006

Caruso’s POV

Pushing my chair backwards, I arranged my cufflink as I ran my eyes through the last line on the screen of my laptop.

This morning, I made sure I dropped by the office at exactly seven am which was one hour earlier than usual.

By noon, I was stepping out for a function.

The CEO of Nexus Corporation had handed me an invitation card in person for the handover ceremony which was going to happen by noon today and so I couldn't afford to miss it.

“I will have to return…”

"Aren't you done yet?” Becca asked, poking her head through the door.

Flashing me a brief smile, she cleared her throat and with well calculated steps, she waddled her way into my office.

"Your cologne, you’re still not going to tell me where you got it from?”

"I don't want a gift from you,” I said, biting back my irritation.

Becca was a thorn in my flesh. She knew this but she still chose to ignore it.

After the unfortunate incident, she had always been by my side. Several times, I tried to push her away but she wouldn't budge.

“Why are you here?" I asked, pushing my phone into my pocket.

“Come on, why are you acting all cold?" Leaning forward with her chin resting on her palm, she said, “I told you I’m going to accompany you…”

"And I said I don't need your company? Why is that so hard for you to understand.” I groaned.

I wanted to yell on the top of my voice but I found myself whispering instead.

"Tell me about it!”

Raising my brow, I didn't say a word.

"Is someone bullying you, the media…”

"Can we just stop it already? You're making me feel uncomfortable.” I groaned, biting the inside of my cheek.

“Well, since I'm already here, you can't turn me down now." Looping her hand with mine, she pulled me to herself.

“Let's go!"

Left with no choice, I had to tag along. Not after pulling away from her.

Throughout the drive to Monaco Hall, I was clenching my jaw so hard that it began to ache but the pain was nothing compared with that of seeing Becca seated next to me.

Father had been on my neck, talking about remarriage which I wasn't interested in. And as if that wasn't enough, his choice partner for me was Becca.

“What's your plan for the weekend?" Becca cut into my trail of thoughts but I didn't give her a response.

It was a good thing she didn't push with it.

When we got to the entrance of the hall, the automatic doors slid open and we both walked in.

“What are you going to get for the new chairman… sorry, chairwoman?” She asked.

"I'm not sure,” I mouthed, running my eyes around the large hall.

I honestly had no idea what I wanted to get her.

Last night I was going to surf the internet for the perfect gift for her but I slept off.

“By any chance, have you met with the new chairwoman?”

"Not yet.”

"You know, I have been trying to wrap my head about all this. No one knew he had a child, how did he manage to hide her all this time?”

"I think she is adopted.” She added.

"If you ask me, I will say you should keep your opinion to yourself. You wouldn't want to get into trouble.”

“I was just airing my view."

“Nobody asked for them." I countered, walking hurriedly towards the female session.

I was going to ask the attendant for help.

“Hey, wait for me." Becca called out, she was currently on a call with someone so I decided to seize the opportunity to get away from her.

In my haste, I didn't see the person coming in front of me, I bumped right into her, causing the warm beverage she was drinking to spill on my shirt.

“Oh my goodness, I'm sorry." The lady ratted out, pulling out a napkin from her bag.

She was going to start dabbing my shirt when I held her hand, flashing her an apologetic smile.

“I should have been more careful," I said, relieving her of the napkin.

It was at this moment that Becca joined us but before she could start running her mouth, I said, “I collided into her."

"Thank goodness, I thought you got mixed up in the crowd,” A masculine voice rented the air making me lift my gaze.

Standing next to the lady, he placed his hand around her waist, “Come on Blue, I told you not to leave my sight."

“I'm sorry." She muttered. After one last look at me, the man pulled her away.

Blue?

The voice, the same pair of brown doe eyes.

No! That can't be her. — I thought, trying to push behind my thoughts but I couldn't.

Snapping my head around, I saw the couple outside the building through the glass door.

“We should get you a new shirt?" Becca said, holding my hand gently but I pulled away from her.

With my gaze still on the couple who was slowly approaching the garage, my legs started to move on autopilot.

“Blue." I called, memories rushing back.

"Caruso, are you alright?”

I could barely register the sound of Becca calling after me as I pushed through the glass doors.

My eyes were still glued on the couple ahead.

The lady was already settling into the passenger seat of a sleek black SUV, her face angled away.

But I had seen enough.

The way she looked at me, the hesitation in her voice when she apologized and more than anything else, her name.

Blue.

Just as the man reached to shut the door, I surged forward. “Wait!”

Almost immediately, he turned to face me, his brows furrowed.

“Can I help you?”

“I need to speak to her,” I said, my breath coming out in short spasms, and my heart pounding against my ribs.

I could barely hear my own voice over the roar of rushing blood in my ears.

When she saw me, she stiffened, her hands frozen on the seatbelt buckle.

“Step away from the car,” the man said, shielding her from my sight.

“I just want to ask her a question,” I pleaded, trying to break past him.

“You need to back off,” he said firmly. “Or I’m calling the police.”

“I’m not trying to start anything,” I said, but I could already hear the defensiveness in my voice. “I thought I knew her, that’s all.”

“You don’t,” he replied flatly. “And if you keep pushing, I’ll sue you for harassment.”

That word hit like a slap.

Slowly, I raised my hands in surrender and took a step back.

“Fine,” I muttered.

With a huff, he slammed the door shut and walked around to the driver’s side.

“She didn’t even look at me...” I whispered under my breath, watching as the car pulled away.

“Caruso?” Becca’s voice came from behind. “What’s going on? Are you okay?”

I didn’t look at her, my eyes were still glued to the SUV as it disappeared into traffic.

“I thought she was Blue,” I finally said, my voice low and hollow.

“You have to stop thinking about her, she doesn't exist anymore."