Chapter 8

One week.

Well- 9 days.

It had been 9 days since the incident- as I keep convincing myself it was.

9 days sine I saw Cole Santini, and boy was I thankful for it.

My phone rings and I see Carlo's name flash across the screen.

"Hi M- Carlo. Something wrong?" I ask politely.

"Not at all, cara. I was just wondering if you could come by my office when you get back." he says as I walk through the large glass doors, having just finished my lunch break.

"Sure. I'll be there in 5."

"See you soon."

He hangs up and I walk into the elevator, and press the button to the top floor.

I walk into Carlo's office and he offers me the chair in front of his desk. I sit down, gratefully sitting in the seat, placing my handbag down beside me.

"I hope I haven't done anything wrong. I'm so sorry if I have. I'll fix whatev-"

"Relax cara. You worry too much. You didn't do anything, don't worry." he chuckles as I sigh in relief, waiting for him to continue.

"As I'm sure you're aware, there's a charity event that I'm attending this evening, hence why I'm leaving early today. As my assistant, I would like you to join me in attending." he begins.

Uhhhhhh. What?

Oh hell no.

"Why?" I timidly question.

"I think it would be good for you -as my P.A- to learn about and see who we, as a company, support. If it's alright with you, Olivia is taking you shopping, but you only have a €10,000 budget."

"Wait what? Mr Santini, I cannot possibly expect you to do that for me. I cannot accept this." I exclaim.

"Besides, the event is this evening, I won't be able to finish work, go shopping and get ready in time." I ramble on, trying to get out of it.

The more I'm outside in public, the more risk I have of them finding me. I can't risk it.

I refuse to ever see him again.

"There's a simply solution to that: take the rest of the afternoon off." he says casually.

"Oh, I can't-"

"I'm the owner of the company, therefore what I say goes. So of course you can." he interrupts while taking his phone out.

He calls Olivia, who picks up almost instantly, and starts speaking in Italian. Meanwhile, here I am, sat in a chair trying to keep calm as I try to convince myself nothing bad can happen.

It's only a charity event. It's nothing major. You'll be ok.

I chant to myself.

"All done. She's agreed and will be here in 8 minutes." he says gathering together a stack of paper.

"Oh, ok. Thank you so much Carlo. You have no idea how much I appreciate this." I sincerely state.

"Nonsense cara. You've become like family to me, it's the least I can do." he smiles.

I smile back.

It's true. In the past 5 years I've worked for Carlo, he's become like a father to me. He's been more of a family to me than my own family ever has.

But what's weird is that he has never asked me to attend a charity event, ever.

I pick up my bag and leave to meet Olivia.

*

3 looong hours later, and me and Livia - yes, I have a nick name for her now - are back in the car on the way to my house. We've been making small talk, for the past who knows how long, getting to know each other a little better. I've been truthful where I can, not revealing too much information that suggests I know about any mafia families, or anything that makes them suspicious so they don't put me under their watch.

We're almost here and I swear I haven't laughed this much in so long.

"Just here please." I ask the driver, trying to contain my laughter. He pulls over and I hug -yup, I hug- Livia goodbye.

"We should do this again." she giggles, pulling away.

"Yeah. For sure." I agree, grabbing my bags.

"Thank you so much for today, Liv. I've had so much fun." I say honestly, being genuinely happy for once in so, so long.

"No problem Cass. Message me later, 'kay? My number is in your bag." she smiles.

I nod and wave her goodbye, walking into my house and kicking off my heels.

I have two and a half hours to get ready before this event starts, so I quickly make my way to the bathroom to shower.

Once I'm out, I dry my hair tie it back. I apply light, minimal make-up, going as natural as possible.

I put on the dress and it looks stunning.

It's a beautiful, glittery, midnight blue, floor length dress with a slit going down the left leg.

I pair it with some simple black heels and put my wig on. I finish off with a few sprays of my favourite perfume.

Just as I feel like I'm satisfied with the way I look, the door goes and my heart jumps. Is it 7:30 already?

I grab my small purse and open the door expecting to see Carlo, who was meant to be picking me up.

My heart stops, my breath hitches and I become frozen on the spot.

Why is he here?

"What are you doing here?"