"Your eyes are so beautiful, mia cara. I'll like you to keep them open as I take what's mine."- Zaviero De Santis, The Sinner.
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Zaviero
They call me The Sinner. And for sinister reasons. You see, corruption and depravity lives in my soul, an unen...
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|Zaviero|
"HAVE YOU SEEN the news, sir?"
"If it's not business, it has no business with me." My tone is dry as I stare at New York's sunrise, its splendid rays, a beautiful shade that tints the clouds orange.
"I'll take that as a no," my personal assistant hesitates then clears his throat and replies, "It's about you, sir."
"Now, Antonio, you know very well that the tabloid publishes fake news about me everyday," Wrenching my eyes away from the window, I glance at my watch, impatient to get going and it reflects in my voice, "Vai avanti, I don't have the patience for this."
"I'm sorry, sir, I'll just get on with it then." The rustle of flipped papers meets my ears. "According to Il Tempo Italiano, your mother told the press you were getting married in a month. To a Miss Elena Giordano."
Cazzo! I curse my mother and fiance to hell and back, but I don't say the word aloud, reeling in that stoic control I am infamous for at my workplace. Pretending to be unfazed, I ask, "Anything else important?"
There's no sound from my phone's speaker until a tiny voice urges, "Sir, will you not respond to the press or at least, deny the claims?"
"Anything else, Antonio?" This time, there is a hard edge in my tone.
He notices because his next words proceed in a nervous stammer, "E-e-ehm... okay..." then, "Si, sir, si. Back to business. Things are not exactly looking good back here. Because your company's stocks are high, sir, some investors are already pulling out. Even Mr. Diamante, the man who wanted to fund the charity gala for Lovelace Orphanage has canceled his offer. He gave no reason why. Also, Mr. Field's assistant called again. She wants you to schedule a meeting with him."
Cazzo! Cazzo! Cazzo! Irate, my fingers curl around the phone at the disturbing news. "Vedo. I'm a busy man and that meeting won't be happening anytime soon. As for the company's problems, forward the files to me. I'll see to them today."
"Alright, sir. Will do, sir."
"Good. And, Antonio?
"Yes sir?"
"No more disturbance on your part. I will not be receiving any more calls until evening." Abruptly, I click off, not giving him the time to mention anything else.
Inserting the phone inside my inner pocket, I veer towards the mirror to fix up my attire. Cold, bleary silver eyes, rooted in a stoic face, gaze back at me. I'm still in my black suit, unable to sleep at the prospect of finally meeting my bride.
For a brief second, I consider changing out of the rumpled, blood stained shirt and wear a freshly ironed one but I don't have time. Besides, I admonish myself, I am not here to impress Kaira. The earlier she sees me for who I am, the better for her.
