Chapter 2

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 Howell.”

“Velia 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 matters 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?

*