Chapter 1
AMALIA
Blood.
I hate it a lot. I hate the sight of it, especially when I see it every month for 5 days.
Periods are hard, but I am so thankful that I get mine.
Trying to stand up and ignore my cramps, I slowly step forward into my balcony. The view my room has is beyond astonishing. I have always been one who loves nature, it keeps my mind at peace and I always feel relaxed.
I glance at the birds flying in the sky and close my eyes, taking deep breaths. I just love mornings. I love the sound of birds chirping in the mornings. They wake me up every day at 7a.m, and I don’t even have to put my alarm on.
I walk back to my room and get ready for the day. Yesterday, one of my partners, told me what the circle has been planning. A circle is a group of elites; me included, who meet every week to discuss business and plans. I did not go last week, and they took this opportunity to talk about me. Luckily, my closest partner: Jeremy Stone, told me what they were planning, and that was to end me. They want me out of the circle and so they voted. Most of the votes voted a no and so they won, and those few who voted for a yes will probably go for a riskier solution.
This solution I know very well. I am not stupid, and I do not work with people I do not know how they think. That’s why I know they will hire a hitman to kill me, but unfortunately, it’s not going to be that easy to get rid of me.
I’m Amalia Ferrari and I am not easy to kill.
Entering my walk-in closet, I pick up some dresses to wear for today. I place them three on the table and take a good look at each one of them.
The problem with me is that I have to look perfect. It’s not that I am obsessed with what people think of me or if they like how I look, it’s that I am obsessed with how I think and see myself.
I have to look pretty to feel good.
Deciding on wearing the tight, red, mid-thigh dress, I undressed and put it on.
I then walked to my shoe rack and picked out a pair of white heels.
I never wore casual clothes at home. I always dress up as if I am going out. Only when the house is fully empty that I will be myself and that’s mostly after 9p.m when everyone leaves.
Yes, I am not myself around people. I act like a completely different person. A person who is mean and manipulative, not that I am not truly that, but I am meaner and more manipulative around people. I love to play games and I always win them.
I truly believe that each one of us has a different side when we’re alone. A different person within.
Walking downstairs, I see Annie standing at the end of the stairs, holding a tray with tea in it, waiting for me to come down. Annie is my mother. Not my biological mother, but still. She’s the one who stood by me and never betrayed me. Her love and kindness are what helped me become the woman I am today.
It’s really funny that most of the time some people say or more specifically, some men say that women are weak, or they are not smart enough to become something big. But I am here to prove them wrong. We are not weak, and we are not stupid. We are smart and strong, and we can do whatever we want in this shitty world.
Take me as an example, all the men I’ve met fear me. They wish to be me and own what I have.
I worked so hard to have what I have right now. I didn’t inherit many things from my parents other than a farmhouse they left for me. I built myself step by step and I made myself by myself—with the help of Annie of course.
Every person reaches their goal with the help of either or both parents. They don’t have to help financially or anything, it’s just the kindness and the love they show that makes you stronger. Of course, some people reach their goals without the help of their parents, even some with the help of their friends. For me, it’s Annie and Gus; my dog.
Right now, I am in a place where I am greedy for power. A lot of people hate me for that, but honestly, I don’t give a shit. Hate me all you want, but in the end, I am going to win.
“Buongiorno Ms.” Annie greets with a bright smile that makes up your entire day.
(Good morning)
“Buongiorno mamma—how many times do I have to tell you to call me by my name?” I greet her back and scold her.
(Good morning mom)
I can’t have my mother call me Ms.
“You know I say that out of habit—besides, everyone who works here has to learn how to call you.” She explains.
Walking into the living room with her following, I ask, “where is Antonia?”
Antonia is my secretary. I don’t like her; I might fire her today.
“She hasn’t come, yet.” Annie nervously replies, knowing that I will fire Antonia as soon as she says that.
As if on cue, Antonia walks in.
“Ms. Ferrari, please forgive me, there was too much traffic!” She exclaims.
I turn her way and scowl. I hate laziness, a lot. The fact that her work starts at 9a.m is even mercy. Most people start at 7, which only means that there isn’t a lot of traffic since most people have already gone to work.
“You are fired, Antonia.” I smile happily. I hate her. The way she looks at and talks to me is just so annoying.
“Ms. Amalia, please!” She cried.
“You don’t call me by my first name! Now get out of my face.” I yell in my authoritative voice.
She turns around and strolls out.
“Weren’t you a little bit harsh?” Annie asks softly.
Annie is the only one who can question me and yell at me. Not that she had ever yelled, but I wouldn’t mind. She and Gus are the only ones I care about. I am only kind to them...and maybe kids and babies.
“No, I wasn’t. To me, this was kindness.” I yawned and sat on my expensive couch.
“I need a new secretary and a personal bodyguard,” I order Annie.
“A bodyguard? For what?” She curiously asks.
“I might be a target, so I need a trustworthy bodyguard,” I explain earning a gasp. I just roll my eyes.
“Oh god! You have to stay at home till we find one.”
As much as I love Annie, sometimes she’s so dramatic.
“I can take care of myself Annie, but not all the time, that’s why I need a bodyguard,” I explain and drink up the tea Annie got me.
“Okay, Amalia. I will find both.” She nods and leaves, but not before thanking her.
I walk around the mansion checking on every employee and their work. As soon as each one of them sees me, fear becomes evident on their faces. I don’t know why, maybe because I can fire them and they need the job, but other than that, I do not look scary.
Well, maybe...I do.
“Ms. Ferrari.” The chef; Ezekiel, says and bows his head.
“What’s for breakfast today?” I ask looking around the kitchen.
“Omelets with French bread and pancakes.” He replies excitedly. He loves food so much and I admire him for that. I hired him because of his passion for food.
“Good, I like.” I nod and walk out of the kitchen.
I make my way towards the laundry room and open the door, entering. This room is huge because we have a lot of laundries to do. The house is big and as a part of their jobs, they can clean their clothes here.
“Ms. Ferrari.” Ashelia greets.
Believe it or not, I do know every employee’s name. I don’t hire people and forget their names; I am not that mean.
“Ashelia.” I nod back. She seems off and scared.
Suddenly, I hear a voice. A kid’s voice.
I walk towards the sound to find a boy sitting under the table, hiding.
“Whose kid is this?” I softly ask, don’t want to scare him.
“I-It’s mine,” Ashelia replies nervously.
“What is he doing here?” I ask, looking at her.
“I am so sorry Ms. Ferrari; I didn’t know where else to take him. His babysitter quit and I couldn’t find another.” She pleads.
I look at the kid and my expression softens. I could show compassion only once, right?
“It’s fine, Ashelia. Next time, do inform me, don’t be scared.” I say.
“Now kid, how about we play outside?” I ask in a robotic tone.
Everyone in the laundry room gasps and a look of surprise covered their faces.
“You don’t have to...” Ashelia hesitantly says. I send her a glare and she shuts up.
The boy nods with a smile and walks after me.
We walk towards the garden and as soon as we walk out, Gus; my dog runs towards the boy and licks him.
That’s a first.
The boy giggles and soon they sit on the grass and play together. I sit on one of the chairs and read today's newspaper.
Juliet Loke has been arrested for embezzlement. She has been sent to prison for 25 years for stealing almost 500 million dollars. The police also suspect another two, but no evidence has been found yet.
Wow, Juliet, you got caught that fast? Stupid.
I mean, if people are going to commit theft, the least they could do is do it right. Don’t get caught, it’s embarrassing for god’s sake.
I close the newspaper and glance at the kid. He is still playing with Gus and to my surprise, Gus likes him a lot.
A few minutes pass when the boy walks toward me.
“What’s your name?” He asks curiously.
“Amalia.” I give the smallest smile. A genuine one.
“My mother says you are scary.” He says making me arch my brow and smirk.
“Of course, she will—what’s your name?”
“It’s Angelo.” He replies shyly.
“Well Angelo, do you think I am scared?” I ask and he shook his head right and left as a no.
“Good.”
We walk back inside, and he goes to his mother, while I go to the dining room to eat my breakfast. Annie comes in after a minute or so.
“So, you found any?” I ask after swallowing the food.
“Yes, I found both—regarding your secretary, I found two, so you can interview them, and for bodyguards, I found 3. They are coming tomorrow for the interview at 3p.m.”
“Good. Grazie.” I say.
(Thank you)
After finishing our breakfast, I walk to the gym to exercise.
I have to stay in shape.
- - -
The next morning came and I did my usual routine. Walking downstairs, I receive my tea as usual and greet Annie.
“Can you get me the files of everyone coming today?” I ask Annie politely. I usually order, but today I am in a good mood, I guess.
“Of course, darling, I’ll go get them.” She replied and leave.
Gus runs to me and licks me. Honestly, I can’t get enough of him. This is probably the only man I love after my father.
That reminds me, I need to visit their graves today after the interviews.
I walk again around the house to inspect. I don’t do that every day so that I don’t make everyone stay on alert. As much as I love people fearing me, I don’t like seeing it every day.
“What’s for lunch today Ezekiel?” I ask.
“Chicken Alfredo.” He replies with a smile. He knows this dish is my favorite.
“Good.” I nod and leave.
As for breakfast, I told him to make the same as yesterday, and don’t worry, we do not throw food. The amount Ezekiel makes is for everyone in the house.
Just so you know, I eat my breakfast at 9, lunch at 2, and dinner at 7.
I walk back to the living room to find Annie standing with the files in her hand. I take them and sit on the couch.
I first open the secretary files.
•Amanda Cruise, 22, Canadian. She has 1-year of experience working at Loke industries. She has no husband or a kid.
•Isabelle Romano, 25, Italian. She has 3 years of experience working at a local law firm. She has no husband or a kid.
Great. One of them works at my enemy’s company, so I don’t have many options but to accept the other.
“You’re sure you didn’t find more?” I ask.
“No, I tried.” She replies and I nod.
I open the other files.
•Jackson Still, 28, American. He used to work as a personal bodyguard for Lady Gaga. He has a wife and a baby.
•George Harlem, 34, American. He is a gym trainer. No wife or kid.
•Alessandro Esposito, 33, British. An ex-soldier. No wife but has a baby girl.
“Interesting,” I say as soon as I read everyone’s information.
“I will try to find more,” Annie says.
“Just find me a secretary, I am not sure I’ll like any of these. As for a personal bodyguard, I think I already chose one of these.” I say.
“Okay, darling.”
—
The clock rolled to 3 and no one showed up yet.
I hate waiting.
“Where are they.” I groan.
“They must be on their way, just calm down.” Annie softly says.
As if on cue, the doorbell rings and Annie makes her way towards the door. I am sitting in my office to interview each one individually.
My door opens and Annie tells me that Amanda Cruise is here. I tell her to let her enter.
“Ms. Ferrari, it’s so nice to meet you.” The girl smiles a bit too much for my liking.
“So, Amanda, tell me, why do you want to work here?” I ask curiously.
“Honestly, I wanted to work here a long time ago, but you weren’t hiring, but I am glad you are now.” She excitedly says.
I cringe.
I give her the fakest smile, “And?”
“And?” She asks, clearly confused.
“What else, tell me. For example, where did you work before and why did you quit?” I ask even though I know the answer.
“I used to work at Loke industries, I like it there, but as I said, I wanted to work here in the first place.” She nervously says.
I don’t like her at all. First, she smiles too much, it’s irritating. Second, she doesn’t understand my question and doesn’t know how to answer. All in all, she’s dumb.
“Unfortunately, Ms. Cruise, I don’t want to work with you,” I say bluntly.
“What?” She gasps.
“Did I stutter?” I glare at her. I hate to repeat what I had said.
“Leave. Now.” I growl and she quickly stands up and leaves with tears running down her face.
Annie quickly enters the room with a questioning look.
“She’s too clingy and a fan. I hate it.” I grumbled.
After a few seconds, Isabella enters the room.
“Ciao, Ms. Ferrari.” She professionally greets me with a nod.
(Hi)
I nod back.
“It says here you have 3 years experience at a law firm, am I correct?”
“Si, ma’am.”
(Yes)
“Good, so tell me, why do you want this job and why did you quit that law firm?” I ask.
“To be honest with you, I need this job because I couldn’t find another. I had to quit the law firm because.... because a man sexually assaulted me. I couldn’t take it anymore and left.”
“Why didn’t you file a complaint if you don’t mind me asking?”
“I did, but they wouldn’t believe me, they believed him.” She sadly says.
“Okay, Isabella. I would like you to work with you and give me the man’s name.”
“Thank you so much! You will not regret it—and his name is Richard Stevenson.” She replies and I nod.
I will make sure you don’t see the light of day Richard Stevenson.
“I want to see you here at 9a.m sharp. If you’re late, you’re fired.” I firmly say and she nods.
Good, I got my secretary.
Annie walks in and tells me that she’s going to call the first guy, but I tell her to get me, Alessandro, as I do not want to waste my time with the other. I also tell her to let the others leave.
Alessandro walks in and my eyes wandered from the top to the bottom.
His blonde hair and blue eyes. His thick yet decent biceps. His amazing body that could crush you with one-touch...amazing.
“Mr. Esposito, have a seat.”
“Ms. Amalia.” He nods.
He called me Amalia...and for the first time I didn’t mind, but he doesn’t need to know that.
“Call me by my last name,” I say firmly and he nods again.
“So, tell me Alessandro, why work here in Italy?”
“Well, my ex-wife lives here, and she has custody of our daughter. I have to stay here to see her.” He replies honestly.
I like his honesty.
“And why work as a personal bodyguard?” I ask, with amusement.
“To be honest, it’s good money.”
“And you want to work here to take the custody of our daughter?” I ask curiously.
“Yes, ma’am.”
He is honest, responsible, and would do anything for his daughter, which means, he will do anything for this job. He needs me as much as I need him.
“Fine—be here at 9a.m sharp. We will talk about how this is going to go and everything—by the way, where do you live?”
“An hour away from here.” He replies, scratching the back of his neck.
“That’s not good. When you come tomorrow, bring everything with you—you are going to live here.”
“Sorry but that won’t work. I have to have my place” He says, making me furrow my eyebrows.
“Why?”
“I mean, if I want to win the custody of my daughter, I have to have my own home.”
Ohhh
“Right. Then I’ll find you an apartment near my place.” I say with a smile.
A smile that I don’t give too often. Tell me why did I give it again?
“I appreciate that Ms. Ferrari, but I prefer to stay there.” He replies bluntly.
“I understand, but it all comes with the job Alessandro. You have to live close to me and either way, do not worry about the rent. I pay it. I also pay my secretary’s rent, so don’t worry, it’s nothing personal.” I say, even though I didn’t want to pay it just because it comes with the job, it’s for his little girl.
“Fine, thank you Ms. Ama-Ms. Ferrari.” He says, quickly realizing his mistake.
“See you tomorrow,” I say and he nods and leaves.
