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.

At the Hotel.

The construction work had already started And very few staff members were working in the hotel.

After lunchtime, someone knocked at Lisa’s office door. “Come in,” Lisa said without looking up.

The door opened and she smelled a strong scent of roses. She looked up and froze looking at the man in front of her.

The man was wearing black jeans, a shirt and a coat with a hat on his head. His figure looked different. His bulgy stomach was not there anymore. There was no chubbiness on his face either. Looked like he had joined the gym. The man was looking at her shocked face and a smile appeared on his face.

“Heard you have been promoted. Just wanted to Congratulate you.” The man said, putting the bouquet on the table and sitting on the chair in front of her.

“Thank you for your kindness, now leave,” Lisa said indifferently.

Looking at her cold attitude. The man became furious and said angrily, “It’s been a month since I saw you last time. Why are you so cold to me? I have joined a gym to work on my body so that you can get attracted to me but you.. you didn’t say anything at all. Can’t you see my efforts for you? Am I that bad? Huh..?”

Lisa frowned and said calmly, "Ted it's not like that. You are a good person I don't know but I just can't get attracted to you. I and Tom have always treated you like our child. How could I be able to think of you that way and besides what about Mary, huh..? Think about your wife and daughters..."

"First of all, I am older than you. So, how could you still think of me as a child? Second, I have already talked to Mary, she has no problem with our marriage." Ted said in a serious tone.

"Whatever you say. I am never going to marry you. Forget about it." Lisa sneered, her hands folded on her chest.

Ted saw her strong appearance and knew that she is doing this because she has promoted to, Silly woman. No matter How much money she earns, she is never going to win against his power. Ted stood up and said arrogantly, "Don't think by being a Manager you can win your son's custody. You can't win against me. Lisa."

"Let the judge decide it, Ted." With that saying, Lisa stood up and opened the door for Ted to leave. Just when Ted was walking out Lisa called him and said, "And uh... next time don't use my son to force me. It would be better if you keep him away from this."

Ted looked at her up and down with a deep gaze and said, "You're beautiful Lisa. I will wait for you to accept my offer." And then he left.

Lisa rolled her eyes and closed the door. She thought to herself. How did he know about my promotion? Then only one person came to her mind "Simon”

I really need an assistant manager to inform me before people's arrival in my office. With that thought, she picked up the telephone and called the HR Department. Soon a lady answered the call, "Hello HR Department."

"Hello, Mia..! It's me Lisa Mathew, General Manager. Can you please ask Emma to give an advertisement for the assistant manager's post?" Lisa said.

“Okay, Ms. Mathew," Mia replied politely.

"Thank you, Mia, that's all."

"Have a good day then."

"You too."

Before Lisa left the hotel she handed the big bouquet of roses to Anna. Anna asked surprisingly, "Who sent you this?"

Lisa didn't want anyone to misunderstand her relationship with Ted so she lied, "It was sent by my dad."

Anna frowned and said disappointedly, "I thought, it's your boyfriend."

Lisa rolled her eyes and said while walking out "You think too much."

"Thanks by the way", Anna said from behind.

Anna put the bouquet on the front desk. After a while, Augustus came out of the elevator, Lester following him behind. Augustus saw the big red roses bouquet and stopped in front of the desk.

"Who put this bouquet here?" He asked angrily.

Anna looked up frightened and explained, "It was sent to Miss Lisa from her father."

Augustus frowned looking at the bouquet and left without saying anything.

...

The next day, as Lisa came to the office. Someone was already waiting for her inside the office. She looked at the figure sitting on the chair and asked surprisingly. "Am I in the wrong office?"

The man turned around and looked at Lisa. "Umm... No, you're not." He replied standing up embarrassingly.

Lisa looked at his embarrassed look and said, "Gotcha..!" Both then chuckled together. Lisa sat in her seat and asked, "So, what's the matter? Why are you here Cristian.?"

Cristian looked tense and kept rubbing his fingers, "Well, I need a favor." He finally said those words.

"Okay. Go on" Lisa said.

"One friend of mine needed a job. I heard you're looking for an Assistant Manager. Umm... So .. actually .." he hesitated and ran his fingers into his hair.

"So you want me to hire her. Right?" Lisa saw his hesitation and interrupted him.

"Yup,, yes like if you feel like you know after interviewing her. It's totally up to you. I am just suggesting her as a friend." He explained.

"Okay then." Lisa smiled and said.

"Okay. Really? Huh.... Well, she is outside. Should I send her now?" Cristian asked surprisingly.

Lisa nodded. Cristian got up happily and went outside. After a while, there was a knock on the door. Lisa said, "come in"

A beautiful young lady entered the office, greeting her politely. After interviewing her for 20 minutes, Lisa got satisfied and hired her immediately.

After sending her, Lisa felt relieved and again felt grateful to Cristian. Hence she is new here, only Cristian had treated her nicely just like a friend. She didn't make any friends before except Sasha but now she feels she can count Cristian as a friend, too. Well, now she and her son both have two friends. What a coincidence.!

At this thought, she remembered the day she spent with her son and laughed wholeheartedly at his cute actions.

...

The next day, Lisa was jogging at the park. Just then her phone rang. She stopped and looked at her phone and a flash of worry and panic appeared on her face.

She answered the phone with shaking hands, "Hello."

"Miss Lisa Mathew." A lady asked.

"Yes," Lisa answered.

"Your father again tried to commit suicide, we have admitted him to Holy Spirit Hospital please come immediately."

"Yes," Lisa said. Her voice was hoarse and then she fell to the ground and tears started falling down from her eyes.

Augustus was as usual, following Lisa while jogging. When she suddenly stopped and answered the call with shaking hands. He was thinking why her behavior suddenly changed by this call just then she fell on the ground holding her phone tightly.

Augustus rushed towards her and crouched down opposite her. She seemed to be numb all of a sudden, and her eyes were empty, blankly looking at her phone. There was even no sound when she cried, but only tears kept falling from her eyes.

By looking at her like this, Augustus only felt that his heart had been ripped out of his chest. He touched her shoulder and asked in a low voice, "Are you ok.?"

Lisa, who was lost, looked up and saw deep blue eyes looking at her with concern and didn't say anything. When seeing that she didn't speak, Augustus called her name. "Lisa"

When Lisa heard her name. She immediately came back to her senses and realized she needed to reach the hospital as fast as possible. She stood up and rushed towards the road to take a taxi. Augustus followed her quietly. She was not in her senses and tried to cross the road on the green light.

Augustus saw her trying to cross the road impatiently. He pulled her back and said angrily, " Are you blind? It's a green light."

Lisa looked at him, tears still falling down.

Augustus held her face and asked softly, "What's wrong? Where are you going.?"

"Holy Spirit Hospital. Take me there please." Lisa said in a trembling tone.

"Okay," Augustus replied. Then, he called Lester and within a few minutes, Lester brought him a car. Lester handed him the key and left.

Augustus then opened the door to the passenger seat and let her get in. Lisa got in the car and sat down. He bent down, pulled out the seat belt, and buckled it for her. When he got up, his face brushed gently against her pink lips.

It was as if he had touched electricity. He could only feel the heat on his face, and his heartbeat as it would jump out of his throat. However, Lisa didn't change her expressions. She was still lost in her thoughts.

Augustus closed the door and sat on the driving seat. He started the car and set GPS for Holy Spirit Hospital.

He looked at Lisa from the corner of his eyes. She was wearing track pants and a sleeveless top. He thought of something and reached at the backseat and handed Lisa his hoodie.

"Wear it. Your clothes are not appropriate for the hospital." He said while looking straight on the road.

Lisa looked down at herself and realized he's right. She took a hoodie, wore it, and said, "Thank you."