The next morning, Amelia was fully dressed as well as Leo. Before coming to the city she had already planned out to stay over at her Grandmother's place, so when going to work she'll leave Leo with her. But then, Mr. Lior had tampered with her plans.
Where was she going to keep Leo while she reports to the company for work? “Mom, what are you worried about? Are you worried about me? Don't worry, I will be a good boy and stay with you at the office.” Amelia glanced at her little boy and smiled. He seemed so small, yet had the understanding that was above his age. She could take Leo with her, but then she didn't want to raise questions about her, especially since she's a single mother. Amelia didn't want to hurl gossip or attach a bad name to the company, so therefore she didn't want to take Leo with her. She was still contemplating, when she heard the sound of the door bell, before she could reach for it, Leo had already gone for it. Upon opening the door was standing Matteo’s imposing figure, and breathtaking face. “Mr. Matteo? Good morning, sir. Are you here to pick us up? We are done already.” Leo smiled, opening the door widely for him. Amelia bit her lips, clearly uncomfortable with Matteo’s presence. “Good morning, Mr. Matteo.” “Miss Harper, hope you slept well?” Amelia nodded and glanced at Leo, giving him a stern glare. “Mom? What happened to your eyes?” Matteo frowned slightly, “Are you okay?” “Yes, I am.” Amelia nodded, offering him a faint smile, before she looked away. “I’m heading to the company now, would you like to join me? My assistance is handling a few things and will be late.” Matteo asked, eyeing her expression. “No need sir, I’ll wait for him. Besides, I need to get Leo to my grandma’s place, so he won't run around in the office.” Leo frowned, “Mom? Didn’t I just promise to be good and won’t play in the office?” “Leo dear, you won’t understand. Kids aren’t brought to a workplace.” Leo pouted his lips, obviously not happy. “Don’t you want to meet grandma anymore?” “Of course I do. But mom, Isn’t today your first day at work in Mr. Matteo’s company? “Yes it is” Amelia nodded, solely staring at him to not miss what next he’d say. Leo shook his head and folded his arms, “uncle Matteo, is it good to be late on your first day at work, doesn’t it make a bad impression?” vc Matteo smiled faintly, obviously liking the direction of Leo's speech. He squatted to his height “Sure, it does leave a bad impression.” “Mom, you hear? You can't take me to grandma this morning and still meet up for work, bring me with you.” Amelia took a deep breath and was about to say something when Matteo's deep voice suddenly beat her to it. “If you're worried about Leo being a distraction to your work, then I'd bring him to my office, he won't have to run about then, right Leo?” “Yess uncle! I will be a good boy.” That was a good idea, but Amelia was not comfortable, leaving her son to her boss to take care of. What would he think of her? “But sir, you don't have to do this. My grandmother's house isn't too far from here, I'll just drop him off and go directly to the office.” “So, you're willing to risk your first impression at work today?” Matteo asked, giving her no room for refusal. Amelia paused her lips into a deep line as she clutched her purse tightly against her shoulder. “No need. I'll bring Leo with me and you too join my car. I am your boss, and you'll follow me orders. I dislike staff coming late to work, it's against my policy.” Wait….what? “But sir….” “No, buts.” Matteo sharply cut her off and went out with Leo, who was grinning from head to head, very happy that he'd get to see the environment of his mother's workplace. Amelia faced-palmed herself, clearly pissed. Not only did she fail to take responsibility for Leo, she also wanted to get to work late, even though knowing it could depreciate her honour and impression. Not wanting to waste anymore seconds, she hurried off to join the car. LIOR'S GROUP ~~ Everyone's gaze fell on Amelia, Matteo and Leo, as soon as they walked into the large, elegant and luxurious building of the Lior's group. Amelia had seen the company's building many times on the internet and felt it was gorgeous, now seeing the inside she couldn't describe how awed she felt. She had really scored a big deal to work with them. Leo's face was filled with excitement, he really had so much to say but chose to close his mouth. He had already promised to behave. Immediately after they went into Matteo's office, murmurs of gossip filled the hall. “Did you see that lady just now? She's so beautiful, oh my god, could that be Mr. Lior's fiance?” “Fiancé? Didn't you see him carrying a child that looks so much like him? She must be his wife. But..I've never heard about Mr. Lior having a wife…” “That's true. We should ask Brenda, hasn't she be priding herself as Mr. Lior's fiancé?” “I knew she was lying all these while! Arrogant butch!” “Hey hey, what's the fuss about? Everyone, get to work!” Asad’s voice echoed in the hall, calling everyone's attention and they hurriedly returned to their desks. After Asad left for Matteo's office. The sound of heels followed, hitting heavily against the smooth marble floor, therefore getting everyone's attention. It wasn't long before a dashing hot lady appeared in the hall, her dyed purple hair resting on her shoulders. Dressed in a black leather mini dress over a black coat, she gave off the air of sophistication and elegance. She was one that could easily stand out in any gathering, especially with the screaming red lip gloss marred on her lips. “Good morning, miss Brenda” “Morning, miss Brenda.” Greetings followed as she walked her way to Matteo's office, her head held high, ignoring all the greetings thrown at her. Brenda smiled as she walked into Matteo's office, but froze upon sighting Leo, who sat on his lap. “Matt, who has this child?” Matteo's expression shifted to irritation the moment he saw Brenda. “It is Sir to you.” He said coldly. “What are you doing here?”Brenda frowned slightly but quickly switched to a sweet smile. “Oh come on, Matt, don’t act like you don’t want me here.” she said, stepping closer towards Matteo. Upon her closeness, Leo suddenly closed his nose and squeezed his face in discomfort. Matteo caught his attitude and glanced at him, “Are you okay, Leo?”“I’m sorry uncle Matt, but this auntie’s cologne makes me want to puke.” Matteo glanced at Brenda, and looked away. Looking at Leo’s innocent yet straight face, he didn’t know whether to laugh or feel bad for Brenda.Uncle? Brenda sniffled her cloth, but felt nothing wrong, then what was this kid talking about? She could have scolded or even yelled at him, but she couldn’t afford to do that in front of Matteo, not when he called him uncle. Scolding him in front of Matte might leave a bad impression on her.Brenda forced out a smile, “Honey, do you know what you're saying, you know it's not nice to say bad things to pretty aunties..” She said, stretching her to grab Leo
Amelia shot Matteo a sharp glance and quickly looked away to face Leo, “What nonsense are you saying?” She whisper-yelled, glaring at him.Matteo didn't see that coming, he didn’t expect Leo’s blunt words. ‘What exactly is going on in that boy’s head?’ he thought, stunned yet amused.“Mom I'm not spouting nonsense, Uncle Matt really said it.”Amelia glanced at her Matteo, suspicion growing in the depth of her heart. She knew Leo very much, and he wasn't one that would joke or lie with things like this. Is her boss into her? She thought, but quickly shrugged off the thought immediately. Matteo glanced at her and shook his head, “He was arguing with Brenda that you were more beautiful than she is, I just helped him, by agreeing with him. You asked me, right Leo?” Leo slowly nodded, he didn't like the outcome, he had expected Matteo to agree that his mom was beautiful, but rather he said he was helping him. Maybe he had misunderstood the reason he was looking at his mother, he thought.
Amelia studied Matteo as he tucked away his phone, his jaw tightening briefly before his usual composed expression returned. Although she had not known him long enough, she didn't fail to notice the slight shift in his demeanor. She was sure something was bothering him.“Are you sure everything is okay, sir?” She asked again, softer, careful to not pry too much.”Matteo met her gaze, his dark eyes steady but unreadable. “Yes, everything is fine. Don't worry about it.” Amelia wasn't convinced, but she nodded, knowing better than to push. Matteo wasn't the type to open up unless he wanted to and her position as his employee didn't exactly give her the privilege to ask questions.“Mom, Uncle Asad is here, can we eat now?” Leo's voice broke the tension as he tugged at Amelia's sleeve, his bright eyes darting between her and Matteo. “I'm hungry.”Amelia smiled down at him, grateful for his distraction. “Alright, let's go. Thank you sir, for offering to get us lunch, but next time, I think
Matteo sat on the edge of his bed, the dim glow of the chandeliers reflecting off the glass windows. His mind replaying what he'd discovered a few hours ago. He still couldn't believe that Leo could be his son. Then again, Amelia who looked fragile and delicate turns out to be stronger than he thought. Matteo couldn't help but admire, yet feel guilty, she was betrayed and disowned by her own family, yet it didn't stop her from training and taking good care of Leo.Once the DNA result was out, one thing was sure. He was going to take care of them, even though he's going to hide the truth from Amelia for the time being.His grip tightened around his phone as he dialed Asad's number. The dial tone rang twice before Asad's deep voice answered.“Sir?”Matteo's voice was steady, but his mind was anything but calm. “Asad, I need you to run a DNA test, discreetly.”“Whose DNA are we testing?” Asad asked, though Matteo could hear the curiosity in his tone.“Mine,” he answered firmly. “And a c
Brenda spun around, her face a mix of fury and desperation. “Matt, they are embarrassing me! In front of everyone!” She paused, glancing at Amelia, who pulled Leo close to her, as if shielding him from the trouble.“She's the one humiliating me, she slapped me, are you going to let that happen?” “What happened?” Matteo asked, directing his gaze at Amelia who seemed calm.After Amelia narrated what happened, not including what Brenda had told her that caused her to slap her, as she felt it wasn't necessary.“Is this what happened?” Everyone, including the waitress nodded, “Exactly sir.”Matteo sighed. “You're making a fool of yourself, Brenda.” He said coldly. “Leave now before I have the security escort you out.”“You wouldn't dare!” She hissed.“Try me,” he replied, his voice like ice.Amelia watched the exchange, feeling a mix of discomfort and pity for Brenda. Despite her hostility, it was clear she cared deeply for Matteo, even though her action was not excusable.Brenda's gaz
“Mom!” Leo called out as he ran his way to Amelia's table, beaming with happiness.Only three things could make Leo as happy as he was. Food. Ice cream. Snacks.Amelia smiled, bundling him into a hug, his milky scent invading her nose and her smile grew wider.“You’ve gotten heavier, you must have eaten everything in that restaurant. “Amelia said, ruffling his hair.”Leo was all smiles, as he made himself comfortable on his mom's laps. “Mom, I didn't eat a lot. I only ate fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, apple pie and…”“What? You really ate all that?” Amelia's smile slightly faltered.“I took just a bite of everything uncle Matt got for you.” Amelia frowned slightly, but quickly recovered, she gave him an angry look. “Leo, what did I tell you about eating too much?”Leo pouted his lips, blinking his cute clear eyes. Something he does whenever Amelia is about to scold him.Amelia forced back her smile, “I'm asking you, Leo.”“Mom, I was really hungry.”“Leo, that's not
It was finally the weekend, Amelia had planned it out. She was going to visit granny Nana's house and leave Leo there while she went house hunting.Amelia didn't want to stay at the company's accommodation, it made her uncomfortable, especially if she stayed for a long time. So, finding a house on Saturday and moving in on Sunday, would be the best thing she would do for herself this weekend.“Mom, is uncle Matt going to drive us?” Amelia smiled and shook her head, “Why would you think Uncle Matt will leave whatever he's doing to come and drive us to grandma's house? Leo, I'm working for him, not the other way round.” Leo smiled, “But mom, he always asks you what you want? Uncle Matt likes you.” “Leo!” Leo burst into laughter, “Mom, don't get so worked up on Saturday early morning, Leo is kidding.” Amelia gave him one last glance before returning to what she was doing. Once they were done, they left for the park where they got a taxi that took them to Nana's neighbourhood. Jus
Matteo is seated in his vast and elegant study room, he radiates an intoxicating mix of dominance and confidence. His chiseled features are on display. His dark, tousled hair fell slightly over his forehead, adding to his rugged appeal, while his deep-set eyes, framed by thick eyebrows, hold a brooding intensity, his slightly furrowed brow adds to his mysterious and intense aura, which made him dangerously irresistible.Dressed in a fitted black button-down, the top buttons undone to reveal the inked lines of his hidden tattoo, he exuded effortless confidence. His muscular arms, sculpted and adorned with intricate tattoos, rested lazily on the armrest of the deep, leather chair. The air smelled faintly of leather and aged whiskey, but right then, even the rich scent did nothing to settle the storm brewing inside him. He swirled the wine in his hand, his mind lost in thoughts of Amelia and the DNA result he was to receive today.“Sir?” Asad called out, followed by his mute knock.“
Matteo is seated in his vast and elegant study room, he radiates an intoxicating mix of dominance and confidence. His chiseled features are on display. His dark, tousled hair fell slightly over his forehead, adding to his rugged appeal, while his deep-set eyes, framed by thick eyebrows, hold a brooding intensity, his slightly furrowed brow adds to his mysterious and intense aura, which made him dangerously irresistible.Dressed in a fitted black button-down, the top buttons undone to reveal the inked lines of his hidden tattoo, he exuded effortless confidence. His muscular arms, sculpted and adorned with intricate tattoos, rested lazily on the armrest of the deep, leather chair. The air smelled faintly of leather and aged whiskey, but right then, even the rich scent did nothing to settle the storm brewing inside him. He swirled the wine in his hand, his mind lost in thoughts of Amelia and the DNA result he was to receive today.“Sir?” Asad called out, followed by his mute knock.“
It was finally the weekend, Amelia had planned it out. She was going to visit granny Nana's house and leave Leo there while she went house hunting.Amelia didn't want to stay at the company's accommodation, it made her uncomfortable, especially if she stayed for a long time. So, finding a house on Saturday and moving in on Sunday, would be the best thing she would do for herself this weekend.“Mom, is uncle Matt going to drive us?” Amelia smiled and shook her head, “Why would you think Uncle Matt will leave whatever he's doing to come and drive us to grandma's house? Leo, I'm working for him, not the other way round.” Leo smiled, “But mom, he always asks you what you want? Uncle Matt likes you.” “Leo!” Leo burst into laughter, “Mom, don't get so worked up on Saturday early morning, Leo is kidding.” Amelia gave him one last glance before returning to what she was doing. Once they were done, they left for the park where they got a taxi that took them to Nana's neighbourhood. Jus
“Mom!” Leo called out as he ran his way to Amelia's table, beaming with happiness.Only three things could make Leo as happy as he was. Food. Ice cream. Snacks.Amelia smiled, bundling him into a hug, his milky scent invading her nose and her smile grew wider.“You’ve gotten heavier, you must have eaten everything in that restaurant. “Amelia said, ruffling his hair.”Leo was all smiles, as he made himself comfortable on his mom's laps. “Mom, I didn't eat a lot. I only ate fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, apple pie and…”“What? You really ate all that?” Amelia's smile slightly faltered.“I took just a bite of everything uncle Matt got for you.” Amelia frowned slightly, but quickly recovered, she gave him an angry look. “Leo, what did I tell you about eating too much?”Leo pouted his lips, blinking his cute clear eyes. Something he does whenever Amelia is about to scold him.Amelia forced back her smile, “I'm asking you, Leo.”“Mom, I was really hungry.”“Leo, that's not
Brenda spun around, her face a mix of fury and desperation. “Matt, they are embarrassing me! In front of everyone!” She paused, glancing at Amelia, who pulled Leo close to her, as if shielding him from the trouble.“She's the one humiliating me, she slapped me, are you going to let that happen?” “What happened?” Matteo asked, directing his gaze at Amelia who seemed calm.After Amelia narrated what happened, not including what Brenda had told her that caused her to slap her, as she felt it wasn't necessary.“Is this what happened?” Everyone, including the waitress nodded, “Exactly sir.”Matteo sighed. “You're making a fool of yourself, Brenda.” He said coldly. “Leave now before I have the security escort you out.”“You wouldn't dare!” She hissed.“Try me,” he replied, his voice like ice.Amelia watched the exchange, feeling a mix of discomfort and pity for Brenda. Despite her hostility, it was clear she cared deeply for Matteo, even though her action was not excusable.Brenda's gaz
Matteo sat on the edge of his bed, the dim glow of the chandeliers reflecting off the glass windows. His mind replaying what he'd discovered a few hours ago. He still couldn't believe that Leo could be his son. Then again, Amelia who looked fragile and delicate turns out to be stronger than he thought. Matteo couldn't help but admire, yet feel guilty, she was betrayed and disowned by her own family, yet it didn't stop her from training and taking good care of Leo.Once the DNA result was out, one thing was sure. He was going to take care of them, even though he's going to hide the truth from Amelia for the time being.His grip tightened around his phone as he dialed Asad's number. The dial tone rang twice before Asad's deep voice answered.“Sir?”Matteo's voice was steady, but his mind was anything but calm. “Asad, I need you to run a DNA test, discreetly.”“Whose DNA are we testing?” Asad asked, though Matteo could hear the curiosity in his tone.“Mine,” he answered firmly. “And a c
Amelia studied Matteo as he tucked away his phone, his jaw tightening briefly before his usual composed expression returned. Although she had not known him long enough, she didn't fail to notice the slight shift in his demeanor. She was sure something was bothering him.“Are you sure everything is okay, sir?” She asked again, softer, careful to not pry too much.”Matteo met her gaze, his dark eyes steady but unreadable. “Yes, everything is fine. Don't worry about it.” Amelia wasn't convinced, but she nodded, knowing better than to push. Matteo wasn't the type to open up unless he wanted to and her position as his employee didn't exactly give her the privilege to ask questions.“Mom, Uncle Asad is here, can we eat now?” Leo's voice broke the tension as he tugged at Amelia's sleeve, his bright eyes darting between her and Matteo. “I'm hungry.”Amelia smiled down at him, grateful for his distraction. “Alright, let's go. Thank you sir, for offering to get us lunch, but next time, I think
Amelia shot Matteo a sharp glance and quickly looked away to face Leo, “What nonsense are you saying?” She whisper-yelled, glaring at him.Matteo didn't see that coming, he didn’t expect Leo’s blunt words. ‘What exactly is going on in that boy’s head?’ he thought, stunned yet amused.“Mom I'm not spouting nonsense, Uncle Matt really said it.”Amelia glanced at her Matteo, suspicion growing in the depth of her heart. She knew Leo very much, and he wasn't one that would joke or lie with things like this. Is her boss into her? She thought, but quickly shrugged off the thought immediately. Matteo glanced at her and shook his head, “He was arguing with Brenda that you were more beautiful than she is, I just helped him, by agreeing with him. You asked me, right Leo?” Leo slowly nodded, he didn't like the outcome, he had expected Matteo to agree that his mom was beautiful, but rather he said he was helping him. Maybe he had misunderstood the reason he was looking at his mother, he thought.
Brenda frowned slightly but quickly switched to a sweet smile. “Oh come on, Matt, don’t act like you don’t want me here.” she said, stepping closer towards Matteo. Upon her closeness, Leo suddenly closed his nose and squeezed his face in discomfort. Matteo caught his attitude and glanced at him, “Are you okay, Leo?”“I’m sorry uncle Matt, but this auntie’s cologne makes me want to puke.” Matteo glanced at Brenda, and looked away. Looking at Leo’s innocent yet straight face, he didn’t know whether to laugh or feel bad for Brenda.Uncle? Brenda sniffled her cloth, but felt nothing wrong, then what was this kid talking about? She could have scolded or even yelled at him, but she couldn’t afford to do that in front of Matteo, not when he called him uncle. Scolding him in front of Matte might leave a bad impression on her.Brenda forced out a smile, “Honey, do you know what you're saying, you know it's not nice to say bad things to pretty aunties..” She said, stretching her to grab Leo
The next morning, Amelia was fully dressed as well as Leo. Before coming to the city she had already planned out to stay over at her Grandmother's place, so when going to work she'll leave Leo with her. But then, Mr. Lior had tampered with her plans.Where was she going to keep Leo while she reports to the company for work? “Mom, what are you worried about? Are you worried about me? Don't worry, I will be a good boy and stay with you at the office.”Amelia glanced at her little boy and smiled. He seemed so small, yet had the understanding that was above his age. She could take Leo with her, but then she didn't want to raise questions about her, especially since she's a single mother. Amelia didn't want to hurl gossip or attach a bad name to the company, so therefore she didn't want to take Leo with her.She was still contemplating, when she heard the sound of the door bell, before she could reach for it, Leo had already gone for it. Upon opening the door was standing Matteo’s imposin