CHAPTER ELEVEN

" Sorry ma'am, I'm here to inform Mr. Luca that his breakfast is ready," Pearl said in a shaky tone as she entered the room. 

" And can't you see that this isn't the right of that!" Luca yelled. 

" Hey, calm down; she isn't the cause of your problems; she isn't the one sending you on a business trip, so stop pouring your frustrations on the innocent girl," Rebecca said firmly. 

" Stay out of this, mum, she's my cleaner, and I can speak to her as I want; it's none of your business; after all, I'm still the person paying her salary, not you," Luca said angrily. 

" Well, you can't be condescending in my presence, I'll never condole that, so get that into your skull, silly boy!" Rebecca yelled. 

" Mum, I think we're done here, please can you leave? I'm tired of you coming to my house and making me uncomfortable all the time. This is my house, for crying out loud; you can't keep frustrating me in my house; you know this is the reason why I moved out of the house, right? I moved out of the house when I didn't plan to because you and Dad nag a lot; you both wouldn't let me be or let me live my life the way I want. The earlier you and Dad realise that I'm now a grown-ass man and no longer a boy that you can keep tossing around, the better for the both of you." Luca said firmly. 

" Fine! I'll leave but I've this at the back of your mind, that I'll be back." Rebecca said sharply and stormed out of the room. 

" Fine! Just go, and let me be. I need my peace of mind, I need my sanity, gosh! Is it a crime to have you and Dad as my parents?" Luca said after her at the top of his voice. 

" You know some of us are wishing, and praying for this privilege that you have, right?" Pearl said softly, looking into his eyes. 

" Then you don't know what you're wishing for yourself," Luca said and sat on his bed. 

" If you don't mind, may I know what the problem is?" Pearl asked softly. 

" Well, my dad wants to go on a business trip," Luca said, rolling his eyes. 

" Ok... so how's that a problem?" Pearl asked softly. 

" Of course, it won't be a problem for you; what was I expecting from someone who doesn't know what it feels like to have parents that pressure you to do whatever they want without giving a damn about your feelings," Luca said and looked away. 

" Well, I have a mum who cherishes me so much, my happiness is her priority," Pearl said with a smile. 

" Just so you know, mine is the complete opposite of yours," Luca said sharply. 

" You think so, so tell me what's the trip about?" Pearl asked. 

" My dad wants to meet some high calibre of businessmen in the business industry. According to him, he wants to get acquainted with them before he hands over the company to me." Luca explained. 

" So, how's that a problem? It's a great idea, your dad meant well for you." Pearl said, smiling. 

" You think so?" Luca asked calmly. 

" I know so, your dad wants you to get acquainted with these men, so that when you finally become the owner of the company it won't be difficult for you to get contracts, and above all you'll be well connected, and you know that when you're well connected the business will run smoothly, you'll know the right person or people to call when you're in need of help for anything," Pearl explained, smiling. 

" Wow! How come I never thought of that?" Luca asked, looking surprised at Pearl's explanation. 

" That's because you're always angry, and you think nobody can advise you." Pearl teased. 

" No, I don't think that's the issue here, the issue is that I don't like going on business trips," Luca said. 

" Oh? So, how many days will you be away for this trip?" Pearl asked, looking concerned. 

" Just a week," Luca said sharply. 

" Just a week? It's just a few days, so why are you not happy about it? How can you call yourself a businessman and still hate business trips? Business trips are part of the business, you know? Or were you forced to join the company?" Pearl asked. 

" No, I wasn't, I've always wanted to be a CEO," Luca answered. 

" Then act like one, and stop acting like a boy," Pearl said they both laughed. 

" Really? Have you forgotten so soon that I'm your boss?" Luca said jokingly. 

" I almost forgot you know? Well, boss your breakfast is getting cold." Pearl said, smiling. 

" Ok, Miss Pearl. Thank you." Luca said as he stood up from the bed and held her hand. 

" Why are you thanking me? I'm only doing my job." Pearl said shyly. 

" No, advising me isn't part of your job. You just opened my eyes to what I never thought of before, so thank you." Luca said, smiling. 

" Fine! If you insist, you're welcome." Pearl said, nodding her head. 

" You're so fun to be with and talk to, thank you," Luca said still smiling. 

" You're welcome, sir!" Pearl said sharply, and they both laughed. 

" You're so different; I don't know why I feel this way with you. I've never been this lenient or closed with any of my domestic staff, but I feel alive when I'm with you or around you. What have you done to me, Pearl?" Luca asked, looking into her eyes. 

" Indeed, coming from somewhere who get irritated at the sight of me," Pearl said, rolling her eyes. 

" No! That's not true. I know I've been mean, and condescending towards you and your mum, but I promise to… … … … …"

" So, are you still going for the trip?" Pearl asked, interrupting Luca, she was trying to change the topic. 

" Sure, why not? I'm going on a business trip. Thank you for the advice." Luca said happily. 

" How many times are you going to thank me?" Pearl asked sharply. 

" As many times as I can," Luca said, and they both laughed. 

They stared at each other for some seconds, they were lost, looking into each other's eyes when the door was pushed open;

" What's going on here!"