Skai’s POV
Days passed, and I haven't been able to find any information. My right leg above the other as I swing in the chair. Staring at the ceilings, I remembered the six rules engraved within my memory like a scribe on a parchment. Do not assume anything Do not trust any individual Stay within your core Maintain your cover Do not look behind you, you're never alone Blend in, go with the flow Gradual, deliberately and measured. My moves - It's like a wave, no matter how it tries, it'll always crush against the rock at the shore. Because that rock? The rock is a dead end. But I'm that wave that never crushes. Impulsive movement - It’s like falling down a cliff. There should be nothing pleasing about that because when I hit the bottom, I’ll be dead. But right now? I'm concerned about the landing. I’m suspended in the act of falling. After fear and self-imposed shackles, there’s a thrill, excitement. The… unknown. I don't have to act according to my reflexes. I can't go and say, “hey, you're a criminal” . That's a warrant to an instant death. A strong hand knocks on my door. I arranged myself closer to the desk like I was busy. “Come in”, my eyes fixed on the door looking forward to the person. Carlo saunter to the middle of my office with confident steps. I cautiously check his expression like a deer caught in the headlights. He’s freaking everywhere. People feel awkward — or at least reserved — when entering a place for the first time. Well, it's his father's company. Not Carlo. His gleaming eyes fix mine with so much ease like all this is an everyday occurrence. He stopped by my desk, looming in front of me like suffocating smoke as he bent over. If there's anything you notice about Carlo, it's his expensive perfume. His scent explodes in the room. “Hi, princess”. “Carlo, what are you doing here?”. I said with widened pupils. I've seen him around the office a couple of times but this is his first time coming in here. “Well, I just decided to stop by. Are you busy?”. He pulled out a chair and sat. Like he wasn’t even expecting a yes. “No, I'm done with work, just a few documents. I can go through them later”. “So, Sophia. How did you find LIAS?”. That's a very straight question. He wants to know me better. More of an interrogation session. “Well, I just wanted a fresh start. I searched for sites with vacancies, and I stumbled upon the website of this company. Since it's not far from where I stay. It feels good to be here”. I leaned my back in the chair as I watched him. “So, no boyfriend, no husband”, he asked and I know he has already done his checks on me. “No, just me. I'm still young, that's not my priority. Down my scale of preference. How I like it”. He nodded in agreement or better described as convinced. “It's nice to just be on your own. It gets lonely at times doesn't it”, he said with his left elbow on the desk. Let's do this. “Yeah, it does. But we deal with the cards we are dealt.” How does he manage to maintain eye contact? “You know, you're different. I can't just figure you out. Too confident for a new recruit”. With a tone of concern, I guess I'm difficult to understand. “It's part of me. I never knew confidence was a crime here. Maybe, I'll try to be afraid next time. I said, my lips forming a thin line. You could tell so much about a person from the way they smile. But not me, smiles give away nothing. I know he is fishing for information just like I am. As the clock strikes 4pm, I cleared my throat. “ I hate to do this but I need to go home, it's been a long day”. I said, stretching my hands to reach for my bag and standing up. “Okay princess, can I drop you home?”, he stands by the desk with his hand on the edge staring at my lips for an answer. “Yeah, that'll be fine”. Good, I'll try to screw more information out of him. We approached the elevator. He located the button labelled 'G’ and it takes us to the ground floor. A slim lady adjusts her clothes on seeing him. She blinked her eye lashes, looking at him seductively. Well, whatever. He parked his car in front of the company. A black Rolls Royce. As expected, a black car. Guiding me to the passenger seat with his hand on the small of my back, he moves to enter from the driver's seat. Facing me, he asked "So, where are we heading to?”. “ No 52, John Avenue”. He has a nice interior, red light illuminating from the interior lights. “My sister's best friend stays around that area, that was before she left the country, I'm quite familiar with the place”. He said as he started his ignition as his engine revved to life. With the squeal of tires, Carlo pulled through the gates Ohh, he has a sister. Why wasn't she mentioned in the files? The car revved in the wide streets. I suppressed a gasp at the strength of this thing. He stole a glance and noticed I wasn't comfortable with the driving. “Ohh, sorry”, he reduced the speed with an easy-grip on the steering wheel. “Overspeeding isn't advised, you know”, I sounded like a lecturer. “It's just my normal way of driving”. He halts right in front of my apartment. “I'll take my leave”, I said alighting from his car. “I'm happy to be of service, my lady,” he said in a Shakespearian tone and even kisses the back of my hand. As much as I know him as a criminal, he has a softer side to him. A side that not everybody gets to see. I giggled as I stood beside his car and fake a curtsy.” Thank you for the ride”. “Ciao”, he lowered his head to the level of the window. This is going to be easy, change of plan. I know what I have to do to get to open up and bring me into his little organisation. A happy man spills his secrets. I turned my back, my hands searching for my keys in my bag. I could feel his eyes piercing through my back from behind. I opened my door and entered. After the click of the door, he zoomed off.Juliano's POV Sitting at the table to eat, in my personal dining room. The dining is as silent and undisturbed as a falling snow. My workers have a different dining room. My mind has been disturbed and diverted,so I wasn't really focused. Just using a fork to mash the foods and eat the little I can. I got carried away, teasing the hem of the cover table. There are creamy risotto with parmesan cheese and mushrooms mixed green salad as sides and roasted chicken. She makes so many dishes just for me to eat the ones I like. I pulled out the chair interrupting the dead silence. Walking straight to my room with a guard walking directly behind me, I dispersed him as my door clicked. Entering the bathroom, I moved towards the shower and turned it on above my head, washing away the stress and worries of the day. My wet hair covers my forehead forming rivulets down my face. I stand in front of the mirror, staring into the reflected version of me. I went into my room and directly toward m
Skai’s POV As I approached the hallway, chatter of the two horsemen rippled in the air. The door was opened a fraction as I could catch the side view of Tillard Collin and his partner- Giovanni Auder. It's such a large office, almost 4 times bigger compared to mine.I reduced my steps and moved closer slowly. Thank God, I was on low heels. My intention was to submit the file to the finance department. This is a coincidence, I wasn't expecting it.I hid in the corner like a creep. I watched left and right to see if no one was coming. I flattened against the wall, closing one eye as if it increased the intensity of sound. I wish my body could blend into the wall. Anyone can walk in on me but curiosity kills the cat.There is nothing like eavesdropping to show you that the world outside your head is different from the world inside your head.“The BER corp hasn't replied to the email, I'm very sure it's that foolish Juliano, his father was ready to agree to the contract”. Tillard said w
Skai’s POV Maybe because I was in a haste.I rested against the bedframe breathing in and out. Removing my shoes, my legs are white, the shoes are a bit tight. I unclasped my watch and placed it on my bed- my evidence. Stripping myself afterwards, I entered the bathroom. I open the faucet and splash water on my face. Weird. I don’t have that urge to scrub my hands clean. I had a cold shower to calm my nerves. I brushed my teeth and removed my wig.Going back to my room in flip flop slippers. I walked over to my closet and pulled out a short and singlet.I went to the kitchen and made something to eat, bread and scrambled eggs. I leaned against the kitchen counter looking directly at the clock.You are lucky the camera in this area is down.I wish Carlo never said those words because I can’t stop replaying them. I should have known they'd be CCTV. The scenario continues barging through my head like a symphony gone wrong.Opening the hidden compartments under the floorboards, I pulled
Skai’s POV The company hall falls on a large piece of land, it’s impossible to see the end of it. The hall stretches horizontally like a palace. There are even two towers on each side and the entire structure appears old. I wouldn’t be surprised if this was a noble’s estate before. There must’ve been renovations, though, because all floors are filled with huge glass windows. Sometimes, glass takes more space than walls. It’s like a glasshouse. A fountain rests not far from the entrance. A sad angel ceramic statue pours water from a jar. I was wearing a red bodycon glitter short gown with light makeup and black heels. Silver necklace and dangle earrings with a silver purse clutched to my armpit.Loud music thumps from the walls even before I got in.A waiter greeted me with a bow. He’s wearing a butler outfit all complete with white gloves and a white napkin dangling from his arm. I bowed back.The tables are arranged in fours. The decoration is all white and gold,with vases with fre
Juliano's POV My door knocks upon me as I stand up from my bed. It must be my father or Margot, no one knocks my door unnecessarily.I opened the door and my father came into view holding a glass of water. He prefers water to any liquid. Walking back to my room, he follows behind as the guards bow and stay by the door.Entering the room, I sat on the bed, removing my slippers.Still clutching his glass of water, he sits on the sofa across from me. One of his arms flings to the back of the sofa. His legs are apart. He appears relaxed, nonchalant even, as he twirls the water in his glass.“You are thirty, Juliano”. He said looking at me, laying emphasis on the ‘thirty’. I already know where this was heading.“I'm aware, you're planning a surprise party I guess”, acting nonchalant, I walked over to my table picking up a glass of wine as if I didn't know what he was about to say.I've been dodging this conversation for months. Returning to my position, I sat down facing him.“You're th
Juliano's POV Few days later, I was prepared for the day's work. The gatekeeper was by the gate, ready to open up. I was stepping out of the mansion and the guard collected my briefcase and bowed. I was heading straight to the car as the guard opened the door waiting for me to step in.I was hearing a familiar voice arguing with the gatekeeper, “Let me in, let me in”. Who might that be?. Then, I looked up and saw Aver. She rushed to me wrapping her hands on my arm “Juliano, I'm sorry. Please forgive me. ..“Too late to say I love you”. I shook my head. The ache returns like a wave crashing on a forgotten shore.I ordered the female workers to hold her back as I entered the car. The tires squealed as the driver pulled through the gate.“She must not enter this compound again”, I said to all the workers present at the scene.On my way to the office, I whirls the side glass down as fresh air hits my nostrils and I breathe as Iclosed my eyes for seconds ,enjoying the moment. It really h
Juliano's POV “This is Rome American Hospital. Miss Aver was rushed to the emergency department for attempted suicide and drug overdose.”Rushing out of my study, I went to my room and changed into shorts and a jersey. Picking up the intercom, I called Tom, my driver.“Meet me downstairs, we need to go somewhere”I went downstairs calling two of my bodyguards on night duty. They came out of their quarters, meeting me at the entrance.“Head to Rome American hospital”, Tom nodded. There's no time for questions.Hospitals were supposed to be sterile, not suffocating. The strong whiff of disinfectants welcomed me as I pushed through the double doors. I didn't want to be here. I've been here before, memories of my mother’s last days flashed through me. She was in a private ward on the second floor.The whole situation was hazy - she was rushed to the hospital for overdosing, and I was the next person to call. It sounded unreal.As I walked through the hallway of the third floor. The soun
Skai’s POV The LIAS company looked regal from the outside- Gothic design with intricate stone carving. Its facade is clad in sleek glass and steel. A towering skyscraper dominating the skyline with security men as if they were guarding the whole of Italy. Inside, is just a group of monsters cladded in polished suits with fake smiles.The air inside felt heavy- as if secrets were stitched into the walls. The company went on a break after the event, it was my first appearance. I adjusted my blazers and entered. It felt like stepping into another world- the lion's den. My legs felt unsteady beneath me. My head held high. Once I'm in the centre of the reception, the chit chat withers away and almost everyone’s attention zeroed on me.‘She’s too forward for a new employee’‘She’s beautiful and smart’‘Carlo is always around her’The last sentence hit me in the ribs. Carlo hovers over me like a looming danger, a force not to be reckoned with. His obsession increases by every sunrise. I'm
Skai's POV Carlo strode downstairs with his hair scattered. A sheen of frustration covered his features, and he was hard-faced . Not the face of an innocent person who has just killed someone for the first time. He would have done this countless times. His sleeve rolled up to his arm, revealing his tattoo, and the second one was normal. His first two buttons opened. Of course, there was no blood on his hands. If all killers had blood on their bodies, then most of them would look like vampires. The sentence replayed in my mind, ‘You can ask for a second chance in heaven’. Does he even know if he was going to heaven? If he had caught me, I don't know what he'd have done. I thought Juliano was free; they wanted to use the BER corp to relinquish their dimming glory. On seeing me, he smiled “I didn't know you were here.”I narrowed my eyes at Chiara, and he nodded. “I love your outfit. Care for a dance?” He took my hands and we moved to the rhythm of the music. Chiara's sig
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