Illusions

17. gold

Amira's POV

I can't deal with all of this.

Since we had our big "proposal" three weeks ago, I've had paparazzi in front of my building, which is getting annoying. 

Last week a man almost knocked Mr. Johnson over, that was my last straw.

Roman and I have been going on little dates and sleeping at each other's houses. 

Separate rooms and beds.

Nothing crazy, just cute things like me surprising him at work or him taking me on a carriage ride through Central Park.

I'm on my way to surprise him at work again right now.

"We've arrived, miss."

I look up at the cab driver and nod.

"Thank you, sir."

He smiles and I head into the building. 

'Sokolov Investments' is written across the front in large gold letters.

"Ms. Amira!"

I see James, Roman's valet  (along with other things), and wave.

"Hi, James," I smile, walking up to his 'office' as he calls it, "how are you?"

He fixes his tie and I assume that his boss is here.

"Mr. Sokolov," he nods, "your car is here."

I turn to face Roman, who's wearing navy trousers and a crisp white dress shirt.

I smile at him and he nods back.

"Where are you two headed today?"

When neither of us answers, James gets suspicious.

"We're going to the park to eat lunch."

Roman nods and voices his agreement.

We get into Roman's car before James can ask any more questions. 

I face Roman to find him already looking at me, or my lap rather.

"You're using the horse bag I got you."

I remember that I'm using the new Dior bag he got me.

"No."

He rolls his eyes and starts driving to Central Park.

"How's everything going with work?"

"It's fine," he shrugs, purposely making a sharp turn, "I'm still pushing for ESGs, you know how it is."

I do not in fact know how it is.

I wish I did.

"Can I come like shadow you or something," I ask him, "I'm kind of interested in the stuff you talk about."

We stop at a red light and he eyes me.

"I can't tell if you're serious or not."

I roll my eyes.

"I majored in finance, Mr. Sokolov," I state, "if you remember anything I tell you."

"I remember everything you tell me and it's a bit of an issue."

I laugh dryly.

"How so?"

He sighs and ponders.

"I was putting in my email password yesterday and it kept saying it was wrong," he smiles a little, "and then I realized I was putting in your email password from when you had me log in for you."