A boss

(DON'S POV)

Don Donato was a name synonymous with power and dominance in the corporate world and I sure as hell ruled my imaginary kingdom from the very pinnacle of my sleek skyscraper company, Donato Enterprises. I was blessed with piercing blue eyes that could cut through any steel, a jawline that was carved to perfection with a demeanor that left no room for compromise or incompetence, I would always command respect and fear in equal in the business world

I was seated in my lavishly luxurious office, I leaned back in my chair with my fingers steepled beneath my sharp chin. My phone repeatedly buzzed uncontrollably with messages and calls, but I paid them no mind or attention. The world outside the floor-to-ceiling windows seemed insignificant compared to the empire I had built from the ground. Donato Enterprises was my own kingdom and I was its unrelenting ruler.

My assistant, Jennifer, timidly entered the room and her eyes were wide with apprehension. "Mr. Donato, the quarterly reports are in. Our profits have surpassed all expectations."

I barely spared her a glance. "Of course, they have, Jennifer. I wouldn't expect anything less." My voice was cold and devoid of any interest or warmth.

The reports of my company's profits, which was normal for an internationally successful business, had not surprised me one bit. In fact, they had never truly surprised me before. I was Don Donato after all, who could refuse investing in my company? Nobody! Not the Japanese with their high tech nor the high power countries that seemed to own the entire continent. Nobody! That was why Donato Enterprises was such a success. I made investments into everything that seemed profitable and i would always be rewarded with a return higher than anything anyone could ever imagine.

"Mr Donato..." She began slowly, I noticed that she was struggling to say whatever was in her mind. I didn't care less of what she was thinking, I shot her an emotionless look and she stumbled backwards a little. "I can understand why you are so proud of the company's success but..." She stopped again, looking at the floor as if she was contemplating seriously on her next choice of words. "But there is something strange about Mr. Yamai, he seems to have changed."

"What do you mean?" I demanded. There was a hint of impatience in my tone that I did not bother to hide and it seemed to affect her confidence the more.

"Mr. Yamai…. The other investors? The ones who invested in the company. Do you think that they will continue their investment in the company or will they go back on their word?" Her voice trembled slightly but not much.

"Are you doubting my competence?" I asked in a scowl, my eyes turning a darker shade of blue as I stared at her in annoyance.

She cowered under the intensity of my gaze and looked away. "Is it your place to question my decisions, Jennifer?" She immediately shook her head timidly. "Then take that fucking attitude and remember your position with me and quit talking. If you're so worried about that, instead of questioning me, why don't you put that energy into doing your job right!"

It was clear by her face she was terrified. "No sir," she replied, "I am only worried that they might not take advantage of your success, and might make use of the fact that it is not your father.. the Chairman that they are doing business…."

"How dare you question my abilities!" My voice echoed in the office and my eyes flashed angrily. I stood up from behind my desk and moved towards her. Before she could flinch, i was already standing few inches from her.

"Do not forget your damn place! You are no longer allowed to work here! Now, pack up your things. You are no longer my employee! Get out of here!" I shouted at her all the while, pushing her hard towards the door. She collapsed on the floor, crying softly.

"Get out of here!" I repeated, my eyes flashed menacingly at her, my voice shook with intense and uncontrollable rage and I saw a tear fall from her eye.

"You're fired!" With a final shove she staggered out the door, tripping over her own two feet and fell outside of it. I slammed the door and walked back to my chair. Turnouts like what had happened was a usual occurrence in my everyday life at the company so it did not bother me a single bit, instead I relished in the glory of my success.

Success was my constant companion, but today, something else lingered at the edges of my mind but I couldn't figure out what it was, of course it had nothing with me firing my assistant.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, while it casted a golden glow over the city, I found myself surprisingly restless. I had little time and patience for fun, but an itch in the back of my mind compelled me to want to seek a different kind of distraction, which was completely unlike my usual self.

I arrived at the exclusive club, The Luxe Haven, where the city's most elite members mingled. My arrival of course did not go unnoticed because heads turned and whispers spread as fast as a wildfire. Don Donato was a rare sight in such establishments because I would always decline invitations no matter how many I got, but tonight, I was here for reasons even I couldn't fully comprehend.

I settled into a booth with a few of my business partners, though most of them thought of me as a friend, to me, they were mere acquittances, I picked up a glass of aged whiskey with my hand and took a small sip, enjoying the burning sensation in my throat as it went down. The music throbbed through the air and the dimly lit room pulsed with life. Despite the crowd and my business partners all trying to engage me in a conversation, I remained aloof, my eyes subconsciously scanning the room for... something.

That was when I saw her, a woman who seemed to defy the very air around her. Her beauty was undeniable but good lord, it was the fire in her eyes that drew my attention, it seemed to reel me in like a magnet. She moved with a grace that suggested confidence and vulnerability in a way that almost compelled me to approach her.

Our eyes locked and an electric charge shot through the air. My lips curled into a half-smile as I watched her stand up from where she was and approach my booth. She stopped in front of my table, her eyes appeared to be filled with a mixture of desire and something else…. Desperation, maybe?

With a sultry smile plastered on her face, she leaned in closer, her voice was a seductive purr as she whispered. "Marry me."

I raised an eyebrow, I was clearly intrigued by the audacity of her proposal. "And why would I do that?"

The woman's gaze never wavered as she replied, I found myself loving her confidence. "Because I need a man more powerful than my fiancé and I'm willing to make it worth your while."

My reputation for being someone who always negotiated ruthlessly was well-known, but this was a different kind of proposition and I sure as hell was hooked already. I leaned back, my expression completely unreadable. "You have my attention. Tell me more."