Chapter 31
Oliver Ferraz
Today is the day of the cocktail party. I'd planned to invite Alice to come with me, but we've barely spoken all week—only what was strictly necessary.
So Andréa will be my companion for the evening.
I needed to go with someone, and she was my only option, so that would have to do.
And of course we wouldn't be going as a couple—once we got there, I'd find a way to distance myself from her.
As soon as we arrive at the hotel, we head up to where the event is being held.
From what I heard, the space was Alice's idea, after an incident with an important client.
She was essential to the hotel's administration—she had great ideas and actually put them into practice.
This girl is going to go far in her career, and whatever I can do to help, I will.
We're at the same table, and as soon as I approach, Andréa puts on her show. At that moment, Alice gets up and leaves.
I watch her go and see her head out to the terrace. Without a word, I slip away, grab two glasses of champagne, and follow her. Alice is taking in the view and smiling—what a beautiful smile. What could she be thinking about? I approach and say:
“A dollar for your thoughts,” I say, holding out a glass, which she accepts.
“Paying in dollars now?” she jokes. “But I think it's worth more than that.
I was thinking about when I first discovered the hotel's terrace and realized it would be perfect to transform this space. Your father supported me and put me in charge of everything. It was the first big project I took on, and I was so satisfied when it came together.”
“It really turned out perfect. There couldn't be a better venue. You were incredible, Alice. You're going to be a great administrator when you graduate.”
“Thank you, but everything I learned in this short time was from Mr. Edgar. I came here green, knowing nothing, and I had the honor of learning from him.”
“Yes, my father is an excellent teacher. But you have to be intelligent and have vision to put it into practice, and you're perfect at that.”
She's visibly embarrassed by my compliments.
“I'm going inside. It's cold out here, and you should too. Your fiancée must be looking for you, and I don't want any trouble, Oliver. Excuse me,” she says, starting to walk away.
I take her arm.“I already told you there's nothing between us. Andréa only came because, as president, I can't show up alone. But I wanted you with me today.”
“You chose someone else. So be satisfied with her.”
She leaves, and when I turn around, I see Andréa in the distance, watching us. She walks toward me.
“Your father won't like knowing you traded me for a secretary.” Andréa knows exactly how to get under my skin.
“You were the one who traded me first. There's nothing between us, so leave Alice out of our problems. Don't mess with her, or you'll have to deal with me.”
“Going to protect your employee now? As far as I know, I'm your fiancée. And don't embarrass me—everyone here is already talking about you two on the terrace.”
“I don't care about anyone's opinion. I only brought you because I couldn't come alone, but don't ask me to be nice. Excuse me.”
I walk away and see her leaving, irritated.
She cheated on me and doesn't deserve any respect.
I walk through the hall looking for my little one—and I find her talking with that pretty boy, his father, and Henrique, who's with the beautiful Isabela, his secretary.
I approach to hear what they're talking about, and I don't like what I hear.
“You'd better be careful, Oliver,” Gabriel says, laughing. “My father wants to steal your secretary for us.” I greet everyone and respond politely.
“She's not available,” I respond, staring at him. “Neither my father nor I will give her up.”
“With the position and salary I offered, I think she should consider it carefully,” Homero comments, his tone provocative.
“Alice isn't available. I already said that.”
At that moment, Andréa arrives.
“Hello, Homero, what a pleasure to see you again,” she says, hugging him. And I find myself wondering: where do these two know each other from?
“Dear Andréa, beautiful as always. I see you returned to Brazil earlier than expected,” he says, with a smile that bothers me.
“Yes, my fiancé needed me, and my parents asked me to come back. I put my course on hold, but after the wedding I plan to finish it.”
“It's good to see you again,” Homero comments, casting a curious look. “Oliver, be careful. You have a strong-willed woman by your side.”
I feel the discomfort rising through my body. I need to find out what's going on between them.
“We're not together anymore, Homero. We broke up back in New York, and she knows it. I'm going to get a drink.”
I turn my back on everyone. I notice the astonished looks, but I don't care anymore. Andréa isn't going to ruin my peace anymore.I go looking for Alice again, and when I return to the table… there she is.
Sitting there, elegant, with a subtle smile. And even though the room was full, it was as if she were the only one who existed.