Chapter 2

Giovanni POV:

(Flashes)

“Click”

“Click”

“Click”

“Mr Luca! Mr Luca! Mr Luca! Over here!.... is it true that your multi-million euro company has gone bankrupt!?” one journalist shouted from somewhere among the swamp of paparazzi surrounding me.

The question burned deep inside my wondering mind as it hit a nerve. The continuous flicking of flash lights and absurd question’s brought a sickening feeling to the pit of my stomach. And the surrounding pandemonium only seemed to make the feeling worse.

Just when I was about to lose it. The sudden rumble of thunder has me jolting awake. Alongside a racing heart, as I frantically search my room for any signs of paparazzi. And when I find none, I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Realizing it was just a bad dream, yet it felt so surreal.

“shake it off Giovanni. It’s just another one of your awful mind games,” I chanted, desperately trying to convince myself. With a foreboding that a storm is coming my way.

My suspicion were proven right when I grabbed my brand new iPhone 11 pro to check the time. Only to find 15 missed calls from the head of our financial department, Mr romano. And within seconds of holding my phone, it vibrates yet again.

Mr Romanos name pops up on the caller ID, and with a shaky breath I anxiously answerer the call, hoping all is well.

“Hello... Mr Luca?,” Came Mr Romano’s anxious voice. And that itself is enough to tell me how bad the situation is, seeing that Mr Romano always possessed a calm and collected exterior.

“I’m listening". I said, trying hard to sound firm despite my shaky insides.

“Sir, we have come across an issue that needs your assistance urgently.” The word “issue” had my heart racing a thousand miles, and that did not sit well with me.

“Can’t it be discussed over the phone?” I suggested, as I had no intention of going to the office anytime soon.

“I’m afraid not Mr Luca and please remember that you are needed here urgently.”

(Sigh)"very well then, prepare a board meeting for today I suppose there is much to talk about, that will be all Mr romano," I concluded hanging up.

Everything seemed bizarre could the nightmare I had and the odd phone call be a coincidence? I thought. But figured I couldn’t stay here all day. contemplating on something that wouldn’t benefit me. As I had a company to run alongside preparations for the day ahead. So with that thought in mind, I made my way to my massive bathroom for a shower.

I walked in the absence of light, but couldn’t care less. As my head is currently still buzzing with scenes from my nightmare. Which honestly scared me to bits, but concern overpowered all emotions as I felt myself falling into a dark pit.

I swiftly walked into the bathroom and stripped myself from every piece of clothing. Stepping into the shower, I set the water temperature to that which appeased me and watched as the scalding water drizzled down my naked self. And within the next few minutes steam filled up the room, which for some reason was quite fascinating to watch.

My moments in the shower usually gave me the opportunity to relax. However, at this point my thoughts were only running wild, resulting to an uneasy feeling settling at the pit of my stomach.

I suddenly began reflecting on my life. Being a rich bachelor has so many pitfalls, but the most aggravating one of all is that I was constantly a victim of gluttonous people. The fake endearment that I had constantly fallen into has only forced me to create an invaluable vision of trust. In consequence, trust has become a foreign word to me.

At some point owning millions became an unbearable burden. A cruel reminder that despite having it all. I had nothing, but regardless of the torment, I couldn’t imagine myself leaving under critical conditions.

Money has always played a colossal role in my life. As I’ve never lacked money nor experienced the desperation of needing it, as the surname De Luca is an eye candy to the public and wealth itself.

The De Luca empire rose to prominence through the hard work and influence of my father, Albert De Luca. Throughout the years, De Luca corporation has succeeded in hitting top charts, hence becoming one of the best company in Italy, and powerfully stands among the three largest company in Italy.

The perks of being an only child are great, but when an auspicious company, such as the De Luca corporation is passed onto you at only the age of only 22 it suddenly becomes overwhelming.

Four years of pure hard work has passed by, and my success has got people calling me a business tycoon. I go by the name of Giovanni De Luca. The only pride and joy of the De Luca family. With only my father and grandmother left to call family and born in the beautiful city of Milan.

As a business man people don’t believe that I have ventured into the world of Love. However, I’ve had more girlfriends than my fingers and toes combined. And trust me when I say I’m no player, because I’m honestly not.

Eighty-five percent of these girls were clearly after status and fame. Searching for a wealthy bachelor they see fit and the other fifteen percent were just too clingy, declaring their love for me and hoping to become Mrs De Luca. such delusional women.

I assume you can’t help but wonder what my type is and in all honesty. I don’t have a type, but all these women just seemed to lack something I looked for in a woman...

“originality”.

Anyway, I have totally given up on all this relationship drama, as the hopes of finding love give you the harmful torment of burning up inside. So relationships are a thing of the past. Rather, I’ve invested all my time into doing what I do best... “making millions”.

I can’t help but wonder how my mom would react if she witnessed the "one worded and reserved," Giovanni her son has turned into.

She for some reason always thought me to reach out to people and spread love, but the world has forced me to let go of all her teachings. As began seeing thing’s for what they truly are and not the fantasy I grew up reading as a child.

I still remember the beautiful scent of her hair, the taste of her delicious ravioli and the relaxing head massages she would give me whilst singing my favourite lullaby. I sometimes visit her grave yard when I need someone to talk to, hoping her soul can hear me wherever she is.

****

The cold water on my bare skin was a reminder of the time wasted in the shower. Stepping out the shower, I swiftly grab a nearby towel and wrap it around my waist before making my way out of the bathroom and into my bedroom. I step into my walk-in closet and dress into one of my tailored suits.

Picking an outfit is never a struggle for me, as my personal maid Susan always has one prepared the day before. Even if she didn’t, I wouldn’t waste my precious brain cells on picking an ordinary outfit. How women spend hours deciding on a simple attire shall forever remain a mistery to me.

It’s currently 7:15 a.m. and I have 45 more minutes to get to the office and just the mere thought of it damped my mood. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do, but there comes a time when even the thing you enjoy the most. Doesn’t bring the satisfaction you were hoping to find within it.

And so with a heavy heart I head towards the bedside and bring out my one in a million suitcase. Neatly placing all-important paperwork, I then head downstairs for breakfast, which might I add is quite a journey.

I live in a mansion that comprise over 20 rooms, don’t question my decision as to why I bought it. Seeing that, I too wonder. I usually tell Susan to store every bedroom with my clothing and toiletries in case I’m too tired to head up to the main bedroom, then I can simply use the one closest to me.

After 25 minutes of devouring the delicious meal before me. I thank the chef, and walk out the back door, to find Mr Cooper my personal driver patiently waiting for my arrival next to a black rolls royce.

For some reason, I’m fixated on having a specific car for every occasion. Whether it would be work, a family gathering, clubbing, friends outing or met gala, you name it.

“Morning Mr Luca,” he greets with a warm smile. Giving him a slight nod, I occupy the right seat to the window while making myself comfortable. Not long after I had settled in, the car got moving, hitting the road as we dwelled in nothing but silence, which gave me time to gather my thoughts.

Unfortunately for me, my peace is  short-lived as the car finally comes to a halt. And the scene I am welcomed too immediately has me in a confused state when. Outside My company stood a vast crowd that had gathered around the main entrance of the building.

The fact that they held mics never went unnoticed as it mediately told me they were reporters. Their entire presence left me totally annoyed honestly, and me being me, stamped out the car despite Mr Coopers protest.

Slamming the door shut in frustration. I had unintentionally gained the crowds attention seeing that they turned towards the sound.

Cameras held between their palms, ready to capture every movement or word I uttered. Only then did I realize they were paparazzi’s.

“There he is!” One shouted with a mischievous glint in his eyes. And before I knew it they were all rushing towards me, flashes going off here and there, while sticking they microphone towards me.

“Mr Luca, is it true your company is at the verge of collapsing!?”

One asked, and just like that my worst nightmare played before me, only this time it’s no dream.

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