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.

Lisa put the phone near her ear and said, “She’s gone.”

Augustus answered. “I know”

Both felt silent after that. The only heavy breathing of them can be heard by phone.

“Lisa” Augustus called her name after a while.

“Yes,” she replied.

“I’m glad you called me,” Augustus said that sentence and hung up the call.

She looked at her mobile absently for a while. Just then Anna came back to her desk. Upon seeing Lisa, she said hurriedly, “My mother called ... I forgot to give her my brother’s prescription so she called asking for it. I am sorry it was urgent. It won’t happen again. Please don’t deduct my salary.” She said in a pleading tone with watery eyes.

Lisa glanced at her and said in a straight tone, “it should never happen again.” She then took her bag and left the hotel.

...

At home, Lisa felt very restless in her heart. Somehow she had started getting attracted to Augustus. After tossing and turning for a while, Lisa switched on her laptop and searched for Augustus Carlos.

A picture of Augustus Carlos appeared on the screen. He was wearing a black cashmere coat. His light brown hair was neatly styled. His blue eyes were deep and cold. His features were really sharp.

Augustus Carlos is the only son of Rheena Carlos and Alberto Carlos. His father, Alberto Carlos is the one who started this hotel business. He owns a chain of five luxury hotels, which are situated in palazzos in Italy’s main cities: (Milan, Venice, Florence, Punta Ala, and Rome)

However, when he died, his wife took over the business. At the age of 22, Augustus took his place in business and got engaged to her cousin, Giovanna. After that, Augustus built 4 more hotels, two in France, one in London, and one in the Maldives.

The Grand Carlos Hotels were elected during the World Travel Awards as Italy’s leading hotel and nominated in the Travel+Leisure 500. Recently, The Grand Hotel Carlos won second place in the Luxury24.

After strolling down, she finally saw the picture she was looking for. A young man wearing a tuxedo looked calm and noble, beside him was a beautiful and elegant young girl, smiling shyly. She was wearing an off-shoulder peach color gown looking like a royal princess. They both looked like a perfect match.

The more she looked at the picture, the more she felt distressed. She closed her laptop annoyingly. She knew she wasn't any match for him but still she felt a bit jealous looking at him with another woman. She shook her head to remove his memory and tried to sleep.

...

The next day, she worked at the hotel peacefully. She didn’t see Augustus all day nor did he call.

On Saturday, she was extremely excited to meet her son, Simon. The whole week she looked up to this one day to finally meet her son.

After breakfast, she took a taxi and went straight to St. Stephen School. She never wanted to send her son to boarding school. But after her husband died, her brother-in-law, Ted Smith started forcing her to marry him. And slowly, things turned to get ugly. She didn’t want her son to see this ugly side of his uncle. So one night, after thinking for a long time with a heavy heart, she made a decision to send him to boarding school for time being.

Her son, Simon is very understanding and an obedient son. When Lisa told him her decision, he agreed obediently and didn’t make any fuss. Lisa felt relieved after sending him away from this dirt.

After some time, when things gradually started to settle down Lisa went straight to take back her son but to her surprise, she found out that She is not his son’s legal guardian anymore. She felt frustrated and tried to take her son back but The Warden refused her strictly. She felt defeated and went back to her home disappointedly.

Soon after, she found out that Ted was behind all of this in order to force her to marry him. Or otherwise, she had to fight legally in court against him to win his son’s custody. Ted knew her financial status very well. She couldn’t afford to hire a lawyer, winning the case it’s just a dream for her.

But Lisa was stubborn. She still refused to marry him and go for a legal fight. Ted was really pissed by her decision. The more she rejected him, the more he wanted to conquer her. After that, Ted kept pestering her, but she kept turning him down.

It was a bright sunny day. The taxi driver pulled the car over at the gate of St. Stephen School. For the last six months, every Saturday Lisa came here to meet her son.

As soon as she entered, a guard greeted her, some Teachers also greeted her while walking past her. She entered the Hostel Building and greeted the Warden. “Hello, Linda Madam.”

“Hello, Miss Lisa Mathew.” The Warden replied back. The Warden was a middle-aged woman with white hair and a curvy body. Her smile is always warm and gentle.

“Can you call Simon?” Lisa requested politely.

“Of course. I’ll go and bring him myself. Just wait a moment.” The Warden excused herself and went up through the stairs.

As this is a high-profile hostel. The rooms in it are furnished, quite spacious. Each has internet access. In common use, there is a laundry, a lounge, and a kitchen. The hostel is guarded around the clock. To promptly solve the organization and everyday issues that students face in the building, there are curators.

Meals in the hostel are organized according to the boarding principles. The cafeteria serves mainly Italian dishes. Sports infrastructure includes a gym, volleyball, basketball courts, and a tennis court. The St. Stephen School also leases halls and fields in several major sports centers in Rome, Italy.

While looking around, Lisa heard the footsteps rushing towards her. Lisa turned around and saw her son Simon rushing towards her with a smile on his face. While the Warden is worried and keeps telling him to slow down and watch his steps on stairs.

Lisa crouched down and hugged her son tightly. “Mommy .. I missed you.” Simon said while pouting his face.

“Mommy misses you too .. Simon,” Lisa said while touching his face.

Simon looked very much like his father, Tom Smith. He was almost carved out of the same mold as him, especially his eyes with extremely long eyelashes.

He was wearing short jeans and a red t-shirt. “Mommy, I want to live with you and uncle Ted. Why don’t you accept his offer.?” Simon asked innocently.

Lisa was shocked by his words and asked, “Who told you about this offer.?”

“Uncle Ted told me, he wants me and you to live with him like a family,” Simon answered honestly.

Since Simon came here, Ted always came to visit him so he took this opportunity to use Simon to make her surrender. No matter how Ted is, he had always treated Simon as his own son and Simon also loved him too much.

“Uncle Ted already has a family. Auntie Mary, Iris, and Victoria. We are not his family. We are his brother’s family. Now that your dad is gone, we both are each other's family.” Lisa tried to explain to her son calmly and felt sad remembering her husband.

Simon felt disappointed and lowered his head. Lisa saw her son’s actions and felt pity for him in her heart. After all, he is just a child, How would he know his uncle’s evil intentions?

“You know what, I have been promoted. I am the new General Manager now. I will earn a lot of money and take you with me as soon as possible.” Lisa said this to cheer her son on.

As expected, her son looked up surprised and asked, “Really? Mommy?” Lisa nodded.

Simon's smile widened and then he said excitedly. “When I’ll go home. I will invite my friends to a party.. Yay..!” He jumped excitedly.

Lisa frowned and asked, “Did you make any friends this time.?”

Simon is a quiet child. He didn’t make any friends. It's very rare to be a friend of Simon. In the last six months, he had never mentioned any friends.

“Yes Mommy, I made 2 friends,” Simon said proudly raising his two fingers.

“Wow Simon.. that’s great. What’re their names.?” Lisa asked.

“Maria and Tony,” Simon said.

“Maria? Isn’t she a girl.?” Lisa asked confusingly.

“Yes.! She is the new monitor of our class. Some kids were trying to bully me and Tony but Maria complained about them to the principal. Her father is very rich so the principal always listens to her words.” Simon explained to her mom.

“Ohh,, it looks like she is a super-rich kid wearing a cape and flying in school.” Lisa teased Simon jokingly. Simon laughed and stretched his arm and ran around her mom.

“Slow down, little fellow,” Lisa said laughingly.

“What about your other friend.?” Lisa sat on the bench and pulled Simon over to sit on her lap.

“Tony helps me in the study, a lot and now he is my roommate too,” Simon said excitedly.

“Wow..! That’s good news.” Lisa raised her hand for a high-five and Simon gave her high-five gladly. She spent the whole day with Simon until it got dark. She then returned home happily and felt very light. After her husband died, Simon is the only true blessing left behind.