Chapter 7 CH-7

Vincenzo POV

I walk along the same road as I do every single morning, following the routine that has become such an inseparable part of my life that I no longer even think about it.

My hands remain tucked deep inside the pockets of my long overcoat, shielding them from the cold as the chilly morning air brushes against my face. The winter breeze carries a sharpness that seeps through the fabric of my clothes, but the coat does its job well enough to keep the worst of it away.

My glasses sit comfortably on the bridge of my nose, slightly fogging with each warm breath I release into the cold air. The city around me is already awake people walking briskly to work, cars moving in slow lines, the distant hum of everyday life echoing through the streets.

But for me, everything feels calm.

Predictable.

Controlled.

I reach the same spot where my car waits every morning. My driver stands beside it, as punctual and dependable as always.

The moment he sees me approaching, he straightens slightly and gives me a respectful nod.

I return the gesture with a small smile.

No words pass between us, as usual.

They never have.

Over the years, our silence has become its own language. A language made of small gestures, brief glances, and quiet understanding. He has never needed me to explain what I want, and I have never needed him to ask.

He simply knows.

In a world where people constantly demand explanations, conversations, and emotions, having someone who understands without words feels like a rare blessing.

Sometimes I wonder if he realizes how grateful I am for that.

I slide into the backseat of the car, settling comfortably against the soft leather as the door closes quietly behind me.

The car begins moving almost immediately.

As always, we travel the entire distance to the company building without exchanging a single word.

And yet, it never feels awkward.

The silence is peaceful.

Comfortable.

When we finally arrive at the company, the large glass building reflects the pale winter sunlight, its tall structure standing proudly among the other skyscrapers of the city.

My driver steps out first and opens the door for me.

I give him another small nod before stepping out and adjusting the sleeves of my coat.

The moment I walk inside, the familiar atmosphere of the office greets me.

Employees passing through the hallway offer polite smiles and cheerful greetings.

"Good morning, sir."

"Good morning, Mr. Vincenzo."

I acknowledge them all with a gentle nod or a brief smile, continuing toward my cabin.

Despite being the owner of the company, I have never liked creating distance between myself and the people who work here. Respect goes both ways.

And they deserve it.

Reaching my cabin, I remove my coat and hang it neatly before walking toward my desk.

Today's schedule is surprisingly light.

No back-to-back meetings.

No urgent reports waiting for my review.

For once, the day feels... calm.

So before diving into work, I pick up my freshly prepared cup of coffee and walk toward the large floor-to-ceiling window that overlooks the city.

The view from here has always been my favourite part of the office.

The city stretches endlessly before my eyes-cars moving like tiny streams of light, people walking far below, buildings standing tall like silent witnesses to thousands of lives unfolding every day.

I bring the cup to my lips and take a slow sip.

The warmth spreads instantly through my body.

The bitterness of the coffee settles on my tongue, familiar and comforting.

For a brief moment, I close my eyes, allowing the warmth and the taste to calm the endless noise inside my mind.

Coffee has always had that effect on me.

It slows my thoughts.

Grounds me.

Just as I am about to take another sip, my phone rings from the desk behind me.

I turn around, slightly annoyed at the interruption.

But the moment I glance at the screen, the irritation disappears.

A smile forms on my face.

My brother.

I answer the call immediately.

"Accept my greetings, brother," I say as soon as the call connects.

A deep chuckle reaches my ears.

"Greetings, champ. How are you?"

His voice is exactly the same as it has always been-deep, calm, and steady.

Lorenzo has never been a man of excessive emotions.

He rarely shows what he feels.

But I know him better than anyone.

And I know how much he loves me.

"I am good," I reply softly. "How are you? And how is everyone at home?"

As I speak, I can faintly hear my sister-in-law's voice somewhere in the background, probably scolding the children for something.

A small smile spreads across my face.

"All are good," Lorenzo answers casually.

"How are the little munchkins?" I ask teasingly. "Are they giving you a tough time?"

Just imagining the chaos those three little devils create in that house is enough to make me laugh.

I can only imagine how exhausted my sister-in-law must feel sometimes.

And though Lorenzo would never admit it, I am sure even he struggles to keep up with them.

"When will I get the chance to ask you the same question?" he replies smoothly, completely ignoring my question.

Of course.

I sigh quietly.

I know exactly where this conversation is heading.

"Mom was saying she is planning to visit the kids soon?" I quickly change the subject, hoping to escape the trap he is setting.

If he thinks he is clever, he should remember one important thing.

I am his brother.

When there is silence on the other end of the call, I frown slightly.

"Bro, are you there?"

"I am right here," he replies calmly. "And I am waiting for my answer."

The smugness in his voice makes me roll my eyes.

Sometimes he is just too smart for my liking.

Taking a slow breath, I finally answer.

"Not in the near future."

There is no point lying.

He knows me too well.

"Okay," he says after a moment. "I will not force you."

His tone softens slightly.

"Take care of yourself. And call me if you need anything."

The way he says it makes me smile again.

Even after all these years, he still talks to me like I am a five-year-old child who might get lost without supervision.

And strangely enough...

I do not mind it.

"I will," I reply quietly.

He hums in response before disconnecting the call.

I lower the phone slowly.

I know he understands that I may never get married.

But he never stops hoping.

And he never stops trying.

Sometimes I wonder if he worries about my loneliness more than I do.

Shaking the thought away, I take a deep breath and sit down in my chair, finally focusing on the work waiting for me.

Hours pass faster than I expect.

By the time I realize it, most of the day's work has already been completed.

Now I am simply reviewing strategies for expanding the company further when I hear a soft knock on the door.

"Come in."

The door opens gently, and Ms. Carlo walks inside.

"Sir, is there anything you need? I will be leaving for my class," she says politely, standing near the door.

This is part of her routine.

She always checks before leaving.

I glance up briefly and shake my head.

"No. You may leave."

"Okay, sir, then I will-"

The door suddenly opens again before she can finish.

Valerio walks in holding a file.

"Vincenzo, I need your signature," he says casually. "Check the documents and sign them. I will collect them tomorrow."

His tone is normal.

But the moment his eyes land on Ms. Carlo, his expression changes.

His gaze hardens.

Ms. Carlo immediately lowers her eyes, clearly uncomfortable.

"You may leave, Ms. Carlo," I say calmly while opening the file.

But Valerio suddenly speaks.

"Where are you going?" he asks sharply.

His voice is colder than usual.

"You have class in the evening. Why are you leaving so early? Or have you started taking us for granted already?"

Ms. Carlo stiffens.

"Let me tell you one thing," he continues harshly. "You already have privileges in this company, so you better respect that."

I close my eyes briefly, controlling my irritation.

This is not like him.

"Si... sir..." Isa tries to speak, but Valerio interrupts her again.

"Oh yes," he scoffs. "How can I forget? People like you never value good deeds."

The words sting.

I can see it clearly on Isa's face.

She is trying desperately not to cry.

"Enough, Valerio," I say firmly.

"She has her exam today. That is why she is leaving early."

He snorts dismissively.

What is his problem with this poor girl?

"You may go, Ms. Carlo," I repeat gently.

She nods quickly and turns toward the door.

But before she can leave, Valerio speaks again.

"Take your bag and come outside," he orders. "I will drop you. I have work nearby, and your college is on my way."

I lean back in my chair, completely stunned.

Valerio offering someone a ride?

That is... unexpected.

"No, si-" Isa tries to refuse.

"I dare you to say anything," he says through clenched teeth.

This behaviour is so unlike him that it leaves me momentarily speechless.

Isa nods silently and walks out.

I immediately turn toward Valerio.

But before I can ask anything, he speaks.

"Not today, Vincenzo."

Then he walks out.

I stare at the door long after he disappears.

Confusion swirls in my mind.

What just happened?