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Chapter 9

Author: Tee Growrich
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-11 16:47:06

Eloise’s POV

I woke up to the buzz of my phone vibrating on the nightstand. Groaning, I reached for it, squinting at the bright screen.

"Dear Miss Carter, we are pleased to inform you that you have been selected for the position of Executive Secretary at Prestige Global. Welcome to the team!"

I blinked, reading the message twice. I got the job. I actually got the job.

My emotions teetered between surprise and anxiety. How was I supposed to feel about this? Relief? Dread? A combination of both? Before I could fully process it, a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.

“Morning, sunshine!” Mom chirped as she walked in uninvited, as usual.

“I see you’re already up,” she added, smiling brightly as she leaned against the doorframe.

“Morning, Mom,” I mumbled, sitting up and running a hand through my messy hair.

She strolled in like she owned the place, well, actually she doesn't own the place, sitting on the edge of my bed. “Ready for the big talk today?”

I hesitated, unsure how to broach the topic of Dino. Finally, I said, “Mom, Prestige Global… it’s owned by Dino. Dino Alessandro.”

She paused, her brows knitting together in thought, as though she were putting the pieces together. After a moment, she let out a soft, surprised laugh. “Wow, what a coincidence. I didn’t even think about that.”

I waited for a reaction, any reaction. Would she be Confused? But she just looked… amused.

“So?” she continued, brushing it off as if it were no big deal. “How was it? You weren’t in the best mood yesterday. Did he not offer you the job?”

I sighed, debating how much to tell her. “That’s not it, Mom.” I held up my phone, showing her the message. “I got the job. I guess I was just tired yesterday… that’s all.”

It wasn’t a total lie, but it wasn’t the whole truth either. Telling her Dino was my high school bully wouldn’t help anyone. It would only complicate her relationship with Mr. Alessandro, and I didn’t want to ruin that.

Her face lit up with a smile so wide it could have brightened the entire room. “Congratulations, sweetheart! I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I replied weakly, my stomach twisting in knots.

She patted my hand. “I’m sure you and Dino will get along just fine. He’s matured both in and out. You’ll see.”

I didn’t have the heart to tell her how wrong she might be.

After Mom left, I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the floor. My phone buzzed again this time, it was Jessica calling.

“Hey, Jess,” I answered, my voice low.

“Eloise!” she exclaimed. “How are you feeling? Any news?”

I hesitated before answering. “Yeah, I got the Job.”

Her gasp was so loud I had to pull the phone away from my ear. “You’re kidding! That’s amazing! Wait… what’s wrong? You don’t sound happy.”

“Because I’m not sure how to feel about it,” I admitted, pacing the room. “I’m going to be working for Dino. He’s the CEO, Jess.”

Jessica’s silence was deafening. Then she said, “Okay, wow... I know. That’s… awkward.”

“Awkward doesn’t even begin to cover it,” I muttered.

“Listen,” she said firmly. “You’ve worked hard for this. Don’t let Dino or anyone else ruin it for you. Go in there, do your job, and show him you’re not the girl he used to mess with.”

Her pep talk eased my nerves a little, but not by much. “I don't know, Jess. I’ll need more time.”

“Well, take your time, but that position won’t wait forever,” she replied matter of fact.

“I know,” I said, sighing deeply. “I just need to clear my head. Maybe I’ll take a walk or something.”

“Good idea. You’re overthinking it again. Just breathe, Eloise. And remember, you earned this job.”

I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “Thanks, Jess. Talk later.”

“Later,” she said, and the call ended.

I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the message from Prestige Global. The words “Welcome to the team” felt more like a warning than a celebration. Working for Dino Alessandro wasn’t just a job, it was a confrontation with my past.

Sighing, I tossed the phone onto my bedside table and stretched my legs. I needed a distraction, something to clear my head.

Making my way downstairs, I plopped onto the couch and flipped through the channels. After a few minutes, I landed on a classic 'The Godfather'.

Perfect. The slow burning tension, complex family drama, and betrayals always held me captive. I wasn’t sure if it was the story or just the idea of power and redemption that drew me to it.

Just as Michael Corleone was making his next big move, Mom came down the stairs, heels clicking against the wood. She was dressed in a chic blue wrap dress, her hair and makeup flawless.

“I’m heading out to meet Alessandro,” she said, checking her bag.

I tensed slightly at the name but kept my eyes on the screen. “Meeting him where?”

“At the gallery downtown. He wants to show me some art collection he’s thinking of purchasing.”

Of course. Alessandro seemed like the type to invest in fine art. “You two... enjoy your day,” I said, keeping my tone neutral.

She smiled, her cheeks faintly pink. “Thank you, Eloise. so thoughtful. I just like spending time with him.”

I glanced at her and saw the hopeful sparkle in her eyes. She deserved happiness, and if Alessandro gave her that, who was I to complain?

“Wanna come along?” she asked, adjusting her necklace. “It could be fun. And a good way to distract yourself from whatever’s bothering you.”

“No, I’m good,” I said, waving her off. I was fully invested in The Godfather, and honestly, the thought of being around Alessandro and his family right now felt overwhelming.

“Alright, suit yourself.” She leaned down to kiss my forehead. “Don’t stay cooped up all day.”

As the door clicked shut, I sank deeper into the couch, letting the movie pull me into its world.

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