AFFECTION

TWENTY FOUR

The very next day, Mrs. Wellington was indeed strolling casually in the Accounting department of the 'David Wellington's' where Ms. Lilliana has just been alloted a cabin. She was suddenly transferred out of the most prestigious post that was being assistant to the CEO to a mere accountant. To save face, Lilliana could only assume that role, otherwise she would lose the job too. And loosing the job at Wellington's means loosing the career opportunities in the whole of Italy.

It was the topic of gossip early in the morning. Right now, the gossip was Mrs. Wellington entering the building even when Mr. Wellington was not present. It was unusual. They usually met up for lunch. And she was a thoroughly professional lady who knew the depths of corporate world. Everybody was intimidated.

When Lilliana entered her small cabin, a huge contrast to the luxurious suite she worked in before, her apprehensions heightened when she found Hope sitting leisurely on the chair, scrolling through her phone. She can lie to everybody but not to herself about how much this new wife of her boss intimidated her. She was polite, yet held a all-knowing air around herself. She was confident and radiant. Yet, there was a layer of mystery lying beneath that layer of unbreakable confidence.

"Ms. Ricci?", The name escaped her mouth without any deliberate efforts. She regarded the marriage of her boss as a sham. And so, she hoped the names would remain the same, atleast in private. Hence, she did not try to familiarise her tongue with the consequences of a wedding.

Hope looked up from her phone, a radiant smile adorning her face. Her dark red curls seemed to cascade like rivers, untied and free spirited.

"Lilliana! I thought I would have to wait more...such a pleasure seeing you!"

Lilliana was no fool. She could sense the undercurrent. Hope was never so enthusiastic about seeing her. She was...more like unbothered.

"...and well, it's Hope for you...since you keep forgetting that I am married now.", she did a quick flash of her wedding ring before signalling her to take her seat.

Lilliana thought she was probably here to meet David, and doesn't know that she's no more his PA. Atleast she tried to assume the most convenient.

She hesitantly took her seat, "How can I help you Hope?"

Hope smiled, "You can help me by packing your stuff around here."

That stiffened Lilliana like it was a death sentence. To a woman trying to make her name in the world of architecture, this was a death sentence.

"I have a two years contract here... Wellington's' can't fire me!"

"But David Wellington can. Don't you know he's the CEO and the chairman?"

"But he only transferred me..."

Hope chuckled, "Yeah... because your father did him a favour. But you know me being his wife, I can't see him loose his sleep over something someone did. And I can't allow people throwing themselves on my husband."

"Me and your husband have slept together before, a countless times.", Lilliana hoped her words would leave an impact. A bad one for that.

Hope sat there unfazed.

"My husband has really slept with countless women, a countless times. What makes you special?"

Lilliana tried to argue, but she was shut up when Hope showed her palm.

"I am not here to get into a cat fight with you, for a man, who clearly doesn't want you. Lilliana, if David willingly involves with you, you are free to have him. But if he has expressed his unwillingness, then I would like to secure my position. Look at it, not like my husband's side kick, but as a woman with some dignity.", she pulled out an envelope from her bag, "This is your appointment letter in Carlson's. A secure job, with thousands perks. Carlson's have no relations with David anyhow. They are a celebrity managing company. And Jade Carlson is my good friend. Of all the perks with this job, your CEO being single is one of them. Their company is based in Latin America. I hope you enjoy your work there. I am requesting and warning you to never cross path with the Wellington's again."