Velia felt a slight relief when Harry's condition improved, but it did not last long. The reality was looming ahead. There were days she had to get through with very little money. And now she was unemployed?
“You’ve been fired. And not by me, but directly from the boss. I can’t do anything.”
Ricardo's voice echoed in Velia's mind. She pondered and ended up with one question. Could she regain her job by directly asking the company owner?
There was a possibility. Despite feeling a bundle of doubts in her heart, that's what Velia would do.
Could Velia meet Lucas? Was there still a face for her to meet someone she had just rejected yesterday?
Velia had no other choice. Lucas was the only one who could help. It seemed she would have to set aside her pride for the sake of survival.
“What?!”
Mecca's exclamation echoed through their phone conversation. Velia had called her while inside the public minivan, on her way to the office.
“Meeting the company's CEO?” Mecca asked again. Her voice still sounded incredulous at what Velia had just said. “You want to meet Mr. Hernandez?”
Velia swallowed hard. Hearing Mecca mention Lucas's name sent shivers down her spine.
“Do you know what our company's leader is like? Everyone is afraid of him, Ve. No one wants to deal with him directly.”
I know. I know it better than anyone else, but what can I do? All the problems that come my way leave me with no other choice. This is the only hope I have to survive.
Two logics clashed, but it took only a short time for all doubts to vanish from Velia's mind. She would not back down.
“This is the only remaining hope. I don't know what else to do.”
Velia was truly cornered. It was not just about the daily living expenses and Harry's treatment, but also the arrival of the thugs earlier. It was unimaginable to think that she would have to become their object of desire.
“I know, but not like this,” Mecca said, sounding desperate. “You might not even be accepted again, and you're already embarrassing yourself.”
Velia dramatically closed her eyes. “I no longer have any shame left. This is my last chance. I'm truly cornered.”
Mecca let out a long sigh. “Even so, it's not guaranteed that you can meet him. Mr. Lucas is certainly difficult to meet. People have to make appointments in advance to see him.”
“I know,” Velia said, her voice trembling. “I will find a way to meet him.”
The call ended exactly five minutes before Velia arrived at her destination. She got off the minivan and handed over the fare. As the minivan drove away, she looked up at the towering office building.
Velia walked forward, briefly glancing at the grand name “Greatech” displayed before she smiled at the security guard. She entered without any hindrance.
The office atmosphere was still bustling as Velia crossed the lobby. Pretending that her ID card had malfunctioned, she managed to pass through the scanning system.
Just like the security guard who had smiled at her earlier, it seemed that the employees there were unaware that Velia had been fired earlier that morning.
Velia hurried towards the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor of the building. The place where the owner of the company she worked for resided.
The place where Lucas Hernandez was.
*
Vlora seemed to frown when she found an employee who meet his boss yesterday steped on the floor where she was. From a distance, it could be seen how the female employee looks very agitated. She wondered what Lucas was calling her. But for what business? Business work or personal affairs?
When Vlora found that the woman had approached her desk, she smiled and asked.
“Can I help you?”
The woman seemed to gulp her saliva once before answering the question.
“I’m Velia Angelica Howell. Mr. Hernandez called me.”
Vlora nodded once. Remember, for sure, about that one thing. “So?”
“T-today I was told to face Mr. Hernandez again.”
Vlora’s forehead wrinkled. Makes sense. But the problem was Lucas did not tell her about calling that employee. However, be wise, in the end Vlora said.
“Just a minute. I’ll tell Mr. Hernandez.”
As she moved from her seat, Vlora’s hand stretched out to point to a sofa that used as a waiting area.
“Please wait a moment.”
Velia nodded. Getting on that sofa and waited with anxious expectation.
Meanwhile, Vlora immediately headed for Lucas' room. She knocked twice on the door and walked in.
“What's the matter?”
Without lifting his face from the document that he was reading, Lucas asked. He seemed to be focused and several times the pen in hand moved, crossing out there.
Vlora took a quick breath before then answering. “Ms. Howell, Sir.”
Lucas’s body and face instantly froze. Slowly, he lifted his face from the document. There was a line of disbelief on his face when he finally asked Vlora. To make sure that his ears do not hear wrong.
“Velia?”
Vlora nodded. “Employees who yesterday hit you and she said that you were looking for her.” She explained.
The pen in Lucas’s right hand stopped moving, then he put it on the table. “What is it she came here for?”
This time, Vlora’s face looked shocked. “She said that you told her to come again.”
Lucas was silent. Seeing that, Vlora immediately lowered his head.
“Sorry, Sir. I wil—”
“No,” cut Lucas. His brain was quick to think. “I am indeed calling her. But I think she will come later in the afternoon.”
Hearing Lucas’s words, Vlora breathed a sigh of relief. A second ago, it was her body felt cold sweat. Worried about doing the wrong thing.
“Tell her to come in immediately,” Lucas ordered later.
“Yes, Sir.”
And as Vlora walked out of her room, Lucas stood up from his chair. Visible step towards the guest sofa in the middle of the room with a wondering mind.
Why did Velia suddenly want to come to see me? After what happened yesterday? When she fearlessly rejected me?
*
Lucas sat down; his gaze fixed on the door as it slowly opened. The scene revealed Velia entering hesitantly, looking troubled. Something was clearly bothering her. “Please, have a seat,” Lucas said, waiting for a moment until he felt Velia was comfortable. His gaze scanned her, concluding that something was indeed happening to her. “What's the matter?” Lucas asked directly, without any small talk. “Why did you suddenly want to meet me?” Lucas shifted his focus, this time towards Velia's hands, which were tightly clasped together. It seemed she needed to gather her courage before asking a question instead of answering. “Did you fire me?” she asked. Lucas was taken aback, genuinely surprised. “Fired you? Me?” On one hand, Lucas was surprised by the accusatory tone of the question. But on the other hand, he grinned. So, because of this, you came to see me, Ve? “M-Mr. Bell said I was fired directly by my superior,” Velia continued. Lucas scoffed. “I thought you came to see me be
Lucas let Velia hold his hand. Instead of resisting, he moved closer to her. Lucas's face looked down faintly. He tried to meet Velia's lifted and gazing eyes. For a moment, Lucas felt his mind go blank. Then something crossed his mind. “Come back to me, Ve. And I’ll give your job back.” As expected, Lucas's words startled Velia. Lucas held onto the pain that surged, squeezing his heart. Velia reacted as if she did not want to be close to him again. What have I done to make you hate me like this, Ve? Velia's lips turned pale, and she trembled. Her grip on Lucas's hand loosened. She stepped back, shaking her head. “It's impossible.” Lucas glanced briefly at Velia's hand that let go of his. It brought bitterness to his throat, and he swallowed it hard. “Maybe it is. You want your job back, and I want you back. We can use this to our advantage.” “I have truly forgotten about you, Luc. I don't love you anymore.” Lucas clenched his jaw tightly. “Did I say I wanted your love?” “W
Velia’s body was still shaking badly when the girl got to her home. Each the words and actions that Lucas did to her just now made her tremble terribly. Cold sweat splashed on her forehead. Or even all over his body. Barely make the shirt she was wearing wet because of it. Velia quickly as possible went to the kitchen. Taking a glass of water and drink it with greed. Not enough with a glass, Velia then took second and third glasses. She needed to calm herself. Velia moved to her bed. Rubbing her wet face, she realized that her decision to see Lucas was the stupidest act she’s done it her whole life. She cursed herself who had thought that Lucas could solve the problem she was currently facing. But she was mistaken. Instead of helping, Lucas tried to take advantage of the situation to take advantage of herself. Velia squeezed her hand when she remembered Lucas’s words earlier. “Give me up on you, Luc?” Velia asked in an ironic tone. “No way.” A few moments later, Velia layed down
Lucas put on his suit quickly. After inserting one button neatly, he reached out. Grabbed his briefcase that was on the table, right when he felt a slight knock on his door and a moment later, he saw Vlora come in. “I was just about to go out, Vlo. How? The meeting place has not changed, right?” Lucas asked, handing the bag to Vlora. Vlora smiled faintly, greeted Lucas’s briefcase, and replied. “No, Sir. Mr. Rhodes had been at the hotel a few hours ago. The meeting will still be held at six p.m. at restaurant of the Fullman Batavia Park Hotel.” “Okay,” Lucas said as he looked at his watch showing five p.m. “I think we’ll go now.” “Um, Sir.” Lucas’s footsteps stopped. “What is it?” he asked as he found the look of doubt in the secretary’s face. Vlora seemed to weigh as she said. “Someone wants to see you, sir.” “I have to go now, Vlo.” Lucas took a deep breath. “After all, I don’t seem to have any appointments at the moment.” “The woman said something important and assured me yo
Ten minutes later, Velia and Lucas were in an oncoming car. Lucas set up barriers to create privacy for them. All their conversations will not be heard by Vlora. Even by the Mr. Baker—the driver. “So...” Lucas's voice sounded. He glanced and saw Velia was squeezing her hands. “... now you want to be a whore?” “I can’t even be called a whore if I just turn myself for you.” Lucas glanced. He knew exactly that Velia reversed his sentence some days ago. Quietly, he grinned. “How much do you want to be paid?” Velia looked up. “Why? You wouldn’t do it for free, would you?” asked Lucas. “Or is it enough just to get your job back?” “Of course.” Velia strengthened her heart. In her mind, she counted. “I want 2.500, Luc.” Lucas’s eyes were bulging. “2.500 for a newbie whore? Seriously!” Velia’s face turned red. It was obviously a real insult. “I just need to add a few and I can hire artists!” retorted Lucas. “What do you think you’re good at?” He nodded and shook his head. “No. Bette
Ignoring the embarrassment, Velia followed Vlora. They headed for a luxurious room at Fullman Batavia Park Hotel. Vlora was professional. Her expression was flat when she said. “Please rest while waiting for Mr. Hernandez and I will transfer the money immediately.” Velia nodded. Her face lowered and she waited for Vlora to leave first before entering the room. Velia closed the door, and the state of the room instantly stunned her. It was the most expensive type offered, with an area ranging from 172 square meters. Unbelievably, there was a grand piano being her first view. Complete and classy facilities. Fancy ornaments adorned some points. Expensive carpets covered the floor. Not only has one bed, that presidential room has two separate rooms. Also, it had a spacious living room, dining room, and even a private workspace. Ignoring the 65-inch flat-screen television, Velia was more interested in the large windows. She pushed aside the curtain and saw the sunset. Velia was stunn
Velia's heart seemed to stop beating. Lucas said that word so lightly. His facial expression was even. How could he say it so plainly? “Come on. I paid for tonight.” Velia took a sip of spit. She tought. I’ve exposed my breast, got the money, and I still had a shame? So slowly, Velia stood in front of Lucas. Pulling the knot of the robe, she let the two straps hang on the sides of her body. Lucas stared at the movement with his heart pounding even more. He did not blink when Velia’s hands moved. Slowly, she grabbed her robe and let it left her body. The robe fell around Velia’s feet. Leaving that naked body without a single the thread to covered it. Velia stood up nervously. Cold air from the air conditioning temperature in the room that makes her body was shivering. Especially with Lucas’s gaze that did not blink when looking at the body naked. She really felt like a bitch. But it was like that now. “Come here.” Lucas’s guttural voice awakened Velia. Trembling, she approached
Lucas regained consciousness. His eyes blinked and slowly opened. In the dim lighting, the first thing he saw was the ceiling. Lucas turned his gaze. There lay Velia, fast asleep beside him. She looked peaceful and exhausted, a perfect combination that brought a smile to Lucas's face. It seemed he would not be leaving the bed for a while. Propping himself up on one elbow, Lucas positioned himself to gaze at Velia. He reached out his hand and brushed aside the disheveled hair on the side of her face. He gently smoothed it back, revealing her enchanting charm. Lucas's hand halted. He froze, his blood pulsating. His gaze focused on the red marks along Velia's neck. Clear evidence of their passionate encounter from the previous night. It was the most beautiful sight Lucas had ever seen. Yet, it was also a dangerous sight for him. He did not want to take any risks and decided to get out of bed. Lucas ignored his own condition. He took a step and intended to fetch a glass of water. Howe