Andre's POV
"I just got home beautiful." I unlocked the door to my Penthouse and stepped into the living room. Placing my briefcase on the sectional sofa, I went into the kitchen and poured myself a glass of cold water.
"Get something to eat and take care, Goodnight son."
"Goodnight beautiful." I hanged up and set the phone aside.I looked through the cupboards for convenience foods. There wasn't much in there save for a box of pasta. I ate pasta last night, I can't eat it again. I need to go grocery shopping.
I suddenly smack my head, I took out frozen onion soup in the morning and I've forgotten, my mind now is for Anniella, every thoughts are of her. Our dance in the ballroom, her cocoa scent and her enchanting black eyes and beautiful smooth brown skin She's everywhere in my mind and it's distracting, in today's meeting, my assistant had to tap my shoulder to jolt me back to reality.
I need to make amends with her before she consumes my soul. I heated the the onion soup and went to the living room. Setting the bowl of soup on the table, I took the remote controller and changed the channel to WNYW to watch the highlights of New York Giants game and enjoy my own company.
The Giants were leading the game with two goals despite the biased nature of the referee.
I groan as my ringtone comes off, looking at the caller ID it's no other than Mia.
"What do you want Mia!?" I yelled into the phone. Can't this girl get the fact that I'm not interested in her anymore into her thick head ? She's dumb, no wonder.
"Baby, you now what I want." She purred. That shit disgusted me.
"You know I'm no longer interested!" My roaring and yelling at her these weeks are not working. Gosh!
"Just gimme one night to change your mind zaddy." Ewww.
"Call my number again or see you anywhere near my office and I'll file a sexual harassment suit against you!"
"Andre ba-" I hanged up the call before I could hear more of her screeching annoying voice.
Girl's got balls coming to my office creating a scene. If not for the good reputation I had in the business world and office, paparazzi would be crouching outside our hotel here.
The soup no longer tasted good in my mouth, my whole mood had been ruined. Taking the bowl I strode to the kitchen and threw the left over away and washed the bowl.
I went back into the living room and turned the television off, proceeding to my library to work on a project before going to sleep.
I walked through the hallway to my library occupying myself with the paintings, pictures and antiques decorating the wall. My eyes caught an all too familiar painting on the wall causing me to tense up. It was of a beautiful she devil with the quote "L'amour fair les plus grandes douceurs et les plus sensibles infortunes de la vie." I should have known better than falling for her, the quote was even a red flag. I was blind like they say love is.
I took the painting off the wall. Why do I even have it till now? Where was it when I was burning all her belongings in here. I smash the painting on the floor causing it to break into tiny bits of pieces, what they should have been long ago.
Rage filled me, bitter memories flooding my mind. I take in deep breaths muttering to myself you're over her. I was over her yes but when I remember what they did then I become enraged. The deep breaths and my confessions are not working like they used to, my chest is currently heaving up and down. Think Andre, think of something good that's in your life now.
Mum, there was no improvement, work, same as before, think Andre think! Anniella? But I hardly know her.
It worked like magic! Anniella is my good luck charm. I gave out a long ragged breath and regained my sense of reasoning. I swept and threw away the broken pieces and went into my bedroom instead of library.
I had to sleep tomorrow is Sunday, I'll be leaving early for my parents house. Business discussions and family dinner afterwards. It's going to be difficult being in the same room with that son of a bitch but I'm sure to pull through. It's about time I forgot about all that happened for my own good.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Waking up from bed on a Monday morning after being exhausted the previous Sunday is one of the things I need to get used to. I groaned and shut off my alarm which kept sounding annoyingly in my ears.
I leapt out of bed into the bathroom doing my usual morning duties rushing through them. I've decided to go find Anniella and apologize to her. I don't have her phone number and I've ruled out asking Elisa. What if she tells Anniella and she steers clear of where I can find her.
I took my work clothes from the hanger in my closet which I ironed last week. I do the laundry once in a while and make sure to iron all my clothes ahead of time. I don't have workers here to do the laundry or cook. I'ld have to get some.
I wore the clothes and used perfume. Taking my briefcase from my library, I took printed out reports I'll be needing at the office in todays meeting and went down the stairs. I took my car key and went into the garage and got into my Mercedes Benz and drove away.
I'm starting my search for Anniella today at the coffee shop. That's where we met and started on the wrong foot. I have this conviction I'll find her there today.
It's not unwise asking for forgives from the same place everything happened.
I arrived thirty minutes later and parked in front of the shop and got out. A teenager I'm sure is in high school recognized me, widening her eyes and almost shouted if I didn't signal her with a finger on my lip. I hate attracting attention to myself.
It destroys every peaceful thing you've ever built for yourself and what I don't need right now is people coming out to meet me. Anniella will get wind of it if she's in there. It will ruin the whole plan and trust me I can't afford that.
I waited for a while before I saw a cab pull up. The driver was pissed addressing a lady at the back seat. I recognized the lady to be no other person than clumsy who was typing away on her phone, happiness radiating from her as she got out of the car, paying her fare.
She was looking pretty as ever in her print dress and sneakers. Her eyes were covered with an all black glasses so I couldn't get a glimpse of those beautiful black eyes.
She got inside the coffee shop and I decided to walk a little down the street to where we crashed into each other.
While I waited for her, I took out my phone and sent a message to my secretary to make preparations for the meeting. She's new and tends to forget some important stuffs. I can't fire her because she needs the money to fend for her little sister through school and for their bills and up keep. I'm not heartless to sack her, being broke or poor is something I've felt for a while and it wasn't the best. I wouldn't even wish that for my enemy.
I saw her approaching ,she was distracted blowing air into her coffee. I took that opportunity and intentionally bumped into her, no so hard for her coffee to spill on us but that hard for her to realize someone had crashed into her.
She looked up and was stunned to see me. She didn't say a word. I stared at her, a smile on my lips. All this while debating on what to say, hey Anniella I'm sorry for what I did or Anniella you should have watched where you were going , you couldn't hurt yourself, I'm so sorry or greet and let the conversation flow.
I cleared my throat, "Uhm good morning Ann."
"Good morning, why are you here?" She snapped at me.
I was bothered she snapped at me, I kept my cool , "to apologize for my behavior that morning."
"I don't bear grudges, my anger is long forgotten."
I crossed my arms staring at her, "It didn't look like that on Thursday."
"It's Monday isn't it? Meaning four days today, I've completely forgotten about it."
I wasn't convinced she had forgotten about it , she snapped at me a while ago. "I'm so sorry it wasn't the least nice on my part doing that even when you apologized, I'm truly sorry." I said in all honesty.
"Why did you do that? Did the coffee burn you that much for you to do that?"
This is where you start giving answers Andre, I was ashamed of myself, hurt in my eyes as I remember I took out my anger on her when mother always told me, to deal with my anger and not take it out on people.
If you want to be forgiven, be honest and show remorse, " To be honest, I was angry and I took it out on you, I'm so sorry about that."
She looked like she was having an internal debate with her eyes going back and forth. "Okay apology accepted."
I wasn't convinced, "Are you sure?"
"Yeah I am, we all deserve forgiveness." She said smiling.
"Thank you so much, Ann." I released the breath I didn't know I was holding as I anticipated the result of her inner battle. If it was going to be hey I was only kidding, I don't forgive you or I don't forgive that easily.
She took a look at her watch and said, "No need if you're done here can I get going? I have lectures to attend."
I wasn't sure of her answer on what I was going to say next will be like. Don't chicken out, go for it.I gave it a try, "Sure, Can we be friends if we're cool?"
"Okay." She smiled at me.
The kind of smile that melts your heart , when you weren't hoping for the best. I was so happy and relieved, I got closer to she and gave her a hug my chin on her head, "You won't regret being friends with me." I whispered into her ears.
We parted from the hug and she turned around to leave. Why don't I drive her to school , I'll get time to be around her even if it's for ten minutes.
"How about I drive you to school, I've wasted your time, let me compensate you."
She agreed and I walked us to my car in front of the coffee shop. Being the gentleman I am I opened her door, waited for her to get seated before going to my side and started the car.
"Do you know the way to my university?"
"Yeah ,your aunt told my mum on thanksgiving, Montclair State University, is it not ?" I knew it is.
"It is."
The car was silent after her reply. I didn't know what to say. For once in my life I'm speechless and clueless around a girl. I'm not flirty though.
I laid my free hand on my lap, brushing hers in the process. I liked the feeling I got. Sparks!
Don't be silly, no such feelings exist in my dictionary as of now.
The familiar gates of the university came broadly into view and I parked the car.
"I hope you don't mind taking you out to lunch after lectures, if you're not busy."
"I'll be busy, another time if you'll still be interested."
Of course I will. "I'll still be, Can I get your number so I can text you when I'm free and ready?"
"Yeah sure." I extended my phone to her. She took it and dialed her number, "you can save it yourself."
I have tons of ideas love. "How do you want me to save it ?" I asked amused.
"Surprise me."
"I'll do that when we next meet, please take care." I got out of the car and rushed to open her door.
"You too, there's no need Andre." She got out of the car.
She kept her head down,obviously shy . I would love a glimpse of your shy face love. "Look at me love" I blurted out, "Uh I mean Anniella."
She raised her head and looked into my eyes, I looked right back.We held a staring contest for minutes .Her gaze faltered and she looked down. It's cute seeing her shy and blushing.
I love that I have these effects on her.
"I'll text you Alright?" I had to let her go before she runs late and I lose myself in her presence.
"Okay." With that she turned to leave.
I stood there watching her intensely, what if I want what's between us to be more than friendship? I know it's too early but with the spark I get in her presence, I'm afraid I'll lose myself to her and suffer the consequences Focus Andre, love is out.
Anniella turned back to look if I was gone. She went straight ahead when she met my gaze. I continued staring at her, till she was out of vision.
I went back to my car and drove away. Work calls now. I need to get into my working mode before I get to work.
I arrived at our family conglomerate. We are also into travel and tours and catering services aside the real estate and hotel. My mother also has her magazine company Bold and Dare here.
I'm the CEO of this whole conglomerate right now. My dad stepped back awhile for me to take over when things went sour, to prove my capability of finally taking over the conglomerate and running it effectively.
I walked into the reception of the administrative building, passing by a few workers who smiled and greeted at me.I'm not the typical mean boss no, I interact with the workers most times. To know their ideas on how to make the company more successful.
I do cherish our workers, giving them incentive packages and sending them to trainings to perfect their skills. It's one of the ways we can grow to greater heights.
I took the elevator to the 30th floor where my office is and met my secretary at her office.
"Good morning April, did you make preparations for the meeting like I told you to?"
"Good morning to you sir, yes it's scheduled for this afternoon after going through and signing the documents I sent and give final touches to our proposals." She got up from her seat to address me.
I have a scowl, I detest it's when she does that, it's too much We're all humans, it's just unfortunate I was born into a wealthy family. That doesn't make me too much of a human than others. "You know I hate it when you stand up right?"
"I'm sorry sir, I keep forgetting, I'm used serving people years of my life and you gave me this job though I don't qualify, I feel I owe you all my loy-" she started rumbling.
I had to cut her off , "I know April, I appreciate it but I detest it, let today be our last."
I've told her a couple of times. I know I'll be giving this same speech tomorrow morning.
I turned on my heels to leave, "April send in the rest of the files."
"Yes sir."
Opening the door to my huge office, I gathered the drapes at one side and opened the window blinds allowing fresh air and sunlight into the office.
I set my briefcase on my large modern oak wood table thanks to Uncle Richard and sat down. I got to work, looking at the files I had before me and signed those that needed to be signed.
April came into my office after knocking and set the files before me , "Sir please here are the files."
"Thank you, please get me a cup of hot coffee and tell Pierre to order sweet crêpe with apples and grapes and a bottle of apple juice for my breakfast."
"Okay Sir."
I drank a glass of water and the coffee and continued with my work after April brought Pierre who's my personal assistant came into my office with my breakfast. "Bonjour Monsieur, voici ton petite déjeuner." He's the very few French workers we have here who address me in French.
"Merci Pierre, quel est mon programme pour aujourd'hi hui après la réunion? I enquirerd about my schedule for today.
"Vous avez un rendezvous avec le chef du service restauration, effecteur des paiements pour les terres en France, verifier les emails et répondre au mail d'invitation de gala."
"Dites leur que mon perè sera là ."
"D'accord Monsieur."
I took a bite of an apple savoring it's taste, "c'est tout pour aujourd'hi?"
"Oui Monsieur."
"D'accord." I signaled him to leave , giving me the privacy to eat. I dug into my breakfast with relish. I took my phone out and decided to text Anniella. I typed close to three messages and deleted them. Too cheesy for my liking, I finally decided on a simple hello and pressed the send button.
Me
Hello
My jolie fille bruneð¹â¤ï¸
Hi, please who's this?
Me
Your newest friends
Ma jolie fille bruneð¹â¤ï¸
Oh hey Andreð¤
Me
I wanted you to get my number since I have yours.
Ma jolie fille bruneð¹â¤ï¸
Oh okay.....
Me
I'll leave you to study , I'll text you later
Ma jolie fille bruneð¹â¤ï¸
Alright have a nice day
Me
Thanks you too , you look pretty today
Ma jolie fille bruneð¹â¤ï¸
Thank you Andre, you didn't look bad yourself
Me
So you were checking me out huhð
Ma jolie fille brune ð¹â¤ï¸
Lmao so you were also checking me out huhð ?
Me
I can't keep my eyes off something beautiful you know.
Ma jolie fille brune ð¹â¤ï¸
Cheesy much huh?
Me
No love , it's the complete truth.
Ma jolie fille brune ð¹â¤ï¸
Lemme text you later okay , my lecturer is in
Me
Okayâ¤ï¸
I kept grinning to myself even when I shut my phone screen. I've called her love twice today. It's nice though, she's cool to be around and I surely can't wait for the day I can take her out and treat her to lunch or dinner, depending on her choice.
I focused on the work before me. It wasn't much, I would have been done by now if I hadn't eaten breakfast and texted Ann, my cute brown skin girl. I really love the brown shade of her skin not too dark , not too fair, moderate and suited her well.
Breakfast and the texting was worth my time , they're the only break I'm going to get from my busy life.
I stretched my body. I had sat down for long today. I was about to take my phone when April came inside again. "Sir, please it's time for the meeting."
"I'll be there in a minute." I took my phone and the various files needed for the meeting and handed them to her, "take these with you."
"Sure Sir."
I took a look at myself in the mirror I have in the bedroom I have on the right side of my office where I sleep most times when I work late. I was satisfied, I look professional. I opened the door back to my office and left to the conference room on the last floor of the building.
So the English translation of the French in Andre's and Pierre's conversation is :
Good morning sir, here's your breakfast.
Thank you Pierre , what do I have on my schedule today after the meeting?
You have a meeting with the head chef of the catering department.
You have to make payments for the lands in France.
You have to reply emails.
You have to respond to the gala invitation.
Tell them my father will be there.
Okay
Is that all?
Yes sir that's all
Okay.
I don't really know much French , I used google translator ð.