceived a different emotion. A detached, emotionless stare, as if...
As if he hadn't inflicted any pain.