In Love With My Ex's Boss

Sylvie 

My fingers trembled in anticipation as I glared at the face of my wristwatch. I had no idea why I was getting this excited, but there were two possible answers to that question. Perhaps it was because Christmas was approaching, or maybe it was the singular fact that Antonio was returning from his one-week trip to Los Angeles. He had flown across the continent just for his monthly photo shoot for fashion magazines, and it was the same for me every time. I always waited in anticipation for his return, but things have been a bit different the past six months. 

Some might call me a foolish woman with a heart that ached for a man that didn't care for me anymore, but I considered myself strong for persisting even after six months of our breakup. While Antonio cared for me, his feelings for me were nothing beyond the ordinary. Our relationship had only lasted one month, and that was just moments after he broke up with his fourth girlfriend. Friends told me he was merely using me to pass time and get over his last break up, but Antonio made every moment with him unforgettable. Perhaps I was clinging onto the memories of what we used to have, but it felt right. 

"Sylvie," The voice of my junior colleague, Amelie, pulled me out of my reverie. She had been standing for the past two minutes, and she held the papers I had demanded in her hand. "The papers are ready."

"Thank you, Amy." I said with a smile before neatly arranging it with the other files.

"Are you looking forward to tonight's party?" Amy asked in her sweet soft voice. 

My face contorted with disappointment, and I turned away before replying. "I couldn't possibly do that, I'll be completely out of place. You know it's a welcome party for the company's owner, right?" 

"I know! But you're Antonio's secretary, surely he would take you as his plus one, wouldn't he?" 

My eyes widened at Amy's words, and for a brief second I got lost in my world of fantasies once again. I imagined what it would be like walking into the room with Antonio's arms wrapped around my waist. He never took me out for public outings, but he made sure I never asked for one. Antonio was an excellent chef, and his mansion basically had everything I could ask for. What was the need for an outing? 

"Let's be real Amy, he'd never take me to such an official gathering. " I swallowed hard and took a deep breath before finally completing my sentence. "I'm not up to his standards."

"That's nonsense! You're beautiful the way you are." Amelie objected sharply. I've had my fair share of juniors over the past five years of working for Black Industries, and so far, Amy was the most delusional of the three I'd worked with. She wasn't wrong, but beauty just wasn't enough to get someone like me into the world of the elite men. I lacked the funds to buy a proper party dress that would actually stand up to the standards. Should I spend one extra dollar out of my monthly budget, I would not be able to afford my apartment anymore. 

Just like me, I knew Amy had an eye out for Antonio, every female working in the company does, and I was no exception. The only difference between me and them was that I had actually gotten a chance to be with Antonio. Even though it was probably the shortest relationship in history. I wasn't quite sure why he'd chosen me, but I didn't decline the opportunity. I had been at my office like every normal day when he walked in and suddenly decided to make me his secretary. Two days after that, we had sex and our so-called affair had begun.

I really thought I'd get demoted, or worse fired, but Antonio kept me back even after things had ended between us. He made sure to let me know not to feel special about anything, he was simply keeping me by his side because I was the only person who he felt was qualified enough to be his secretary. 

"I am sorry, but beauty isn't enough. We both know how Antonio". I was cut short by the beeping sound of my clock and I immediately realized that Antonio was back. He had called twenty minutes earlier to inform me that he was at the airport and would be arriving in exactly twenty minutes. It was twenty minutes later now, and I knew immediately that he was already inside the building. 

"Is he—"

"Yes, he's back from his trip." I replied sharply, my face beaming with a smile that I tried desperately to hide. I could already imagine his exhausted face, loosened tie and his ruffled hair, and I was looking forward to all of it. 

"Excuse me," I said before walking past the equally excited lady. In my low heels, I dashed towards Antonio's office, which was adjoined to mine. A breath of anticipation and excitement broke past my lips before I entered the office without needing to knock. 

I have entered the office more times than I could count, but I never failed to admire it every single time. . The expansive room exuded an aura of opulence, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the mahogany desk and the figure seated behind it.  

The sunlight streamed through the window and cast a warm glow over the entire space, inviting me to take a moment of repose. My gaze wandered to the walls, adorned with awards and accolades, each telling a story of triumph and accomplishment.

The panoramic view of the city from the window was breathtaking, a visual testament to the beauty of London. Modern art pieces adorned the walls, adding a touch of sophistication to the already refined ambiance. The bookshelf, carefully curated with titles spanning various subjects, hinted at Antonio's vast intelligence and almost perfect body structure. 

"You're here Sylvie." His deep baritone voice washed over my body like the cool gentle breeze of summer. He dropped his briefcase aside, and at that same moment threw his tie off his neck. 

"Good trip?" I asked as politely as I could without showing the obsession deep within me. 

"A fair one. It's nothing more than usual,"" he shrugged. I knew exactly what the usual thing was, sleeping with his fellow models, late night parties, and all the things young, handsome and wealthy men do these days. She was jealous, but she didn't show it, not that it would matter even if she voiced her feelings right now. I wondered when he would announce his next official relationship. He hadn't done that since we broke up. And each time I asked, he simply said he was taking a break from relationships. However, that didn't mean he wouldn't take different ladies back to his mansion every night. 

""What about the party? Do you plan to attend?"" I asked, both as a question and a reminder. Perhaps after thinking about it, he might actually take me as his plus one. 

"It's tonight, right?" 

"Yes." I nodded as I replied, and Antonio clicked his lips. I could tell he was exhausted, but at the same time, he couldn't miss the Boss's welcome party. Every major manager in the company was expected to be there, and as the Chief Operations Officer, he was the most expected guest. 

"What about you, Sylvie, are you going?" Antonio asked, and my heart skipped a beat, and my mind immediately began to race with thoughts. Saying no might mean ridding myself of being asked to be his plus one. And saying yes could give him the wrong impression, he might think that I've already found a date and decide not to interfere. It was a really difficult question to answer, but I chose to gamble with my first answer. 

"No, I'd rather spend the night preparing the next documents." 

"Don't do that, you should take a break and enjoy yourself for once." He suggested, but that wasn't the answer I expected. I felt disappointed, but Antonio wasn't done talking. 

"If you change your mind, then maybe you can make use of the present I got for you."

"Present?" I asked for clarification, and he nodded to answer. I had been so focused on his beautiful face that I failed to notice the gift bag by the side. He pointed at it and I quickly moved to pick it up. 

"It's not a date, but maybe you and I could go together as partners."