Augustus looked at the screen and there was displeasure on his face. Still, he picked the phone and answered, “Yes Mom.”

“Where are you? Why didn’t you go home for the last two days? I told you to sign the deal and leave it. Why have you not left yet?”

The voice from the other end of the phone was anxious and furiously sharp. It was his mother Rheena Carlos, She is a strong and powerful woman, who never needed support from a man.

But as usual, she has some own sexual desires. Her husband was older than her so gradually after some time, she started dating some beautiful handsome man behind her husband’s back.

Her one serious relationship was with her husband’s first cousin Monte Carlos. He was a young, charming bachelor.

One day, her husband caught her with him in bed. He couldn’t take it and passed away.

Augustus, who was deeply in love with his father, couldn't take his sudden death and felt sick. After months of treatment, he finally recovered. But his heart was filled with hatred for his mother and Monte Carlos.

Rheena Carlos took over everything very gracefully and kept working hard to establish her hotel business stronger. But no matter how strong she gets, she could never accept her son’s hatred for her.

So, one day she clarified things with her son. His one and only demand were to not Remarry with anyone in the future. He hated it if he thinks someone else as his father.

Her mother agreed with a heavy heart. But she is a businesswoman and she always thinks of her benefit too. As usual, she accepted his condition and put one of her conditions.

Her condition was for him to marry her sister’s daughter Giovanna in the future. He agreed.

At the age of 22, when he decided to take over the hotel business, His mother made him sign an agreement. According to this, His mother got 52% shares and he got 48%.

In any case, if he didn’t marry Giovanna. He had to quit those shares and transfer them to Giovanna. In short, if he backed out from this deal. He wouldn’t be left with a single penny in the future.

Since that day, he had signed an agreement. He got engaged to Giovanna. He tried but he never got attracted towards her.

Meanwhile, he started taking anti-stress pills and had slept with half of the women of Rome, Italy.

Until one day, he saw Lisa Brown in that park. And he felt something warm in his heart and she worked as an antidote for him.

Every morning, he used to see her and all his stress immediately went away. In the last 3 months, he hadn’t swallowed a single pill, and these last two days he has been smiling which is making Lester worry to think if his Boss is in his senses these days?

“Mom, I have been thinking of upgrading this hotel,” Augustus replied calmly.

“What?” She frowned.

“I’ll send you all the details later. I got to go.” Augustus hung the call before she could react.

Two days before, His mother had sent him to sign the deal and left. After that, she was planning to Re-built this hotel into an A-grade restaurant. But now, her son wants to upgrade it. It’s the first time he has made his own decision.

Before taking any decision he always asked for her advice but this time he didn’t bother to mention it to her. Rheena Carlos is a cunning woman, she can sense something has changed. What is going on?

...

At lunchtime, Lisa and Anna went together for lunch. Anna praised Lisa for helping the President yesterday. While Lisa rolled her eyes without showing any interest to talk about the President.

Lisa was really grateful that she got the Manager post but at the same time, she was worried. She has to be very careful because she’s totally inexperienced. She just kept thinking about her son Simon, once she got settled and got her son’s custody. She will be able to live in peace.

No matter how weird Mr. Augustus is, but this time truly he has become an angel for me. I would never disappoint him, Lisa thought to herself.

Anna nudged her arm and asked, “What are you thinking? Are you thinking of giving the new staff a treat?” She asked with a mocking smile.

Lisa smiled and said, “Today is my first day and you’re asking for a treat. At least wait for my first pay-cheque. What if I get kicked out of my job before a month.?”

“What? You must be joking.. our President has picked you as our Manager. He won’t kick you out easily.” Anna said teasingly and laughed. “What if you become his girlfriend?” She said excitedly.

Lisa was shocked at her words and said, “I would love to strike myself by lightning rather than be his girlfriend.”

“What? You’re not serious right?” Anna gasped.

“Yes. I am very serious.” She folded her hands over her chest and said in a serious tone.

“What? Are you?”

Before Anna could react, These words came from behind them. Both Anna and Lisa turned around and were stunned to see Augustus standing behind.

His expressions were very ugly and his eyes were bloody red. He clenched his hands into fists and turned around without waiting for her reply. Lester followed behind.

Lisa looked at his back nervously and she felt she should explain to him her perspective before it gets ugly. After all, this job is the last hope to get her son’s custody.

She ran after him. He left the hotel and got into his car, while Lester held the door for him. Just when he was closing the door someone held his arm strongly.

“Miss Lisa,” Lester said shyly.

“I need to explain what happened now to Mr. Augustus,” Lisa said while catching her breath.

Lester looked at her, then her hand holding his arm, and then inside the car the death glare of Augustus on his arm. He immediately shook his hand out of her grip. She also realized it was not appropriate so she stepped back.

Lester opened the car door. Augustus didn’t come out and said coldly, “Speak.”

“Mr. Augustus what I said just now It didn’t mean to hurt you.?” Lisa said carefully.

“Well, why do you think I’m hurt? Who are you to me? Huh..?” Augustus sneered.

“That’s right. I am nobody compares to you.” She said politely.

“Really.? You think that much low of yourself. Then how can you be able to fulfill your duty as Manager? If you think so lowly of yourself?” August said displeasingly.

“No... I didn’t mean like this actually...” Lisa tried to explain but hesitated.

“Speak fast. I’m getting late.” Augustus said annoyingly.

Lisa took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and said, “I’m a widow, Mr. Augustus. A bachelor like you don’t deserve a widow like me as your girlfriend.”

After that Lisa turned around, embarrassed by her confession. It’s her fate that her husband died, but in people’s eyes, it’s a curse for women. She has not told anyone at Hotel about her husband’s sudden death because She doesn’t want people to gossip about her. But she didn’t know why today she confessed it in front of Augustus... Why?

...

In the Car

“Bachelor.?” Augustus chuckled.

Lester was driving the car and he didn’t dare to look at his Boss.

“Lester, if I see you again touching her. I swear I will cut your hands.” Augustus warned him.

Lester held the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turned white and his face turned pale of fear. He nodded to his boss, eyes fixing on the road.

No matter what he did. His Boss always got angry with him. If he’s being a gentleman what’s wrong with it.? According to him, this woman has become very important for Boss.

One second he was so angry and just now he is humming a song. Should I take him to the hospital? Thought Lester scratching his forehead.

After nearly three hours of driving. Lester finally stopped the car in front of a villa in the center of the city. This villa was not very big, but the wall was very high, about the height of the Second floor.

They could only see the black bricks, green tiles, and a vermilion door outside. People could see nothing from outside, except a large sycamore tree stretched out of the wall.

Moreover, there was a security spot less than 50 meters away from the villa. There was a house, a police car. And a soldier guarding outside.

Lester went forward and rang the doorbell. Soon, a young nanny in her twenties opened the door.

When she saw Lester and Augustus, she immediately opened the door respectfully and greeted them.

Augustus asked Lester to bring the documents from the car and went inside.

Walking into the villa, there was a big hallway. The style of the hallway was Italian, and even the shoe rack was made of precious mahogany. You could also tell that the vase on the cabinet in the hallway was an antique.

After changing the shoes, Augustus entered the living room. The furniture in the living room was all made of precious mahogany, ponderous, and solemn. Under the decorations of porcelain, jade, calligraphy, and painting. It seemed like the mansion of a royal family.

On the lounge chair sat a middle-aged woman in glamorous clothes. She was well maintained, her skin was tender and white, her eyebrows were thin and curved, her makeup was a little heavy, probably in order to hide some tiny lines on her face. Her eyes were sharp and fierce.

Rheena Carlos looked at Augustus and sneered, “You’re late..!”

“There was traffic on the road,” Augustus said while sitting on the sofa.

Rheena looked at him sharply and then pointed at the nanny to serve him tea and cakes.

Augustus took a piece of cake and started eating. Since he was a kid, he has loved eating cakes, especially chocolate ones. He ate with his hands and made his face dirty like a small kid.

His mother’s sharp eyes soften instantly by looking at the way he is devouring the cake. She took out the tissue and wiped his face neatly.

“You’re still acting like a child, Augustus.” She sighed while smiling at him.

“I love cakes, Mom.” He said grumpily.

She sat back on her chair and asked, “So, what’s going on? Why did you suddenly decide to upgrade the Colosseum Hotel?”

Augustus sat straight and said in a business tone, “Well, the location of that hotel is good for tourism, besides I am thinking of changing its name to “The Grand Hotel Of Carlos”. I have already contacted the designer teams for the sketches of the new model and also contacted the construction team to start the work as soon as possible.”

“But that building is not enough for this project. You need more space to make it Grand.” Rheena Carlos said from her point of view.

“I know, I am already in talks with other builders. They have agreed to sell their buildings to me. After that, I am thinking of joining all three buildings in one, a pedestrian walking space that connected three of them together and also made an underground parking area. I am also building up my office there. From now on, I will work from “The Grand Hotel Of Carlos.” So what do you say, Mom? Any advice?”

He told her his plan confidently.

“Huh... Advice.?? Since when did you decide to plan the project without my approval.?” She asked bitterly, raising an eyebrow.

It’s been 10 years since Augustus joined the hotel business. In those last years, he had never planned anything before asking her approval and now he is sitting here with a fully planned project for his new office. It’s a bit unrealistic for her to believe.

Just when she was waiting for him to explain Lester knocked and put a file on the table. Then turned around, greeted her, and left without saying a word.

Augustus calmly said, “Mom, these are the documents of approval to sign. I have already made it. If you want to read it and change something please let me know. I want this project to start as soon as possible.”

“Why are you so eager.?” She couldn’t help but ask him.

“I am 32 Mom. Give me some freedom to make my own decision.” Augustus said annoyingly.

“Giovanna wants to meet you.”  Rheena Carlos said changing the topic.

“Any special reason?” Augustus asked sarcastically.

“Your fiancé doesn’t need to find reasons to meet you.” She replied straightly.

“Well, I am very busy on this project right now. Until we start work I don’t think I will be able to spend some time with her.” Augustus said this intentionally so his mom couldn’t avoid signing the approval papers today.

After thinking for a while, Rheena thought this project is indeed well planned by him and it’s his first own project so why not let him give it a chance.

“Ok then, I will sign it right now and you will go to dinner with her tonight.” She offered him.

“Done.!” Augustus agreed happily.

After that Rheena Carlos signed the documents without reading them and Augustus took the file. He bid goodbye to his mother and left.

...

In The Car

Lester asked, “Where are we heading, boss?”

Augustus thought for a moment and then replied, “Let’s go home and ahh.. invite Giovanna to have dinner with me at my place.”

Lester nodded. “Okay, Boss.” Both sat in silence until they reached their destination.

...

The next day, As per ritual Lisa and Augustus came to the park. Lisa jogged while Augustus followed her and watched her.

Just as Lisa entered the hotel, Anna greeted her and told her, “Ma’am Lisa, President has arranged a board meeting today. As you are New General Manager you’re invited to attend it.”

Lisa nodded and asked the time of the meeting.

“ eleven o'clock,” Anna replied.

Lisa looked at the watch on her wrist, there is still one hour left in the meeting.

...

At 10:55 Lisa entered the meeting hall and was surprised to see too many people in there. Everybody was talking just as she entered. Everyone looked at her in unison. She got nervous after all she doesn’t know anyone here. She was a stranger and an inexperienced employee. She smiled and lowered her head nervously.

Just then a handsome man approached her stretching his strong arm to her. “Hi, Cristian Silas.” He said with a bright and charming smile.

Lisa looked up at him, the man was wearing a navy blue shirt with matching pants and a tie. His sleeves have rolled up and she can see his vein popping out on his arms. Lisa shook her hand with him. “Lisa Mathew”

While shaking his hand the door of the hall suddenly wide opened by Lester and Augustus walked in accompanied by a woman who was holding some thick files.

Lisa looked at Augustus and then the woman behind. Augustus looked at her, then the man beside her, and then Finally their locked hands. Lisa felt nervous and retreated her hand immediately.

Everyone stood and greeted him. “Good Morning President.”

He greeted back, “Good Morning everyone.” He went to the center of the table and said “Everybody, have a seat.”

Then he sat on his chair and everyone followed.

Lisa was looking where to sit just then Cristian gestured her to sit beside him. She felt warm by his gesture and sat beside him.

Just then, she looked at the man in the center. He was wearing a black suit today and so was she, what a coincidence.!

Today, he was wearing gold-rimmed glasses and he looked very serious and focused. Just as she was studying him he looked up and met her gaze. She felt panicked and lowered her head but her face became instantly red by being caught.

Augustus cleared his throat and said, “Ladies and Gentlemen. The reason for today's meeting is to inform you all about new plans for this hotel. We are upgrading this hotel and my friend Miss Bella Mario is going to design this hotel.” He gestured at his right hand and a cute, tiny woman with red hair stood from the chair greeting everyone politely.

Then Augustus said, “And I want you all to meet our New General Manager, Miss Lisa Mathew.” He pointed at her. She nodded at everyone politely.

“This project is going to be called “The Grand Hotel Of Carlos ``. I hope everyone here works hard and makes it grand for real. Now, we should discuss it briefly..”

For the whole two hours, they all were busy discussing ideas. Cristian kept turning around to look at Lisa whenever he suggested something. Lisa feels he’s trying to make her comfortable as she is new to all of this.

It was lunch hour already when the meeting finished. Everyone was heading out. Lisa also took this opportunity and tried to sneak out. However, when she was heading towards the door. A voice called out her name.

She turned around and saw Lester approaching her. “Miss Lisa. There is something the Boss needs to talk about.”

Lisa nodded and stood at the corner waiting for people to go out. Lester stands beside her, maintaining his distance and keeping his hands folded behind. He kept saying in his mind “No Physical Touch, No Physical Touch.”

Augustus was busy in discussion with Bella. The way they both were talking, they looked very close and Bella kept touching his shoulder and squeezing his palms sometimes. He didn’t mind at all.

By seeing this cheerful sight of them, Lisa felt a bit uncomfortable.

Lester saw her being uncomfortable. To cheer her up he said in a low voice, “Nice suit, Miss Lisa.”

Lisa looked down at herself and replied shyly, “Thanks, Lester. By the way, we both are wearing the same color. Looks like we are going to hunt someone.”

“Hunt someone?” Lester asked confusingly.

Lisa said in a manly voice, “James Bond” making her hand in a gun and pointing at Lester.

Lester was stunned by her action and then both laughed loudly. At that moment, the voice of something breaking came.

Bang..!

Both turned and looked at the glass on the ground shattered into pieces and looked up at Augustus.

“Oops..! It slipped.” Augustus said innocently.

At that moment, Lisa hurriedly walked over to him. The creaking sound of her sandals stepping onto the glass pieces could be heard in the hall.

“Are you fine.?” Lisa asked while approaching him.

Augustus thought of something and yelled in pain. “Ouch.. my hand hurts.”

Lisa took his hand immediately and checked if there was any cut. Then she asked in concern. “There is no cut. Did your veins get stretched? Where does it hurt? Tell me?” She rubbed his hand.

Augustus pointed at his fingers indicating the pain. Lisa gently massaged his hand to lose the veins.

Augustus was greatly shocked by her actions today. He looked down at her with deep eyes. Her long eyelashes were covering her eyes, her facial features were really beautiful. He was mesmerized by her concern.

Although, he was annoyed by her just now and threw the glass on the floor intentionally. But when he saw her walk through shattered glass with worry on her face.

He felt happy in his heart and pretended to be innocent and injured.

After massaging for a few minutes, Lisa realized she had come really close to this man just now without thinking. She looked up and met his deep gaze on her.

She asked embarrassedly “Still hurting?”

He shook his head. Lisa released his hand and took a step back. “I’ll go and bring ice for you.”

“No need,” Augustus replied instantly, looking at his hand. He then asked, “What were you both laughing at.?”

Before Lisa could reply Lester said first, “Miss Lisa and Boss are wearing the same color today.”

Lisa stared at Lester. Lester smiled apologetically at her.

“Why did she point at you then.?” Augustus asked confusingly, tapping at the table.

“Oh, Well.. Miss Lisa thinks you look like James Bond.” Lester said cheerfully.

“Hmmm... James Bond.” Augustus' lips slightly curved when hearing this.

Lisa’s face flushed red from embarrassment by hearing these words.

The next moment, Augustus approached her and held her waist tightly, and asked Lester, “How do we look together? Didn’t we look like a great couple.?”

“Indeed Boss,” Lester replied honestly.

Lisa felt his grip on her body. There was a sudden feeling of warmth in her heart. She couldn’t push him at all but she felt a little annoyed if his hand was injured. How could he hold her so tightly? She realized she was tricked by him, and she stared at him angrily.

Augustus ignored her stare and asked Lester to click their picture. “Come on Lisa, smile, it's just a picture.” He said to her,

Lester clicked their picture and showed it to his Boss. Augustus looked at the mobile and showed it to Lisa, “See, we both look great together.” He said proudly.

Lisa shrugged in his hold and he released her quickly. Lisa calmed herself and said instantly, “Mr. Augustus I told you yesterday ...”

Before she could complete her sentence. He cut her off and said, “I know you are a widow, so what? Who cares? It’s not a crime to be a widow. No one can control its own fate. You are free to do anything until you truly want to. So stop pretending that your hands are tied.”

Lisa looked at him in disbelief. Just then he took out his card and gave it to her. “This is my personal number. I won’t be able to visit here daily as I have other projects too.  If you need me you are free to call me anytime until you want to, Lisa.” He looked deeply at her and left.

Lisa was dumbfounded and kept looking at his name on the card. “Augustus Carlos.”

Lisa came back to her office and asked the cleaner to clean the glass in the hall. For the whole day, she couldn’t focus on her work and kept thinking about Augustus' words. Maybe he is right, it’s not a crime if I’m a widow. It’s just in my destiny to be like this.

What happened yesterday, she felt very guilty and after thinking for a long time, she had decided that she would try her best behavior with Mr. Augustus. And will never offend him in the future. That’s the reason why she was so concerned about him just now and also massaged his hand to relieve the pain.

But again, she has been tricked by him. She sighed frustratingly, leaning on her chair, eyes closed.

There was a knock on the door, she said “Come in” while keeping her eyes closed.

“Hey ., you’re not allowed to sleep in your office.” A voice came in a teasing tone.

She opened her eyes and sat straight up, maintaining her calm posture. “I was just resting my eyes,” she explained.

“Gotcha.! I scared you. Didn’t I?” Cristian said, smiling wickedly.

Lisa rolled her eyes and asked calmly. “What are you doing in my office.?”

“I came here for some work and saw nobody was there at the reception desk. I thought I should inform you. You know, if someone complains it would be a great problem for you to handle. As your new Manager.” He explained.

“Oh.. in that case. I’ll go and see what’s the matter. Thank you for informing me.” She said embarrassedly and left the office.

When she reaches the desk. As expected, there was no one. She frowned, looked left and right but Anna was nowhere to be seen. She stands behind the desk looking around. Just then, the main door opened and a lady entered with a strong scent of perfume all over her body. Lisa frowned and looked at the woman.

“Where is Augustus? Tell him Giovanna is here to meet him.” She said in a commanding tone.

Lisa felt some negative vibes from that woman. She nodded and called the Presidential Suite. Ring ... Ring ... Ring .. nobody answered. She tried again, no response.

She looked at the woman in front of her and said apologetically, “No one is picking up the call at the Presidential Suite.”

The woman got angry and asked irritatedly, “Give me his room card.”

Lisa said nervously, “Sorry Ma’am I cannot give you a room card without identifying you.”

“What do you mean.?” She asked through clenched teeth.

“What is your relation.?” Lisa asked hesitantly.

“I am his fiancé.” The woman held her chin high and answered arrogantly.

Fiancé? What? Is Mr. Augustus engaged? I have never seen him wearing a ring and if she is his fiancé why she didn’t know where he is right now? Lisa’s mind was in a mess. She looked at her with suspicious eyes.

The woman cleared her throat and sneered, “What now.? Give me the card or I will talk to your Manager.”

Lisa smiled and said, “I am the Manager, ma’am.”

The woman was stunned and looked at her in displeasure. “Look at me..! Why do you think I lie.? I can show you my I’d if you want to check.” She offered.

Lisa looked at the woman carefully. She was very beautiful and could be described as an eye-catching beauty. She had an oval face, straight eyebrows, a straight nose, smallmouth, and white skin. She had slightly curly short hair, delicate makeup, and a black and white sleeveless suit which looked very decent. She was simply an exceptionally gorgeous woman.

Lisa truly believed her but still, she had to inform Mr. Augustus about it. What if he gets angry and fires her.? She can’t offend him.

After thinking for a while, Lisa said politely, “Ma’am just a moment please.” She went back to her office, picked up her phone, and dialed Augustus’s number she had saved after coming back from the meeting.

Ring ... Ring ... Ring ...

Nobody picked it. She went back with her phone and her phone rang. She looked down and it was Augustus. She answered. “Hello, Mr. Augustus.”

“Lisa, what’s the matter?” He asked in a deep and low voice.

“There's a woman saying she is your fiancé and asking for your room card. Her name is Giovanna.” She told him.

Augustus asked confusingly. “So?”

“So, I don’t know if she is telling the truth. Should I give her your card.? I need to identify.” She asked

Augustus was stunned for a moment and he thought to himself. This woman is really interested, she didn’t know anything, that's why she called me bachelor yesterday. Such a fool.

While Augustus was lost in his thoughts. Lisa called him, “Mr. Augustus.. Are you there.?”

“Hmm..” he replied.

“What should I do.?” She asked anxiously.

Just then Giovanna snatched her phone and said angrily, “Augustus where are you? Why you’re not answering my calls.?”

“Giovanna I am busy.” He said straightly.

“This... Your useless Manager is not handing me the key card. Fired her right now.” She demanded.

“Giovanna.! She was doing her job. I am busy and I won't be able to meet you when I'm free. I'll let you know.” He knew she wouldn't go easily and added, “By the way, don’t try to make a fuss or force her for a room card. You know she is a psychopath. What if she breaks your leg in order to stop you from going in. How would it be like to live with a broken leg..?”

Giovanna looked at her legs and then the lady opposite her. She felt a sense of fear and didn’t say anything. Augustus smiled wickedly. He knew he succeeded so he said in a concerned tone, “You go back and take care of yourself. No need to argue with her, I won't be able to see you with a broken leg.”

Giovanna said panicked. “Okay” handed her the phone. She turned around and ran away like she had seen a ghost.

Lisa looked at her back wondering what happened. Then she looked at her phone and saw that the call was still connected.