Chapter 14
Alia POV
Everyone is about to go on vacation to Bellavista Manor, with colleagues huddled together in excitement.
I bet 500 euros that CEO Marco won’t participate in this event, says Paul from the accounting department, sl the cash on the table.
“Alia!” Tina spotted me and waved me over. “You work closest to the boss. What do you think? Will Mr. Vittorio be coming to Bellavista Manor?
I nearly choked on my coffee. “I, uh, wouldn’t know his schedule.”
“Come on,” she pressed. “You must have some insider knowledge. You’re his assistant!”
“Assistant intern,” I corrected. “And honestly, he doesn’t share his personal plans with me.”
“Well, you have to place a bet,” Paolo insisted, pushing the betting sheet toward me. “Everyone’s doing it. Five hundred euros minimum.”
My eyes widened. Five hundred euros was nearly half my month’s rent. But refusing would only draw more attention, and the last thing I needed was for my colleagues to suspect my relationship with Marco.
“Fine,” I sighed, reluctantly writing my name down. “I bet he… won’t attend.”
As I walked back to my desk, I silently cursed myself. I had no idea if Marco planned to attend, and I’d just gambled away money I couldn’t afford to lose.
That evening, my phone rang as I was browsing recipes for dinner. Marco’s name flashed on the screen, sending my heart into an embarrassing flutter.
‘I’m back in Portano,” he said without preamble, his deep voice warming me from the inside. “I’ll be home in an hour.”
“I’ll make dinner,” I offered, already mentally scanning the empty refrigerator. “But I need to go shopping first.”
‘No need. I’ll bring something.”
Before I could respond, he hung up the phone. I quickly rushed into the shower, taking the opportunity to freshen up before he returns home. Forty–five minutes later, I heard the apartment door open, Marco walked in carrying several bags from an upscale market and–surprisingly–a beach tote with sunscreen and a wide–brimmed hat peeking out.
“Planning a beach day?” I asked, eyeing the summer items.
“Just being prepared, he replied cryptically, setting the groceries on the counter.
We moved around the kitchen in comfortable silence, me chopping vegetables while Marco expertly prepared fresh pasta. The domesticity of it all felt surreal–this man in my kitchen, sleeves rolled up, making dinner as if we’d been married for years Instead of weeks.
Over dinner, I gathered my courage. “So… are you going to the company retreat at Bellavista Estate?”
Marco’s expression remained impassive as he sipped his wine. “Those company functions don’t interest me.”
I suddenly fella title happy inside–not because Marco wouldn’t be attending the event, but for my five hundred euros.
“Besides, he continued, “I go to Bellavista frequently.”
i froze, fork halfway to my mouth. “You go there often?”
Something flickered across his face–the realization he’d said too much.
1:05 AM
Chapter 14
“Why? Do you want me to go to Bellavista?” he asked, his voice gentler than usual.
I was hoping my bank account wouldn’t be five hundred euros lighter, I thought. But I couldn’t tell him about the betting poo.
“It would be nice,” I said instead, focusing intently on twirling pasta around my fork. “But I understand if you’re busy.”
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Marco studied me with those piercing eyes that always made me feel like he could see right through me. Finally, he nodded slightly and returned to his meal, the subject apparently closed.
The next morning, I woke to an empty bed and the sound of Marco’s voice drifting in from the balcony. I padded quietly to the doorway, where I could see him taking call after call.
He was already dressed in white silk casual wear that somehow made him look both relaxed and untouchable. The morning light caught his profile, highlighting the aristocratic lines of his face.
