Meant to be

LUCY

My temples pulsed with a throbbing ache as I navigated through the bustling airport with my two energetic kids in tow. Jay, the mischievous nine-year-old, bounded ahead, his eyes filled with wonder at the vast expanse of the terminal. Vicky, my seven-year-old son trailed behind, his eyes alight with curiosity.

As we made our way to the departure gate, My headache intensified. I desperately needed a moment of respite from the constant clamor surrounding me. However, my hope for a peaceful moment evaporated when I noticed Vicky engrossed in a flirtatious exchange with a little girl around Jay's age.

Vicky had always been precocious, his charm radiating effortlessly. It wasn't uncommon for him to capture the attention of those around him But this time, his innocent attempts at flirting seemed to irk the girl's father, who stood nearby, his brows furrowed in mild irritation.

I quickened my pace, gently coaxing Vicky away from his newfound friend. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's not bother them," I whispered, trying to divert Vicky's attention. Vicky, however, was determined to make his presence known, flashing a toothy grin.

Feeling a surge of concern, I approached the father and apologized, my voice tinged with exhaustion. "I'm sorry if Vicky is bothering your daughter. He's just a bit playful today."

The man's stern expression softened as he glanced down at Vicky, who now clung to my leg. "No harm done," he replied, a faint smile breaking through. "Kids will be kids."

Relieved by his understanding, I mustered a smile of gratitude. I took Jay and Vicky by the hand and steered them towards a quiet corner. But Vicky immediately went back to the little from before and started to flirt again.

"Jay!" I desperately called my little man of the house, who is now playing with my phone like it is the most interesting thing in the world.

"What mom?" He rolled his eyes.

JASON don't roll your eyes at your mom. I want to say that out loud but my headache didn't allow me to.

"Stop him" I said pointing to his brother.

That busy guy signed nodding his head.

"Vicky! Its your turn. You can take the phone"

"Really!?" Vicky's eyes sparkled and gave a quick kiss to the little girl's cheek and started running towards us.

I rolled my eyes and chuckled.

We are currently at the New York airport. My role as the General Manager of Orlando Pvt Ltd has brought me here on a critical mission.

Six months prior, the esteemed founder of Orlando Pvt Ltd, Stefano Orlando, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of success and a void that proved challenging to fill. His son, Samuel Orlando, assumed the role of CEO, but his lack of responsibility and questionable decision-making had thrown the company into disarray.

The main branch is at Rome. I'm joining there as a financial manager to take care of his mess. Let's just hope that son of a burger didn't mess up totally.

I don't know why they selected me for this, but I'm glad.

I'm not pro but when our branch had some problem with our financial manager a few years ago, I took his place for a week and settled everything. Maybe that's the reason? Who knows. I just shrugged it off.

I came out of my lala land when the noisy airport became quite. I frowned and took a look at surroundings.

I saw all women and men are looking at something curiously. I followed there gaze and stilled

My heart skipped a beat when I saw him walking like he own this place. He is on his phone talking furiously, but I couldn't hear him. The side of his neck and ears are red with anger. He walked towards us and took a seat which is two rows infront of me.

Looking at him close, a wave of admiration surged through me, just like it did for every other person around. Their gazes were fixed upon him, captivated by his sheer handsomeness. He is huge. Not bulky or anything, but he is so tall, probably more than 6'2 and muscular enough to compliment his height.

His shoulders are broad, I can see outlines of his muscles when he clenched his phone and started typing something furiously. Poor thing, I hope it survives.

The air seemed to buzz with whispers and stolen glances, all sharing the same sentiment of admiration. My thoughts raced, trying to comprehend the magnetism exuded by this stranger. I found myself drawn to his confident stride and chiseled features, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

No no no no. I shouldn't be doing this. Boys are immature jerks.

But he is a man. A grown fine ass man!

Nope! Still no. Control your hormones Lucy, don't act like a freaking teen.

I shook my head clearing my thoughts. I need coffee. ''Guys don't wander off to god knows where and wait here until I come back. Okay?'' I said looking at Vicky and Jay, who nodded their heads that are almost inside that damn phone.

Did they even hear me? I rolled my eyes and went to buy myself a Coffee.

I walked into the bustling café and joined the line, eagerly anticipating the sweet aroma and warm embrace of the beverage.

As I approached the counter, I placed my order with a smile. The waitress, however, seemed distracted, her attention drawn to someone behind me. In a moment of clumsiness, she fumbled with the bill and change, and it slipped from her hands, scattering across the floor.

"Oh my god! I so sorry'' she winced when she noticed what she did.

''It's ok, no problem'' I smiled at her and bent down to took my change.

'' *Whistle* Damn. Wish I could smack that ass'' I snapped my head back and my eyes landed on the Hottie from earlier who is still looking at my ass.

Man my foot.

I went past through him shotting him a glare. ''Pervert''

ALEX

''The fuck is that supposed to mean? Why was I not informed? Do you want to get fired Scott? Allora cazzo fai il tuo lavoro!! (then fucking do your job next time!)" I snapped, ending the call.

If I said I was angry, it would be an understatement. I'm furious.

I was supposed to travel in my private jet, but due to some issues which they didn't detect beforehand I might add, I'm stuck here.

I took a seat and started typing to Rocco, my best friend and COO, about new developments in one of our products.

Sign. I need some caffeine in my system right now.

'Hey, look at her. She has some sexy ass'' I heard someone whisper when I went to order. I looked at them and saw the girl they were eyeing.

She was ordering something and I took my time to check her ass. And damn, it was the only good thing that happened to me today.

Her ass is indeed sexy. The cashier girl dropped the change, too busy ogling me and apologized to her.

"It's okay, no problem'' Her voice is so soft and husky. I clenched my jaw to control myself when she bent to take the change.

The fuck is wrong with me? When did I start checking a random girl's ass?

" *whistle* Damn, wish I could smack that ass'' This time that guy said out loud.

I didn't notice her turning around at first, but when she started walking, I looked into her glaring eyes.

I frowned. Why is she glaring at me?

''Pervert'' she muttered, walking past me.

Did she think -

I noticed that guy was about to grab her ass. I quickly caught his hand. "Wh–'' I closed his mouth with another hand before he could utter a word.

"Shhhh..'' I said, glaring at him and his friend, who looked terrified. He gulped, nodding his head.

When I was sure she was out of hearing range, I twisted his arm hard, my hand on his mouth went to the back of his head and slammed him on the nearest table, making him cry out of pain.

I bent down to his face. " Try touching anyone like that again, I swear to God I'll break every bone in your body. Inteso? (Understood?) '' I whispered, applying pressure on his hand. He whimpered, trying to nod his head.

I released him and noticed that everyone was staring at me with wide eyes. When I was about to order, I heard the flight announcement.

Shit! I groaned. So much for a coffee.

£ £ £

I closed my eyes and suppressed another groan as I entered the plane. I miss flying alone. This is all because of Scott.

''That fucker'' I muttered, taking my seat. If he was not one of my trusted employees, I would have already fired his ass.

"Mamma! wash his mouth like you did to mine!! He is speaking forbidden words!!" Came an angry, cute voice from the back seat.

The fuck? I frowned.

When I was about to turn back, I saw her. She is sleeping next to me. The same girl that called me pervert.

I smirked. Never mind, I don't miss flying alone that much.

"Shut up Vicky! Don't disturb mom, she is tired, let her sleep." I heard another voice.

This time I turned around and found two kids bickering but their sleeping mom was not there- my eyes widened with realization.

This girl is their mom? I quickly searched her fingers and I signed in relief when I found no ring. I don't know why though. Maybe I was relieved that I didn't check the ass of a married woman.

I put my elbow on the armrest using it to support my chin and looked at her. I took my time to check her all out. Never, I mean, never in my life I found a girl as beautiful as her.

Her eyelashes are thick and long enough for its shadow to touch her caramel cheeks. Her nose looks like a button though. I snickered. A cute button. Her lips are in naturally lightest shade of red in color and pouty. The craziest thing about her lips is, there is a tiny mole on them and another one on her chin. Her black hair is side braided, it reached her waist. She is not skinny or too curvy, but has the perfect size of breas-

"Stop checking out my mom!" The elder kid snapped at me from above. I looked up and saw him clinging on our seats glaring at me.

What's with the glares? It's the 2nd time in a row.

Well, what can I expect when I get caught while checking out her? A medal?

I was about to reply when we saw his mom sitting up straight. She looked at us in confusion. She looked cute with her big black doe eyes, which are mesmerizing by the way, her eyebrows are lightly pulled into a frown.

Her eyes widened when she noticed me.

She looked flustered for a second but composed herself really quickly, but I didn't miss her blush. Damn, it's the newest cute thing about her, as her blush is slightly noticeable only on her cheek bones. It's like I'm watching a cartoon character. It made me smile unknowingly.

"Jay, are you okay? " she asked the kid, now I know whose name is Jay.

Elder one – Jay.

What name did Jay use when he asked his brother to shut up?

Yeah, Vicky – the younger one. Noted.

I frowned, why am I taking notes? I shook my head. Something happened to me.

"Yeah mom, he is just being an idiot!" Jay said, glaring at me. Did he just- I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Jay! This is not how you speak to elders. What did I tell you?" She asked while deepening her frown, pursing her lips indicating that she was not pleased with his behavior.

"Give respect to elders". Jay muttered, looking down.

" Then?" She raised her eyebrows.

"But mom, he is speaking bad words loudly and Vicky heard it!" He said, pointing at me like I had stolen his only toy.

What? I just muttered. It's not your fault that you guys have good hearing!

She signed "So? You'll call him an idiot? Don't mind others Jay, we have a long flight ahead".

No, he called me an idiot because he saw me checking out you.

"Okay mom" he said, rolling his eyes.

Rude.

She shook her head and got up, placing her right knee on the seat and climbed up, to check on Vicky.

I too looked at him from the small space between our seats. He is sleeping. She could have seen from her though.

Maybe she doesn't want to get close to me.

That thought kind of irritated me.

Out of nowhere, the plane started to jerk due to turbulence, making her lose balance.

She fell back and forth, crashing into me. I wrapped my hand around her waist and grabbed the armrest with another to keep us steady.

This is just getting better and better.

LUCY

As soon as I sat on my seat, I plugged in my earphones and closed my eyes. Jay and Vicky sat in the back, as Vicky wants a window seat and Jay doesn't like strangers.

I tried to sleep but I can't just sleep anytime and anywhere unless it's night and I'm home.

At one point, I gave up and sat straight, removing my earphones. I was confused when I saw Jay glaring at the man beside me and blushed, realizing who he was.

He is the hottie from before. And also the pervert who catcalled me. Argh. I don't like him.

''Jay, are you okay?'' He still looks angry.

''Yeah mom, he is just being an Idiot'' He said, glaring at the pervert.

It's nothing new to me. Jay just doesn't have a filter and speaks his mind. Still, this attitude will bring him nothing but trouble.

''Jay! This is not how you speak to elders. What did I tell you?''

''Give respect to elders'' he muttered, looking down. I hate seeing him like that.

Though he looks arrogant and rude, I know he won't snap at others without any reason.

''Then?'' I asked, raising my eyebrows.

Oh, how I wish I could raise a single eyebrow.

"But mom, he is speaking bad words and Vicky heard it!" He said, pointing at him with an accused glare.

See? He has a reason! But not valid enough to argue.

I signed "So? You'll call him an idiot? Don't mind others Jay, we have a long flight ahead".

"Okay mom'' he said, rolling his eyes. Pstt, he needs to stop doing that.

I shook my head and got up, placed my right knee on the seat and climbed up, to check on Vicky. Awe, my baby is sleeping.

I could have seen him from the space between our seats, but I didn't want to go near that pervert.

All of a sudden, the plane started to jerk violently. My back hit the plane and I landed on this pervert's lap, hitting my stomach to the armrest in the process.

Ouch, I groaned in pain. He wrapped his arms around me and gripped the armrest to keep us studying.

''Mam!! Are you alright? Please try to sit and tighten your seatbelts.'' The air host said, looking at my weird position but having her own battle to stand.

''Yeah, we got it'' He said, holding me tight. His warm breath fanned at the side of my face and his voice, Oh god, his voice is so deep.

I frowned. Wait, why does it sound different from before?

I looked up facing him, we were so close, making my breath hitch.

''Why is your voice different?'' I asked him lamely, even though deep down I know the answer.

He smirked. ''You know why''.

I closed my eyes and groaned internally. Damn! He wants me to admit it.

''Sorry, I thought you were the one who catcalled me. But in my defense, you were looking at my ass!'' I added quickly, desperate to make a point.

He chuckled and shrugged. It was music to my ears.

"I did think you had a nice ass'' he said, making me blush.

I closed my eyes tightly and hid my face in his chest when the plane jerked more violently.

Everything was still when the turbulence stopped.

An announcement came in the calmest way possible that the turbulence was gone and that we would not die.

I released a breath and tried to move, but I still felt his grip. I looked up to say thank you only to realise how close we are when my lips brushed his.

We froze for a moment but I quickly pulled away, detangling myself. He too released me.

I took a deep breath to calm my heart.

''Jay! Vicky! Are you guys alright?'' I asked loud enough for them to hear. I'm too afraid to look back like before.

''Yes mom, we are okay!" Said Jay, making me relax.

''Ha mamma!!! That was fun! Will it happen again?'' Vicky said enthusiastically, which made me smile.

What a combo I got here!

I glanced at Hottie, who looked at me. ''Hope it will not. And that wasn't supposed to be fun''.

I signed. What just happened?

My life was always plain. I used to live with my parents in a small town near Pennsylvania.

We aren't that rich, but enough for them to make me go to college, even when I barely passed high school.

I was a rebel but only to make my parents mad. They were always so protective. I was not allowed to hangout with my friends, not allowed to parties.

Basically, I'm grounded my whole life. I didn't mind that too much because I know they love me to death and I love them too.

I was okay with everything and it's not like I have a life. I prefer to sit at home than go to uninvited parties and I only had one friend who backstabbed me.

Noah.. My first love. At least that's what I thought at that time. But now meh, that was just a phase.

In my first year of high school, I used to be a fat ugly nerd and he was a new kid looking cute and handsome. One look at him and I was a goner. He soon became popular. Cliché right? I know.

I somehow managed to get his number. I know he will not like me back , but that little bit of chatting is enough to satisfy my heart.

We never spoke directly , he never acknowledged me. Even when chatting he used to ask about girls in my class , it used to hurt, but as I said before, it was enough for me.

I thought one day he would accept me, but what actually broke my heart is seeing him making out with my one and only friend on our graduation day. She knows I like him, but still chooses to hurt me.

And on the top of that, I hate MBA. Even though I was not smart, I admired doctors and always wanted to become one. But my father was so adamant about making me do an MBA.

That's when I rebelled and started failing classes. I gained more weight and my lifestyle became unhealthy.

But when my parents died, I regretted everything. The pain was unbearable. It's too much for me to handle.

If only I had not been mad at my dad during his last days. If only I had visited my parents frequently and made more memories.

I just don't want to face them like that when I was failing in life. I wanted to make amends, to eat healthily, to lose weight and to not fail. I wanted to but I couldn't. I tried but it was not enough and it was too late. They were already dead before it could happen.

I somehow picked myself together and did everything to make my parents proud. I graduated with good grades and have a healthy life. If only they were here to see you.

I then moved to New York when I got a job and now, here I am.

I took a look at Hottie but he was busy with his phone. The rest of the flight was awkward and we didn't utter a word.

●●

New home. I smiled. Here we will be safe.

"Woah.. mamma this place is so cool !!" Vicky said excitedly, jumping up and down.

I chuckled and turned to Jay. "Do you like it?"

He just nodded with a smile and went to look around.

"Girl !!! You look gorgeous. Your photos don't do justice to you", I heard a squeal from the entrance.

I turned and saw Nat ‐ Natalie running towards me. She gave me the tightest hug ever.

Nat is my social media friend. Last year, she slammed my inbox, accusing me that I had stolen her boyfriend. Soon, we cleared the misunderstanding. She apologized repeatedly and, like that, we became good friends.

When I told her that I was coming to Rome permanently, she nearly died from excitement.

Nat is really beautiful and has a model-like figure. Her brunet hair reached her back and she had brown eyes. She is 5'6, where I'm just 5'3.

" So? had a safe journey?" She asked, smiling widely.

My cheeks flush when I recall everything.

"Yes, we had. Thank you so much for this though ". I said, looking around.

She is the one who selected the appartment and even shifted here for us, saying it is nearer to her office and also planning to move.

"Nah.. not a problem" she waved her hands dismissively.

I looked at my watch. Shit! I'm late.

" Ok I gotta go. Take care of them." I said, pointing to Vicky and Jay and hurried outside shouting a bye over my shoulder.

●●

It took 30min to reach the building. I quickly parked the car and went inside.

I felt slightly dizzy. I have motion sickness and I can't bear the journey for more than 20min. I'm ok with flights, bikes and metros though. There will be more places to breathe.

I just shoved my office ID in the face of the receptionist and hurried towards the elevator. I pressed the highest floor, which was 13th.

I leaned back against the walls of the elevator and closed my eyes as it started to move. Yeah, I can't even cope with elevators, only start moving though, so it's not a big problem.

The elevator opened with a ding. I stepped out of it and huffed.

Where the hell is his room?

"Excuse me mam ? You can't go any further". A women in her mid thirties stopped me.

"What? Why?" I frowned.

She sighed and said " There is a meeting going on here, I can't let you inside. Mam".

"What!? What do you mean by meeting? I have an appointment with him."

"I know mam, but I can't allow you" she said with a sorry face.

I closed my eyes tightly. Uff.. cool Lucy, cool...

"Look , I know that you are aware of the situation. You have to let me in. I have to stop the meeting.'' I almost pleaded.

"They are dangerous mam , you can't do anything. Our boss has already signed the papers, they just have to make it official. "

God..!! That son of a Baboon !!

I sighed loudly. "Who are they?"

"They are from Moretti Industries " she whispered.

A chill ran down my spine and my breathing became irregular as I remembered the time when I heard the name Moretti for the first time.

"Mr.Moretti said to leave this place as soon as possible. The car is going to blast at any minute "