Chapter 2 MARCO VIRELLI

Some time passed, almost a month. Daphne and I haven't talked to each other or at least, not on my end. After work, I would go straight to my room, avoiding any interaction with her, doing my best to dodge her. On weekends, I'd escape to a local library, I spent hours reading about plants. I even grew a little plant in a pot. I know it's a petty thing to do, but seeing her face or Silas's was too much for me to deal with. I was still too hurt.

At the company, preparations for Mason Virelli's son to take over were in full swing. The atmosphere was intense, with everyone was in the rush, especially the legal department. My role was stressfull, it was my responsibility to keep the senior Mr. Virelli informed about every department's progress.

I prepared his coffee as always; black, with one cube of sugar.

"Good morning, Mr. Virelli," I greeted.

"Morning, Veronica. You remember my nephew, Marco?" He gestured toward the young man seated across from him.

Of course, I did. He was considered one of the most eligible bachelors at least, according to a few magazines and blogs had read. I had also come across a one that described him as someone who, and I quote, was "not planning on settling down yet, just enjoying life.". He was quite handsome, with light brown hair that nearly matched the shade of his eyes. His hair was styled in a sleek low quiff, giving him an effortlessly polished look. He wore an elegant dark blue suit, it was perfectly tailored, he was oozing sophistication and confidence.

"Hello," I said, meeting his eyes.

He observed me closely, the way he looked at me unmistakably familiar. It wasn't the same look my interviewer had given me when I first joined the company, this felt worse, it felt... degrading, it made me suddenly conscious of my appearance.

"Nice to meet you, Veronica," he said, his voice just as pleasant as his demeanour. I gave a polite smile in return.

"Does that mean your son is here?" I asked, remembering that many times Mr. Virelli had mentioned that his son and nephew were training at a different branch in Europe, rotating through various departments, learning about the company.

"No, I came alone. Alexander has something to finish up before he comes," Marco explained. I nodded in understanding.

"He'll be starting here as well. I want him to shadow Mr. Edwards," Mr. Virelli added. "Veronica will give you a proper tour."

"This way," I said, gesturing for Marco to follow.

The tour was going smoothly until we reached the designer's floor. Marco seemed distracted, though I couldn't really blame him, stunning models walked up and down. His arrival didn't go unnoticed, several people immediately took note of his presence.

I was so focused on leading the way that I didn't even realize he was no longer walking behind me.

"Who are you talking to?" Jillian asked. I turned around, expecting to see him, but he was nowhere in sight.

Instead, I spotted him a few feet away, engaged in conversation with a model. She kissed him on the cheek, trailing a finger along the fabric of his suit before walking away.

"Who was that?" Jilly asked again, her tone carrying a hint of mild irritation. I chuckled but replied.

"Oh, I hardly recognized him he's all grown up," Jilly said, adjusting her glasses.

"Hello, Jillian. It's been years," Marco greeted.

"It has. The last time I saw you, you were just a child," she replied.

He flashed a perfect, white-toothed smile. "I'm a man now," he said, his tone was teasing.

"I'm happy for you," she replied, though her words had a hint of dismissal. Then, turning to me, she sighed. "Vee, please escort this young man away. Alexander's show is in less than two weeks, and he's proving to be quite the distraction."

I chuckled but nodded, complying with her request. I did notice a flash of change in his mood but I dismissed it.

Next, we made our way to the legal department. I was mid-sentence when I spotted Linda she was alone.

"Veronica, who's your friend?" she asked, barely acknowledging me.

"Marco Virelli, a pleasure to meet you," he said smoothly, taking her hand and placing a light kiss on the back. I noticed the faintest blush creep onto her face, though she quickly composed herself. I didn't blame her, he was an attractive man.

"I was just showing him around," I murmured.

"Well, I'm sure she can take over," Marco said, casting a glance my way before shifting his focus to Linda. "If you're not too busy."

I gave a small nod and walked away, feeling a twinge of discomfort at the exchange. It came off as if i was looked over, ignored, but I chose to let it go. There was plenty of work waiting for me anyway.

During lunch, I joined my work friends, we had a table, Salome from marketing who I was most close to, Tina from janitorial, Kevin from IT, and Elina from legal. They were already seated, watching me with anticipation.

I knew exactly why, but I kept quiet, letting their curiosity build.

"Well?" Tina asked.

"What?" I replied innocently, pretending.

"Rumour has it you were strolling around with a certain sexy devil by your side," Kevin said with a smirk.

"Really?" I said, playing dumb.

"Girl, spill," Elina urged, clearly getting impatient.

"You're married," Kevin reminded her.

"That doesn't mean I can't window shop," she shot back, and we all burst into laughter.

"So?" Elina pressed, clearly eager for details.

I took a bite of my apple before replying, "That was Mr. Virelli's nephew, Marco. He's going to be joining the company."

"Marco? The one with Alexander?" Salome asked, her interest piqued.

"Yes," I confirmed.

"So Alexander Virelli is here too?" Kevin asked, his excitement obvious.

"No, not yet but soon," I clarified.

Tina let out a dramatic sigh, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "The both of them, here? Yum," she said, Elina shook her head in amusement.

"Just take a look," she added, pulling out her phone and quickly searching for a picture. When she found it, she held up the screen, and we all instinctively leaned in, crowding around her.

She wasn't wrong. Marco was handsome, he had sharp features, he was effortlessly charming, and a smile that could probably get him out of any trouble.

"Let's just assume you had a chance with either of them," Salome mused as we sat back down. "Though Alexander does have a girlfriend. A famous model"

"They're on and off," Kevin pointed out between bites of his carrot.

"Right now, they just happen to be off."

"Oh, Salome," Tina sighed dramatically. "Allow a girl to dream."

"the witch has her claws on him" Kevin said quietly pointing his head at the direction of Marco with Linda giggling like he said the funniest thing in the world. I rolled my eyes.