DE JAVU

You mean all those people are outside because of you? Dante couldn't hold his surprise. Yes, Isabella glared at him, and they are family.

That's a whole neighborhood, Dante retorted back.

What would they think about me returning in a luxurious car? Why were they all worried? She whined, It's all your boss's fault; I hate him. She moved her body like a little child as she threw a tantrum. Hey, don't speak about my boss like that. If he hadn't decided to spare you, your whole neighborhood wouldn't be able to find you for years to come.

Thanks for saving me, Isabella glared at Dante, making him gulp. Where did this little lady's bravery come from? he thought. You don't seem like you mean the appreciation, Dante whined.

Stopping in front of a minimized apartment, she jumped out of the car. Nana, I'm home, she shouted. Hearing the voice of her Isabella, Pamela rushed outside. Seeing her grandbaby, she hugged her tightly. Where have you been? You made me worried. Mateo rushed to her, giving her a hug and flicking her forehead. Where have you been, Isabella? We all have been so worried with Camella interrupting by jumping on her, making the two girls giggle.

Huge men gathered around Dante like they could chew him at any time, making Dante move back. Jeez, he muttered. I should have asked the boss to come himself. Enough guys!!! Isabella called out, making them stop in their steps. 'His boss saved my life, she spurted out. She scoffed internally, or he is threatening my life. She put a sarcastic smile in front of Dante, making him giggle nervously, giving her the look of I will get you for this.

Pamela smiled at Dante with a gentle gaze. Thank you for caring for my granddaughter. Would you like to come in? she offered. That wouldn't be necessary, Isabella chimed in.

Really! Mateo said, walking close to him, How did he save your life, and why are you coming out of his car?" Mateo frowned, wanting some answers. Isabella smiled, trying to get his mind at ease a little. Hey, look, Mateo, you always talk about this car. I didn't know you were going to see it. I wouldn't have taken pictures then. Not having the time to listen, he groaned, Answer, Isabella. Forget about the stupid car, he yelled. "What happened?"

Yes, what happened, sister? One of the huge men spoke out.

Oh goodness, Dante sighed. What has he gotten himself into? He is screwed if they find out the truth.

Well, what happened was I got robbed of my phone and money. Not only did the thief take my money, but he also hit me on the head. Then I lost consciousness, and this kind sir's boss was nice enough to help me recuperate at his place and send his driver to take me home.

Dante was left agape at how smoothly she could lie. Oh wait, did she just call him a driver? He was his personal assistant.

Listening to her explanation, they heave a sigh of relief, with Pamela smiling at Dante, Thank you for taking care of my granddaughter. Hold on, I have a gift for your boss.

It's not necessary. Isabella chimed in but was pushed aside by Pamela, who brought out some freshly baked walnut cake in a blue bag. This is for your boss, and this is for you handling him another bag of cake. Thanks for the gift; we will enjoy it.

Driving off from the community, he had to admit they were one big family, and seeing the community at her beck and call, if she decided to spill the truth, it might be difficult to control.

The big boss is always wearing a mask. The last time I eavesdropped on their conversation, they seemed to have everything planned out for stealing the Nova X suit.

Andreas' eyebrows drew in confusion; there was no way for them to steal from A-empire tech firm without intel from the inside. Let me guess, there's a spy in Galen's company, he smirked.

It's your company too, Cyrus whined.

Shut up!! Andreas gave him a deadly look. The tension in the room was palpable.

You have such a bad temper. Cyrus whined yet again.

I'm really going to use the mute device on you soon, Andreas muttered before walking out.

Can I at least get the tea!!

Andreas held his head in annoyance, sighting a maid in the corridor. Get the idiot a cup of tea.

Giggling and twirling the wine in her hands, placing her head on his chest, it won't take long before I get married to Andreas, you know, twirling her fingers around his chest seductively. Gerardo puffed out smoke from his mouth, smiling sinisterly. Why do you have to hide? Sophia, just tell him about our affairs, making her frown. I can't, and it's not time yet. I promise I will when the time is right.

You are not trying to play me, right, Sophia? Gerardo's countenance changed, holding her chin tightly. I am not so lenient. If you do anything funny, I will tell him about our affair, so be a good girl and listen, okay?"

Getting a call from his father about Sophia being missing for days, he groaned, I should have just broken this stupid engagement.

Andreas sipped on his wine. To be honest with himself, he didn't really care about Sophia, as he only met with her a few years back at a masquerade ball, and their alliance was fixed. He didn't put much thought into objecting to the alliance, but now he has to find her. He was getting frustrated, not because he was worried about her, but because it was taking his precious time. And he had to find that gadget his mum talked about all the time before it was made; it was something precious to him.

Dante arrived at the office, knocking on his boss's door and getting permission to come in. I'm back, boss, he announced his presence, which brought Andreas out of his thoughts. Sighting the blue bag in his hands, he stared at it, not wanting to be told twice. Dante spoke out, A gift for you, boss, from her nana." Making Andreas smile. He said, Let me guess, they don't know the truth? If not, I doubt I will be given a gift. Instead, I will be met with a spatula inside. I don't think grandma will carry a gun around, he joked.

Signaling him to bring the package, he sat upright from his seat. Removing the walnut cake, he paused with emotions written over his face. Looking at the package, Dante gulped; he hadn't checked what was in it because he didn't see the need to.

You may leave; I will call for you when I need you, Andreas's cold voice echoed. Opening the package, he got flashbacks. A little boy was running around the gardens, a young lady with a bright smile on her face wearing an apron and flour-stained on her face, and she called out, signaling him to come closer. Mummy!! He called out, hugging her legs, holding a baked walnut cake in her hands; she picked a little from it with a fork, signaling him to open his mouth wide. He happily obliged, tasting the yummy feel of cake in his mouth, jumping at the delicious taste.

She giggled, ruffling his hair.

Coming back to reality, he sighed before bringing out the cake. Unwrapping it, he stared at it with a conflicting reaction of whether to eat it or not. It couldn't possibly taste like his mama's, he thought, cutting a little piece of it and tasting it; he paused for a while with his heartbeat increasing.

Shit, he muttered; a series of déjà vu came flooding in, and he knew he was hooked on it. He will do anything to have the memories of his mom back, and this was one of them.

How did they get the exact taste of how his mother makes it?

Dante stood outside his boss's door, wondering if he was fine. That Isabella girl is trouble, he murmured. Boss Dante heard someone calling out to him.

Oh my gee, Isabella. I thought you eloped with your lover. Camila joked, poking Isabella on her belly. Hearing that, Mateo frowned. Why will she elope? She isn't like that, he chimed in the girls banter. Camila scoffed, What is it with you? You have been acting weird lately. Now stop butting in our discussion. She glared.

So tell me, how handsome is the guy that saved you? she teased. Isabella flicked her head, remembering his face and how hooked she got on it. One reason she didn't run away in time was because she was ogling his face.

He is ugly. She shouted, kicking her leg to demonstrate her frustration. Camila giggled happily. That's a lie. Tell me the truth. I want you to tell me everything that happened.

Boss!! Dante called out, Miss Sophia's whereabouts have been found. It's about time, he muttered, driving off to get the girl so he could get a breathing space from his father.