Poisoned Love: Guns And Roses

Georgina's POV

I look at my reflection in the mirror. I have to look presentable for my business presentation.

I heard that the owner was domineering and scary. At age 22, I tried my best to build a company.

I didn't graduate from any courses after high school because I couldn't afford expenses even if there was a student loan that the government offered.

I decided to read books until I tried to build a company that focuses on construction waste aggregation.

At first, it was hard for me, especially when my son came into my life. I have no idea what I'm doing, so I do research, read books, and self-study.

I made it after two years. I'm glad I pushed it through! My business had finally taken off.

My eyes landed on my ring finger in my left palm. I don't understand the meaning of these two letters.

I don't know why I didn't feel the pain when they put this tattoo on my finger. The initials are AL, and each side has a star on it. I tap my face and look at myself in the mirror again.

"Focus! Don't think of anything else. You have to gain his trust so that he will invest in your business and expand as wide as you can. You can do this Georgina!" I mumbled.

I was startled when I saw my son's reflection in the mirror. I didn't hear his footsteps when he entered my room.

He came closer and embraced me. "Mommy!" he says.

I laugh and brush his head. "Mommy, you should stop talking to yourself always. It's not healthy for you," he jokes.

I rolled my eyes and laughed. "Where's my good luck kiss, hmm? Mommy needs a charm today," I mumbled.

I lower my head and he starts showering me with small kisses. I laughed and gently pinched his cheeks afterward.

"I love you, mom. Good luck! I know you can do it," Alejandro says.

I nodded and smiled. "Thank you, sweetheart. Mommy will do her best because I want my sweet son to live a better life than I ever had," I said. He smiled and kissed me again.

I spoke with his nanny and told her to keep an eye on him while he's in the school. He's kind of a naughty kid. He loves to explore and play around.

"I'll see you guys later."

They wave at me, and I drive my car away from the school. I decided to enroll him in a public institution because I want him to experience the life of a normal person.

I want him to respect people no matter what status they have in life. I don't want him to be entitled and spoiled.

It took me half an hour to reach this huge building. The initials are SJD. It stands for the owner's surname.

The Sajavedra Group of companies was one of the multibillion-dollar companies that invest in different business ventures all over the world.

"Good morning, ma'am... Claire," I remarked. I added her name based on what I saw from her nameplate. She smiled.

"Good morning, ma'am. What can I do for you?" she asks.

"I'm here for my appointment with Mr. Sajavedra. It's a 10 am appointment. I know I'm early, but I speak with you for confirmation. I'm Georgina Louise, by the way," I remarked.

She starts typing on the computer and then uses their telephone.

"Yes, Sir. Her name is Georgina Louise. Her appointment is at ten in the morning. I just want to confirm her time," she says. She smiled and nodded.

"Thank you, sir. Bye," she says. She looks at me after.

"Ms. Louise, your appointment is confirmed. You can go upstairs and wait for your call time. Mr. Sajavedra is currently in a meeting with the finance department."

I smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Ma'am Claire," I said.

I left the reception area. I decided to drop by the canteen and have a snack before I went upstairs.

I just had my coffee and a single toast. I'm still hungry. I ordered pasta and orange juice. After I ate, I went upstairs.

I look at my reflection in the elevator walls. I take a deep breath. "This is it, Georgina. You have to work hard and close this deal!"

As soon as the door opened, I went out and waited in the waiting area. I take a deep breath.

My heart is popping out of my freaking chest! My gosh! Why am I this nervous? This isn't the first time that I will do this kind of thing.

"Are you, ma'am Georgina Louise?" a woman asks. I smiled and nodded.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied. She smiled too.

"This way, ma'am. Mr. Sajavedra had been waiting for you," she says.

I stood up and followed her. He's been waiting? It's still fifteen minutes before ten in the morning.

She opens the door and stays outside. I looked in front of me and saw a beautiful freaking man standing in front of me. He looks at the other man standing next to his desk.

"You can leave us, Vincent," he says.

That man bowed his head and left. I look at the door. I have become more nervous now!

"Ms. Louise, are you here for business or just stand there? Don't waste my time," he says.

I turn around. That baritone raspy voice... it feels familiar! I walk slowly and look at him.

He has jet black hair, a clean cut on the side, and there are two lines on his upper ears, which are famous nowadays.

His thick medium arch brows have a cut on the left side. His gunmetal blue eyes became dreamy and sexy because of his long eyelashes.

His regal nose makes you think that his high status fits him. Those full lips-they're attractive even to me.

I thought Angelina Jolie was the only person who could pull such lips. I bow my head. I have to apologize.

"I'm sorry, sir. I'm just a bit scared-I mean nervous."

He stood up and sat on the couch. He frowns at me when he turns around and sees me standing still.

"Are you going to present there?" he arrogantly asks.

I blink. He's kind of arrogant and scary. I went to him and took a seat on the couch. I have to calm myself and present properly. I can do this. It's for my son's future!

"Good morning, sir. I'm Georgina Louise, the CEO of Louise Environmental Technology," I remarked.

I was hesitant, but I offered my hand. It's okay if he didn't hold it for a handshake. He held my hand.

Oh boy! I feel like a current flowed down to his palm and transferred it to me. "I'm Alexandro Livius Sajavedra, the chairman of Sajavedra Group," he says.

I placed my hand on my lap right away as soon as he let go of it. I leaned back and grabbed my laptop in my bag.

I also handed the folder for the hard copy of my business proposal. I hope I'll be able to close this deal!

Alexandro Livius's POV

I scanned the document. It's not too wordy, and she knows how to summarize her explanation. She proves her explanation with pictures and graphs.

"When did you build this company?" I ask. I didn't look at her and waited for her answer.

"I established this company three years ago, sir."

I lean on the couch cross my legs and look at her then grab the folder.

"Sir? How old are you, Ms. Louise?" I coldly ask. She looks at me.

"I'm 26 years old, sir. Is there a problem? Please, sir, don't consider my age for this proposal," she remarks.

My brow furrows. "Do I look like someone who bases my decision on such a trivial reason?" I ask.

She turned pale. I feel bad because I already noticed how nervous and scared she was.

"Tell me, Ms. Louise. Do I look like a man who will eat you? You've been nervous, scared, and stiff. How can you present your business proposal if you are emotional?"

Georgina meets my eyes and gives me that strange gaze.

"I apologize. It's normal for a person to be nervous. I am nervous or scared in a bad way. SJD Group is a well-established and renowned company. I hope you understand where I'm coming from, sir," she explains. I sighed.

"You're 26 and I'm 27. Stop calling me Sir and just call me Alexandro or Livius," I mutter.

"No. Just call me Livius."

Her eyes dilated when she heard what I said. "Just call me Livius. You may start," I assert. She took a deep breath.

"Wait, of all businesses, why did you choose this type of industry? Don't get me wrong, but ladies nowadays, especially those who want to build their company, focus on cosmetics, clothes, jewelry, or other fashion businesses. This is way too far," I ask.

She simply smiled when she heard my explanation.

"That's true, sir. That industry was also in demand, and the competition was too tight. It's not also my cup of tea. I only finished high school and don't have any interest and learning about it." She halts and grabs her laptop.

"Also, my interest concerns the environment for the future welfare of the next generation. Also, environmental technology here in our country isn't an in-demand business. That's why I tried my luck in this endeavor," she replied.

I nod and continue reading her proposals. "You can now explain," I remarked.

"Louise Environmental Technology focuses on industrial waste management control. As time goes by, skyscrapers are being rampant in every city and country around the world."

I flip the next page and start to analyze this part of her proposal. I'm impressed at how detail-oriented her report is.

"During the construction period, waste management was the least concern of building and company owners. There are also cases in which the waste is dumped in a vacant lot and stays there for years," she added.

I know what she's talking about because that happens to one of my warehouses when I need to renovate that place.

Up until now, those wastes were stuck in a lot that is part of the land that I bought for my ten warehouses.

"Livius, can I have your eyes and ears here, please?" she asks.

I look at her. Damn! I never thought my name could be pronounced sweetly.

"Thank you, Livius. Anyway, here's a video of the machines and technologies that we offer to our clients. I can also show you how they are made. I hired Japanese people who can assemble them as well as import the parts from different factories in Japan," she explains.

She clicks the space bar and lets me watch the videos that she's talking about. There are three videos that are three to five minutes long.

After watching the videos, Georgina continues to explain the products and services that her company offers.

She was scared earlier, but she's now confident in explaining her proposal. Not bad for me.

"With the use of these technologies, we can have automatic sorting for the construction waste. This processing system can sort and select the various types of materials. This can also save up with time, construction, and manpower costs."

Georgina looks at me in the eyes. She's really beautiful. She aged more than a fine wine. I can see how much she matured.

I can see my reflection in her onyx eyes. She has thick soft arch brows and long eyelashes, making her eyes dreamy. She has a slender nose and pinkish-rich ridge lips.

She also has long, wavy black hair. I wonder if she's a mixed race. Overall, Georgina was beautiful.

"At the same time, some construction waste can be recycled. For example, concrete debris, bricks, and tiles can be dismantled and delivered to the production plant for sorting," she continues.

I want to stop her and ask, but I want to listen to her more. I feel like my questions will be answered along the way.

"After the process, we can now produce construction aggregates that can replace the use of natural sand. I know you might be wondering if the produced sand can withstand the pressure. That's why..." she paused.

I noticed that Georgina's throat was a bit dry, making her voice change.

I grab the bottled water and give it to her. "Thank you, sir."

I smiled and watched her as she drank. Her neck was... sexy. I look away. What the hell am I thinking?!

"I know pressure and durability were important for constructing a building. That's why we, the Louise Environmental Technology, develop a key patented technology for the recycling of concrete waste and test the aggregates to see if they are durable and can withstand pressure."

I was about to speak when she did it first. I wonder if she notices that I'm about to say something.

"This will help you to cut the cost, but the quality is on par with ordinary concrete. You don't have to worry about its quality, sir," she added.

She just answers the question I have in my head. All the questions that I wanted to ask were answered during her explanation.

"I must say that you really know what kind of services and products your company offers. You also answered the question I have in mind. One last question: what do you want from SJD? An investment or do you want us to avail your services and products?" I ask.

I just want to know if she's greedy enough to ask both. She drinks the rest of the water in the bottle. I look away again. It's making me uncomfortable in a certain way. That memory!

Georgina's POV

I take a deep breath. I managed to explain to him what kind of business I have.

Now that he asks me that question, I know he's testing me. That's the reason why I did my research and made sure that I would choose the right offer.

"Livius," I stopped.

My head aches. I've had this weird tightness in my chest whenever I say his name, which bothers me.

"Livius, I know that SJD Constructions was one of the sought-after companies to build and renovate different infrastructures. That's why I am choosing the second one. Our technology will save you time and money. You can also promote environmental concerns and awareness."

His brow arches. I cleared my throat again. "If you do that, your company will also benefit from this," I added.

He crosses his legs and looks at me meaningfully. I got conscious again. I feel like I will melt if he keeps on gazing at me like that.

I look away and act like I'm a bit busy with my laptop. Livius was too charismatic. I'm also a girl, and I can see and sense that character in him.

I have to guard my garden. I recklessly surrendered it before. That's the reason why my son Alejandro came out of this world too early.

I said too early because I never regretted having him in my life. "I see. I thought you would ask for both. It looks like you've done your research, Georgina," he softly murmurs.

I suddenly wished to see Livius's face. I turned around, and I was stunned by what he did next.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me closer. I was taken aback. That was smooth as heck! "Livius?!" I exclaimed.

His body and face were too close! What is his deal? My heart is beating so fast that I can't breathe anymore. I feel like he's stealing my lifeline!

"Who am I?" I look at him.

Why is he asking? Out of the blue, he's asking such a weird question. "Huh? Why are you asking me? Don't tell me you didn't know who you are?" I joke.

Oh boy! I saw how his face frowned. I bite my lower lip when I realize my mistake. I bow my head to apologize, but I bump his chin. I heard how he groans.

He let go of my hand and massaged his chin. I raise my hand and shove away his just to check his face.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry Livius!" I exclaimed worriedly. I feel like I want to cry. This is an important meeting, but I fuck it up!

What am I doing in my life?! I'm here to get his interest in my company, not to be rude.

"Does it hurt Livius? Should I call your company doctor?" I suggest in panic.

I'm really doomed! Mr. Sajavedra shakes his head. He held my hand and stopped me from touching his face.

I thought he would let them go, but suddenly he intertwined our fingers and raised them.

My heart skips a beat. My chest tightens more. No other men had done this before. Is he flirting with me?! Oh gosh!

"Your palm was still soft and still smaller than mine," he commented, smiling sweetly.

'Huh? Why is he smiling? What did he just say? Still?'

I was about to stand up, but he pulled my hands up until I landed on his lap. My eyes dilated.

"Livius? What are you doing?!" I ask.

This is not how strangers greet each other. This is my first time meeting Alexandro Livius Sajavedra!

My eyes landed on him again. Wait a second. Why didn't I notice it right away? I feel like he's...

"Are you afraid that I'll do something?" he whispers. I look at him and our current position.

"Isn't it obvious? Sir, I am here for business. I have no plans of using my body to close the deal. So please, let go of me," I begged.

I don't want to push him. I want to see what he will do. I wonder if he will listen and respect me as a woman. He laughs and lets go.

I take a seat and keep a distance, but not that long. I need to be professional and wait for his decision. He sighed.

"Did you have-"

He was interrupted by a call. I look at the screen. It was written, honey. It's my son. I grab my phone and swipe the answer button.

"Hello, honey?" I answered.

"Mommy! How's everything? Did I disturb you? I'm eating my snacks so I ask my teacher to have my phone and call you a bit. I wanna check on you," Alejandro says. That made me grin. My son was a really sweet and caring boy.

"Don't worry. I am doing fine, honey. Enjoy your snacks, okay? I'll see you later. I love you," I remarked.

I heard her giggle. "Okay, mommy. I love you more. Bye-bye!"

I smiled while looking at the screen. "A boyfriend?" Livius asks in such a deep but threatening tone.

I turn my face and look at his face. I feel like his face is staring through my soul and burning me. I think he's asking for very personal info.

"That's a personal question, sir. Do I have to answer it?"

He looks at me in the eyes. A pain flashed in his eyes, which I didn't understand. He looks down and then turns on his side.

I have this feeling that I need to apologize but I don't know why. Is this normal? What am I guilty of?

"Livius..." I whispered and grabbed his arms.

He looks at me, and our eyes meet. His eyes were really beautiful. I feel like he's pulling me into a dream in the middle of the morning.

I heard the door open, but I didn't care because I was too drawn by this man's gaze.

"My gosh, Alexandro! Why aren't you answering your fucking phone?!" a woman roars.

I was about to check on her when Livius held my palm and bit it between my thumb and index fingers. I look at him, then I realize he's putting something in my hand.

"What is this-ump!" I moan.

His lips pressed against mine. His lips were soft! "Thank you, love. You finally say yes..." he whispered.

What did he just say? Say YES to fucking what?!

"Alexandro Livius Sajavedra! What the hell is the meaning of this?!" she roars again.

I stood up, but suddenly he grabbed my waist and made me sit on his lap once again.

"Can you stop yelling, Maxi? You're scaring my fiancée! She finally agreed with my proposal. Don't ruin this moment," Livius says.

I was stunned and dumbfounded because of what I just heard. Did he just say that I'm his FIANCEE?!

What the hell is going on?! I look at the girl in front of us. She's beautiful and looks expensive. Instead of checking her features, I stopped. I look at Livius again.

"What is going on, Livius?" I whispered in his ears.