Chapter 77

Hours later, I found out that Mr. Cesar had left Puerto Rico without me. My suspicions were that he had seen me kissing Keylef, because otherwise, what else could explain his sudden departure? Or maybe I was just overthinking everything. But then, why… why didn’t he let me know? I’m his assistant. I checked my phone for the third time, but there was still no response to my message. He was clearly upset.
“Are you okay?” Keylef asked, seated next to me on the plane.
“I don’t handle heights well; I just need to think about something else.” Then Mr. Cesar came to mind—his kisses, his hands on me—and that was when I realized he had left a mark on me in a way I never thought possible. I felt Keylef take my hand, only to let go shortly after.
“Relax. Close your eyes and hold my hand. When you open them, I promise we’ll already be there.” I shut my eyes tightly and breathed slowly.
“Think of something you want…” Mr. Cesar came to my mind again, and I let myself be carried away by the memory of his lips. The tension began to fade, and I slowly drifted into sleep.
۩
Since that trip to Puerto Rico, Mr. Cesar had emailed me asking for a break from my duties for a while. That news hit me like a bucket of cold water. There were no explanations, and I hadn’t been able to see him all that time. The only contact I managed to have been with Joffre, who took me to a small residence where I could live peacefully. It was cozy, with a lovely balcony overlooking the city. When I asked Joffre how Mr. Cesar was doing going, he dryly replied that he was fine. After that, I didn’t see him again.
In those days of inactivity, I dedicated myself to exercising, shopping to fill my fridge, and reading more about the company—waiting for the day Mr. Cesar would call me again. But the uncertainty was starting to drive me crazy. So, after a conversation we had with the man from the F.F. branch, I decided to investigate something he mentioned on my own. That would be the best way to pass time, and perhaps it could even bring me back to my duties.
“Good morning, I have an appointment with the manager of The Valley Fruits,” I said. The receptionist glanced at me suspiciously as she filed her nails, chewing gum.
“He’s busy,” she said, returning her attention to her nails.
“And when he’s no longer busy, will he keep our appointment?” I replied. She clicked her tongue in annoyance, slamming the file onto the desk and looking back at me.
“I don’t know when he’ll be free. It depends a lot on who you are. Who did you say you were?” she asked.
“I’m from F.F. Our companies work together. And if you’re aware, you’ll know that our company is considering terminating contracts. So, I’d advise you to let your manager know.” Turning pale as a sheet, she quickly grabbed the phone and smiled nervously.
“F.F., o-of course. I’ll let him know right away.” She pressed a button, speaking quickly.
“Mr. Hernandez, someone from F.F. is here to see you. She says she has an appointment with you.”
“I’m not expecting anyone. Unless the CEO himself shows up, it’s not a concern for now,” the man said, laughing without realizing he was on speakerphone.
“If my boss finds out about this, it’ll be worse,” I said seriously. The man fell silent before exploding angrily.
“You’re stupid, Nubia! Why did you put me on speaker?”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it, sir.”
“And why didn’t you warn me, you idiot?” he yelled, opening his office door forcefully while the poor woman nervously tried to hang up. He walked to the reception desk and looked me over, his mood shifting completely.
“Miss Belladonna?”
“I’m Belle,” I said, extending my hand. “I work with Mr. Cesar, the CEO of F.F. I’d like to talk to you about the issues with your products.”
“I see, Miss… but right now, I have to go to lunch and don’t have the time to dedicate to this. Please come back another day,” he said, ready to leave. Before he could, I spoke up.
“Lunch? What a coincidence! I was about to do the same. Why don’t we go together?” I suggested cheerfully, hooking my arm through his. Delighted, the short, chubby man with a balding head glanced at my fitted dress—chosen intentionally for this meeting—and couldn’t help but stare at my chest.
“W-well, if you’d like to join me, I won’t refuse such a kind invitation.”
“What a gentleman!” I pinched his cheek, leading him out.
“Yes, well… I always strive to be a gentleman,” he said, eyeing my neckline.
“I’m sure you are. You must also be a very hardworking man. It must be exhausting to run this company.”
“W-well, I’m not the big boss, but I’m a close friend of the owner. I have a lot of money,” he bragged before opening the door to his rundown car.
“Really? That must mean things are going very well with F.F. for you to even have your own car,” I said. Nervously, he replied quickly.
“Yes, yes… we have a great relationship with your company.”
“But let’s not talk about work. Let’s talk about you instead,” he smiled, getting into the car and starting it.
“I like that more,” he said, stealing a glance at my legs. I took a deep breath and asked.
“How long have you worked here?”
“A few years… And you? I mistook you for a famous model. Her name is Belladonna; I think she’s the fiancée of F.F.’s CEO,” he said with a grin.
“Do you think so? Am I as beautiful as that woman?” I said sweetly.
“I’d say you’re much more beautiful, Belle…” he chuckled, looking at me again.
“Besides being beautiful, I’m also very smart. And the last time I traveled to Puerto Rico, the fruit arriving at our branches seemed a bit strange,” I said. The man’s face turned pale.
“Strange?”
“I’ll tell you more if you behave,” I teased, tapping his shoulder and winking. As I stepped out of the car, I took a deep breath. I just hoped this meeting would be worth it, because spending more time with this idiot was driving me insane.