THE MAFIA’S HEIR

BIANCA’S POV

“Biancaaa…” Laura groaned as she tossed and turned on my bed. “I wish I can remain here for the rest of the week. I don’t want to go to work anymore. I don’t want to see anyone. I think we should both rebel.” She suddenly sat up on the bed, folding her leg into themselves. I felt like a mess, but seeing her hair all spiked up in different angles, with her large doe eyes looking through the equally big and thick frames she wore, made me burst into laughter. “You’re weird.” She muttered, having no idea what made me laugh so hard.

“Oh, Laura! You have no idea.” My laughter imcreased. “You look like medusa right now.” Hearing me say that, she quickly rose to her feet and walked to the mirror on the wall of my room.

“Urrgghhh!” She groaned, making me laugh again. “How come I look more pathetic than you do? I thought we were both suffering?”

“Well, I’m suffering from heartbreak. You on the other hand, are suffering from the fear of the suffering and excessive work that Ricardo would most certainly put you through. Who knows? Maybe you’d really be looking this way after a day’s work with him as your boss.”

“Honestly.” She sighed and slumped back on the bed. “Meanwhile,” She looked up at me in interest. “Your boss talked about the ANAN business conference with you?”

“Yeah.” I nodded in agreement. “But not in details. I only hope he doesn’t need me to go along with him that day.”

“Well, you automatically would.” Laura shrugged, making me look up at her in shock.

“I would? How do you know that? That God forsaken conference is on a Sunday. Part of my precious weekend.” I mumbled, not wanting to imagine it.

“It’s only natural you follow your boss to attend any conference he’s supposed to attend. Though, I heard from our coworkers during lunch today….”

“What did you hear?” I interjected.

“That Mr Alexander’s previous personal assistants had always accompanied him for the conference every six months. They were always excited to go.”

“They were?” I asked in suprise. “Why?”

“Well, I heard it was the opportunity for a perfect weekend vacation. The hotel that is used to host the businessmen in attendance, is a top notch one. And no, the conference is not on Sunday. It begins on Thursday and is concluded on Sunday. Most secretaries or personal assistants who accompany their bosses, are only in attendance on Thursday and Friday. The have the weekend as their rest days and stay back at the hotel.”

“You are saying it like you’ve been in attendance before.” I rolled my eyes.

“I told you our coworkers were all about it today!”

“Don’t believe everything you hear. I know my Boss. If it’s possible, he would want me to work even when I’m asleep. That perfect vacation, is never gonna work.” I sighed. There was no need to be worked up about anything though. I would just see it as another busy weekend, while in the process of healing from a significant heartbreak. “Oh, Laura.” I sighed. “I just hope next week would be nice. You would have to start working under Ricardo, and I on the other hand, would go through a stressful week, while I work on killing my useless crush on Manuel Russo. It’s going to be a difficult week ahead.”

“All we have is each other.” She muttered, rolling to the side of the bed where I laid. I turned to her and we gave each other a hug.

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I walked into Mr Alexander’s office, ready to take his instructions for the business conference we were to be attending tomorrow.

“Sir?”

“Bianca.” He yawned, closing off the files on his desk and looking at me. “Are you sick or ill in any way?” He asked, making me confused for a moment.

“No sir. I’m not sick.” I answered truthfully, unsure of what he was going to say next.

“Good then. That means you would be fine to attend the conference. I know I haven’t really had time to brief you about this conference, but just know it’s something I take very seriously. Only a few tech and gadgets companies are hosted for the event. The conference gives us the opportunity to make the right connections and secure most of our contracts for the next 6 months. It’s a very competitive event even if it wouldn’t really look so. I would need you to be very observant at all times. During the contribution session after every meeting, take note of the businessmen with promising companies. These are the kinds of companies we would love to connect with.”

“Okay sir.” I nodded.

“I’m sure you must have heard a talk or two from the employees. In as much as my previous personal assistants saw this conference as a potential weekend getaway, it wouldn’t be same for you.” I said it. I knew the man wouldn’t let me breathe.

“Now, it’s not so because I wouldn’t like you to have your rest and enjoy yourself. On the contrary, I’m doing this because you are different Bianca. I see how hardworking, smart and dedicated you are. You have a lot of potentials. And you would be quite the ambitious kind of lady, if given the platform or opportunity to explore those potentials of yours. I want you to be able to use this conference to your advantage. Learn a lot, make neccessary connections, and know better. In as much as I would really love to keep you as my personal assistant because you make work so easy for me, I would have to change my mind. My plan for you is different Bianca. You would still be useful to me, but in a higher position. I am very sure you would be able to manage your position well. Mind you, all of these is not immediate, but eventual. I’m still working on it.”

I was at loss for words. I really didn’t know what to say. Was it safe to say I was already in the process of climbing that ladder of greatness? I hadn’t expected it to come so quickly either.

“Thank you sir.” I managed to say. “For seeing all these…. potentials in me. Thank you.”

“That’s fine Bianca.” He smiled. “Mind you, attending this conference comes with a special package. Immediately we return from the conference, your allowance would be wired to you. That being said, please be in your best throughout the conference period. I need you to appear smart like you always do.”

“Yes sir.” I nodded.

“I would send a driver for you tomorrow. Be ready by 9am. Goodnight Bianca.” He said, picking up his briefcase and walking past me.

“Goodnight sir.” I waved in excitement, even though he couldn’t see me. I was suddenly happy to attend the conference. I was one lucky girl.

On getting home that evening, I quickly rushed out to get my hair and nails done. Seeing how much discount Hilda had given me at the shop, I decided to do some lash extensions as well. I was glad that I had somehow gotten a makeover store I could always run to, even in an emergency, without being scared they’d do something nasty to my hair. When I was done with my business, I rushed out of the store and made my way back home. I had to do some packing, and get very good rest as well. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day.

After successfully packing up the essentials things I needed, with the help of my mama, I went ahead to pack some spares in case of neccesity. When I was done, I had my bath and went to bed, not forgetting to set an alarm before that. ANAN conference, here I come! Yayyyyy!!!

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I sighed in exhaustion as I looked at my reflection in the mirror, reminding myself that this was the final day. If I was being honest, so far, I had a nice time in this place. The conference meetings had been awesome, and true to Mr Alexander’s words, I did learn a lot. I also appreciated how he always kept me by his side, not letting the ushers move me away even during the some partnership contract signing.

I looked back at my bed and couldn’t stop smiling while looking at the red glitter dress on the bed. I had been suprised when Mr Alexander had given me the box last night, before we retired to our separate rooms. He had gifted me the dress for businessmen’s dinner party tonight. It was now I understood what Laura had been saying. She actually wasn’t wrong. Indeed, personal assistants didn’t attend the Saturday event because they were strictly for the businessmen in attendance. But somehow, my boss had managed to secure my pass into the event. The Sunday dinner party was also strictly for the businessmen, but they were allowed to bring along plus ones. I was grateful my boss had insisted I went as his plus one.

Another surprising occurrence during this event was the fact that there had been only a single business woman in attendance. It happened to be no other than the almighty F. F. Yes, now I thought she was mighty. I had been so shocked to see her in attendance, at the first conference meeting on Thursday. After the meeting, I asked my boss and he told me they were very few business women under tech.

Francesca Ferrari had been part of the few women who were managing tech companies. But then, her company had been the only eligible company selected to attend the conference. I wasn’t surprised though. She was sharp and smart. The way she gave her contributions after each sessions made me realize why I could never stand a chance with Manuel Russo. I wasn’t in his league. Suddenly, I heard a knock on my door, accompanied by my boss’s voice calling me.

“Bianca.”Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“Sir.” I quickly responded, not knowing whether or not to open the door.

“You have 10 more minutes before the start of event. Please hurry up.” Seeing as it wasn’t necessary to open the door for him, I quickly rushed to put on my dress, while giving a muffled reply.

“Alright sir.”

After wearing my dress, I couldn’t help but frown at the way my hair looked. I hadn’t the time to properly style it, and the curls were already going off. Deciding it was best I made use of the ‘plan B’ I had packed with my luggage, I made a dash for the wardrobe and pulled out the wig box. This was my first time wearing a wig, but I didn’t know why it felt so weird to do so. Reminding myself that there was no time to put my hair in order, I quickly wore a wig cap, and put the brown colored wig on top of my hair. I looked at the mirror and managed a small smile. It didn’t look bad. It was okay. It was nice, but I looked so different. Not like Bianca. More like a ‘Cassandra’.

I laughed at my thoughts and quickly put on my shoes. I was able to make it out on time, before my boss came calling again. The moment I stepped out of my room, I walked down the hall way, not knowing if I should head to Mr Alexander’s room and look for him first, or just find my way to the hall. I was still contemplating when I saw him at the far end of the hallway.

“Mr Alexander!” I yelled his name, waving at him, while hastening my steps to meet him. I finally got to where he stood, talking with another business man who was also dressed for the dinner. Just then, a notification popped on their phones and they both looked at each other with a smile.

“It’s time.” The man said.

“Yes.” My boss nodded in agreement, before turning to look at me. At first, he looked at me normally, before he squinted his eyes. Deciding not to say what he had in mind to say, he looked back at the man and made an introduction between us. “Malik, meet Miss Bianca Bianchi. My wonderful personal assistant.”

“Nice to meet you Miss Bianchi.” The man stretched his hand for a shake, and I took it.

“It’s lovely to meet you too sir.” We both retracted our hands and he gave me a small smile.

“Uhmmm….” She stressed out, looking shy. “You look lovely, I must say.” A shy businessman? I have never seen such a type.

“Thank you.” I couldn’t help my smile. I was tempted to say my boss got me the dress, but I didn’t want the man having the wrong thoughts, so I remained quiet.

“But, your hair. I thought you…” He trailed off, breaking into a chuckle. “Forgive me, but I kind off noticed you during the conference meetings. A lot. Your hair…. it’s different.”

“Ohh… This is a wig.” I explained.

“Beautiful. But I preferred your hair.”

“Same thing I thought.” Mr Alexander muttered under his breathe. Okayyyy. Should I start explaining to these men how messy my hair was? I doubted. “Let’s get going already.” He said, and we all descended the staircase at the end of the hallway.

“Beautiful.” Mr Malik muttered, completely mesmerized by the dance that had just been presented. Or so I thought. His eyes had been fixed on me the entire time, making me kinda uncomfortable. Apparently, we were in the middle of the night’s event, and I was seated between my boss and Mr Malik. My boss had spent a better part of the night associating with the businessmen on our table, or exchanging messages on the phone with his wife. ‘Must be nice’, I thought as my eyes randomly scanned the entire place. For the hundredth time that night, my eyes landed on Francesca Ferrari. How was it possible that we had worn the exact same dress? A few times our eyes met, but she was quick to look away. Was she pissed that I had also worn the dress she had been wearing? I’m sure she thought I was more pathetic for putting on a wig that happened to be the same colour as her hair. She probably thought I was a ‘wanna be’, and it only made me sad. I honestly hadn’t thought about her hair when wearing my wig. Even at that, anyone would think I was a ‘wanna be’.

She hadn’t been the only woman on her table, but was clearly the one whom’s attention the men sought most. It was apparent she wasn’t interested in indulging any one of them, as she occasionally peered into her phone. I’m sure you’d guess how many times I had looked at her, to have noticed she was regularly looking at her phone. Suddenly, my boss laughed and I turned to look at him.

“You’re not trying to be like her Bianca. It’s just a mere coincidence.” How did the man know what I was thinking?! Was I so obvious? “Quit staring at her.” He said, and I nodded.

“I’m sorry sir.”

“Don’t be. I’m sorry for gifting you a dress he also gifted her.” He sighed, before looking at his phone. Probably to see what time it was. “I thought Manuel would be here.” What did he mean?

“Mr Manuel gifted her that dress?” I asked curiously

“Yes. We bought the dresses together. I just didn’t figure he would give it to her as a birthday present. Though it’s understandable, because it cost a fortune.”

“It cost a fortune?” I asked, looking down at the dress I wore.

“It was a smaller fit for Bella, so I decided you should have it instead.” Ohhh…. This dress was meant for his wife. “You deserve it.” He added, making me feel less shitty and pitiable. Immediately, I remembered the statement he made.

“Today is Miss Francesca’s birthday?”

“Yes. And I expected Manuel to spend the night with her. I thought he said he had something special planned?” He muttered underneath his breathe. Why did I feel like crying now? I furiously blinked my eyes, hoping to will the tears back in, but it seemed they were ready to be let out instead.

“Excuse me sir.” I muttered. “I need to use the restroom.”

“Of course.” He nodded as I stood to leave.

“You’re leaving already?” Malik looked up at me. Was that a look of disappointment on his face?

“Not at all.” I managed. “I just want to use the restroom.” I explained and rushed out of the hall, scared that my tears would fail me before I got to the restroom. Thankfully, I got there in record time, and just after I had released the tears I needed to let out, I sighed deeply and dabbed my eyes with some toilet paper. I walked out of the restroom, but decided to step outside for some fresh air first. As I walked along the tiled compound of the hotel, I lectured myself on how embarrassing this was becoming. I needed to do away with these silly feelings. This was no longer a crush. I felt stupid for liking someone who I didn’t really know.

All I knew was the fact he was a handsome and hardworking billionaire from a powerful family. Asides that, what else? Nothing.

Deciding that it was indeed time to stop being silly, I cleaned the residual tears in my eyes, before making my way back into the event hall. I was still walking towards the entrance of the hall when a black bus with blinding headlights, drove towards me in full speed. The fear of being hit made me fall to the groud on my butts, as I covered my face with my palms. I waited to get hit, but didn’t feel the pressure of an external force. Still to scared to look up, I remained on the floor. Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching me and before I knew it, two large hands grabbed me off the floor. That was when I began screaming.

“Leave me alone!” I yelled loudly the moment I opened my eyes to see an unfamiliar looking man.

“Calm down madame. Mr Russo asked that we do this.” He muttered as he carried me by the waist. What was he talking about? My boss wouldn’t ask a random man to kidnap me, would he? Realizing the man was probably lying, I continued screaming as he carried me towards the bus. Just when he had successfully thrown me inside, I looked around to see 3 other men dressed in black.

“Shit!” One of the men yelled as he pointed through the window of the bus. “Security are after us.” Indeed, some security officers were running towards the bus. But I guess they were late because the bus drove off, safely making it through the unguarded gates before they could get to us. What the hell just happened to me?