Romance With The CEO

"Back at Nation News, I am Julie Garcia. This time I will deliver about the traffic. A streak accident involving the fiancee's entourage took place on the Rhopeake Expressway early this morning. Five people died, one person suffered serious burns, and dozens of people were injured in this accident."

On that Sunday, when the sky was not yet too hot, one news major accident spread all over. A bloody incident that forced the team medical, police, and firefighters to work together to rescue the fallen victims.

"This major accident involved at least eight vehicles. Including transport vehicles and vehicles private. It is suspected that a drowsy container truck driver and vehicles that did not meet roadworthy requirements were the triggers of this unfortunate incident."

It was clearly not just a crash. Instead, it was like the end of the world for the victims who experienced it. Especially when the medical staff, the victim of the accident, found a very heartbreaking scene in the hallway of the hospital.

A woman clad in an elegant pastel yellow dress was hysterical. Her body and clothes were stained with blood. Her appearance was disheveled, and tears streamed down both her cheeks.

A nurse approached her. She embraced and invited her to sit down. Trying to calm her down. But it was useless. Because when she realized that both of her parents died while her fiancee was in a critical state, she felt her world was destroyed. There was nothing left.

*

"When did Harry wake up, Doc?"

It was a routine question that always dr. Stewart get when she finished explaining the progress of the patient named Harry Parker to her guardian. A beautiful young woman, the girl who has 29 years old.

Dr. Stewart did not know much about the skinned girl pure white and long-haired with that shiny black. But from the mouth to mouth, she then knew some information.

Velia Angelica Howell was her name. As beautiful as her name was, that woman was exactly like an angel. Because not only clean white skin and shiny hair that become an allure, instead of everything on her.

The girl's body was perfect and curvy where it should be. Sharp nose, red lips and tapering eyelashes were shaded by dense eyebrows. Anyone who seeing her will agree on one word. She was beautiful.

Having a gentle disposition, Velia was supposed to be a lucky woman. Her birthday celebrations and fiancee held on the same night. It was supposed to be a perfect day. Living a new age with a new status. Surrounded by loving parents, lovers, and family.

But all was not as imagined. The fatal accident took everything away.

Not only lost both her parents, Velia also lost both of her future parent in laws. And the fiance trapped in coma. Alone, the girl had to fight for months in hopeless.

Dr. Stewart took a deep breath. Trying to put up an expression professional on her face. In mimic calm and shade.

"I can't be sure. But, at least Harry for now circumstances back to stable."

Velia flinched. It was almost a hundred percent certain that the words of dr. Stewart were exactly the words she said at the previous consultation. There was no difference.

Eight months. For eight months, I heard the same thing. And when will this uncertainty end?

That hope was indeed still growing in Velia's heart. She was sure Harry would wake up soon.

But Velia did not know when it would happen. Because every time she saw the state of the fiance who lay helpless in his care bed, her hope was pressed by a terrible possibility.

What if Harry never wakes up again?

Because lately Velia has been getting a hunch. And it was not without reason. But because of Harry's condition, which sometimes showed shock.

"Although this cannot be a guarantee. However, the patient must have surgery again soon. Comatose state for months makes the kidneys the patient is in an unfavorable situation. As soon as possible should be dealt with."

Velia realized that. The treatment Harry got was saved his life. But not without side effects. His kidneys became vulnerable because of drugs he used.

That fear always shook the confidence in Velia's heart. In the silence when her eyes were thrown through the mirror. Just to be aware how her life that was originally happy immediately changed just because of one brief night.

The accident not only killed parents of Velia and Harry. Instead of Harry's current condition, her life was increasingly suffering. Whether it was psychically or economically. Single-handedly fighting to save life for the lover.

Difficult and not cheap, of course. The accident made Harry suffer burns barely reach forty percent. This situation forced him to undergo surgery repeatedly. Velia had no other choice, except to sell one by one her precious possessions.

However, for Velia, it was not important. At least the operation saved Harry from fire injuries. Although in the end, Velia had to swallow her disappointment again. It was when she thought Harry would soon sober up, but in fact he was precisely fell into a coma.

Day after day, Velia waited Harry would wake up again. But increasingly old circumstances make it increasingly lose its grip. Stuck in a mess and grief, Velia was increasingly helpless when she realized that she no longer has anything.

Without parents, family, and property. Even worse, Velia forced to owe a lot of debt. Whether it was in the office, friends, and loan shark. One thing she could not avoid when Harry's treatment cost a lot while there was no more property left.

Phatetic was no longer able to represent the state of Velia. It was not just feeling alone. She felt like she was dead in her life. Until sometimes she asked herself.

Why didn't I die that night? I was supposed to die that night too.

Ironic, but sometimes Velia thought that dying would not make her suffer like now.

*

Velia knew she could not die now. At least today. She pulled out hurriedly the identification tag that hung on her neck. Passing through automatic scanners and rushed trying to cut through the sea of people who block the journey.

With trembling hands, Velia pressed the number three on the elevator button. She waited with a pounding heart when the elevator came down and opened.

Velia immediately rushed in and closed the elevator door quickly. Along as she climbed the elevator, her heart tightened.

Shit! It's almost two p.m.

Velia bit her lip. It was a mess that happens repeatedly. But, when the break came, Velia could not resist her desire to looking at Harry. Because of the news she got. Harry was in shock.

Indeed, it was not a worrying thing. But lately, Harry often showed that shock. Although dr. Stewart said he was doing well. Velia knew Harry had to undergo surgery. His body was getting long time increasingly vulnerable. He could not wait any longer. His life could be threatened.

After making sure that Harry's condition has improved, then Velia immediately headed to the office. However, traffic jams make the journey difficult. Because Velia use bus that cannot be relied on for speed. Practically make the journey to the office longer.

"Ting!"

Elevator doors opened. Velia immediately ran towards her room. When she came in, she immediately met Mecca Morris, her co-worker and also her best friend.

Mecca was the only one she had now. Even in the darkest hour of her life, Mecca never stopped encouraging herself. Mecca helped herself morally or even economically.

"Oh my God, Velia!" Mecca exclaimed hysterically. "Come on! The meeting will start in fifteen minutes."

Mecca handed Velia a stack of folders. She said.

"I've arranged everything. Under the order of presentation, Mr. Bell. Now, go to the meeting room 2. Don't be late."

Velia gulped her saliva, hugging the maps tightly. "Thank you."

Not waiting any longer, Velia hurried away from there. She staggered down the aisle and immediately pressed the number thirty on the elevator button.

Almost ten minutes later Velia arrived at the meeting room 2. A female employee seemed to close the door.

Velia panicked. She ran and said.

"Just a minute."

Velia immediately pushed the door open again. Did not care about the ban she got, she immediately entered.

Velia was in such a hurry. She did not notice that she had bumped into someone. And unavoidably, her forehead directly collided with a man's back, making she suddenly stopped for a moment.

The sound of banging and snapping was heard. Even the sound of the map landing scattered on the floor. The incident suddenly made all the meeting participants jerked in their seats.

Velia hastily descended. She tried to collect the folder again quickly, but she was stunned by the worried questions.

"Are you all right, Sir?"

Velia could guess through a glance. The man she hit was not a random person. Just looked at it. Everyone got up from sitting and moved towards them.

"Oh God. How could you do this?"

"Which department does this employee belong to?"

Velia suddenly trembled. Hurriedly, she got up holding her files tightly, ready to accept the anger until then heard another voice.

"Excuse me, Sir. This is an employee from the Development and Planning Department."

Velia, who looked down, glanced slightly to the side, and found the leader of her department named Ricardo Bell talked. And then, the man who has aged the fifty-three years old glared at her.

"Hurry and apologize."

Velia's face lifted instantly. She looked at Ricardo with a gulp. Her boss scowled, made her heart beat fast with fear. Sweat splashed on her smooth forehead. She had no choice and knew it was her fault.

Again, Velia looked down. She did not dare to look at the face in front of her.

"Sir, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to collide with you."

There was a quick sigh. That voice sounded heavy when asking Velia.

"Who are you?"

Velia blinked once. Her brow furrowed at the familiar impression she felt. The voice sounded familiar and made him dim.

"Velia, Sir."

"V-Velia?"

Velia nodded. "Velia Angelica Howell."

"Velia Angelica Howell?"

Again, Velia felt something strange when the man's voice called her name completely. But the fear made her unmoved. Curiosity and the urge to see, defeat.

Then Velia heard the voice again.

"After the meeting, you go to my room."

Ricardo paled. He worried that Velia will be troubled bad for him. With alacrity, he tried to restrain his CEO.

"Sir, I-"

However, his boss rushed over and a beautiful woman reached out. She prevented Ricardo and made a refusal gesture. Ricardo swallowed hard. He turned to the woman and said.

"Mrs. Anderson, that was Velia's personal fault. Not our department. I hope this does not affect our department."

Vlora Anderson, the secretary, smiled faintly. "The meeting will begin soon, Sir. Please go back to your place."

Hearing that word, Ricardo gulped his saliva even more. He turned to Velia while the others went to their seats. He was angry at Velia.

"Velia. If you're causing trouble for our department, watch out only! I'm going to file your name for getting fired this month! And I'm not playing with what I said!"

Velia gulped down her spit. "Sir, I didn't mean to. I'm really sorry."

"Intentionally or not," Ricardo hissed with a forefinger pointing at the woman's nose. "That doesn't matter. The matter here is whether your actions make my department in trouble. And you must remember! You won't be late into his room! Apologize well! Even if he asks you to jump from the top floor, you have to do it!"

"Sir-"

"Everyone knows how our current CEO is. Not compatible with his desire and offending him can be fatal. Mr. Hernandez is not will be reluctant to fire anyone he thinks is incompetent. I'd rather lose you than have my department suffer the repercussions!"

What? Mr. Hernandez?

Velia's eyes are rounded. And for this time, the first time, Velia raised her face. Something flashed through her mind, making her whole-body tremble. Intending to make sure she did not hear Ricardo's words.

"Who is our CEO, Sir? What's his name?"

Ricardo looked at Velia, annoyed. "Lucas," he replied. "Lucas Hernandez."

And when Velia heard that name, she subconsciously turned to the other side of the room. On a large table in the center of the room, a man was sitting there.

Velia shoked. Especially when she realized the man was staring at her unblinkingly. Her heart was beating so fast.

Lucas?

*

Velia did not know what feelings were currently raging inside her chest. Especially since she was in front of Lucas's room.

As Velia recalled earlier, the CEO wanted her to come. But, for the sake of anything. she did not think that the CEO was Lucas Hernandez. The man who had been the most painful part of her past. Someone who made her go as far as possible to start a new life. So many years have passed, but why should they meet again?

Ironic, but Velia will never forget how that deep voice sounds familiar to her ears. Unchanged. Just like before.

Not only that but everything. Velia could see the current Lucas and compared it to the memories in her mind.

Lucas was still tall and big. His pair of sharp eyes still shone an aura of intimidation. Even his dense black hair was still as dark as Velia's last memory.

In Velia's view, nothing had changed for Lucas, other than the streaks of maturity that began to appear on the face. It gave the impression of strong and dashing at the same time.

Lucas was a point that Velia did not expect, but has recorded in the pages of her past. Born into a respectable and wealthy family. Blessed with intelligence and good looks. Blessed with calmness and an aura of dominance that can daunt anyone the interlocutor. As a result, it was not strange that many women fall in love even though he seems cold and scary.

Approaching Lucas was a real gamble. Between two choices, rejected or even hurt. He was like a God who will not be easily touched by just anyone. And being around him was a deal without words. Ready to feel hurt. Velia had already proved it and now she could only slump in her mind.

Of all the places I could work, why do I have to work here?

Knowing that no one could answer that question, Velia then tried to deal with the current situation. She took a deep breath, ventured to knock on the door. And Velia's breathing stopped when she heard a voice from inside.

"Come in."

Bracing herself, Velia forced her hand to press on the door leaf. Pushed slowly and her gaze immediately hit Lucas. The girl said nothing before she finally closed the door behind her back.

Finding Velia's arrival, Lucas, who was behind the desk, suddenly stood up from his seat. For a moment, there was only silence between them. Not a single sound came from their lips. And then, as if waking up from the situation, Lucas seemed to move. Walking slowly approached Velia, who was standing in front of the door. His voice sounded hoarse when he called that name.

"Ve. Velia."

Velia was not sure. Was the man in front of her really Lucas? Lucas who ever left her?

It was an old story that Velia wanted to bury deep. The memories that make her know that not all love stories would end happily. Instead, it would cause injury. It was a deep scratch and so difficult for her to forget. It took years for her to heal. And it used to be no small struggle.

Lucas stood in front of Velia. Reach out. Whether conscious, but the hand was outstretched to rub Velia's cheek. But the girl moved a little, make his hand just touch the air. Holding the pain, he pulled down his hand. In the end, he pointed to the sofa.

Lucas nodded for a moment before he said. "Sit down."

Once, Velia nodded briefly before she sat on sofa. So even with Lucas, who seemed to choose to sit in the chair opposite Velia.

"How are you, Velia?"

Velia held her breath in her chest for a moment. The possibility that Lucas was the CEO of the company where she worked was a different Lucas to the one she knew was gone. Of course, the Lucas in front of her was the Lucas she knew. And now, reunited after years of separation, Velia felt a dilemma. She did not know what to do with that guy.

Velia could only answer that question with a brief nod. With one word.

"Good."

Lucas took a quick breath. Suddenly immediately welcomed Velia's answer with his words.

"I've always been-"

However, Lucas's words were cut short quickly by Velia. Forcing the man to hang his words in the air.

"I apologize for my negligence today, Sir. I sincerely apologize."

Hearing Velia cut him off made Lucas stunned. He seemed to permeate Velia's words to him just now. There was something wrong with her words.

"What did you say?" Lucas asked, as if he wanted to make sure that his ears did not hear wrong. "Sir?"

Velia gulped down her spit. She nodded. "Yes," she replied softly. "Sir."

Lucas was silent.

At that moment, Velia raised her face and trying to speak with a faint smile on her face. "You are the CEO of this company. Of course, I call you Sir, right?"

In the end, Velia knew what attitude she had to give Lucas. After a brief consideration in her mind, this was the safest path for her. Acting like nothing ever happened between them. Either in the past, present, or future.

Lucas's heart stopped beating. His face looked incredulous. He was in shock. How could she call himself Sir?

Lucas cleared his throat. Then he stared at Velia. Unconsciously, he held his own chest.

"Ve, it's me."

"I know who you are," Velia continued, squeezing her hands, which sweat. "You are boss here."

"No!" Lucas was quick. "I'm Lucas."

Velia took a deep breath. Lucas looked at her with a look that was difficult for her to interpret.

"You can't forget me, Hon. No way. Sir? How could you call me that?"

Velia felt something hit her chest when she heard those words. But, as if ignoring the impact of his words on Velia, then Lucas stood up from his seat. As soon as possible moved to sit next to Velia.

As soon as possible, Lucas hold Velia's hand until it eliminated the possibility of her to move. However, not enough to make Velia stunned by Lucas's actions. A second later, she actually felt Lucas's hand pulling over her body. Drown her in Lucas's arms.

"Luc!"

Reflexively, Velia gasped at the man's name. Both of her hands went up. Landed on his chest, trying to push him. She rebelled. But, let alone being able to break away, not even Lucas flinched. And for the action she did, Velia was stunned. Just when she felt that warm breath in her ears. In the quiet whisper she heard.

"I know you remember me, Velia. I know that."

Gulping on the spit, Velia realized the mistake she had just made. Calling the man by name was the most fatal mistake she had made in her entire life. No exception. And maybe worse than it already is.

"Let go of me," said Velia.

Lucas did not care. He instead tightened his arms. "I really miss you, Ve."

Velia's hands are clenched into Lucas's chest. Lucas's words made her feel even more confused. She could not express in words how messy her feelings were.

"Luc, let me go," Velia begged as she took a deep breath. That actually makes Lucas's body scent that she had not inhaled for a long time, jerking her olfactory nerves again. Velia did not want to, but it made her body remember the old days.

Lucas shook his head over Velia's shoulders. "I won't let you go, Ve. Will never let you go again."

Velia's eyes closed. "Lucas, don't treat me like this. I've forgotten about you. Please."

Lucas's body instantly froze.

"I have completely forgotten you," Velia continued. "I have long forgotten you. There is no relationship between us anymore.

"Ve,"

"We're just superiors and subordinates, Luc. Please. Don't do this." Velia is desperate. Expected little, but in fact, she found how Lucas's arms loosened. Make she can quickly disengage.

"Everything that happened between us is over, Luc. And I don't want to remember it at all."

For a moment, Lucas flinched. Only able to remain silent when blank, Velia stared at him. She shook her head slowly.

"W-what did you say?" asked Lucas.

"There is nothing between us anymore. It's all over. We are nothing more than superiors and subordinates. For what once happened between us, I just consider it the past only. The past is like an accident," Velia said softly, with a sad smile. "An accident that I want to forget."

*