Chapter 44.Realization
Mia’s POV.
In the afternoon, I retreated to my room to prepare for the impending meeting with potential clients. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of expanding Logan’s branches by establishing franchises for his new product. I took great care in dressing professionally for the occasion, opting for a black pencil skirt and a crisp white top.
As the meeting commenced, the discussion revolved around business matters, and, being the secretary, I assumed a quiet and observant role. My duties extended to ensuring that refreshments were available, so I promptly ordered food and drinks for the attendees.
As the waiter brought in the beverages, I took the initiative to serve them in the appropriate glasses. However, I couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling of being under the clients’ scrutiny. Their gazes felt insidious and suggestive, making me feel both weird and awkward.
Nonetheless, I maintained my composure, wearing a professional facade despite the discomfort their stares caused me.
However, I remained composed, wearing a professional facade, and continued with my duties. But then, the client addressed me directly, using an endearing term, “Hey sweetie! What’s your name?” I glanced at Logan, whose eyes narrowed with disapproval at the man’s choice of words.
Maintaining my poise, I replied in a calm and steady tone, “My name is Mia. I am Mr. Mancini’s secretary.” My response aimed at asserting my professional identity and creating a boundary.
The client, seemingly undeterred, continued with his attempts at familiarity, “Nice name, why didn’t you join us for a drink?” He even gestured for me to sit beside him.
However, before I could reply, Logan swiftly intervened, turning towards me with a stern expression. His authoritative voice filled the room, “Mia, order something for yourself and take another table. This is a serious discussion, and your presence here is unnecessary. Once you’ve finished your meal, you can return to your room. You are off duty.”
I nodded my head, trying to appear nonchalant as I kept my eyes down. Sliding into a chair at another table, I ordered some food, attempting to divert my attention away from the tense conversation happening nearby. Logan, my boss and the leader of our mafia family, was handling some important clients, and I knew better than to interrupt or draw attention to myself.
Despite my efforts to tune them out, the clients’ conversation was hard to ignore. They were discussing something inappropriate, and I couldn’t help but eavesdrop inadvertently. One of the clients, with a lecherous gaze, remarked, “Mancini, your secretary is really hot. Why don’t you send her to us for a night?” I felt a shiver of discomfort as his eyes seemed to linger on me.
Logan, who had been maintaining a composed demeanor until now, responded with clenched teeth, “Enough. I won’t tolerate this kind of conversation about my employees. She is my staff, and in my company, every female staff member gets respect.”
The other client persisted, trying to make light of the situation, “Oh, come on Logan, I know what kind of services these secretaries provide. I also have one. If you want, I can send her to you; she’s damn hot. Or… maybe you want her all for yourself?”
My heart filled with disgust at their crude remarks, but Logan’s response gave me some reassurance. “Nonsense. I don’t encourage such activities in my office. Keep it strictly business while dealing with me. Otherwise, I will gladly dismiss this meeting and find another company to work with,” he retorted coldly, his voice carrying a threatening edge.
Undeterred, one of the men smirked and continued, “Oh, come on, Logan. This is not a big deal. You know this is normal in our business world. And even if you don’t want to use them for your business, I know these kinds of ambitious girls can spread their legs for money for any man. Do you think that if you deny me, then I won’t get her? No, man, I can still get her if I offer her some bills for the night.”This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
I was jolted from my thoughts by the resounding slap of Logan’s fist hitting the table. Thankfully, it was a sturdy wooden table, not one made of fragile glass. My heart raced as I watched his anger flare up.
“Stop it, Richard,” Logan growled, his voice seething with intensity. “And don’t you dare approach her. She’s an innocent and kind girl, and above all, she’s my…” He paused, his voice trailing off momentarily. “… secretary. I’ve got her back. So don’t you even think about laying a finger on her.”
Richard smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Why are you so mad? It’s just business, Logan. We’re not talking about the outside world here. This is how things work in our line of work. And you’re acting as if you’re oblivious to it all,” he taunted, a mocking laugh escaping his lips. “Come on, Logan, I know you’ve always enjoyed fucking those girls.”
The truth hit me like a freight train, shattering the illusions I had foolishly built around Logan. I was a fool to believe that he genuinely cared for me. In that moment, Richard had exposed Logan’s past, reminding me of his reputation as a notorious playboy, a man who changed companions as easily as he changed his clothes. How could I have been so blind? I had already known deep down that our time together was fleeting.
Why had I allowed myself to be happy in his presence, to believe that there was something more? It was all a facade, a means to an end. I berated myself for ever thinking that he could be mine, that he could truly care for me. The reality was painfully clear-I was nothing more than a pawn, a tool to secure my job and the money I desperately needed for my father’s medical treatment.
As the tears welled up in my eyes, my vision blurred. I wished I could slap some sense into myself for falling for his deceitful charm, for mistaking fleeting affection for something deeper and meaningful. It was a cruel lesson to learn, a reminder of the harsh reality that governed our twisted world.
“When you’re in Chicago, we can arrange a new girl every night for you,” Richard offered, his voice laced with a sinister charm.
I felt a surge of revulsion welling up within me, threatening to spill over. Nausea clawed its way to my throat as I fought to keep my composure. How could I be a part of this repulsive world? The thought made me feel utterly disgusted and diminished that I slept with him.
Logan leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze fixed on Richard.
“Stop it, Richard,” Logan snapped, his voice laced with irritation. “Are we here to discuss this nonsense? Or can we talk about some business? I’m not in the mood to waste my time discussing your bedroom life.”
Richard leaned back, a sly smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He knew he had crossed a line, and yet his audacity remained unyielding. Jay interjected to steer the conversation back to its intended course.
“Alright, let’s get back to business,” Jay suggested as his voice was cool and collected. “I’ll have the paperwork ready by tomorrow and send it to you. You can review it and let me know if any changes need to be made. If not, we can proceed to sign the deal.”
Logan nodded, a flicker of relief in his eyes. “Yeah, that’ll be alright,” he replied, his attention already shifting elsewhere.
Unable to bear the weight of the insults and degradation any longer, I abruptly rose from my seat, my chair scraping against the wooden floor. I could no longer endure the belittlement inflicted upon me by these wealthy men. My self-esteem was not something to be bartered away-it was a precious part of my being. Foolishly, I had convinced myself that Logan loved me, but the truth was clear. He was out of my league, a man from a world I could never truly belong to. He was my affluent boss, and I had to put an end to whatever arrangement we had.
Steeling myself with determination, I made my way toward the exit, the sound of their conversation fading into a dull murmur. The time for confrontation had come, and I knew I had to talk to Logan about the insidious nature of our relationship.