Elena's POV
I shut the door behind me and slid down to the floor, my back pressed cold against it. My eyes stung , tears threatening to fall, but I blinked them away before they could betray me.
I refuse to cry for him. He's not mine. We're not anything. I'm just his assistant. He's my boss.
I won't lie , I don't regret what happened in that elevator. No, because that's exactly what I wanted. I told him it was a mistake, but that was just to keep the peace and to somewhat get back at him for what he's done . We both got what we wanted. End of story.
Still, there's this… jealousy clawing at me. There's no other word for it, because when I walked in , all I wanted to do was shove Jessica off him and slap the shit out of him .
It hurts because he kissed someone else hours after he fucked me. I felt worthless. I gave him what I haven't given anyone in over two years , and what do I have to show for it? Nothing.
If this thing between us keeps going, it'll end with someone broken. And it won't be him , it'll be me.
Rio isn't the type to catch feelings. Self-centered, bipolar, a storm you never know how to weather. Sometimes he's kind,other times, he's ice.
Maybe he's been nice so I'll trust him. So I'll tell him about the key. His father's after me, for God's sake , who knows who else is hunting in the shadows?
If I get anywhere close to a relationship with him, it'll be nothing but chaos.
My door swung open and a man walked in — Chad? Charles? I don't remember. Project manager, or something like that.
"Hey," he said, hands shoved in his pockets. Didn't bother knockingi felt offended but ,Well, I didn't knock at Rio's either.
"Hi. What's up?" I forced a smile, trying to be nice shoving away all the thoughts I had . He sat down on the red velvet chair across from me.
"Are you coming to the ball tomorrow?" he asked, rubbing the back of his neck like he hoped for something.
I played dumb. "Yeah, I'm coming. Why?"i ask twirling a pen .
"You got a… date?" His eyes held a hopeful gleam.
I paused. Rio asked me to go with him, but I doubt he still wants to considering what just transpired. Should I ask? No, that'd be stupid. He'll obviously go with Jessica Mariana told me the two always show up together.
Guess I'll go with Charles… or whatever his name is.
"Sorry,..that's ..that's stupid you obviously have a date " he said, cheeks reddening standing up nervous.
"No, wait. I don't have a date," I rant out faster than intended , forcing a slight smile.
He stopped, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Well, neither do I. Will you be my date?" he asked, confidence rising.
"Sure," I said, smiling again. My cheeks literally hurt from all the fake smiling.
"Great. I'll pick you up at your place .. just send me the address." He pocketed both hands something he does often, and I hate it.
"No, don't… I'll meet you there," I said quickly. Suddenly remembering I'm staying at Rio's place now. And Charles here can't know that .
"Alright, see you there. Thanks for accepting," he said, grinning as he left, shutting the door behind him.
I sighed, sinking deeper into my chair, face in my palm. What the fuck is happening to me?
But I needed this. I wasn't going to show up alone at the ball , embarrassing as hell. And I hate being embarrassed.
I'll show up, fake sick after two hours, and dip. Easy peasy.
I smiled at the plan. Couldn't be that hard.
---
Rio's POV
I stepped out of my car, shutting the door with a click. The heat was brutal, already making my head spin.
I stared up at the towering building. Of course, my father would be at a five-star restaurant for lunch...just like last time .
I needed answers from him . Fast.
The thought of sitting there with Alfredo made my stomach twist in annoyance ..that man is a pain in the ass but I wasn't here for him.
I needed answers from my dad.
The doors slid open automatically as I approached.
I spotted my father and Alfredo at the far end. Not many people around ,lunch hours were usually quiet here.
They stood to greet me. I shook my dad's hand, ignoring Alfredo's glare as I sat.
"Can he leave? I need to talk to you," I said, cold and clipped, eyes on my father.
"No," he said, and I cocked an eyebrow at him.
"No? Alright then. What's this about?" I asked, sipping the ice water I hadn't ordered.But I already know what he wants to talk about.
"You're marrying her in three months. We've waited long enough," my father said, voice low leaving no room for argument.
I stared. Was he insane?This is my life he can't just decide that for me . What the fuck is going on with my dad.
I didn't answer. I grabbed my phone and decided to ignore this two as I scroll through shipment details Marco sent me .
"Did you hear what he said?" Alfredo's deep voice cut through.
I didn't look up.
"Rio, put your fucking phone down!!," my father barked, drawing eyes before they returned to their business.
"I heard you. No need to repeat," I said calmly. He looked confused ,I wasn't in the mood to argue.
"So, is that a yes?" Alfredo asked, hopeful. I almost laughed.
"No," I said, finishing my water.
"God this is so fucking annoying. Now, can I talk to you?" I asked my father, who wore an expression like he wanted to choke me.
"Marrying her is non-negotiable," Alfredo said, standing and storming off. Finally, his annoying ass was gone.
"You don't need love to marry, Rio. Think of it as a business contract," my father said, sipping wine.
"I don't want a loveless marriage. Hell, I don't want a relationship at all," I said, leaning back.
"Why?" I asked, shifting gears.
"Why what?" he said, finishing his wine and pouring another.
"Why are you siding with him? You never questioned me before. Marriage's huge. I don't want it, so why force me? Don't give me the 'business gain' bullshit," I said, quoting him sarcastically.
"You wouldn't understand," he sighed, looking down.
He's hiding something. I'd find out.And I have a feeling it's something big .
I left it there and pushed the questions that mattered.
"Why are you working with Storm's father? He's our biggest rival. He might've had a hand in Mom's death. What's going on with you allover suddenly?" My voice was sharp, burning with anger.
"You never hide shit from me and suddenly I didn't get a say in something as huge as teaming up with storm ?"I ask voice slightly raised.
His face fell, sad at the mention of Mom, his face held and expression I couldn't read .
"How did you know?" he asked, stunned. So it was true.What the fuck ?
"Doesn't matter. The question is why," I said, leaning forward, daring him to lie.
"We need the key, Rio. It'll change everything," he whispered, leaning in.
I leaned back, shaking my head.
"She doesn't have it. It was a mistake," I said.
He looked confused.
"How do you know that?"
"She told me. It's for her grandma's jewelry box a keepsake, nothing more,just happens to be similar to the key every so desperately wants " I lied with a straight face , hoping he'd buy it.
He waited, eyes searching for a joke.
"It's misinformation, Father. Stop sending men after her, or I swear I'll kill every last one of you if anyone touches her," I said coldly, standing.
"What? You fucking her?" he spat, rising too.
What the fuck is wrong with everyone? It's not a lie but is it written on my face?
"No. I just don't want her hurt over something that's none of her business father , she works for me , she doesn't have to be caught in all this crap " I said, forcing conviction.
"Leave her alone," I said firmly, walking away without another word .
He stood there, lost in thought.
I hoped I'd convinced him. I'm a terrible liar, but he seemed to believe it. For now. I just hope it lasts long enough for me to figure out what to do .