The Boy From 13 Years Ago
Serene’s POV
I still remember Alex’s face when he left me in the living room. I was amused by his frustrated expression, but I refrained from laughing at him lest he perceive me in that light. For now, I want him to think that we are not yet close to each other and show him that side of me. I want to know him well, too, as much as possible, just as my grandparents wanted. It was three days ago, and until now, he has given me cold shoulders.
I plan to have a child with him, and I will do everything in my power to make that happen. For the time being, I am focusing on understanding his character. Although I liked him the first time I saw him, that doesn’t mean I like him entirely as a man, either. He was domineering, and I could tell he was very responsible with one look.
After Patt handed me the investigation report about him, I admired him for being at the top of the food chain at such a young age. We are rich, but compared to him, well, I am at 1/4 of his wealth, I think. He owns almost everything in Crunich, and I think the attorney who will validate my claims on my inheritance will be speechless.
He started taking over their family business even before he graduated from college. It was unknown to others, but Patt thought that way. He said that judging by how he runs his company now, it was precisely how the McGregor Group has run for the past ten years. I believe him, though. When it comes to business, Patt is outstanding. He did not choose to be in that environment because he chose to stay with me rather than be in that environment.
“Hello,” I answered.
“Boss,” It was Enzo. I asked him to look after Alex 13 years ago in Josna because of what he asked me that day, and I didn’t get the chance to answer. “He was indeed there, and you wouldn’t believe what I had found out,” he said. I got a little worried about what he said. Am I wrong in choosing him as my husband? Before I could even think of another thing, he continued.
“He was there when we were there as well.” Did Alex know me from then on? “Before your mind travels to all the possibilities of him not being good, let me finish,” Enzo said.
“Then you better continue and don’t stop unless you’re done with your report,” I yelled at him, and I heard him chuckle. It’s one thing I hate about myself: They can make fun of me whenever they want, and I don’t have the heart to get mad at them.
“Remember the group of pickpocketers you deal with in Josna? He was the boy who ran after them only to get beaten,” he laughed.
“Didn’t he remember me from then?” I asked curiously. I don’t remember him because I never paid attention to him. All my senses were in those five thugs, which I had learned from my training.
“He was badly beaten, boss. His eyes were almost closed, so I’m pretty sure he had no idea about who you are,” he replied.
I remarked, “Well, I suppose he was such a moron to fight those worthless scumbags when all he could do was dodge.”
“Well, if you ask me, he was pretty good. He was even a gentleman when he asked you to call for help instead while trying to buy you some time.” He reminded me. I wanted to laugh at him that time for being so stupid in telling the thugs about his plan, but I thought for a moment that he may have been trying to make them run away to save me, just as Patt had told me.
“OK, thank you for the information,” I said, and we ended our call. Now, I have gotten to know him more. He had a good heart for the older woman, so he didn’t use people for his convenience.
We went to Josna at that time because Grandma’s friend lived there, and he was the one who would be training me. That incident with Alex was the fifth month since I arrived, and I had been under intense training. Patt and Enzo were with me because we trained together. They were the ones who saw that incident and decided to put my training into motion.
I was back to myself when we ended our call and looked into the files on the center table. I still have a lot of things to do in preparation for my appearance at the company. I had already asked Patt to bring mine and Alex’s marriage certificate to the attorney holding on to my mother’s will. He granted me my rights to the 57% shares of Serendipity Jewelry and handed Patt the certificate. I am currently in the process of finalizing my plan.
I took another folder and started reading it. I had to be prepared when I faced the board and Lorenzo. I wanted to see the look on his face once he found out about me being the majority shareholder and him having nothing at all. I wonder how Daisy and Mavie would react.
Making Lorenzo pay for his infidelity and betrayal is my top priority. He thought he had made me suffer by sending me to my grandparents. But what he didn’t know was that I grew stronger and smarter.
Having Alex as my husband made me even more potent with his wealth and fame. He was well-known in the country, and I felt stupid for not recognizing him the first time I saw him. Even if he has not been talking to me these past three days, I know and can feel that he has his eyes on me. I decided to get back to work when my phone rang again.
“What?”
“How did you get married?” Lorenzo inquired, and I could already see smoke coming from his nose. He must have had some good sources since he got my number. “I have set you up with blind dates, and you said you didn’t want to and seduced Ryan instead. Since you can’t have him because he likes Mavie, did you take someone I didn’t know? You have no respect for me!” he added.
“Who the hell are you to tell me what to do?” I asked, smirking. Even if he didn’t see that, I could tell he was furious. Before he could say anything, I decided to end the call. He is not worthy of my time since his bastard and mistress are the only important people in his life.
Does he have the guts to go and see the attorney? I was thankful that Atty. Lu was very strict and fair. I can see that he was loyal to my mother and meticulous with the will’s conditions. But Lorenzo was something. He got what he wanted, and the only thing that the old attorney could do was busy himself making excuses not to see him.
I decided to leave the penthouse and go to my flat. I didn’t want to look like a devoted wife waiting for my husband to come home from work. I picked up my phone and called Patt.
“Call Alex and tell him that I am going to leave.”
“OK, boss. But why don’t you call him?”
“I don’t have his number. He asked for an appointment with you for our dinner, right? So you must have his or her assistant’s phone number. Either way, ensure he knows I leave the house.”
“Where are you going? I’m sure that he is going to ask that,” he replied.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.
“In my flat,” I said and ended the call. I got up from the bed and got dressed. I was wearing my usual slacks and long-sleeved blouse, matching my stiletto. This is the only attire that I think fits me perfectly, being a mafia leader and a businesswoman. Though I am less confident with the latter, I still own 57% of Serendipity Jewelry.
I grabbed my purse and phone from the bed and left the bedroom. I noticed a message from Enzo, so I read it, and my face dimmed and hardened. Because of so much fury, I didn’t see Alex in front of me when I was on my way to the elevator. If he had not stopped me from the wrist, I wouldn’t know that he had been calling me.
“Don’t leave if you’re going to be like that,” he said.
“Like what?” I asked emotionlessly.
“Like all you’re seeing is red,” he answered. Damn, he is really good. How come he knew me already in our very short time together? “I had been calling you out, but you didn’t hear or notice me.”
“I was just thinking about something. I’ve got to go.” I said that and turned my back to him, but he pulled me instead of letting my hand go. “What?”
“Calm yourself before you leave. You look like you’re about to kill someone,” he said. I was stunned. Can he read minds? Or is it showing on my face? “Are you going to kill someone?” he asked. Of course, I couldn’t tell him that, so I smiled. I think I tried to make it my sweetest so he wouldn’t think that I was lying.
“Of course not. Enzo did something, so I had to reprimand him.” He looked at me, and for a moment, I thought he wouldn’t let go.
“Alright, but before that, give me your phone,” he said, and I didn’t know what he was up to. Still, I gave him my phone after I unlocked it. He dialed a number and heard his phone ring. He took his phone out of his pocket and ended the call before he called mine. “Now you can call me directly if you need to say something; there is no need to get through our assistants.”
“OK,” I replied, so we could end our conversation and I could leave. I took my phone and left. I was in the elevator, and he was still standing where I left him, looking at me. I don’t know what he was thinking, but I wish he wouldn’t think about what I want to do now.