HER

(Present)

AS EXPECTED, I ARRIVED 15 MINUTES EARLIER FOR OUR MEETING. On my way out the elevator, I saw a tall guy about to enter my Boss' office. His back was facing me but there is something familiar about his stance. I decided to just head straight to my office, I am going to give my mom a call. She is probably upset at me as I have not called her yesterday like I promised.

"Ring!" My mom answered promptly just after one ring. She is not really that excited every time I call!

"Hi, Mommy! How's the most beautiful lady on the planet?" I said sweetly.

"You know, I am mad at you! You promised you were going to call me yesterday! I was waiting the whole day and even tried to call you last night, but you did not pick up!" She said annoyed.

"I asked Paul and he said he has not heard from you, either. You have not called him for weeks and he is also worried sick about you! What's going on Alecxandra? Are you forgetting about us?" She continued her tirade. I was about to say something, but she cut me off again!

"You are acting like Ms. Big Shot now! I told you, you should not have left. You would have been happy here with Tristan. I do not know what came over you! If you did not leave, I bet by now, I should have lots of grandchildren already!" She said frustrated.

"Mommy, here we go again! Can we please not talk about that? That's a long time ago and it will never happen, ok?" I replied irritated.

"I was just busy finishing this new hotel design project, but it's all done now. So, you will hear from me every day, ok? I promise! Well, I've got to go, we have a big meeting today. I will call you again later, Bye! Love you!" I said, trying to end the conversation abruptly.

"Alecxandra!" That was the last word she said because I hurriedly ended the call! Whew! It is always drama when I forget to call her. But I know she just misses me. I have not been back home since I left. She visited me once on my 25th birthday. If she only has no fear of flying, I bet she will be here every month!

I grabbed my coffee and headed to the boardroom. Carla was already sitting at the other end of the table. She waved at me and pointed at the next seat beside her. We always sit together during our meetings. Mr. Archer, our Big Boss, was already standing in front.

"Good morning everyone! I know all of you are wondering why I called for this emergency meeting. As you all know, our company has been expanding and we've been fortunate to merge with one of the prestigious firms right now.

"I am glad to announce that Archer and Associates has agreed to merge with Montecarlo Architectural Firm which is one of the arms of Montecarlo Group of Companies. And it's my great pleasure to welcome the CEO of Montecarlo Group of Companies who kindly graced us with his presence today, no other than Mr. Tristan Montecarlo!"

A loud roar of applause followed that introduction, but my ears suddenly got deaf as he entered the room with his commanding presence. He was smiling when he shook Mr. Archer's hand and then turned his gaze to everyone. That smile was wiped away as soon as his eyes laid on me.

I saw him clench his teeth and I automatically bowed my head and looked down on the table as if there was something interesting written on the large mahogany table. I accidentally tipped my empty mug which created a loud noise and almost everybody turned in my direction. I felt my cheeks getting red.

"I haven't started my speech yet and somebody is already taking away the limelight from me." Everybody laughed at his comment.

"Mr. Montecarlo, I think she was just excited about the merger. She is actually one of the pride of our firm. Let me introduce you to our Lead Architect, Architect Alecxandra Rivera!" Mr. Archer was beaming when he made that introduction about me. I slowly held my head up and saw him still staring at me with a devoid expression on his face.

"Pride of your firm? We will have to wait and see about that." He averted his gaze from me and looked back at Mr. Archer and smiled.