Chapter 27
Oliver Ferraz
What the hell did I just do? Damn it!She’s not to blame for any of this, but I can see on her face that she realizes the stupid mistake we made too. The silence between us is suffocating, and for a second, I almost apologize. But the words won’t come.
“So what do we do now?” she asks, scared, her fingers nervously playing with the fabric of her blouse.
I swallow hard.“Calm down... I’ll get a pill from the pharmacy. You take it, and we’re good. No unwanted surprises.”
The moment I say it, I regret it. Her expression shifts—quick, wounded.My chest tightens.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” I backpedal, running a hand through my hair. “I just think it’s too soon to be thinking about pregnancy. Don’t you?”
She takes a deep breath and forces a small smile.“Of course, you’re right. I’m just starting college. A baby would only get in the way.”
Hearing that should relieve me, but it doesn’t.For some reason, the way she says “get in the way” hits me.
“Good. I’m glad you agree,” I respond, trying to keep my tone neutral. “Go get ready. I’ll call the pharmacy. We have the meeting with Gabriel, and we can’t be late.”
“I’m coming to the meeting?” she asks, surprised.
“Of course. You know the company better than anyone. I need you there.”
She nods and heads toward the bathroom.I’m left alone for a few seconds, and the emptiness of the room seems to swallow me whole.What the hell am I doing?
I call the pharmacy and order the medication without letting myself think too hard. My own voice sounds cold to me. Rational. Like I’m someone else. When the delivery guy arrives, I feel the weight of the little box in my hands. It seems ridiculous—something so small, deciding so much.
Alice comes back ten minutes later, all put together. She looks beautiful. And that only makes everything worse.I hand her the little box.“Take it before we leave.”
She just nods and goes to her desk in silence. The atmosphere between us has shifted, and I don’t know if there’s any going back.
Shortly after, we’re notified that Gabriel has arrived. I call Alice, and we head to the meeting together. As soon as we enter the room, I see him and Alberto discussing contract details. I greet them both and sit down.
Alice follows right behind me, and the pretty boy rushes to greet her.
“Good afternoon, my sweet Alice. How have you been?”
“Hello, Mr. Gabriel. I’m well, and you?”
“Better now. You still owe me that dinner, don’t forget.”
She smiles politely, but my blood boils.
“If you’re done, can we get started?” I cut in, making no effort to hide my tone.
Alice glances at me, a bit confused, and sits down beside me. Alberto lets out a little laugh, but one look from me is enough to shut him up.
The meeting goes well. We iron out the remaining details, and the agreement seems ready. But just as we’re leaving, Gabriel decides to test me.
“Alice, we’re having a cocktail party at the hotel next week. I’ll be introduced as the new CEO of my father’s company. I’d like to send you a personal invitation.”
I stare at him. And he knows I didn’t like it.He notices right away and changes his tone.
“Of course, I’ll send you an invitation too, Oliver.”
“We’ll be there,” I respond for both of us, coldly.
He smiles, turns, and walks away.
I call Alice, and we head back. I go into my office and lock the door behind me.
I take a deep breath, trying to understand what’s happening to me. The way he talked to her made me uncomfortable. Very uncomfortable. Jealous? It can’t be.
She slept in my bed just once. Once. And yet I want her back, as if something inside me has been ripped out.
I shake my head, forcing myself to be rational. I need to put some distance between us. But then I remember the weekend... and all I want is the opposite.
Today, at least, I’m going to drink.And Alberto’s going to be my excuse.