The Belle Behind The Mask

3

Chapter 3

ALEXANDER

I walked into the space to find her crying and at that moment I became slightly human. I am not one to encroach on people's space and meddle in personal conversation.

Call me inconsiderate but I had long closed myself off for so long with socializing with others on a personal level, that I forgot how to talk to others without discussing work. Work was my priority.

The only time I don't discuss work is when I'm asleep or fucking and even while doing the latter, I kept my words to the barest minimum. Striking a conversation with the flavor of the week isn't exactly considered temporary and I did temporary.

I didn't know what to do so I just gave her a little space to get herself together before announcing my presence and it was going well until she suddenly turned and saw me by the corner.

Great! Now she'd think I had been watching her for a while.

She immediately stood up. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you were there" She adjusted the rim of her glasses so they'd place well on the sides of her nose.

"You can call it a night for today"  This is probably the most considerate thing I've done in my life.

"But we still have to go through the itinerary for the ball tomorrow"

On a normal day, she is not calm and collected, how am I supposed to deal with a much worse persona?

"Just send it to me from home." 

Part of me wanted to ask if she needed anything and if she needed closure but I forced myself to hold back. I'm known to be the cold, jackass of a boss, it's the only way to get work done efficiently without leaving room for slacking. 

I  watched as she packed up in a rather clumsy way. Tsk tsk, typical Diana.  I know I should get going but I can't help but find watching her amusing. 

She definitely cared less about how she looked or dressed, which was usually frumpy. Today her ensemble consisted of wide-legged blue jeans, and a shirt with a very unattractive color, both looking too big on her.

She might be cute and all but definitely is not my type.

Makes me wonder how she got the job in the first place because her appearance doesn't scream 'I am the PA to the CEO of one of the major beauty brands in the country

Even the cleaners look more prim and proper than she does.

Speaking of type, it just dawned on me that I didn't have a date for tomorrow's event.

As much as events like this are merely empty gabfests, I still had a duty to perform as the CEO of a beauty brand by attending.

"Good Night, Mr. Stone" On that note, Diana strode off.

I proceeded to my office to as usual rent a date for tomorrow night through Ms. Claire from the 'Her for the night" app. A platform I'd used to source my one-night stands and dates to events such as this.

My requirement for tomorrow's girl was simple. Not fake, can strike a decent conversation if caught on the spot- I would not want to be armed with an empty-headed arm candy- not dress like a whore, and absolutely discrete. Knowing I can count on Ms. Claire to do the usual, I simply return to the screen of my computer after shooting her an email.

************.

DIANA

I SLOUCHED ON the nearest and only sofa the moment I entered my small yet cozy apartment. Half of the space was my research and work area while the other half had my bed, a mini closet, and a mirror. I've saved up more than enough to rent a bigger space but the businesswoman in me wants to save that money to produce my first product- the face mask- should in case I don't win the competition. 

I don't only have a plan B, I have a plan C as well as a plan D.

Should I call him back? Part of me wanted to, knowing fully well that I couldn't give him what he wanted.

Maybe he was right and as such needs someone who can be emotionally available for him at all times. Someone who doesn't have much baggage to deal with or a future to work hard for. And maybe it is also for the best. 

I dragged myself to the bathroom and came out after cleaning up to find my phone's notification dot light blinking. 

FROM: ALEXANDER STONE
TO: DIANA THORTON
SUBJECT: WHERE IS THE MASK?

Did you forget to pick up the mask?

Alexander Stone
CEO, La Belle Beauty

The mail from my boss glared at me and then it hit me. I'd forgotten to pick up his custom-made phantom of the opera mask from the costume shop.

Oh jeez, and to think about an hour ago, I had thought he was nice and considerate to let me go home after seeing that little scene of me crying.

How long had he been watching me?

FROM: DIANA THORTON
TO: ALEXANDER STONE
RE:SUBJECT: WHERE IS THE MASK?

I am so sorry. I will pick it up first thing in the morning and have it brought to your apartment.

Diana Thorton

I mentally prayed that that would be the end of it because I am in no mood to deal with a livid Mr stick up his butt.

FROM: ALEXANDER STONE
TO: DIANA THORTON
RE: SUBJECT: WHERE IS THE MASK?

You better be here by ten.

Alexander Stone
CEO, La Belle Beauty

Great! So now I'm working on Christmas. I walked over to where I stashed my beer and took a bottle out. I took swigs upon swigs and sucked on a lime.

My life is a total mess and as much as I am trying to look as well as think of the big picture, I can not help but dare the what-ifs.

What if things don't work out? What if plans A to D prove abortive? I didn't have a backup plan aside from the four so what was going to happen to my life if I fail?

That thought scared the shit out of me. The fear of the unknown is definitely undefeated.

Shit! I've not eaten anything since morning and now I'm drinking on an empty stomach. And the award to the girl that never learns nor pays attention to her health goes to you, Diana Thorton.