SINS OF SILENCE

CHAPTER 15

"Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Piero Antonio POV

As I stepped into the bustling office, familiar faces greeted me with smiles and nods, but I chose to keep my focus forward, avoiding any unnecessary distractions. My eyes were fixed on the private elevator that would whisk me away to my secluded office.

Entering the elevator, I felt a brief moment of respite as the doors closed, leaving the noise of the office behind. It was a small sanctuary where I could gather my thoughts and prepare for the day ahead. 

The elevator carried me swiftly to my designated floor, and as the doors opened, I stepped out into the calm and quiet of my personal workspace.

Jasmine, my dedicated assistant, sat diligently at her desk, engrossed in her work. Upon noticing my arrival, she greeted me warmly, her voice breaking through the silence. I acknowledged her with a nod before making my way towards my office.

Seated behind my desk, I delved into the pile of important documents that awaited my attention. One after another, I reviewed and signed them, each stroke of my pen representing a crucial decision. Time slipped away, and an hour passed in a blur of focused concentration.

Just as I was immersed in my work, Jasmine knocked gently on my office door. I looked up, acknowledging her presence. She informed me about the scheduled meeting with the marketing department, highlighting its importance for the upcoming project. I noted the time, realizing that it was set for 9am.

"Thank you, Jasmine. That will be all for now," I replied, acknowledging her efficiency. She exited the room, leaving me to contemplate the imminent meeting and the matters it entailed.

As the meeting with the marketing department commenced, the room buzzed with energy and ideas. The team presented various layouts and concepts for the upcoming resort project, eager to impress and gain my approval. However, none of the suggestions resonated with my personal vision.

As the presenter continued to speak passionately about the project, my attention waned. I found myself lost in my own thoughts, browsing through the project plan that had been provided. It failed to captivate my interest, and a sense of detachment settled within me.

Suddenly, I felt a vibration in my pocket, indicating an incoming call. Seeing Elio's name on the screen sent a surge of panic through me. I knew he was at home, taking care of our baby, and the unexpected call sparked concern and worry.

Interrupting the presenter mid-sentence, I curtly stated, "Meeting dismissed." My voice lacked emotion, the detachment evident in my tone. The room fell silent, and the marketing team exchanged glances, unsure of how to react.

The presenter's plea for more time fell on deaf ears as my frustration and concern overwhelmed me. Ignoring their protests, I sternly declared, "You're fired, and everyone, get out! Your presentation was subpar, and I have no time for incompetence."

As the room emptied, leaving behind an atmosphere of tension and disbelief, I turned my attention to the call from Elio. The urgency in his voice heightened my anxiety, and I immediately inquired, "Son, what's the matter?"

Elio sighed, clearly exasperated. "Dad, I just wanted to inform you that the princess has a light fever. She was running around in the rain earlier, and I'm going to give her some medicine now," he explained, his frustration evident in his tone.

A wave of guilt washed over me as I realized that my preoccupation with work had led me to neglect the well-being of my own child. The weight of my actions pressed upon my conscience, reminding me of the importance of being present for those who relied on me.