MARIBELLA

"Meeting Adjourned," I announced as I stood up as I get all my things.

I went back to my office as I placed all my stuff at my office desk. I sat down at my swivel chair and opened my laptop to see my full schedule for today. It's been my habit ever since because I'm not very dependent on my secretary as well. I take things too personally. I'd like to do everything on my own.

I became too busy and ran some errands for my baby girl's first day. I talked to some of my heads here who's going to assign and to look for Abriana when she arrives here. I don't want to give her a higher position yet. I want to give her alight. So, she won't feel overwhelmed if ever. I'll just make sure that they will take care of her.

"Madame, you have a business proposal with the head of marketing at Well Corporation around lunchtime." My secretary informed me about the meeting as she went inside, looking at the tablet that she was holding, "Where place do you prefer to talk about it?" She asked politely with so much respect in her voice.

I closed my laptop and took a glance at her as I told her my answer, "What about the Japanese restaurant?" I suddenly crave for their sushi. I wonder if Abariana's enjoying their trip at the moment.

"Right away, Madame, I'll make a reservation." She gave me a small smile as she bowed a little and left.

I suddenly leaned against my swivel chair and let out a big sigh. I blow away some of my hair strands, which were blocking my eyesight. I looked at my phone, and the lunch dinner was coming. I decided to go to the comfort room here in my office as I retouched my make-up so I could face them more professionally. It wasn't too much, but it was fierce enough.

I stayed at my office until the afternoon came, I decided to go as I stood up and get my Louis Vuitton bag which was the latest from their collection this month, I was lucky enough that they send me some, and I'd appreciated it because it was all fabulous and elegant looking. Just right for my corporate attires every day.

I walked out of my office with so much pride in my poise. I saw my secretary, and she was busy when she suddenly looked at me, she quickly stood up from her swivel chair as she bowed a little. I chuckled because of her shyness. That's one of the reasons why I'm still keeping her for all these years. She's so pure and genuine as a person.

"I'll go now first." I said, "It's okay if they're not already there I'll just wait for whoever their representative is," I informed her as she quickly nodded as her response.

"Copy, Madame! Take care!" She replied shyly, still looking down on her feet. I just sighed as I took off.

It only took me a minute to arrived at the restaurant, and I was glad that there are no many people here. I told the receptionist about the reservation that my secretary did, and I don't need to do it, because they practically already knew about me because I often come here but then, it's still for my formality.

The woman guided me to my seat, and I didn't see anyone as I expected because I'm early for the time that my secretary has said earlier. While I was waiting, I decided to order for both of us since I'm already starving, I almost forgot that I didn't breakfast in the early morning, just a brewed coffee. I know that it was kinda rude for me to eat first, but I'm just a human, you know?

The food just arrived, and when I was about to get my utensils when I noticed a man in corporate attire, he was good-looking and.. young. I watched him talk to the receptionist who keeps smiling for him and even guided him inside as the women around are starting to stare at him. I almost rolled my eyes in annoyance, but all of a sudden, our gazes met, and I couldn't take off my eyes on him. His lips rose into a smirk, which made him hotter. I just realized that he stopped at my table as he noticed the foods in front of him.

"Madame De Luca, pleased to meet you, I'm--" I quickly cut him off as I gestured the opposite empty seat. He sat down and saw him licking his lower lip. The confusion was all written over his face.

"I know you." I answered, emphasizing the word 'you,' He was at my party who just freaking disrespected me. What was his name again? Oh boy, Rupert De Marco. I smiled, thinking that I was about to win a lottery.

"Oh, I didn't expect that." He chuckled while looking at me as he took glanced at the food.

"If you don't mind," I said, referring to the food in front of us. I suddenly regretted coming here and not eating the food quickly.

"No, it's fine." He gave me a small smile while his left hand shook a little.

We started to eat silently as he gets the napkin and used it to wiped his lips as he drank water on the wine glass. He let out a fake cough, which made me look at him. I raised a brow, asking him to continue.

"About the business proposal between our companies," He began. I also get the napkin and used it to wipe my mouth and pay him my full attention. I smiled as I hide my smirk, and listened to their proposal although I already read some of it, the one that my secretary gave me last week. It was really good, and I almost click baited by it and I was even excited for this meeting to talk about it, but then they chose the wrong person to bring, I felt insulted that he doesn't even recognize me. What an idiot!

He handed me the exterior designs of a huge hotel, which has a lot of benefits, but then I shook my head as I gave him back the papers and put a sarcastic smirk.

"I'm sorry, Mister De Marco, but it was too much." I kept my poise as I stood up. I took my bag with me as I left him dumbfounded.