His Coco

"Lily!"

"Yes mama."

"Come down dinner is ready"

"Coming mama"

Sighing she closed the book she was reading and went to have her dinner.

There she saw all her family members gathered and waiting for her. She greeted everyone and sat down.

While eating she heard the discussion going on among her siblings while their parents barely paid them any heed because it was usual for them to see their children talking nonsense.

"I can't believe he did that." said her eldest sister Mila.

" What did he do? " asked her only brother Alex.

"He proposed me infront of the whole department ughhhh"

"He did whattt? "

"I know right. He's insane"

"so are you" he muttered but Ailee heard him as she was sitting right next to him and giggled.

Mila glared at him and said while pointing the knife in his direction "what did you say?"

Alex cleared his throat and said "nothing mimi you must be hallucinating."

"Hmm so as I was saying, he did that because of a dare and oh Lord I have never had a stronger urge to kill someone like can you believe that?"

"Oh he must be the guy from finance department that dad fired today."

"Yeah that jerk"

They continued talking, more like Mila continued cursing the man who proposed her earlier today.

Soon almost everyone went to their rooms and there were only Ailee and Emma- her second elder sister left.

Ailee is a slow eater so she was still munching on her dessert when Emma asked her

"So Lily....... Can you help me with something?"

Ailee looked at her and said "What is it?

Are you in trouble?"

Emma laughed and said" No no sis I just need you to cover up for me. I might not come home tonight."

"Oooohh does it have something to do with a certain someone hmmm?" Ailee wiggled her eyebrows and teased Emma.

Emma turned bright red because her love life was a secret and finally she was going to tell someone in her family.

"Aileeeeeeee I know you already figured this much but still ....." she said and paused.

she looked around and whispered quietly in her ear "I have a boyfriend and it's his birthday tomorrow so I gotta be there to surprise him at midnight. Besides you're the only one who stays at home all the time and no one disturbs you ever...... so all you have to do is tell them I'm sleeping in your room since we had a movie night"

"Umm ok but what's in for me? "

"Chocolates. As many as you like." her whole being lit up hearing the name of her most favourite thing in the whole wide world and she immediately agreed.

"So what's his name?"

"Damien Ferraro"

After discussing a little more they went into their respective rooms.

After her night routine Ailee laid down on her fluffy bed under her favourite pink and purple fuzzy comforter and drifted off to a deep slumber.

____

"Knock knock"

"Lily"

"Lils"

"Ailee"

Ailee finally opened her eyes and lazily sat up. She is definitely not a morning person.

"Yes" she said groggily.

"Is Emma with you? she was supposed to leave for work with me today but I can't find her."

"uh- Yeah yeah she's here with me and still sleeping. You can go. She asked me to inform you that she'll be clocking in a little late today."

"oh well ok bye take care."

"Bye"

She got ready and called Emma.

"Yessjdhhssjsk" replied a very sleepy Emma.

"Emma Alex was asking for you, hurry up and reach office ASAP."

"oh shit yes. Thank you Lily. Love ya bye."

Ailee went downstairs and made herself a healthy breakfast.

She was sitting in the garden and reading the book which she had to pause yesterday. She likes being like this. Sitting in the comfort of her home, reading and doing the things she like and no one to disturb her. She feels happy that her family understand her so well and respect her for how she is.

___

She was in her room sketching when she was called for dinner. She only have dinner with her family daily because during lunch they all are at their workplaces and Ailee sleeps in during family breakfast most of the days.

Upon reaching there, her father called for the attention of everyone. "As you all know that our thirtieth marriage anniversary is around the corner, so we will be having a party here in the mansion and I want you all to distribute the responsibilities among yourselves. "

Everyone kept discussing back and forth when sometime later her mother asked Ailee "Lily will you be okay? Are you comfortable with the idea? If not we can always do it outside. "

Though she was a little uneasy with the things she still replied "Its okay mama. Its just for one night. I think I can survive that much. " Everyone smiled at her and continued eating.

Ailee retreated back to her room and plopped down on her bed. She was thinking what she'd do during the celebration.

She would spend as much time as she can in the public which she knew would not be more than an hour and then go to the pool house right across their mansion, eat chocolates and read happily there. Hmm sounds like a great plan to her.

She sat up and did her work. She doesn't go outside much but still partakes in her family business. She rarely go to their Company but still help out as much as she can online.

A reason why she feels comfortable with the hefty amount in her bank account is that she earned it herself. Earlier she used to be a freelancer and earned pretty well but she never got to spent much of it since they already have everything, their father made sure of it.

The last time she actually spent her money was when she bought a car for herself. Her first ever big purchase though she has used it only a few times she's still very content with that.

After completing her work and sending it to the coordinator she succumbed to the long awaited sleep.

He was sitting down and listening to the suggestions made by his employees.

The meeting was not that important but his presence had a chill running down the spine of every individual in that room.

"So I think it would be better if we wait for the price to go down. Not that we lack funds but it will help push back the predatory media and other big companies who want to get a sniff of what we are planning. " said the head of resource department.

He was a wise man and Xavier would consider his opinion.

"What do you think Mr Romano?"

After thinking for a few minutes he answered "We'll go with the latter. We are not in need of that land right now."

"Yes sir. "

Coming out of the conference hall his assistant asked him " Sir when would you like to meet Mr Laurent? "

"Tomorrow at 11"

"Yes sir I'll let him know"

Xavier left for the day since he directly came to the office from another city this morning.

He reached his mansion and was greeted by his forty five years old cook.

It was quite and peaceful just like it has always been and just like he prefers.

He went in his room and freshened up. He had his dinner alone and retreated back to his room and carried a book to his balcony.

A history book that was.

Few pages in and he got a call "Yo boss where you at?" it was his best friend Luka.

" At home. "

"So we have this guy you asked for would you do the honour then?"

"Mhmm I'll be there." Soon after he left.

Guards directed him towards the special guest of the evening who was tied to a metallic chair in a dingy cell.

"I see you've already started Luka."

"Couldn't wait."

" You got anything?"

"Nah but he doesn't look like a tough nut. He screams like a bitch."

" Hmm"

He went towards the various tools lined up for torturing purpose and chose a knife.

He took slow and steady steps towards his prey running his finger on the sharp blade of the knife.

He smoothly sliced open his right cheek and he screamed and thrashed. Xavier looked into his eyes and said

"We can do this the hard way or the easy way. The choice is really up to you because even though I'd rather be relaxing at home than here, I am fine with either of them. "

" So decide"

" I-uh-I don- don't know what-t you're ta-talking about. "

He closed his eyes and sighed deeply. He hate liers more than anything.

"Wrong choice. "

After that the whole area was echoing with his throat splitting screams and no one could do shit about that.

Romano didn't give him a second chance.

.......................

Next day on his way to work he got a call "Sir?"

"Yes"

"We found Simon snooping around your office again and this time its confirmed he had a motive"

"Just Kill him and never bother me with such things ever again"

"Y-yes sir"

Not even eight in the morning and he was already in a bad mood.

When he reached office he was reminded about the meeting he has later today with Mr Laurent.

He is looking forward to working with him since he's considered the best in his field and Romano wanted someone like that for his business to work flawlessly.

While walking towards his cabin he saw a group of four employees gossiping and laughing as if they were in a park.

He walked towards them and cleared his throat.

All of them turned to look at the intruder and paled at the sight of their infamous boss.

"I-I sir- we were just-"

He walked past them while ordering his assistant to fire them. He sighed. So much for a good day.

...............

It was the time of their meeting and he went to their Company for the said reason since it was Mr Laurent who proposed a deal to him.

"Nice to meet you Mr Romano. I have heard a lot about you and we are honoured to be working with you."

Xavier nodded and continued to the room where the meeting was to be held.

Surely not a man of words thought Mr Laurent.

All through the meeting it was mainly Mr Laurent and Alex giving suggestions here and there and Xavier silently analysed everything in his mind.

He was almost pleased with the negotiations and decided he would accept their offer. Them being good people was just a bonus. He is always surrounded by cunning people so it was refreshing for him as well.

"Congratulations sir"

Xavier just nodded in return.

"Mr Romano it was nice meeting you" said Alex while shaking hands with Xavier.

"Likewise Mr Laurent" Xavier generously replied.

..............

Later that day he came to a restaurant with his friend for dinner and the lady seated beside their table had not stopped staring at him.

He was about to strangle her to death when his friend stopped him and asked him to just eat quietly for once because this time it was him who chose the restaurant so he knew it would not end well for him. Friend or not Xavier is not someone to be messed with.

While leaving Xavier made sure his guards knew what they had to do with the lady who dared to touch his arm and had the audacity to call him by his first name.

No one and absolutely no one is allowed to address him by his first name and that woman managed to piss him off in three different ways in the span of one hour. No way in hell he's letting her go just like that.

He ain't build like that.

He reached home and laid down after freshening up.

Though he's used to the lifestyle he has now he still sometimes wonders what it would be like to have a family. Someone to come home to because times like this make him realise how lonely he is resulting in him not coming to his house for days and burying himself in work.

He knows that he is somewhere capable of loving but he's not sure of what he wants in a partner.

Is there even someone who would willingly stay by his side for what he is and not for his wealth and appearance?

Should she be like him? Badass? Emotionless? Evil? Or should she be a typical housewife material?

He don't know.

He'll see when the time comes.

He already have so much to take care of at the moment and don't have time for such things.

Everyone around him is so cautious and scared of him but he wouldn't want it any other way .

He is aware of the things, the destruction he's capable of and it gives him a strange sense of satisfaction. His reputation is something that keeps him safe and serves to be more than useful on several occasions.

Not being able to sleep he went to his study and started working. Checking emails. Going over the budgets, Overseas plans, data sent by other branches and everything that caught his attention.

He was finally able to sleep at the break of dawn and after the slumber of 3 hours he spent the next 2 hours working out since it was Saturday meaning he could go to work anytime he want.

He got ready and left for yet another hectic day.

The preparations were going on in full swing whereas the baby of the house was sound asleep in her room.

It was the day before the anniversary celebration and things couldn't get any smoother. She was up late night making sure the deliveries of all orders would be on time.

She woke up when someone knocked on her door.

"Ma'am your breakfast."

"Thank you. I could've got it myself"

" Its okay ma'am you always do it yourself "

Ailee smiled at her and got out of her bed to get ready for the day.

___

On the other side of the city Xavier was sitting in his office and doing his work when there was a knock on his door. " Sir?"

"Come in"

"Sir you are to leave for the meeting in 20 minutes." Xavier just nodded in acknowledgement.

"Also sir you've received an invitation from Mr Laurent"

He just lifted one eyebrow urging his assistant, Jack to elaborate.

"Its his 30th marriage anniversary tomorrow would you be joining them?"

"Send Luka on my behalf"

"Ok sir"

He spent rest of his day working and then left for his home.

When he entered the house he was greeted by the sight of his dear friend lying on his couch in his living room drinking his beer.

He doesn't like it when his personal space is invaded especially when he wants to be alone.

"What are you doing here Luka?"

"Had a bad day"

Xavier pinched his nose bridge and sighed.

"And?"

"And? Romano really?"

"Luka I will not ask again. Just leave."

Its called ordering and not asking, Luka thought to himself.

"No"

Xavier took a threatening step towards Luka and Luka backed away.

" Ok bro chill I'll go. But before I leave I gotta tell you that I ain't going to the Laurents tomorrow"

" And why is that? "

" Because I am busy"

Before Xavier could put him in his place Luka immediately explained himself.

" I am going out of city for the field work remember?"

Xavier sighed and sat down next to him " Yeah I remember. This shit just never ends. Does it?"

" Don't worry Romano we'll be alright. We will win just like we always have."

" I hope so. "

" So you going there tomorrow or what? "

" I have no choice but to go"

" They're good people you won't regret"

" Hmm but we don't know about the rest of the people that'll be attending."

" Tsk Tsk. As if they don't know you. Do you think they'll approach you out of their own will?"

" Ok leave now Luka you've stayed enough. "

" But I just came 3 hours ago. " he mutters.

Xavier took a hold of his arm and dragged him to the door.

" Good night bes fwend" Luka slurred.

Xavier being the kind person he is, shut the door on his face with a slam.

___

The Laurents mansion was bustling with people. The top notch decoration and the exotic aroma of the various delicacies can be smelt from far away.

All the six siblings were sitting and chatting happily with their parents. Wishing them and asking what they planned for their outing.

The staff members were coming and going to check the arrangements and Ailee was already feeling like running away. She can't even imagine what it would be like to be surrounded by so many people and having to interact with them.

She knew she will have to deal with a great amount of people because she had never been to any gathering with her family before and everyone was really curious to meet her.

She was afraid she will embarass herself and her parents because she can hardly speak to anyone that is not her immediate family.

Evening came by faster than she anticipated and now it was the moment she was dreading for a while now.

She was dressed beautifully in a rose gold off-shoulder ball gown. It was very sparkly and its net designs had her in complete aw. She was wearing a delicate gold chain with a rose shaped pendant that had diamonds in it paired with matching earrings and beige heels.

She looked ethereal. Though all her siblings were gifted in the looks department she was a little more .

Her innocence draped face is what anyone who sees her fall for. She has fair complexion with dark long and healthy hair that reach below her waist and she stand on a cute height of 5'3 feet.

She walked to her third elder sister, Gigi's room and knocked since she knew everyone would be gathered there as she is a fashion designer. So everyone wanted her opinion on what they wear on special occasions.

Soon enough the door was opened by Mila and she ushered her inside. There as she expected were all her siblings including her brother.

Gigi came and hugged her first. "Oh My God!"

"You look beautiful"

"You look amazing"

"I'm gonna cryyyy"

"Awwwwwwww babyyyy"

She was showered with so many compliments that her face turned red. She hid her face in the chest of her brother when they all cooed at her.

"Seriously this is not fair Lily. Who gave you the right to look this pretty?"

She shyly thanked them all and they all continued finishing up their looks.

After an hour here she was panicking at the top of the stairs. Her siblings held her hands and keep assuring her that it'll be alright. But Ailee just wanted to run back to the safety of her room.

After lots of convincing and reassuring they all went down and out in the garden.

Everyone was awestruck at the sight of the famous 6 siblings. Ailee immediately went to her father who held her in his arms comforting her.

Soon they were greeted by numerous clients and business partners and Ailee's condition kept worsening. She'd just awkwardly smile and shake hands with people not even speaking- save for a quiet hello. The looks she was receiving from the young males wasn't helping either so after half an hour she excused herself and went back inside.

___

"Sir we are here" Xavier's driver informed him of their arrival.

He was dressed in a black Armani suit and shiny black Chelsea boots with a Rolex watch sitting on his wrist.

Xavier got out and was directed inside by the guards.

As soon as he reached their garden he was greeted by the older Laurent.

"Mr Romano I'm glad you could take out the time to join us on our special day."

He just nodded and handed over a bouquet of flowers along with a gift bag to Mr Laurent.

"Thank you for these Mr Romano but there was really no need for it. Here let me introduce you to my family." Mr Laurent led him to a group of a few people who resembled him. Clearly his family. They were chatting and gushing about the dress of the older woman.

"My wife Juliana. My eldest daughter Mila then Emma, Alex as you already know him, Gigi, Iris and my youngest daughter isn't here right now. Her name's Ailee and she's not much of a people person."

Xavier shook hands with everyone and nodded.

As for other people in the gathering, they all made sure they were atleast twenty steps away from him at all times. Can't take the risk of angering a beast unintentionally.

He looked around and went at the furthest corner to have his drink as it was the quietest place available.

After 15 minutes he was standing and looking far away in the distance when his eyes caught the sight of a girl in a gown balancing a book, tray of food and a chocolate bag it seemed, in her hands going towards a lodge right across where he was at.

He was wondering what she was doing there when she's clearly dressed for a party.

He couldn't see her face but he could tell she was beautiful.

After observing her a little more and when she finally went inside struggling so much to open the door, he turned around to go back. He stayed here long enough as it was and didn't want to be here anymore.