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Twenty one

Author: Western Rose
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

“Mother said you refused the offer,” Nicole remarked, her tone teasing. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the way she said it. “You really don't like her, do you?”

“Tell her I’m done with her setting me up on dates,” I replied, instructing Finna to move the mannequin to the other side of the room.

It was still early, but my office was already bustling with activity. As one of the most respected fashion icons in Rome, my days were always packed with work. I barely had time to go out, and Mum wasn’t helping. She constantly sent me pictures of her friends' daughters, convinced they were as hardworking as I am and would understand my lifestyle.

When I turned down yet another blind date, Mum reported me to my sister, Nicole, who had just travelled to England yesterday, a day after her release from prison. Dad sent her there, hoping she’d find herself and stay out of trouble.

“The fact that you attended a wedding just to dodge the date cracks me up. When did you start going to weddings for cli
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  • Please, Mr Giordano   Twenty two

    MooreMy life flashed briefly before my eyes—all that I had been through and how it might probably end. Each day, waking up knowing I was bound to Lucien forever gave me more strength to fight him.As I rode in the luxurious car with his man—who perfectly embodied the hatred his boss had for me—I sometimes wondered if I had done something truly grave to him. Not that I cared.The car moved swiftly, my heart beating faster with each passing moment. I didn’t know which mall we were heading to, but the unease gnawed at me. The idea of a simple shopping trip for clothes ending in me being a slave to Athena was impossible to ignore.Logically, anyone unemployed would jump at the offer. I should have, considering I was allowed to leave the house and roam freely. But deep down, I knew working for Athena would be a disaster. It wasn’t her hospital yet, but it made no difference with her as chairman—a young woman who had achieved so much at the age of 24.Vivian’s phone had been handy for gath

  • Please, Mr Giordano   Twenty Three

    “Now this is befitting,” Mr. McWood said, clapping his hands excitedly as I stepped into view. The dress I wore was truly beautiful, perfect for any dinner or date occasion. But deep down, I knew there would be no day I’d find myself going out and feeling like the queen I appeared to be in this dress.“You think so?” I asked, my voice coming out slightly higher-pitched than I intended. I turned away, forcing myself to break from his gaze.Mr. McWood was undeniably attractive, someone I wouldn’t mind having as a best friend. He had that look—the hot best friend look.“I know so,” he replied, still grinning widely as he watched me with enthusiasm.When he walked into the room a moment ago, I couldn’t help but feel a bit shy, especially knowing he had witnessed the disheartening wedding. But he seemed unfazed by it.“Thank you,” I said, glancing around to see if there was a wall clock, but there wasn’t. Mr. McWood noticed my concern and spoke up.“Is there anything else you need? What's

  • Please, Mr Giordano   Twenty Four

    AthenaWhen Lucien mentioned that Moore would be working at the hospital, he didn’t actually use the word “wife” to describe her. I couldn't help but sense the mockery in his tone. The thought of her working here made me paranoid. Why would he want her near me? But that paranoia quickly gave way to a flicker of hope when he added that she'd be working as a cleaner. The wife of the richest man in Italy reduced to a common hospital cleaner—now that’s some gossip-worthy material.It's already eleven, and she’s not here yet. Isn’t this supposed to be her first day?I know Lucien harbors deep and raw resentment toward her. She took something precious away from him when she bluntly rejected him a few years ago. That rash decision of hers had pushed Lucien into my arms, just as I had always wanted.I paced restlessly around my office, the sound of my heels echoing off the walls. I don’t want to look bothered, not even slightly, but I can't help it. The thought of humiliating her is tantalizi

  • Please, Mr Giordano   Twenty Five

    Moore*“Think about the good aspect of this, Moore. At least you have work to take your mind away from the distress at home.”*Well, who was I kidding? I know pretty well this will be yet another hell having to work here with Athena. She will definitely make my life a living hell.As I followed closely behind her, I could feel her anger rising. She kept clenching and unclenching her fists, each movement betraying her growing frustration. I didn’t want to give her the satisfaction of knowing she had won, and I was glad I managed to keep my composure. I wouldn't have dressed this extravagantly if Lucien’s guard had let me pick something else, but instead, he allowed me to wear the heels I had overlooked earlier while selecting my outfit.After what seemed like an eternity, with her secretary walking right behind me, we turned left towards a door. The door led into a large room filled with men and women I presumed were the hospital’s cleaners. They all wore light blue skirts and white t

  • Please, Mr Giordano   Twenty Six

    MooreI stared at my reflection in the mirror, trying to make sense of the skimpy, tight outfit forced upon me. The shirt was so tight that the buttons strained against the fabric, threatening to burst open at any moment. And the skirt—no, it was worse than I could have imagined. It barely covered my thighs, leaving my legs exposed for all to see.Frustration bubbling within me, I stepped out of the closet. As I entered the large space where more than fifty cleaners stood, I felt the weight of their hateful glares. Earlier, a few had offered pitying looks, but now their faces were twisted with disgust. I knew my revealing attire was the reason, and I couldn’t blame them. I looked ridiculous.Athena’s gaze met mine, her eyes gleaming with barely concealed amusement as I tried to tug the skirt down. My blood boiled with anger.“This isn’t something I can wear,” I finally said, my voice tinged with desperation.“What?” Athena replied, feigning innocence. “Didn’t you choose that yourself?

  • Please, Mr Giordano   Twenty seven

    Quinn. “This is the Jewel of Giordano’s Telecommunication company Sir. I can assure you that with this, the world will see us as different.”I stared at the holographic projection, the sleek new model of our communication device hovering in mid-air.It was the culmination of months of work, the jewel of Giordano Telecommunications’ upcoming launch. The board members around the table leaned forward, expressions eager as they waited for my approval of the presentation.“Mr Giordano, the integration of the new encryption algorithms with the AI-driven interface is exceptional,” remarked Sergio, one of the senior engineers. His eyes gleamed with the fervour of a man who saw dollar signs in every circuit board. “This is going to revolutionise the market.”I offered a curt nod, acknowledging the compliment but not indulging in it. The truth was, I didn’t care about revolutionising anything. The project was merely a distraction, something to keep my hands busy while my mind stayed as numb a

  • Please, Mr Giordano   Twenty eight

    Moore.The moment I heard the door to the locker room click shut behind the last Cleaner, I allowed myself to exhale a breath I hadn’t realised I was holding. The day had been a nightmare, and the thought of changing out of these degrading clothes and into something that felt remotely like mine was the only thing keeping me sane. I waited a few minutes more, listening carefully for any lingering footsteps. Satisfied that I was finally alone, I hurried over to my locker.My fingers fumbled with the combination, exhaustion making even the simplest tasks seem insurmountable. The harsh fluorescent lights overhead buzzed, casting a cold, sterile glow over everything. It matched perfectly with how I felt inside—drained, exposed, like an open wound under a relentless, glaring light.When the locker door swung open, I pulled out my neatly folded clothes, the dress from the boutique and quickly began to change. The skimpy dress Athena had forced on me—tight, uncomfortable, a gesture of mockery

  • Please, Mr Giordano   Twenty nine

    Moore.The car hadn’t moved far from the office when Athena’s name flashed across Lucien’s phone screen. The sudden ring cut through the tense silence between us, making me jolt in fright. He answered it immediately, his voice colder than ice.“Athena,” he said, not a hint of warmth in his tone. The only thing that gave away the slight change in his mood was the way his hand tightened on the phone, the knuckles going white.I glanced out the window, trying to ignore the gnawing anxiety in my chest. The city passed, but nothing outside could distract me from the storm brewing inside the car. I could feel Lucien’s gaze boring into me, his anger almost tangible. I kept my head down, pulling the hood of the oversized male hoodie further over my head, as if it could shield me from his wrath.On the phone, Athena’s voice was tired, laced with a weariness that I would have found pitiable if it hadn’t been for the fact that I knew her too well. “I just finished surgery,” she said, and I coul

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  • Please, Mr Giordano   43

    AthenaThe knock on the door before the push still couldn't take my mind away from last night's scenario. I couldn’t focus. Not at work, not anywhere. My mind kept replaying the moment—Lucien, cold and indifferent, touching me in front of another woman. I hate to admit that she is his wife now. Damn the fucking title! I should’ve felt triumphant, powerful even. Instead, a knot of frustration tightened in my chest. What did it mean? Was he training her? punishing or, or worse—trying to humiliate her?I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as Ethan stood in front of me. His charming, fearless demeanour only added to my irritation. He was supposed to be my ally, not Moore’s. Yet here he was, explaining why he was being "kind" to her.“Why are you so concerned about Moore?” I asked coldly, my voice laced with suspicion. I wasn’t in the mood for his games. His loyalty was starting to irritate me.And besides, why on earth is she not at work?He shrugged casually, his smirk

  • Please, Mr Giordano   42

    MooreI was still wrapped in the sheets, feeling a little better from the medicine I took, when the door opened. Vivian's figure stood in the doorway, her usual composed expression giving way to something slightly more concerned.“Your sister’s here ma'am.” she announced.My heart sank. Emily? Now? She wasn’t supposed to be here—wasn't she off in Europe for her studies? The last thing I needed was to face her. Not like this, not now.I only wanted her to pay for the clothes via invoice sent to her, but rather, she's here, In Lucien's home.I sat up, clutching the sheets closer to my chest, feeling utterly exposed, not just physically but emotionally. “Vivian, can you get the package from her? Tell her I’m... busy.”Vivian hesitated, her hand resting lightly on the doorframe. “She’s refusing to hand it over. Says she needs to see you, and she sounds urgent.”My throat tightened. Urgent? Emily didn’t do “urgent.” She was always the calm, collected one, never rattled by anything. If she

  • Please, Mr Giordano   41

    ArthurI walked into my home, the familiar cold air embracing me like an old friend. The tension in my chest simmered beneath the surface as I thought about what lay ahead. Moore’s sister, Grey, Lucien... all of them were pieces in a game I’d been forced to pause five years ago. But now, I had all the cards in my hand again.Five years.Five years since Moore left me to die.The memory of that day still stung like a fresh wound, but I wasn’t the same man who had fallen for her harmless looks back then. When I woke up after barely surviving, the news was everywhere—plastered across every screen and paper. Moore had gone to jail after her attempted murder or murder on me.She had aligned herself with a man I had intended to use. It had been the perfect plan until she ruined everything. Until she almost cleared me in a web that eventually caused her ruin.I had no issues with her, I only saw her as the perfect place to hide until I had all the power to overthrow him. But now, she's just

  • Please, Mr Giordano   40

    Grey“Mr. Addison, we’ve got another problem.”My PA’s voice trembled slightly, his fingers gripping the tablet in his hands like it held the weight of the world. I glanced up at him, noticing the worried look etched on his face. He looked more anxious than usual, which told me this wasn’t just a minor issue. Something serious was happening, again.“What now, Jerry?” I asked, rubbing my temples.He hesitated, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "Shareholders are pulling out their shares. Ever since the incident at your ex wife's wedding... things have gotten worse."I felt my stomach twist. The wedding. That damned disaster had not only humiliated me but was now threatening to ruin everything I had worked for."How bad is it?" I asked through clenched teeth.Jerry's eyes flickered nervously, and he cleared his throat. "It’s... drastic. We've lost almost 15% of our shares in the past two days, and the trend isn’t slowing down. If it continues—""I get the picture," I cut hi

  • Please, Mr Giordano   39

    Emily“What the heck?” I blurted out, not almost feeling myself while I stared at my phone with the intensity I had no idea I had.The message stared back at me like an open wound, festering with dread. My heart hammered in my chest, the words burned into my brain."I see your slutty sister got married to a filthy rich man, huh? Tell her to watch her back. I know her movements."Whoever sent this was serious. It wasn’t some random prank. Whoever it was had been watching Moore closely, and now they were coming for her. The threat wasn’t even aimed at me, but I felt it deep in my bones. I’d never been this terrified in my life.A knock on my door jolted me out of my spiralling thoughts. My phone nearly slipped out of my hand as I rushed to answer it.I opened the door, and Madam Isabel, the housekeeper, stood there, her kind but tired eyes looking at me through thick lenses. She held a large bag, the kind you’d expect from a high-end boutique."Good afternoon, Emily. This arrived for yo

  • Please, Mr Giordano   38

    Jordan.I hadn't been able to concentrate since Mrs. Giodarno, as I should start calling her—walked out of my office the previous day. The encounter replayed in my mind over and over, like a song stuck on repeat. It wasn’t anything particularly significant, just her grabbing a few things. But still, it left a mark.I can't seem to breathe in close proximity with her.I couldn’t explain it, but something about her pulled me in. It was a strange feeling, a magnetic force that I couldn’t shake off, no matter how much I reminded myself that she was married. Married to Lucien Giordano, of all people. That fact should have been enough for me to keep my distance. And yet, here I was—standing in her home, my heart pounding against my chest as if I were some nervous teenager.I took a deep breath, clutching the small purse she had left behind at my office. I’d used it as an excuse to come here. I could have sent someone, though I wasn’t entirely sure why. Maybe I wanted to see her again, mayb

  • Please, Mr Giordano   37

    MooreI buried my face deeper into the duvet, feeling the stinging aches all over my body. Tears rolled down my cheeks uncontrollably, my chest rose and fell in quiet sobs. The pain in my body was nothing compared to the whirlwind of emotions inside me.I couldn’t stop thinking about Ethan, the way he had rushed to help me at the hospital. My heart clenched in fear, imagining what Lucien might do to him now. He wasn’t the type to let things slide, and I knew the thought of Ethan stepping in didn't sit well with him. I had been terribly punished for that.My organs hurt, and I could still feel the heat of the whip on them. He had made his mark clear. If I wished to survive here, then I had to be obedient.Obey! Obey! Obey!“Son of a bitch!” I cursed inwardly.I closed my eyes, hoping—no, praying—that somehow, I could protect Ethan from Lucien’s wrath.But that was wishful thinking. I could barely protect myself.I wiped my eyes, feeling the burning embarrassment crawl through me.I had

  • Please, Mr Giordano   Thirty six

    LUCIEN. “Put your hands on your laps.” I roared anger emitting from me while she quickly did as was instructed.I walked past her into the inner room where everything dreadful to a woman would be.Athena had a choice when I brought her here, but Moore, she comes at my order. “Is… what's this place?” Her trembling voice asked as I walked through the trail to pick up the right cuffs that would keep her in check.I picked the leather cuffs with sharp designed edges and walked swiftly to her side. “You will see.” I replied to her questions before stretching my hands towards her. “Your hand.” “This is a criminal offence, you know? I could sue you for abuse.” “I'll watch you try.” I replied, my patience wearing thin.If only she had someone to tell her that things wouldn't be too hard for her if only she behaves. “I don't give my consent to this. I didn't sign my involvement, you're doing this to me out of my free will.” Whatever thing she thinks she's doing by buying off tim

  • Please, Mr Giordano   Thirty five

    Lucien.I don't know why I had that package delivered to her. Isolation were my plans for her but somehow, I couldn't help the nut in my stomach over my decision to close the world on her. She is stubborn, those were fact about Moore and those are what I liked most, reasons to have her punished and humiliated. “You never learn, I see?” I let out the words in my throat. She disgust me, every single part of her does. She raised her head up, ready yet again to protest. I stared over her, her body clean and flawless, no indication of sufferness despite the things she had been through. “Come.” I let out, forcing the thoughts of ruining those skin off my head. I'll take it gradually at a time.I had against my rule brought her a phone. I even added a credit card so she could at least spend while I still carry out my bitterness on her. But seeing the paper box on the floor only indicated that she had tossed them aside without knowing what's in there. Yet, she took some help from a r

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