Romance With The CEO

Chapter32: Started 1

In the dim light of the bedside lamp, Lucas blinked his eyes. Awareness returned, and he came back to reality. It was a pleasant realization to wake up and find himself still with Velia.

Lucas let out a long breath and slowly untangled himself from Velia's embrace. He carefully tried not to wake her prematurely.

Velia looked peaceful and tired as she lay on his chest, holding him close. Lucas had to struggle to free himself from the intimate entanglement. He also wanted to avoid waking Velia before the right time.

Velia was exhausted. Her serene face in deep sleep showed signs of weariness.

Lucas planted a gentle kiss on Velia's forehead as a gesture of apology. Then, he slid out of bed, leaving Velia covered with the blanket, and reached for his phone on the nightstand.

Instead of rushing, Lucas checked a couple of things first. There were emails and messages waiting for him. He quickly read through them before replying.

After putting his phone back in its place, next to Velia's phone, Lucas paused and realized something. They had not exchanged numbers.

Should I do it?

Lucas picked up Velia's phone and considered it. He pondered briefly before making a firm decision.

Of course.

*

Ricardo came in looking disheveled. Days passed with anxiety gripping him. He could not enjoy meals or sleep. Panic consumed his thoughts, thanks to Sandra's threat.

Calm down. At least, there's something good here. Even though Velia doesn't know where she lives now, the important thing is that she will return to work.

Ricardo acted quickly. Being familiar with Sandra's character, he did not want to take any risks. At least two plans were already forming in his mind.

First, Ricardo could take advantage of Velia's living environment. Knowing her address was a big step that could provide Ricardo with many options. He could plan various scenarios, including a robbery.

Second, Ricardo could exploit the tower construction project. Work accidents were common occurrences.

Unfortunately, it seemed that Ricardo now only had one definite plan. Honestly, it was not a pleasant situation. He could not feel at ease without a backup plan. Past failures made him reluctant to take risks again.

It's okay. Everything will go smoothly. Boy can handle everything.

The ringing of his phone startled Ricardo. Howard's call made his eyes widen instantly.

"Hello, Mr. Davis," Ricardo greeted hastily. "How's it going? Any good news for me today?"

Ricardo held his breath and listened attentively to every word Howard said. Then he let out a long exhale.

"The summons letter has been sent to the respective email address. Tell her to check it, and she can start working again on Monday."

An indescribable relief surged through Ricardo's chest. He repeatedly expressed his gratitude before ending the call.

Ricardo stood up and went outside, giving instructions to his deputy, who happened to be engrossed behind a computer.

"Vonda, call Mecca. Tell her to come see me right away."

In less than ten minutes, Mecca was sitting in front of Ricardo. She waited, observing Ricardo's beaming expression.

"So, here's the thing."

Ricardo rubbed his hands together. He smiled, but strangely, it did not make Mecca feel at ease. Ricardo's smile seemed to imply the opposite.

"I have good news. The HR department has processed Velia's recall. The email has been sent, and she can start working again on Monday."

Dismiss any uncomfortable feelings that hold Mecca's thoughts hostage. The news delivered by Ricardo left her in disbelief.

"I-Is that true, Sir?"

Ricardo nodded. "Of course, it's true. Have I ever lied to you before? Oh, of course not. So, you better contact Velia now. Tell her to check her email and get ready to return to work."

"Alright, Sir," Mecca nodded repeatedly. "Thank you for your assistance."

Ricardo puffed up his chest like a hero. He smiled proudly and nodded with authority.

"Of course."

Ricardo smiled meaningfully and watched Mecca leave, feeling lighter than before.

Soon. I just need to wait a little longer.

Back at her desk, Mecca did not immediately resume her unfinished work. Instead, she quickly contacted Velia. She could not wait to deliver the news.

The call connected, but something was off. The voice of an operator was heard briefly before the line disconnected.

Mecca ended the call and immediately redialed. Unfortunately, the operator's voice was heard again.

"How strange," Mecca whispered, ending the call for the umpteenth time. "It's not like Velia's phone to be inactive. Is something happening to her?"

Mecca hoped her ominous thoughts would not come true. If it had to do with the man currently involved with Velia, there was nothing she could do. She could only take a deep breath and calm herself.

I'll try calling her again later.

*

There was something wrong with Velia's phone. The screen was dark, indicating it was inactive. No matter how hard she pressed the power button, it was useless-it just would not turn on.

"Hmm, that's strange."

Lucas emerged from the dressing room. He looked sharp in the outfit Velia had chosen for him that morning.

"What's wrong?"

Velia jumped, startled by Lucas' sudden presence and the gentle gust of his kiss on her temple. Nevertheless, she replied.

"My phone, Luc. It won't turn on. I charged it last night, but this morning it suddenly won't start."

Lucas glanced at the phone in Velia's hand. "Is it broken? Hmm, I just wanted you to save my number."

"You're right," Velia muttered, feeling flustered. Her concern about the phone was distracted by something more important. "I haven't saved your number yet."

"If you're going back to work later, I'm sure you'll have to contact me once or twice."

Velia understood the implied meaning clearly. She nodded. It was only right for her to keep Lucas informed.

"I know, but what do I do now?" Velia asked, showing him her phone. "I can't even turn it on."

Lucas took Velia's phone from her. "Forget about this. It's better for you to get a new one. Do you mind waiting until this evening? I'm sure Vlora knows the preferences of women these days."

"I don't think I need to buy a new one. Actually, this phone is still good."

"If your phone is still good, it wouldn't be in this state."

Velia felt uneasy, but what Lucas said made sense.

"It seems you're right."

"Of course," Lucas added with a slight smile. "So, what's our breakfast plan today?"

Breakfast went as usual. Enjoyable and pleasant. Two perfect ingredients for Lucas's departure at nine in the morning.

*