Chapter 18
After that fateful day, I never saw my ex again.
He didn't send me any messages or reach out in any way—he'd only shown up to disrupt the peaceful life I'd been living.
I didn't hear anything more about Mattia either.
He really had left without saying goodbye, and I'd have to accept that.
After all, we hadn't had anything serious, so I just needed to try to forget him. But I'll admit, it was hard.
I was working on Henry's project now, which was much easier to handle.
He was open to my opinions, and his ideas meshed well with mine, so we made a great team.
I was designing an office for him—he works in Information Technology, and now also with apps and websites, so I had plenty of work ahead of me.
“Good afternoon, my favorite designer.” Henry was always so friendly.
“Hi, Henry, how are you? Any problems with the project?”
“No, everything's perfect. I came here to talk to Carter, just stopped by to say hi.”
“Oh, okay. Do you want me to walk you over?”
“No need, he's already waiting for me. See you later.”
He left, and I went back to my work, researching blinds and wall colors.
I was almost done—after this, it would just be a matter of supervising the crew on site.
I hadn't expected it to be such challenging work, but I'd done a lot of research and ended up learning quite a bit about the IT side of things.
They had a lot of sensitive information to protect.
I designed a server room for machines that run 24/7, non-stop—the Cybersecurity division, which protects data for all the companies that hire them, complete with a huge control panel. I found the work fascinating. They also provide remote services for these companies.
Henry's company was growing, and I was happy for him. He's a great person who treats his clients well and provides excellent support—getting to know him gave me a glimpse of how he works. I was lost in my daydreams when Carter appeared at our office door and called me over.
“Emma, can you come to my office, please?”
“Of course, boss.”
“Bring the iPad,” he called out, already heading into his office. I followed.
“How can I help?”
“Please, sit down. Henry tells me the project is nearing completion.”
“Yes, I'm finalizing the paint colors and blinds now. After that, it's just the renovation work.”
“How long should that take? Do you have an estimate?”
“I think if we work straight through, everything should be ready in two weeks. Do you need it done faster?”
“As you know, Emma, my company is growing very quickly because of how we operate. I've received a proposal that I'd hate to turn down. And since I've been so impressed with your work, I want you in charge of everything.”
“Of course, but when would this be? We still have the apps and website office to finish.”
“This one would have to come first. The deadline to be there is one month, max.”
“And where exactly is 'there'?” I asked. Carter answered.
“Italy. But Emma, feel free to refuse.” I paused to think. I didn't even know what part of Italy, but at that moment, I was focused on my work and the recognition this could bring.
“Okay, I accept. It's an opportunity I can't pass up, Carter.”
“You're right. You're growing too, and you deserve the chance to show what you can do.”
“So where exactly are we going?”
“Rome. We'll be working in the capital.”
“I'm thrilled about this opportunity. Thank you so much for offering it to me. And Carter, I'll need someone with me.”
“I've already thought about that. Samantha will go with you—you two work well together, and she's an excellent assistant.”
“Perfect. Let's wrap things up here and start planning for the project there.”
And that's exactly what we did. The renovation company started the next day, and we worked hard for exactly two weeks.
As soon as we finished, I went to do the post-construction inspection.
It was beautiful—I'd done another excellent job.
I took some photos of the rooms and left, closing another chapter.
I treat every job as a stage in my life.
I give it my all, dedicating myself to delivering exactly what the client wants.
I study hard, and when everything comes together, I feel fulfilled for having completed another one.
Now it was time to leave for Italy. I'd decided to take my vacation right after the job, so I'd be spending about three months there.
It had always been a country I'd dreamed of visiting, and now I had the opportunity, so I wasn't going to waste it.
I packed my bags—since the stay would be long, I was taking three suitcases with clothes for both cold and warm weather, since I'd be there through two seasons.
I wanted to make the most of it. I won't pretend I hadn't thought about running into Mattia.
Yes, I really wanted to see him, and I was going with the hope that it might happen.
I just wanted to see him at least one more time.