Page 24 of My Merciless Don

She laughed. “I know it’s hard to believe, but he’s not just hard-core business deals and threats. He’s also softness and loyalty, humor and kindness.”

“Huh.” I said, “Haven’t seen that side of him.”

“Like I said, he hides it well.”

“Could you tell me what happened to Amy?”

Lucia looked away, blinking rapidly. “I’d rather not if you don’t mind.”

I backtracked immediately. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. I’m just curious. I had no idea doppelgangers actually existed.”

“There’s probably a logical explanation. Maybe you’re related.”

I jerked, feeling her suggestion like an electric jolt to my chest. I cleared my throat. “Maybe.”

She looked at me keenly, as if she saw something in my face that might hint to how I was feeling. I sincerely hoped not. She didn’t need to know how deeply that cut.

“We should probably get back,” I said, “In case your brother decides to have kittens over me leaving the house.”

Lucia laughed. “Don’t worry about it. I let him know you were with me. He agreed that getting you some new stuff was a good idea.”

“Oh, he did?” I asked in surprise.

“Yeah.” She grinned. “Gave us carte blanche and everything.”

“Oh, in that case, I could use some more outfits.”

Her grin widened. “You read my mind.”

We got home later that afternoon, and I immediately went to my room feeling excited to try everything out. I had a long soak in the tub when I gave myself a pep talk.

“Eyes on the prize, Audry. You need Marco to trust you. You won't do that by sulking or pouting like a spurned lover. Whatever happened yesterday is in the past. The future is what you need to worry about.”

I nodded firmly, trying to believe every word I said. It wasn't easy because, as much as I tried to deny it, what Marco had done had hurt. It had hurt a lot. After I emerged from the shower, I used a few of my brand-new skin care creams and potions before putting on a cream off-the-shoulder dress that went right up to my ankles. I paired it with a hand painted set of vans I had found in a charming little shop. Brushing my hair back, I tied it in a ponytail and added a pair of colorful Peacock feather earrings to complete the picture.

I added some blush on my cheeks, and pink lip gloss to complete the look. Satisfied with my reflection, I went downstairs to see if I could find Marco. Plastering a smile on my face - that I hoped didn’t look too fake - I knocked on his office door.

“Come in.” a voice called from inside. I wasn't a hundred percent sure it was Marco’s.

I opened the door and peered inside to see that Marco wasn't alone. Valerio grinned at me from where he was leaning against the window ledge. “Come in,” he said.

I tentatively stepped into the room, bracing myself internally before my eyes met Marco’s.

“Hi,” I said as naturally as I could.

He nodded at me, his face blank and unreadable.

“Good morning.”

I cleared my throat. “So? Any feedback on how the plan went?”

Marco and Valerio exchanged glances, “we were just talking about that.” Valerio said. “Your program is working very well. We're already seeing deposits being made. George tried to see if he could work backwards and find your virus, but he couldn't. In his own words, he's both impressed and terrified.”

I chuckled, feeling quite smug about my program. It took years to develop, with a lot of blood, sweat and tears. I sought out different experts to give their input. The kind of experts who don't advertise on LinkedIn. Then Kylie and I put the info together to make this Frankenstein of a virus. “Thanks.” I said and, in that moment, I completely forgot my awkwardness. This was what it was all about.

“Have they noticed yet?”

“Not as far as I can tell,” Marco answered, and then he smiled at me. “Well done, you.”

---