Chapter 52: Chose me over you
"There’s no enemy here, as I said. I won’t approve Frida’s appointment without seeing for myself what she can actually do in the company. Strangely, your father didn’t even consider Diego for this position," Luca remarked with a faint chuckle.
"That’s... truly strange. I’ll speak with my grandmother about it later," Sara replied, turning toward the door.
"Don’t let it make you feel small. You have your own identity too, Sara. Remember that," he added.
"I have no identity left," Sara murmured, and without another word, she left.
Luca slid his hands into his pockets, staring into the distance as he weighed whether Frida should be allowed into Falcone Industries.
"Sir, I’ve told Sara everything. I’ll go check on the preparations for your media briefing," Fabio said, stepping forward. He hesitated for a moment, his brow furrowing. "Why was Mr. Falcone here? Sara looked pale... Did they argue again? I can’t understand why he abandoned his daughter like this. Everyone makes mistakes, but—" He shook his head slightly, trailing off in quiet concern.
"I’ll take my leave," he said and walked away.
Luca stood behind his chair, one hand resting on its top as he gazed out the floor-to-ceiling window. "If I interrogate Diego my way, he might speak right away," he muttered, furrowing his brows.
The phone rang, breaking his thoughts. He picked it up.
"Ivanna Cavallero wants to see you," Sara’s voice came through. "She’s pestering the staff."
"You’re supposed to handle it since you’re my secretary," Luca said coolly before hanging up.
Sara huffed and lowered the phone, striding to the elevator. By the time she reached the first floor and stepped out, the commotion had grown louder. Ivanna’s shrill voice reverberated through the lobby, throwing a tantrum at being denied access.
"What’s happening here?" Sara asked as the receptionists and guards stepped aside to let her pass.
"Ma’am, Miss Cavallero is trying to barge in and threatening us with the CEO’s father’s name," one of the receptionists explained.
Sara straightened. "Miss Cavallero, you cannot meet the CEO. He’s busy. Please leave."
Ivanna laughed mockingly as she stepped forward, her eyes flashing. "You’re the bitch who married Luca knowing he’s my fiancé! Do you really think I’ll listen to you and just go away?"
Sara’s eyes narrowed, her tone dropping the usual formality. "This isn’t the place for personal drama, Ivanna."
Ivanna raised her hand, but Sara caught it firmly. With a shove, she pushed her back.
"If you don’t leave, I’ll have to make you," Sara said coldly. "In front of Luca’s parents, Luca and I got married. If you have complaints, take them up with the people who declared you his fiancée when he never wanted it. Luca has always loved me, that’s why he chose me over you."
Sara turned to the security staff. "Escort her out. And next time she causes a scene here, involve the police."
"How dare you steal my fiancé! You bitch! Sara! Wait and see what I do to you!" Ivanna shrieked as the female guards dragged her out, still thrashing and shouting threats.
Sara whirled to the employees, who had gathered to watch. "What are you all staring at? Don’t you have work to do?"
The crowd scattered quickly, and Sara let out a quiet sigh of relief. She returned to her desk and focused on sending emails, letting the commotion fade from her mind.
After a while, a knock sounded at the door. Sara looked up and saw Luca standing there. Rising slightly from her chair, she began, "You’ll get the report on your next project meeting with—"
"It’s conference time," Luca cut her off.
"Do I have to attend it too?" Sara asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. Both as my wife and my secretary," Luca replied, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "And you handled Ivanna perfectly. I can’t stop laughing at how you claimed me just now."
"It was necessary," Sara said with a shrug. "She was calling me a bitch, so I thought I’d act like one in return."
Luca’s smile faded slightly at the thought of anyone disrespecting her. He would deal with Ivanna later.
He stepped closer, stopping behind her as he observed the elegant bun of her hair. Sara tilted her head, about to turn, but his hands rested firmly on her shoulders, halting her. She tensed under his touch and the closeness, feeling the warmth radiate from him.
Gently loosening her hair from the bun, his nose brushed against the soft strands and then her head.
"Luca?" she whispered.
"Speak your heart at today’s conference," he said quietly, caressing her hair and moving his head slowly to the side. "But be careful of not giving them any gossip material You know how they are, always ready to twist words against you."
His hands lingered. "If I am the king of my world, then you are the queen of it. Remember that, Sara Falcone De Augustino. That’s your new identity and you’ll live with it."
Sara couldn’t deny it and let out a soft hum. "Indeed... I’m now a De Augustino," she said, glancing at him briefly. Then, she turned back to him, her voice tinged with worry.
"But they’ll ask why you saved me," she continued. "Was it out of love... or business? There will be so many questions. And since I’m not proven innocent in everyone’s eyes, they’ll see me only as the culprit in everything. You know the allegations against me. I don’t want you to suffer because of me... I mean, I don’t want your company to suffer because of me. Your father will only be furious at you. So, don’t take me to the press conference. That’s my request."
Luca nodded as he understood her point.
"But hiding from everyone won’t give any solution either. Nothing will happen to this company. Do you think I’ve not thought all of this? I want you to sit beside me as I address the media today. It’s important, Sara," he asserted, keeping his gaze fixed on hers.