★ LEONA
"Don't be shocked, you didn't plan on being anonymous forever did you?"
" Well, then I guess I am fired. I'm sorry for the inconveniences I must've caused during my short term stay" I took my bag.
He knew all along that I was the one who has been sleeping secretly in his house and am sure that was why he was tough on me yesterday.
He brought his hand to his lips and chuckled. "Short term. Really? Did you want it long?"
Did I really say that? I am sure it wasn't on purpose.
"Well, I am sorry." I apologized due to lack of words.
I didn't want him to tell me to leave before I do so I turned to the door and began to walk.
"I never told you to leave miss Grande. I'm still talking to you. "
I stopped and held my bag tightly.
" What else is left to be said?" I didn't want to hear the word 'you're fired.'
" There's in fact a lot I want to talk about and they're far from ' you're fired.' "
He read my mind.
I turned to him and he gestured for me to sit.
I walked back to his large mahogany desk and placed my bag on it.
" I have an offer for you." He let out.
"Which is?" I asked and faced him squarely.
" Be my architect."
" What? Why?.."
" Because I know you're the one who did my drawing for me, Miss." He cut me off.
" Well, that's not my field. I am not good at it. I only drew it out of boredom and I believe they won't be the best"
" But they actually were. I loved it and so does everyone."
" You do? And what do you mean by everyone?" I quizzed.
" Yes, I had a presentation and when I presented your work, everyone was wowed." His crystal sea blue eyes beamed at me but I refused to be convinced.
" I don't want to. It's either I'm an economist or accountant, if it's none of them, then I won't do any other work." I stood my ground.
He gave me the 'are you serious look'.
" Suit yourself." He sat back on his chair and focused his eyes on the laptop in front of him, ignoring me totally.
"Meaning? "
"You can start work NOW!" His voice was a bit harsh.
And the disappointment was visible on his face.
I didn't know what to make of this wonderful news. I'm employed to do something I love doing but why can't I seem to be happy about it?
"Thanks.."
"Go to my secretary, she'll lecture you thoroughly on the pros and cons of the company. The formalities as well. She'll tell you everything. Now leave." He rushed his words with a serious look.
I loved the way he made his face as he rushed the words and the way his heart-shaped pink lips moved effortlessly. His lip is cute.
From where I stood, I could see how dented yet smooth his jaw was.
Not a single stubble could be seen. His eyebrows were perfectly thin but thick and if I were to be close, I am sure I'd get to know just how long his lashes were.
There was this familiarity with his facial look.
"You should let me know when you're done drooling so I can show you the exit of this door and the company's." His deep voice rumbled.
I looked away as my face flushed. I've just been caught drooling on my boss on my first day at work. Who does that? And since when have I taken a like to stare at men?
Gosh! I grabbed my bag in one swift movement and walked as fast as my legs could carry me to the door.
"Have a wonderful time Miss Leona Grande." He said after me and chuckled.
If I wasn't embarrassed, then I would've turned to see how his face looks while chuckling.
I'm sure it will be a beautiful sight.
****
I tried to avoid him for the rest of the day after I was shown my office and I was glad that he didn't show up.
So I'm officially this company's auditor and am actually proud. My pay was good. Good enough to get me a house or car after a month's payment.
I looked at my table and to the clock.
I was still auditing the previous years which was assigned on my interview and am relieved to have completed two years.
It's 5:30 pm and my closing time is 6 pm. I parked the documents scattered on my desk and arranged it neatly before getting up.
I stretched and yawned while my eyes roamed my office and landed on a door I didn't notice.
I realized that I didn't have a tour around my office when I was brought in. Maybe if I had done that, then I would've noticed the door.
I decided to check it out but was stopped by the phone Raymond gave me.
I have no other contact on my phone apart from his so I'm sure he's the one calling.
.
I walked to my bag and fetched the phone out. I answered and my baby's voice was the first thing I heard.
"Mama."
My heart swelled and I realized that I've missed him.
"Baby," I called.
"Mama." He repeated.
"I miss you, sweetheart. How are you?"
I didn't hear anything else until Raymond spoke.
"Hi Leo, how's work? Are you employed?"
"Yes Raymond, I've been employed.."
" Wow, such good news. We should celebrate when you get back." He said happily.
" Yeah, I'll be home soon."
" Should we come pick you up?"
" Yes, if it won't be a bother..."
" We're coming." He said and hanged up.
I packed my things into my bag and waited on the clocking of 6:00 pm.
Once it was six, I was already out of the office.
I was even supposed to leave here long ago. It's passed my normal closing time.
"Are you that eager to go home?"
Dave showed up in front of me.
" It's six." I defended myself.
" I can see that but couldn't you wait a little?"
What? Wait? And do what?
" I Am just doing what I was told." I replied simply and walked past him.
" This is the second time in a day you're walking out on me while I am speaking to you miss Grande. What should I make of it?"
I didn't realize that.
" I'm sorry, I didn't know."
" Of course you wouldn't know. It's what you do anyway." He muttered and got into his office.
That was when I noticed that, my office was close to his. His door was just a few feet from mine.
I turned to leave then saw Luciana.
"Hey! Going home?" She asked cheerfully.
"Yeah, what of you?"
"I'll be leaving at 7 pm. That's my closing time."
"Oh," I muttered. I wanted to tell her that I was finally employed but decided to do it later.
" See you tomorrow Lioness." She said and disappeared into an office before I could answer her back.
I like the way she keeps our conversation short.
"Have you been here for long?" I asked when I got inside the car.
The car was already there in front of the company when I arrived.
"Just got here. How was your day?"
"Great, better than the previous."
"Good to hear." He said and sped into the road.
" Mama." Leonard said and I moved my attention to him.
"Honey." I got him on to my lap and stared at his handsome face.
"Mama." He repeated and smiled.
I brought his face to my lips and kissed him.
He pushed me back slightly and he also planted a kiss on my cheeks before pulling back to clap his hands.
I stared lovingly at his face once again and my heart swelled. This is really my baby. My flesh and blood.
He smiled and I swear I thought I saw Dave.
I batted my eyelids to have a clear vision in case I'm daydreaming.
I saw my baby's face clearly but the familiar features I saw earlier were there.
The features I saw on Dave but didn't know where exactly or who looked like him but now I can see that it was somehow Leonard.
My son looked so much like him, even his eyes, hair color, and even the way my son smiles.
Thinking about this is really shaking me to the bones.
No no, I can't think that way. Strange things happen all the time and this is just one of them. I won't make anything out of this. I should stop overthinking it. Yes...I won't think about it.
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