Skai’s POV
My heart beat sporadically against my chest. I entered, locking the door and resting my back against the door as I caught my breath. What the hell just happened? The wave of adrenaline vanished from my system, leaving a relief in me. Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, I gulp it down as I hear the sound. Everywhere was so silent expect from the tick of the clock. If the walls had ears, this type of silence would have definitely made them mad. I went straight to my room and dropped my stuffs. Ripping off myself, I entered the bathroom without even removing my makeup. I washed myself till I felt better, it was so nice to be at peace. The last few hours was hell. Stepping out of the bathroom, I changed into shorts and bralettes. It felt so boring at at times no pets, no friends. But, what do friends do? Betray. Mia and Aver messed with the wrong person. I was always quiet and introverted, but afterwards? I felt like I could punch the moon and kick the stars. It was something I learnt from old Chinese war books. When cornered, use your opponent’s attack mechanism. Carlo helped my investigation. My gaze drifted to the floorboards, I took out my burner phone and decided to analyse my next steps as I walked over to my working area. I checked as I saw that I got a message from Mr Juliano.. ‘You're supposed to report physically once month; reply as soon as you get this text, so we'll fix the date according to my schedule..’ Since when did he send the message? I understood that no one should be able to trace me to the BER corp or anything related. ‘According to my schedule’, he's a CEO anyway. *The Day* It would be the first time Mr Juliano would see me appear like a lady. Dressing masculine wasn't even an idea; what if someone sees me?I looked at myself in the mirror wearing a knee-length white gown with light makeup. I had to dress casually; it wasn't a date anyway. I'm undercover as a lady, so how am I supposed to look? 'Or because you're actually one', the voice in my head never supports me. On getting to the destination, it's located at the far end of the city. I looked around and couldn't see any SUVs parked around the restaurant, not even guards. With a deep breath, I pushed my shoulders back and stride into the restaurant with my head held high. The security pushed the door open, and I walked through the double doors. The air was filled with enticing aromas—freshly baked bread, fragrant herbs, and spices wafting from the kitchen. Elegant decorations, such as artwork on the walls and tasteful table settings, enhance the overall aesthetic. Soft music plays in the background, blending with the gentle clinking of cutlery and the murmur of conversations. Laughter or the sizzling of food from the kitchen can be heard. The sound of a waiter’s footsteps approaching, the rustle of napkins, and the soft pop of a cork being removed from a wine bottle contribute to the restaurant's lively yet relaxed atmosphere. The ceiling is a circular matte circular panel with light peeking behind like a moonless eclipse. The light didn't shine; it whispered –– elegant, warm. That was part which caught my attention. The waiter approached me as I wanted to follow the arrow that indicates ‘reservation area’ . “Excuse me, this part of the restaurant is off-limits.” “Reservations with Mr Juliano Bernard”, I answered. "Okay ma, please come with me". I walked carefully behind her avoiding the appearance of the whole area. As I entered the room, it was like a private restaurant room. Mr Juliano was sitted on a sofa. He was dressed in a black tailored suit as if it was an official meeting. I moved closer, bowed, "Good afternoon, sir.“ "You're late..”, he replied. I looked at my watch, and it was an additional ten minute. “I got stuck up in traffic”, I said, the usual excuse for unpunctuality, but he didn't push. “Have a seat, Enzo. I sitted on a couch opposite him. ”My undercover name is Sophia, so I guess we stick to that, sir. ”Okay, how has it been?", he went straight to the point. Telling him the whole details take hours. It was a roller coaster. Where do i start? I reached for my bag as i removed my journal where I scribed every bit of my discovery. I wouldn’t want anyone to be left out, but how do I tell him I have personal missions too? “Giovanni Auder is a mafia leader; they deal with drugs and ammunitions. There's a confidential document in Carlo’s office too.” I blurted, sounding like a real detective, avoiding eye contact. “What would you like to have?” He asked, ignoring as if he knew.. He picked up the intercom and called the waiter. He orders for us both. “Have your food, then we'll continue. You don't have to feel shy. There's nobody else in here", he smiled. As soon as I finished my food, I continued. “They have a shell company for fraudulent activities,, and their financial statement is not real.” “There was an attempt on my life; it was at midnight, but an investigation is going on." "Is there any prime suspect, sir?" "It might be the LIAS group, you never can tell. Add this to your investigations." ”Did you come here alone? I didn't see your guards around. “They’re around, and there's a private parking space here." I thought as much, a secret meet up. "They have an hideout. I don't know where it is but the company has a secret room." I talked as if I was delivering a speech, some words must not escape my mouth. Being related to Tillard was still my little secret. I reduced my voice to get conscious of my words and continued. "The company is used to cover up their shady businesses." I looked up a bit and Mr Juliano was still unreadable, until he nodded positively. My spirit lifted as if a nod justified my hardwork. "I'll let you complete the job, remember the rules. Your monthly payment is still intact. You're doing a good job, Sophia." He smiled. The name and his smile was a blow to my chest, he must not find out. Not now. I felt relieved when the meeting was over, he didn't mention anything about my gender. He might fire me when if finds out.Juliano's POV The lights in the room were dim, warm gold bleeding across the sleek marble table. No background music. No curious staff watching. I arrived twenty minutes earlier. Waiting on people isn't my thing, but it was important. The reservation area was booked two days ago; everything was prepared. I didn’t bring security in. There was no need to. Leaning back in my chair, my fingers drummed against the sleek marble centre table.I watched as the door shut behind him with an ominous click, not her. Not the silent shadow in a suit. Not a bodyguard with stiff shoulders and guarded eyes. It took me a while to get used to the way she moved in that disguise. No, this was her without a shield. Still precise. She stepped in the room like she had always belonged there. No disguise. No distortion in her voice. I was happy letting her live freely, not under her shadows. I ordered chicken parmesan. How lousy would the boss be not to offer his underlings something to eat? Somethin
Skai’s POV The air in his corridor felt like carbon monoxide. It was heavy to breathe in, as if I'd die if I inhaled. His last threat flashed through my mind. Each step questioned my presence in LIAS, but my brain screamed REVENGE. The office smelt of deep cologne, something darker and consuming. He was wearing a tailored Tom Ford suit. No whiskey. That was all my brain could register. He glared at me with dark eyes. “How sure are you that Mia actually broke into your office? I blinked several times, trying to digest his words.“I found the footage and her ID, sir,” my voice barely audible over the sound of my pounding heart. The more that came out, the more I realised I didn't know anything about the statement, but I kept a page of it. The more I thought about it, the more my guts twisted. “You need to find another evidence that shows that they broke into your office. The proof wasn’t detailed. Before the end of today.” The footage was blurry.The last sentence was preci
Skai’s POV I stole glances at the drawer where I found the documents the last time. The door was knocked and creaked open. Her glitter black heels showed first, then her long legs, and she came into view. Her long honey-blonde hair fell in deep waves over her shoulder, her black dress hugging her curves in a way that made heads turn. She was effortlessly stunning, as if she just walked off the cover of a high-fashion magazine.She went straight to Carlo as he clutched her in his embrace, pecking him on both cheeks as he grinned widely, ” I've missed you.”She turned to me and said, “You must be Sophia, right?”“Yes, I never knew I had fans already.”“Come over; let's sit here,” she said, pulling me to the couch opposite Carlo’s desk. He was grinning at the sight of both of us.“My name is Chiara.” She placed her hand on her chest, looking at me.“I love the name; it's unique.”“You can say that again,” she said, cupping my cheeks.“We even have the same eyes; I like you already.”I
Skai’s POV My grip tightened on the tray so I didn't drop it. His eyes flashed with contempt, but he suddenly changed immediately.He cooled down fast. A welcoming expression took over his silver fox features. I've met him once, at the networking event.“Hi”, he said in a smooth posh accent and offered me a tight-lipped smile along with his large hand. He had a firm handshake just like Tillard. Either way, I don't give weak handshakes too.“Hello”, I held the tray with one hand. The heavy weight fell on my arm and palm. The moment I slip my hand in his, he squeezed so hard that I winced.If I didn’t sense the earlier aggression in my soul and felt it in my bones, I would’ve thought it was all in my head.Maybe it's just normal not to think too much about it.He looked at me. “I've met you before, the new employee?”I nodded. Tillard would have informed him about the incident. The next statement I was expecting was “Out of here”.Mafias definitely do not entertain unnecessary visitors
Skai's POV From beyond the door, I could hear a distant scrape of chairs, a murmur of voices. I entered into the already crowded conference room. My heels clicking directly against the black tiles. Quiet murmurs. The whispers stopped when I entered the room with multiple eyes staring into my soul. If hands were eyes, they could definitely strangle me. I walked directly to the empty seat apart from the two chairs I assume was for the CEOs. It seems I was the last to enter the room. I sat down; the sound died down. It was my heels that drew distracted attention in the room. Not even after what happened. I loved to be the centre of attraction. Even though I wasn't sure of what was going on in everyone's mind. I was still me. The unpredictable lady. Mia was seated at the opposite side of the table. Gossips hit me that she was given just two weeks of suspension; the other information wasn't necessary. After blackmailing and theft. Corruption was a norm; I wasn't surprised. She was
Skai’s POV Ignoring the background talks, I walked out of the room. I didn't mean to make a scene. Asking for deeper data channels was weird and too straightforward, but you do the right thing at the right time. To your advantage. I looked back at the door, it wasn't where we had the meeting with Juliano held the first day.The elevator dropped me like a shot, and I walked out. I saw Chiara as she moved towards me.“I had a nice time; you could have slept over.”“I can only apologise, work. Have you seen a movie after then?”“No, I've not watched the ghost movie." She laughed revealing her perfect dentition.”We walked together to my office. I didn't want her to come with me, but I had no choice. I opened my door and we entered, but I made sure I studied her; she didn't drop anything.“So, Sophia,” she smiled, realizing how that came out.“I want to go to Carlo’s club tonight.”I didn't react; I already found out he had a club.I was looking at her, expecting the next word she'd say.
His breath on my face felt warm, sweat dripping down my face, my hands struggling “Please leave me!!” I yelled, my eyes welling up with tears, my wrists wrangled by his adult arms, his grip gaining control, I could hear my mother’s wailing “Mother” I called out, reaching for her hand. “You are weak, just like your father!” He cackled, the dark figure said, but he wasn’t faceless this time, his scrawny smile pushing my fears forward, his arms pulling me away from my mother’s reach.“Skai!!” I heard my mother scream for me, her eyes welling up with tears “Please she’s all I have” I heard her wail, Tilard, my uncle had no ears but wouldn’t listen as he whisked me away.“You’ll make a fine slut” he said smiling mischievously, the last I heard before it was all pitch black and my own voice. Adjusting my sheets, opening my eyes to see the room still, ragged clothes on the floor, the spilled cans of vidkon beer sprawled on the floor, the cold sweats on my face, I used my hands, trying so
I peeked through the glass door “Dad you can’t do this, why would I need a bodyguard?” A young man asked, his hands in the air ‘dramatic’ I thought. “Let him in” I heard a calm restrained voice say from inside. “Sir, you may come in” the young lady said, pursing her lips as she spoke, I walked past, trying my best not to watch her eyes as they stared seductively. “Enzo” the older man said immediately, his calm notion and knowledge about my name showing that he’s in fact my employer. “Nice to meet you sir” I answered, my face still candid, extending my hand for a shake. “I’ve heard a lot about you” he added, taking a stand. “I’m here as per your request, mister Bernard” I said casually, hands behind my back as trained. “Here’s my son, Juliano, he’s the one you’ll be keeping safe” he said, pointing to the dark haired man who sat idly, his gaze was low, letting out an eerie vibe. “You make it seem like I need a babysitter” Juliano said, his head turning to me. “You have
Skai’s POV Ignoring the background talks, I walked out of the room. I didn't mean to make a scene. Asking for deeper data channels was weird and too straightforward, but you do the right thing at the right time. To your advantage. I looked back at the door, it wasn't where we had the meeting with Juliano held the first day.The elevator dropped me like a shot, and I walked out. I saw Chiara as she moved towards me.“I had a nice time; you could have slept over.”“I can only apologise, work. Have you seen a movie after then?”“No, I've not watched the ghost movie." She laughed revealing her perfect dentition.”We walked together to my office. I didn't want her to come with me, but I had no choice. I opened my door and we entered, but I made sure I studied her; she didn't drop anything.“So, Sophia,” she smiled, realizing how that came out.“I want to go to Carlo’s club tonight.”I didn't react; I already found out he had a club.I was looking at her, expecting the next word she'd say.
Skai's POV From beyond the door, I could hear a distant scrape of chairs, a murmur of voices. I entered into the already crowded conference room. My heels clicking directly against the black tiles. Quiet murmurs. The whispers stopped when I entered the room with multiple eyes staring into my soul. If hands were eyes, they could definitely strangle me. I walked directly to the empty seat apart from the two chairs I assume was for the CEOs. It seems I was the last to enter the room. I sat down; the sound died down. It was my heels that drew distracted attention in the room. Not even after what happened. I loved to be the centre of attraction. Even though I wasn't sure of what was going on in everyone's mind. I was still me. The unpredictable lady. Mia was seated at the opposite side of the table. Gossips hit me that she was given just two weeks of suspension; the other information wasn't necessary. After blackmailing and theft. Corruption was a norm; I wasn't surprised. She was
Skai’s POV My grip tightened on the tray so I didn't drop it. His eyes flashed with contempt, but he suddenly changed immediately.He cooled down fast. A welcoming expression took over his silver fox features. I've met him once, at the networking event.“Hi”, he said in a smooth posh accent and offered me a tight-lipped smile along with his large hand. He had a firm handshake just like Tillard. Either way, I don't give weak handshakes too.“Hello”, I held the tray with one hand. The heavy weight fell on my arm and palm. The moment I slip my hand in his, he squeezed so hard that I winced.If I didn’t sense the earlier aggression in my soul and felt it in my bones, I would’ve thought it was all in my head.Maybe it's just normal not to think too much about it.He looked at me. “I've met you before, the new employee?”I nodded. Tillard would have informed him about the incident. The next statement I was expecting was “Out of here”.Mafias definitely do not entertain unnecessary visitors
Skai’s POV I stole glances at the drawer where I found the documents the last time. The door was knocked and creaked open. Her glitter black heels showed first, then her long legs, and she came into view. Her long honey-blonde hair fell in deep waves over her shoulder, her black dress hugging her curves in a way that made heads turn. She was effortlessly stunning, as if she just walked off the cover of a high-fashion magazine.She went straight to Carlo as he clutched her in his embrace, pecking him on both cheeks as he grinned widely, ” I've missed you.”She turned to me and said, “You must be Sophia, right?”“Yes, I never knew I had fans already.”“Come over; let's sit here,” she said, pulling me to the couch opposite Carlo’s desk. He was grinning at the sight of both of us.“My name is Chiara.” She placed her hand on her chest, looking at me.“I love the name; it's unique.”“You can say that again,” she said, cupping my cheeks.“We even have the same eyes; I like you already.”I
Skai’s POV The air in his corridor felt like carbon monoxide. It was heavy to breathe in, as if I'd die if I inhaled. His last threat flashed through my mind. Each step questioned my presence in LIAS, but my brain screamed REVENGE. The office smelt of deep cologne, something darker and consuming. He was wearing a tailored Tom Ford suit. No whiskey. That was all my brain could register. He glared at me with dark eyes. “How sure are you that Mia actually broke into your office? I blinked several times, trying to digest his words.“I found the footage and her ID, sir,” my voice barely audible over the sound of my pounding heart. The more that came out, the more I realised I didn't know anything about the statement, but I kept a page of it. The more I thought about it, the more my guts twisted. “You need to find another evidence that shows that they broke into your office. The proof wasn’t detailed. Before the end of today.” The footage was blurry.The last sentence was preci
Juliano's POV The lights in the room were dim, warm gold bleeding across the sleek marble table. No background music. No curious staff watching. I arrived twenty minutes earlier. Waiting on people isn't my thing, but it was important. The reservation area was booked two days ago; everything was prepared. I didn’t bring security in. There was no need to. Leaning back in my chair, my fingers drummed against the sleek marble centre table.I watched as the door shut behind him with an ominous click, not her. Not the silent shadow in a suit. Not a bodyguard with stiff shoulders and guarded eyes. It took me a while to get used to the way she moved in that disguise. No, this was her without a shield. Still precise. She stepped in the room like she had always belonged there. No disguise. No distortion in her voice. I was happy letting her live freely, not under her shadows. I ordered chicken parmesan. How lousy would the boss be not to offer his underlings something to eat? Somethin
Skai’s POVMy heart beat sporadically against my chest. I entered, locking the door and resting my back against the door as I caught my breath. What the hell just happened? The wave of adrenaline vanished from my system, leaving a relief in me. Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, I gulp it down as I hear the sound. Everywhere was so silent expect from the tick of the clock. If the walls had ears, this type of silence would have definitely made them mad. I went straight to my room and dropped my stuffs. Ripping off myself, I entered the bathroom without even removing my makeup. I washed myself till I felt better, it was so nice to be at peace. The last few hours was hell. Stepping out of the bathroom, I changed into shorts and bralettes. It felt so boring at at times no pets, no friends. But, what do friends do? Betray. Mia and Aver messed with the wrong person. I was always quiet and introverted, but afterwards? I felt like I could punch the moon and kick the stars. It wa
Skai’s POV I transferred the clip to the drive, my evidence. They thought I'd be fired instantly. Jokes on them. The table turned; I never knew Mia could be involved. She's a wolf in sheep's clothing. Same as me but with a different. Now, I know how moths feel when they fly to flames. The flames are worth the burn. Juliano's rule replayed in my mind: 'Don't trust any individual.' A strong wave of hate took over me, but that wasn't the only thing. Something else, something completely immoral, gripped me, too.Out of the control room, I took the elevator to the CEO's floor. The air in his corridor was laced with silence and authority. My pulse thundered in my ears. I walked with confidence, head up. I knocked twice and opened after his permission. I entered, confidently this time, not when I had concrete evidence against me and I couldn't even look up. Ashamed of myself.The CEO was seated on his chair, holding a bottle of whiskey. He looked at me with the same eyes – calculatin
Skai’s POV When your opponent charges for the attack, you’re supposed to stay low, not crash with him headfirst. You’re the only one who’ll get hurt. Aver walked past me, and her eyes glinted with mischief. I headed straight to my office. It was still in a mess.Picked up my bag and headed to the ground floor. Everywhere was empty. I moved past the reception. The outside greeted me with fresh air, the cold evening sky stretching above me. I flagged down a cab and headed home. Everything in my mind was proving my innocence within three days. I didn't know if it would start counting tomorrow. It'd better be. With everything the CEO said to me, there's no way I'm going to stop myself from proving them wrong. I should have known she was coming back at me. She doesn't like anyone getting close to Carlo. I wasn't ready for her dramas. Obsessed, bitch. He was just a pawn in my scheme. Nothing else. Nothing more. Two days later, I was in my office staring at the ceiling, fluorescent li