Italy

Lizzie couldn't reckon what he was saying and could only wait for his further details. She remained calm, her eyebrows furrowed as her brain was trying to imply from what he said. Before it could come to any conclusion, she heard him speak again.

"The Jewelite company's owner is searching for good companies to invest in order to expand his business." he said looking at her to verify if she was listening to him.

As she was still listening, he continued, "He is looking for companies that have great potential. I know how hard you are trying to find investors for your company. And this contract will be a great opportunity for you to find some great ones."

Lizzie fell in train of thoughts, recalling what he had said to her. Like he said, it would make a great chance for her to find investors. Now there is no reason for her to deny the offer. In fact, she found a purpose now to take up the project. Without thinking anymore she uttered, "I will go. When am I supposed to leave?"

The manager's face lit at her response. "You will be leaving tomorrow morning. You will go alone from here and will be assigned an assistant there, from their company."

"But tomorrow is too fast. I don't have at least a day before I leave." She bleated, propping her hands on the table causing a loud thud.

"I know it is, but we have no other option." The manager shrugged pursuing his lips into a thin line making the woman in front of him sigh.

"Okay fine." She announced and stood up to leave the room when he spoke, "You can take an off today, and Growth Alley will definitely be proud of you," Lizzie rolled her eyes and continued to leave.

She reached home half an hour later, announcing to her mother that she would be leaving for Italy the next morning.

She didn't get into the details about the purpose of her taking up the project. She only shared about the company getting an international contract as she did not want to get their parents' hopes high for nothing in the future and wanted to tell them when she actually got the investors onto this.

She called her dad and uttered the same.

She began packing her stuff needed for the trip when she remembered Lucas and sat on her bed thinking about him.

He hasn't contacted her since they left the cafeteria yesterday. Usually, they caught up with messages every day, even if they don't engage in a call.

She picked her phone and dialled him, meeting the call end, unanswered. She tried again and met with the same fate. She left a message, "Call me as soon as you see this message. I am worried."

She put her phone aside but the thoughts in her mind were too adamant to be kept aside. She went back to her packing, keeping her necessary files into the bag.

The moon broke out, it was past nine o' clock and still there was no hint of Lucas. She tried calling him once again, only to be left unanswered.

She left another message, "Lucas, I know you are disappointed with me. Please let's talk it out. And I am leaving for Italy tomorrow on a company project. I hope I hadn't lost my bestfriend yesterday."

She went to bed not wanting to miss her flight due to a sleepless night. The sun pierced through the passing clouds spreading its warmth and it was almost flight time for Lizzie.

She checked in and waited for Lucas to call her. There was only ten minutes left to board the flight when she realized he wouldn't call her anymore. She sighed and grabbed her luggage to move in, only to be halted by a call. Seeing the caller ID, her face boomed, thanking the caller and heavens for the call.

She picked up the call and uttered, "Lucas, I was afraid you wouldn't call me and was about to give up."

There was a moment of silence on the other end and he asked, "When will you come back?"

"After a month. When I come back, let's talk."

There was no word from him again for a few seconds.

"Take care and....you hadn't lost your bestfriend," was all he spoke.

Lizzie let out a sigh of relief and her lips curved into smile before responding. "Thank you so much, Lucas." She ended the call and boarded her flight.

For the two-hours-and-thirty-minute-long flight time, she was accompanied by the view she had from the plane and a book.

When the plane landed, she stretched her body out and got off the plane to be welcomed by her new and Italian assistant, Rocco.

He was standing in the multitude holding a placard with her name written on it, indicating that he was the person she need to go to.

"Ciao! Welcome to Italy. I am Rocco and I will be your assistant officially and unofficially as long as you stay here. Hope you have a comfortable and happy stay. " Rocco greeted, he seemed as he knew both Italian and English very well.

"Hi Rocco or should I say Ciao?" Both chortled.

"You can carry on in English which you are comfortable with."

Lizzie nodded and spoke further, "Nice to meet you, Rocco. Thank you for the warm welcome. I hope we can chime in and work."

"That's something you don't have to worry about. We will make a great team." He swaggered in excitement and gave her a thumbs up.

"Sure!" She responded as he took the trolley bag from her hands.

"You will be staying at the company-assigned residence, close to the company. There are all kinds of essential stores around your house. You will also be provided a company vehicle and driver at your service." He explained while they walked out of the airport towards her assigned car.

"This will be your car from now on and a bonus driver." He stated as he chuckled.

"Thank you." Lizzie thanked. She also inquired "Does the driver speak English?"

"Yes, he knows both languages." He replied and placed the luggage in the car trunk. The two of got onto the either side of the backseat and the car pulled off.

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Author's Note:

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