Chapter 3: Old friends and Foes

"Theodore-fucking-Marcellus "

Everyone turned to me, every pair of eyes found mine like they were all waiting waiting for my reaction.

Of course they'd choose him

Out of everyone they could have chosen for the position they choose him.

This explains why Zio did not want to tell me

Jackson was the first to recover. He cleared his throat loudly and smiled to Theo

“Let’s give a warm welcome to Theodore Marcellus our new Executive Chairman.” 

There it was. 

Everyone was clapping.

But I just stood there unmoving 

Theo stepped forward, in his tailored navy suit, confidence radiating off him. “Thank you,” he began,  “It’s an honour to be trusted with this position. Leo Moretti was a visionary. I intend to carry that vision forward with integrity, and decipline taking The Moretti Empire towards greater heights.” 

My father’s name in his mouth made me want to scream. 

“I’m grateful to the board for this opportunity,” he continued. “And I look forward to earning your trust.” 

You already have it, don’t you?

Ms. Renard smiled from her seat at the head of the table, legs crossed, “It’s a pleasure to have you here, Theodore. We needed someone strong enough to take on this role. You’re exactly what this company requires.” 

Strong enough. What exactly is she driving at?

I pushed  my chair back, sharp and sudden. “Excuse me,” I said, even though I was already walking away 

I barely made it to the bathroom before a tear slipped from my eye 

I stared at the mirror looking back at my reflection.

Then I washed my face clean. Breathe in and out then proceed to leave 

I pushed open the restroom door, the cool hallway air brushing against my face. My head still throbbed from the council’s announcement. I just needed to get out of here. Away from everything. Away from the weight of what I just heard. 

I used my hand to brush off the little water that had stained my shirt. Then I looked up

and there he was, standing at the end of the hallway.

He was leaning against the wall like he’d been waiting. His hands were buried in his trousers pockets, his eyes locked on mine the moment I looked up. 

I froze. 

He didn’t move. 

He didn’t even say anything 

I straightened my shoulders. He wouldn’t get the satisfaction of seeing me weak. 

I stepped forward, pretending not to notice him as I passed 

“Lila—” he started. 

I didn’t stop. 

“Wait,” he said, quickening his pace to keep up beside me. “Can we talk?” 

“No.” The word came out sharp 

“I just…..” he tried again. 

I stopped walking. Slowly turned toward him. 

His voice trailed off.

I had to ask 

I looked up at him 

“Did you know I wanted the position?” I asked, my voice more quiet than I intended 

Theo blinked. His jaw tightened slightly. 

He didn’t answer.He didn’t have to. 

I let out a breath, something bitter rising in my throat. “Right,” I said, giving him a bitter smile. “Congratulations.”

And then I walked away. I thought I won't be affected by his response.

I thought I couldn’t even feel more betrayed by his answer.

But that was a lie.

Lights flickered across the sweaty crowd; the club was filled with music and partying noise; I poured another shot down my throat; it burned like hell. I am not even sure what it was. Vodka? Tequila? It didn’t matter.

This had become routine.

A coping mechanism, as Nana Rosa liked to call it.

I was on my way back to the dance floor when I was blocked by two men, their suits clean and clenched to their bodies. 

"Miss Lila," he says, face blank. "We are here to take you home."

"No", I snapped ", I'm not going anywhere."

"Miss Lila please cooperate with us"  he said, voice stern and polite ", We have orders to take you home by all means."

I gave a humourless laugh" Orders? From whom? Incase you don't remember my father is dead"

They did not answer as they escorted me outside, and I followed reluctantly. 

He was leaning against a sleek black car, in his tailored coat with the collar open,he looked up and his eyes met mine. 

Theo. 

"You've been busy ", he said, still looking at me, his eyes unreadable. "Three clubs in five days" 

  "I didn’t know I had to ask for your permission before I live my life." I bite back rudely 

He didn't as much as flinch, "you don't ", he said, his eyes not betraying any emotion. 

"You’re drunk. Let me take you home. " he said softly 

"Don't even for a second think you can walk I'm here and pretend to care ,what I do with my life is none of your goddamn business"

 I slid into my car and slammed the door before he could respond.

I pulled up at the house.

Guards stood at the gate, at attention. Most of them just resumed back , I was used to them being around the house.

Theo’s car pulled up in the compound after mine, I ignored him and entered the house 

The moment i stepped inside the living room, I made a run for the stairs. 

“Lila.” 

His voice stopped me. 

I froze, my hand tightening on the railing, 

“We need to talk.” 

I turned, looking straight at him, “I don’t think we do.”

He kept on looking at me keenly, so I asked"What do you want from me? Huh?" 

He stepped closer,  "The board reached out to me. Asked me to come-.” 

I cut him off sharply"I do not need your explanation " 

" Zio called me you know?"  he added, gaze sharp now. "He told me about your behaviour,” 

Ofcourse he did. 

I scoffed, about to turn away again, 

"Lila.." He sighed tiredly 

"You don't get to tell me what to do! You left just like that. I waited for you, to come or call or just tell me that your didn't forget about me but you... You didn't come."

My voice broke at the end. I hurriedly wiped my tears and ran upstairs, not bothering to wait for his response.

The door to my room slammed shut, I didn't even realise that I was crying

My dad is dead

And Theo… he shows up five years too late. 

I needed him.

When my father died, I waited. I waited like a fool, thinking maybe.....just maybe he would come. 

Not a message, not even a call. He wasn't even at the funeral. I grieved alone. I held everything together alone.

Now he is back to take his position.

Not because he cared.