LUCY POV
3 years back (NYC)
"Yes , yes sir . I'll look into the documents". Shit!! I want to kill that idiot.
Argh.. seriously though , can't they take their job seriously? Or is he doing it on purpose? Whatever, let's just get over with it.
Mr.Charles Smith, our financial manager, messed up again and I have to clean it up again. Why can't they just fire him? Right, fucking connections.
I huffed and pressed the accelerator hard as there were no vehicles on the road , not even one. Weird. I shrugged it off and continued driving.
It was 3pm , and the temperature was at its peak. As I was nearing the circle, I saw a huge truck in front of me crash into a car that was coming from the other side.
I pressed the breaks hard, causing my head to slam against the steering. My heartbeat increased as I witnessed the scene in front of me.
Suddenly, the truck started moving again, coming towards me at high speed along with the car stuck to it.
What the… why the hell did that truck start moving again? I started to panic. My hands are shaking, I can't even think properly.
Before I could reach the car door, the truck slammed into the car, making my airbags open. The truck didn't stop until my car ran over the divider.
I was barely conscious when I heard the conversation.
Voice 1: "Do you think that they are dead?"
My eyes widened. Please don't let anyone die. Please God, please.
Voice 2: "Of course they have to be "
Oh God.. This is a murder.
Voice 1: "Should we go and check?"
Voice 2: " hello? Yes sir ,our task is completed. B-But s-sir.. there is also another car that is involved"
…..
Voice 2: " y-yes sir we crashed it too"
…..
Voice 2: "S-Sorry sir, it will n-not happen again"
Again? They killed people and are planning to kill again?
Voice 1: " what did he say? Should we go and check?
Voice 2: " no need.. even if they are not dead, they are going to die soon."
Voice 1: " What do you mean?"
Voice 2: "Mr.Moretti said to leave this place as soon as possible. The car is going to blast at any minute. "
That is the last thing I heard before I lost consciousness and a week later, I woke up in a hospital bed.
I thought I was dreaming at first, but the pain in my head felt too real.
Sam was there. He is my colleague and Mr. Smith's assistant, I was actually going to meet him before the accident.
******
" Are you sure that it isn't your imagination?" Sam asked, passing me a water bottle.
I gave him a nasty glare. I'm grateful that Sam and his sister Rachel, who is a doctor in this hospital, took care of me. But he does not believe a word I said.
I'm clearly telling him that there was a truck that caused the accident, but no, he is telling me a different story.
''Then how the hell am I here? Huh? What happened to me? Why is my right hand broken? Did I magically get hurt?'' I asked him angrily, raising my eyebrows.
He signed. ''According to Rachel and everyone, you, along with the two kids, were indeed involved in a accident. But it wasn't a truck, a drunk man who was driving a car, hit you. He died on the spot, but his kids are okay. They got some broken bones and a concussion. Nothing serious.''
''Was there a blast?''
He nodded. ''One car did explode at first, but they couldn't tell which one, since it also caused another car to explode. Police assumed it was due to a puncture in the gas tank. Someone pulled you guys out before it happened.''
He also said that it was a miracle that someone was out there in that direction as that road was closed due to some construction.
Weird, I didn't notice any construction work.
''B‐But I saw it with my own eyes Sam, please believe me'' I said, whimpering.
''Shh… it's probably concussion. It's okay, you are okay. That's what matters'' He said, pulling me into a hug. I cried dejectedly, knowing that no one was going to believe me.
*******
"Um.. so what's your name?" I asked the younger one.
I wanted to see if they were okay. It must have been hard on them. They are so small.
''Wilam'' He said with a cute voice melting my heart.
''William?'' I asked clearly, to which he nodded his head. He has my father's name.
''How old are you?''
''Four'' Said his brother, who had just entered the room along with the nurse.
''Willy! Don't talk to strangers'' he scolded his younger brother.
William nodded his head frantically and went with the nurse for a checkup.
''Chill, I was just having a conversation'' I said, not knowing what to say.
He scoffed. Woah, he has some attitude problems.
In the next few days, while we were still in the hospital, recovering, I learned that his name was Jason, 6yr old.
Vicky ( William) and I got close, while Jay is still grumpy with me. One day, members from an adoption center came to take Vicky and Jay, on the day of their discharge.
''Nooooo, leave me!! I will stay with Lucy'' Vicky started screaming and crying when they tried to take them. He ran and hid behind me, clutching my legs.
Jay got teary-eyed looking at his brother.
''Sweety, you can trust us. We are going to take good care of you guys until someone adopts you. Now, please come with us'' the lady said, holding Jay by his arm tightly.
I can see that the grip was too tight for a kid.
''HEY! Leave that kid!'' I snapped at her loudly, making her flinch and loosen her grip.
I motioned Jay to come here and, for the first time since we met, he listened to me.
''Can't you see that you were holding him too hard?'' I asked her, showing Jay's hand, which is bruised now.
''I-I apologize, I didn't notice''
''I'm sure you didn't '' I snapped sarcastically, making her red with anger.
''Well! It's not like we have a choice. Their mom died years ago, now their junkie father who abused them is also dead. He was involved in gangs. They have no relatives, no friends, nada!.They have to come with us until someone decides to adopt them. If they are lucky, they can both go to the same family!'' She snapped back, still flustered.
If they are lucky? And were they abused? Since I started spending time with them, I got to know that Vicky and Jay can't live without each other. Their bond is strong.
Jay made me move their beds close, saying it would be difficult to protect Vicky when they sleep too far. I thought it was because of the accident but never imagined that they were abused.
Accident. It's still a mystery. Someone tried to kill them and they are still out there. And whoever this Moretti is, he is powerful enough to change the whole story. They are not safe out there.
''I'll adopt them both'' I said, making everyone snap their heads towards me.
Present (Rome, Italy)
It took a year for Vicky to call me momma and it was six months since Jay started to call me mom. It was a beautiful moment though.
I always wanted to go to Italy. So when I got a chance to come here, I thought why not settle in and we could be far away from, whoever this Mr.Moretti is. But did I do the right thing?
The clicking sound of the door pulled me from my little reunion with the past. I quickly ran and hid behind the desk. I took a peek and saw the woman from earlier looking at me with a weird expression. I signalled her to keep quiet and she nodded.
Soon, Mr. Orlando came out with two men in black suits along with his secretary.
One is a brunette with electric green eyes, talking with Mr. Orlando and the other one is also a brunette with chocolate brown eyes flirting with the secretary. Wow, they are hot. They look alike, maybe brothers. They shook hands and the two 'men in black' suits entered the elevator.
After Mr. Orlando and his secretary went into the office. I slowly came out.
Sigh.
"Mam, should I inform Mr. Orlando about your arrival?" Asked the woman.
"Huh? No. It's OK" I said and went near the window which was made of glass and saw one of them getting into the car and the other green-eyed one was busy with his phone. Before he got into his car, he looked up, locking his eyes with my own.
LUCY"So you came all the way from New York to just quit?" Nat asked, raising her right eyebrow. Oh, how I wish I could do it.We are currently in my room. I'm unpacking my clothes and Nat is sitting on my bed and eating my chips. I too want to eat, but If I start eating chips, I can't stop and I have so much unpacking to do.So, back to her question, yes, I resigned.After my little staring contest with the Electric green eyes guy, I realized that he couldn't see me and he was just looking at the building before he took off.I mailed my registration to my boss after I got home. Though I got an earful of scoldings, he respected my decision and, since I'd not officially started working here, it was easy."Yes, now tell me, do you know anything about Moretti's?" I asked while arranging my closet.Nat started choking hard. I immediately went to the kitchen and brought water for her."Are you OK?" I asked, sitting beside her."W-Why are you asking about them?" She asked while placing my c
LUCYIt's been three weeks since I started working at 'GG'. Let me tell you, this isn't a normal working place, atleast my floor.Sometimes, I feel like I'm in a freaking library. This place doesn't need a room spray, different types of perfumes and deodorants will always linger in the air suffocating me.All you can hear is the clicking sound of the mouse, keyboard and, of course, heels. Don't even get started with gossip.What type of office doesn't have gossip? I hoped that I could learn more about Moretti's here, you know, since they are GG's rival and all, but no, other than how hot our CEO is and how he occasionally 'screws' his assistant, you cant hear any other. That, too, only in washrooms.''Take these files to Mr. Ganovese, make sure he signed and submit them to the secretary's department" Mr. Agosti, my boss said, handing me some files.''Yes sir''.''You can call me 'Rocco' when we are alone, Lucy". He said, giving one of his charming smiles for the nth time.Rocco Agosti
LUCY ''I-I'm.. uh. I'm so-" No wait! Why the hell am I trying to apologize? He deserves it! "Umm.. y-you shouldn't do that!! It's inappropriate. Don't ever ki-kiss anyone without their consent'' I said and ran away for the second time.This time I used that private elevator because, for one, no one could see my flustered face and two, I may never get this chance again. This time I know I'm going to get fired. I groaned and stomped my foot.I went directly to Mr. Agosti's office and took leave, saying that I'd complete my work at home. He agreed as it's just 3hrs and tomorrow is Saturday.I packed all my stuff and kept it in the corner of my desk. Well, if I'm going to get fired, at least I should be prepared. Right?I took my phone and messaged Lia.Me : I'm going home. I'll explain everything later. Do you remember the school timing? Pick up Vicky and Jay on your way home. Tomorrow I'll tell Gemma to prepare your favorite Chicken Casserole.😁Nat : And don't forget to buy a choco c
LUCYI stood there without blinking. I saw someone sitting at my desk.What is he doing? I know I'm getting fired but he should have called me to his cabin to tell him that instead of here, in front of everyone.I cleared my throat. ''Sir?''He snapped out of whatever he was thinking and stood up.''Oh hey Lucy, I actually came to tell you to pack your things, but it seems like you have already ..'' Mr. Agosti trailed off, glancing at my things, which were perfectly packed.I gave him an awkward smile. What should I say? That I already expected this? My nose started to itch, indicating that my eyes were going to sting.I pinched the tip of my nose before it was too late. Gosh, what's wrong with me? Why am I so disappointed? What did I expect? That I finally got a chance to experience all the lovey-dovey stuff? It's just a kiss! Not a big deal!''I just uh.. expected this would happen sir. Should I just take my things and go or? Are there any formalities?''''No, no. I'll call someone
LUCY''Umm.. You there?'' I asked, waving my hand in front of her face.She blinked a few times before composing herself.''Why do you want to know about them? Is it because they are your company's rivals?''''No, it has nothing to do with the company, it's more complicated. Actually, why don't you have my number? It's too late now, give me a call when you are free!'' I said, giving her my card.She looked hesitant, but took it with a nod.''Thanks for the ride Lucy''''No problem''....''Who do you think is best?'' Mr. Hottie asked, placing some pictures on his desk.''We need to select one of them for our new product, I'm counting on you.'' He went back to signing his files after pushing them towards me.I sat in front of him and went through the pictures. There are some new and some are top models.After going through their social media accounts and some websites, I selected a new model. She is 5.8ft tall, blonde and has light green eyes.Her name is Elvira D'Oro and I think sh
LUCY''What's your name again?''I'm starting to despise elevators.''Lucy Vitale'' I said, giving her a forced smile.She didn't even look my way or atleast nod her head. She is so engrossed in her mobile.''Okay Lucy, you can go. I'll manage from here.'' She said as we stepped out.''Um, I'm actually joining you guys for lunch.'' This is getting awkward.''Oh'' she cleared her throat and continued. '' Can you not join us? I want to talk to him privately ''The nerve of this girl! Uff!''I can't do that, Ms. D'Oro. I wouldn't have joined if he hadn't asked me to and your manager should have mentioned the word privately when he asked me'' I said, smiling at her sweetly.''Take your seat Ms. D'Oro, I'll be back in a minute '' I said to her when we reached the dining hall and went out.I don't want to be alone in the same room as her. I might smack her because of my insecurity.What's wrong with me?I saw Mr. Hottie came out of his private elevator and went near him.''Ms. D'Oro is insi
LUCYAfter speaking with Ria last night, we decided to meet for lunch today.So here I am at a restaurant near my office waiting for her, but she is late.My break time is almost over and I don't know if I want to wait any longer. Because I just took the afternoon off yesterday because of Sam and I didn't want to irk Mr.Hottie.Speaking of Hottie, he looked extra hot today.I sighed, dreamily remembering him.As I was about to get up, I spotted Ria coming towards me.''sorry I'm late'' She apologized and sat in front of me.Okay, now should I tell her that I want to go? She looks like she ran a marathon to get here though.''It's OK, but my break is over, Ria. I'm afraid I can't talk to you right now.'' I said, looking at my watch.I'm already 10mins late.''O-Oh'' she looked like a sad puppy when she said that.I don't know what to do right now. Wasn't it me who asked for her help? I know that it's her fault that she came late, but since I need her.. I'm going to take an off, officia
ALEX''I'm going to invite Lucy and Nat to my birthday party''''Don't you fucking dare Sam'' Monica said, glaring at her.Here we go again!''Why the fuck you are so against it, Monica?'' Sam asked, glaring back.''Yeah, why?'' I kicked Rocco's leg when he asked that.One thing I got to know from years of friendship is that, never, I repeat, never get in the middle of a girl's argument.Thankfully, they are both busy glaring at each other to notice us.We do this shit twice or thrice a month according to our schedules. This time it's my place. I live in a separate house, apart from my family.When I say family, it means the whole family.My grandmother died before I was born, so it's just my grandpa Adriano, his first son, a.k.a my father Gilbert, his second son Gino, my uncle and his wife Melissa, along with their daughter Karina, that's our grandma's name, live in our family house, but I moved out as soon as I joined college.His third and precious child, my aunt Giada and her husb