|| VALENTINA's POV ||
" Welcome to the store, Mam! These people are all arranged by Mr.King. Feel free to ask them whatever you need!", the manager of that store greeted me politely. After the last incident, they became extra polite towards me. I was a little taken back by their hostility.
I waved at them, smiling to relax as they seemed a bit tensed at my presence,
" Relax! Just treat me as your co-worker or else I will feel pressurized."
Their shoulders slumped as they looked up at me gratefully. I assumed that I would pick on them for treating me disrespectfully last time. I didn't always believe in avenge since they were my partners now.
" Is this your store now? Come on, sister! You should act like a boss.", Sophia scowled at me, mesmerized to see the big store around. I managed to get her out of the house but she insisted on coming to my new work place. I wasn't comfortable bringing her here because I had a clear idea what kind of mentality she had. Just because Lorenzo was offering me help, I should get everything from him for my own benefits. It was her suggestion this early morning.
I reminded her strongly before heading into the store,
" Remember to go home after taking a stall."
Sophia shot a glare at me, scoffed before going around the store to see the clothes. I sighed in irritation. Some people would never change no matter how well you treat them. Thankfully, Sophia didn't cause trouble and left in disarray not long after that because I didn't ask her to accompany me.
" KING FASHION!"
I smiled at the brand name and heard that they had only one outlet in this town. Mentally, I planned that if my plan worked well, I would open more outlets in nearby cities.
" Mam, please have this tea! It's good for your health!"
" These are homemade pickles. You will feel better if you have the urge to nausea."
I held my forehead aching. Like, what the heck Lorenzo said to them?
Ever since I came to the store, they all looked after me like I was some goddess. I bet that it was all ordered by Lorenzo because the man couldn't be at ease when I was out of his sight. I had grown a deep understanding towards his character.
When the lunch break came, I decided to stall outside of the store to get some refreshments. However after walking for a while, I was stunned to see a beautiful woman, standing in front of a store.
Jenny!!
I waved at her out of formality,
" Hi Jenny! You are here?"
She smiled back, pointing at the store behind her,
" Oh Hi Valentina! I didn't know that you are here too. This is my store, JL Fashion. I thought that Leonardo owned that shop."
I was happy for her but I detected a hint of jealousy behind her tone. Still I chose to reply politely, ignoring the bitchy look in her eyes,
" Yes, Lorenzo owns the shop but I am in charge of management currently. Anyways, glad to see you here!"
I didn't know why but I had a gut feeling that she did it on purpose to compete with us. We chatted for a while and parted ways. However, Jenny didn't mention anything about her baby which was surprising. I didn't also reveal that I knew about her pregnancy already as the King family was having taboos about heirs.
After I returned to my own store, all the staff were back at work. Remembering that I didn't ask Jenny to visit our stall, I turned back to catch her again. However, as soon as I came out, I saw her together with Leonardo. They seemed to be arguing over something without noticing my presence. I didn't like Leonardo. Even Lorenzo said to stay away from him. So, I didn't take the initiative to speak to her again. I had a feeling that I should inform Lorenzo about their store. So, I decided to give him a call. His phone rang a few times but he didn't answer it. Surprisingly worried, I thought of giving him a surprise at his office straight....
________
" Do you have any appointment with Mr.King?", the receptionist asked me, eyeing my outfit a bit suspiciously.
I was a little taken back at her question. Perhaps, it was a repulsive idea to show up at his office. He still didn't call me back. So, I had no idea where he was at this moment.
I stood there cluelessly. Clearing my throat, I gave her the most sensible reply that I could think of at this moment,
" Can you call him and say that Miss Valentina is here? He knows me.."
The receptionist girl sighed, and annoyed me as she replied coldly,
" Miss, this isn't a Charity event that you can come to as you please. Mr.King isn't that free to visit everyone. If you don't have any appointments, please leave."
I had a feeling that this girl was unreasonably rude to me. However, it was my foolish idea to come without informing. Without taking her words in my heart, I found a corner to sit down and wait for him to arrive downstairs.
Half an hour later, more girls came to the receptionist who gossiped about me. I could clearly see the taunt in their eyes. Even a few of their comments passed in my ears.
" Who is she? I told her to leave. Still, she is sitting there. Did she think that Mr.King would meet her?"
" Come on, she must be some fan girl. Our CEO has a bunch of female fans. Don't you know that? God.. look at her class..Does she think that our CEO will even take a look at her?"
It was getting annoying to hear their pissed off comment at me without any valid reason. Just who were they to judge my relationship with Lorenzo?
I knew that we didn't match each other but it wasn't for them to comment. In fact, I just felt that they were simply jealous of me. Thankfully, Lorenzo's assistant, Carlo appeared on time and was shocked to see me, waiting in the reception.
I looked tired and exhausted already. After returning to work suddenly, I felt easily tired because of these pregnancy hormones.
" Madam! Why didn't you inform Sir that you are here?", Carlo rushed to me, helping me to sit up as he looked scared to find me in this state.
I said him truthfully, laughed as the girls expression sank deeper,
" I tried to contact but the receptionist said that she can't call Lorenzo randomly.."
Carlo glared at the poker faced girls and led me to the elevator,
" Please..come with me.."
The girl in the reception tried to stop us again, interrupting abnormally,
" Ah.. Assistant Carlo..This girl has no appointment..how can you.."
" SHUT UP!!", Carlo cursed at her and added with a sneer,
" Just thank god that you haven't fired yet."
They all immediately understood something and looked down on guilt. I shook my head in disbelief. Just so easily,how could they judge anyone?
Carlo brought me straight to the office on the 10th floor. I heard gasps and murmurs when I headed for his office. It looked like my boyfriend was really a celebrity in his office.
Carlo didn't even inform Lorenzo in advance when he opened the office door. My heart jumped up lightly to see him smiling at my presence. At that moment, I had a feeling that I had made the right choice by showing up in my office without telling him. However, there was one more person in the room. Before I could see him clearly, Lorenzo came to pull me into his hug. His eyes narrowed in concern when he saw my pale, exhausted demeanor,
" Why didn't you tell me first? Wait..were you waiting downstairs for me?"
I smiled up at him sweetly,
" No big deal! Carlo found me on time."
However, he shot a cold glare at Carlo who looked down in guilt. Before he could say anything, the man in the room cleared his voice and called me out loud,
" Aren't you.. Valentina.. Valentina Avery if I am not incorrect?"