CHAPTER 52: FIRST DAY OF WORK II

CHAPTER 52: FIRST DAY OF WORK II

Inside, the first thing that struck her was the completely refurbished reception area. It had been completely transformed. Luxurious mahogany furniture and imported German tiles created a sleek, modern space and an air of elegant professionalism.

Her team, clearly impressed, buzzed with excitement.

The murmurs of curious employees followed Diana as she ascended the elevator, floor by floor.

As they ascended through the floors, each revealed a complete transformation. Spacious meeting rooms, state-of-the-art technology, and a general atmosphere of efficiency greeted her at every turn.

Finally, they reached the top floor. The floor was just meant for her, her Secretaries and PA's as Angelo explained.

Angelo led her to a door with a bold inscription: "CEO's Office." With a trembling hand, Diana took a deep breath and turned the knob and stepped inside.

The opulence of the office stunned her. The office was a masterpiece of modern design and by far the best office in the company.

Every detail whispered luxury and sophistication. The sleek grey, black, and mauve color scheme exuded a sense of power and control. A vast mahogany desk dominated the center, equipped with the a tush room warmer, air freshener and a plush, comfortable chair.

A silver plaque engraved with "Chief Executive Officer - Diana Margaret Alfred" sat proudly on the front of the desk. Beside it, two additional chairs awaited her for other visitors.

Diana's eyes scanned the room. A pair of luxurious brown leather sofas framed a fluffy rug and a beautiful glass coffee table, creating a space ideal for informal meetings or relaxation, and the state-of-the-art photocopier. A shiver ran down her spine as the air conditioning kicked in.

"This is... this is incredible," Diana stammered, overwhelmed by the sheer scale and opulence of it all.

Despite the luxurious setting, a shiver ran down Diana's spine. Turning to Angelo, she asked, "This is my office?"

Angelo nodded with a proud smile. "Yes, ma'am. Mr. Alfred personally oversaw everything. He wanted to ensure you have a comfortable and productive work environment."

Diana noticed a fridge and coffee maker tucked away in a corner, offering a touch of domesticity amidst the grandeur.

Vanessa who followed them inside, added jokingly. "Now you can make your own coffee in peace, thanks to the fancy new coffee machine and Mr. Alfred's thoughtfulness."

Diana forced a smile as she addressed her staff. "Well, team, this is our new home. Let's make the most of it!"

Cheers and applause filled the room, but a sense of unease lingered in Diana's heart.

"This calls for a celebration after work! What do you say people" Vanessa announced, her voice brimming with excitement.

"Yes" Everyone shouted and laughed at the same time.

"First round's on me!" Diana declared, a tinge of defiance in her voice.

Everyone cheered as they walked out one after the other.

As the excitement settled and everyone dispersed to their new workspaces, Diana carried her handbag and laptop bag and placed on her desk, she sank into her expensive chair, twirled and laughed happily for a while before she stopped and stared into Angelo's smiling eyes.

"Where is my husband Antonio?" Diana asked, a hint of apprehension creeping into her voice. "Here you can have a seat" she said pointing towards the chair in front of her.

Angelo's smile faltered slightly. "I'm afraid I don't know, ma'am. I received instructions this morning and haven't heard from him since."

"But how did he manage this in such a short time?" Diana's voice wavered, a flicker of worry creeping in.

Angelo explained, "He paid a hefty sum and had the workers work day and night to complete the renovations." His tone hinting at a darker side to the accomplishment.

Diana's initial excitement gave way to a gnawing feeling of concern. James's absence, the extravagant makeover, and Angelo's evasiveness painted a picture she didn't like.

"Is Jared back from his trip, do you think he will know about my husband's whereabouts?" she pressed, hoping to find another source of information.

"He's still in Rome for a business trip," Angelo replied.

"And the company?" Diana asked.

"Am holding reigns till he gets back. I don't know how he does it, but the company seems to run smoothly even in his absence, somehow."

"Somehow?" Diana echoed, her suspicions growing.

Angelo gave her a tight-lipped smile, unable to answer further.

Diana: "So you are saying this is common with him?"

Angelo: "Yes ma'am".

Diana: "Well how common is it that he goes out without telling you".

Angelo kept quiet.

"Let me guess you cannot answer me" Diana stated sadly.

Angelo gave her an apologetic look but still kept quiet.

"Its okay Angelo, i get it. At least answer me this, is he alright?" Diana pressed."

"I'm afraid I can't answer that, ma'am. But he did assign a new security detail for you. They are already mounted at the entrance."

"Ok" she responded.

Diana sighed, a sense of helplessness settling over her. "Thank you for everything, Angelo. When he gets in touch, please tell him I appreciate the gifts, but I'm worried about the way he left things yesterday."

After Angelo left, Diana settled into her luxurious office chair. She picked up her phone, her heart hammering as she dialed James's number. It went straight to voicemail.

Frustration and disappointment gnawed at her. She sent a text: "Thank you for the gifts, James, i loved them. But was this what you meant by 'more wedding gifts to come'? Worried about you and how you left yesterday. Call me as soon as you can."

She dropped her phone and opened the new gadgets her husband gifted her one after the other. After making the necessary arrangements on them, she quickly got to using them.

Hours passed, filled with work and forced cheer. Yet, James remained unreachable. Diana busied herself with work, but her thoughts kept drifting back to James. The unanswered texts and calls from him, a constant weight on her mind. His absence, the opulent renovations, and Angelo's cryptic responses left more questions than answers.

By the end of the day, she was no closer to understanding what was going on.

Leaving the office, her steps heavy with a mixture of gratitude and apprehension, the opulent new office felt like a gilded cage, and Diana couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

She felt a crushing sense of isolation and a growing fear for the man who had showered her with extravagant gifts yet remained shrouded in mystery.