Chapter 2 Rodriguez Empire

Rodriguez Empire

Five Days To The Wedding

Valentina stood in front of her one-of-a-kind antique mirror, carefully tucking the last strand of her long ash brown hair into the stylish silver beret which was a match for her flowy, knee length chiffon gown and crystal ankle strap heels. After she was done, she took a step back to admire her handiwork, a satisfied smile spreading across her lips.

"I mean seriously, how does one manage to look so stunning every single day". She smirked, blowing a prideful kiss to herself. A loud knock on her door interrupted her moment of self admiration.

"Come in". She said, a hint of irritation in her voice.

Ava, her personal maid, carefully stepped into the room. "Good morning ma'am"

"Have the driver prepare the car, I'll be leaving soon". Valentina ordered, her eyes focused on which designer bag to match with her outfit.

Ava stood frozen, trying to find the right words to speak to her arrogant boss without making her more upset.

"Don't just stand there, get out". Valentina scolded

"I-I'm afraid that won't be possible ma'am". She stammered.

"What... did you just say to me". Valentina paused, her harsh gaze falling on Ava who could only bow her head in fear.

"Forgive me ma'am, but the master of the house ordered us not to let you leave the house without joining the family for breakfast first. And the madam also...."

"How dare you call that gold digger Olivia madam of my house?". Valentina fumed.

"Am so sorry Miss Valentina, I-I really didn't mean to offend you". She pleaded desperately

"Oh, you're not sorry yet, but you will be by the time I am done with you".

Valentina stormed out of the room, her heels stomping loudly on the polished marble floor leading the dining room. Everyone who lived in the house knew all too well to stay out of her way whenever she started acting up.

At the dining room, Thiago Rodriguez the master of the Rodriguez empire and the brains behind their fortune sat at the head table, reading the morning news headlines.

Dressed in a well tailored Italian suit and gold, Rolex watch. Everyone who knew him could testify that even in his late fifties, he still had a way of showing off for the day's work.

Olivia, his wife, was seated next to him gracefully sipping her favorite black ivory coffee. Her bouncy black hair slightly touched her shoulder, and her eyes focused on her schedule for the day.

The quiet atmosphere around them, along with the delicious scent of freshly baked pastries made the usual peaceful mornings at the Rodriguez Mason until trouble in the form of Valentina came barging in.

"Ah, Valentina dear, I am glad you joined us for breakfast today". Thiago smiled, setting his newspaper aside.

"Good Morning to you papà". Valentina greeted, sitting across Olivia.

"Valentina darling, we didn't expect you to join us for breakfast today so, you'd have to forgive us for not setting a place for you at the table". Olivia said, a half smile on her face.

"It's alright Olivia, I didn't come here to have small talks and pretend to like you." Valentina fired back "I'm just here to make something clear to my father and then I'll leave".

"What is this about Valentina". Thiago asked.

"Father, I understand that you care alot and only want what's best for me. But I am getting married in a few days time, you just can't keep doing things like this, I am not a little girl anymore". She stated firmly but respectfully

"Mi corazon, you'd have to forgive your old man". He sighed "It isn't easy to accept that you're getting married soon. I might not even get the chance to see you anymore".

"Don't be so dramatic papà, am getting married not moving to another state. No matter what, I'll still remain the daughter to the most powerful business man in the entire country and don't you think for a second that you can get rid of me so easily". Valentina teased.

"You're right dear." Thiago nodded in agreement. "Am afraid that even selling our entire fortune wouldn't be enough to compensate for losing you".

"Of course, all the wealth in the world can't possibly match up to me. I'm a Rodriguez, after all". Valentina tossed her head back in pride, a smug smile spreading across her face.

"Let's just eat and leave the chit chat for later. The food's already getting cold." Olivia rudely interrupted, as she began to serve the food onto her plate.

Valentina turned back to Olivia, her brows snapped together "You know what Olivia, It's really no fun seeing others try so hard to fit into a place they clearly don't belong in. Don't you think so too?"

Olivia shifted uncomfortably but still managed to maintain her composure. "You're the only daughter of this family Valentina, you really shouldn't be worried about anyone trying to compete with you?"

"For your own sake Olivia, I hope you're right". Valentina glared.

"Alright... alright ladies, I think we've said more than enough now. Let's eat". Thiago interrupted.

Valentina glanced at her watch. "I really should get going now".

Thiago raised a brow. "Are you really not gonna stay for breakfast?

"Am sorry papà, but I already planned to have breakfast with William today, I can't cancel it now".

"In a few days time, you and William will be married and starting a new life together. Is it too much to ask for one last meal together as a family?.

"Papà, me and you will always have enough time to spend and make new memories together. But for now l really need to get going". Valentina replied, she wrapped her arms around her father and gave him a tight hug.

"Te amo, mi corazon". He whispered gently

"Love you too papà". Valentina replied, quickly rushing out of the house.

"That child". Diego chuckled, shaking his head "She really knows how to sweet talk her way out of things".

Valentina settled into the back seat of her

plush Mercedes-Benz S-class. Once they'd left the estate behind, she quietly rolled down the windows, taking in the cool breeze and beautiful city view.

"We're arriving soon miss Valentina". James her personal driver said, as soon as the tall, modern building, housing The Thompson Realty was in sight.

She nodded, turning her attention back to the outside view. She couldn't help but smile at the thought of seeing William Thompson, CEO of Thompson Realty and more importantly, her Fiance. Spending just two days away from him felt like two months had passed without her realizing it.

Valentina glanced at her watch as soon as the car stopped right in front of the sleek building, noting she had arrived on time as always.

James carefully opened the car door, and Valentina stepped onto the sidewalk. Her dark glass sparkled as she stylishly made her way into the building.

"..... Oh my goodness, Miss Valentina looks so gorgeous"

"... I love the glasses".

".....I wish I could pull off a look like that".

The employees exchanged hushed comments as they watched Valentina enter the elevator leading to the first floor.

"Those people really have nothing better than to gossip every single time I come here". She scoffed.

The door opened and she stepped onto the first floor where the executive office was located.

"Good morning Ma'am". Rose, the secretary of William, greeted with a warm smile on her face.

Valentina walked past her, ignoring her greeting.

"Miss Valentina, my boss is preparing for a meeting, I don't think he'll be able to see you now". Rose said, quickly stepping in front of Valentina, blocking her path.

Valentina slipped her glasses to her nose, taking a good look at the secretary who dared to act so boldly in front of her.

"Rose? Is it".

"Ye...yes ma'am". Rose stammered.

"How long have you been working for my fiance?". Valentina asked, her icy tone made Rose shiver in fear.

"Uhmm, I've been working here for two..no.. three years now....ma'am". Rose stammered

"Well Rose, let's make this simple". Valentina said, taking a step closer. "If you're planning on making a fourth year at Thompson Realty, I'd advise you to stay out of my. Do you understand what I mean?".

Rose nodded immediately, as if her life depended on it.

Valentina lips curled into a cruel smile.

"You look like a smart woman, I'd hate for this to be last time I'd get to see you".

Inside The office

"Is it just me, or are you getting more handsome every time I see you". Valentina teased, settling into the chair opposite William.

"What are you doing here so early?". William asked, his eyes focused on his file.

"Oh come on, Mister cold. That's no way to talk to your fiance. Not after she drove all the way here to have breakfast with you".

William glanced up at Valentina, their eyes locked for a moment before returning to his files.

"Val, I still have a lot to do today. And besides I'll also be meeting with some important clients.

Could we maybe raincheck breakfast for another time?".

"Hey, I am not just a pretty face here". Valentina protested. "I also have a company to run and am just as busy as you are".

"Huh, Really?. Tell me then why aren't you at the office right now". William asked, furrowing his brow.

"It's because I...."

"You left all the work to Diego again, didn't you". William interrupted.

"Why do you always have to bring Diego into every single thing I say or do". Valentina asked, feeling a flash of irritation

"For goodness sake Val, Diego is your brother and my best friend. You can't keep letting him carry the weight of your company on his own."

"Well excuse me". Valentina scoffed "Thiago is the one who wanted to become CEO so badly and now that I let him handle it temporarily, he comes running to you to talk me out of it".

William shook his head. "You know what? Sometimes, you're just so impossible to talk to".

"You're always so quick to judge, but up till now you still haven't realized that your actions are also hurting me too?. She said, sadness clouding her features.

"Me? What exactly did I do wrong this time?"

"We're about to get married in five days. But it looks like you're more concerned about your work and Diego's well being than about our wedding". Valentina said, frustrated.

"That isn't true Valentina, I care for the wedding as much as you do". William protested.

"Oh really now, then I guess you wouldn't mind telling how many of your friends and family members you've bothered to check if their names are in the guest list, that's if you've even bothered to look at it". Valentina asked, her voice filled with sarcasm

"Val, I..."

"Or maybe you've just been too busy searching for the perfect wedding suit and ring, you haven't been able to pick one out yet. Not that you haven't even thought of doing it at all, right?" She interrupted, letting out a cold and angry chuckle.

"I... I haven't". He admitted, guilt written all over his face.

"That's the problem here, you haven't even tried to do anything for our wedding. It feels like you don't even care at all". Valentina said, angrily turning her face away.

William reached out for Valentine's hand, but she snatched it away. Her fingers still drumming angrily on the table.

"Val, am sorry okay?. He reached out for her hand again, holding onto it more tightly. "I realize now that I haven't been there for you like I should. But I promise that from now on, I am not gonna let anything get in-between us ever again".

"You're not gonna take it back. Are you?." Valentina raised a brow.

"Of course not". William said, a gentle firmness settled on his face. "I won't let you down ever again".

Valentina's face brightened up. "Well you can start now by taking out for breakfast"

"You really got me there didn't you?". William chuckled.

"You bet I did".

"So, where would you like to go for breakfast?. William asked, setting his files aside.

"Well, I was thinking about that fancy restaurant, creación. You know, the one that serves my favourite Tortilla Española".

"Sounds good. I'll make reservations now".

"Perfectó".