I Married My Ex Boyfriend's Father

/009- Dinner With A Devil/

**Victoria’s Point Of View**

I was busy at my office with my team, and two assistants trying to figure out the best way to make this advert the best one yet. Glow Up was the band that was making waves all over the country, they were driving people insane- with happiness of course. They were a huge cash grab, nowhere else but in the US. Which was disappointing. I can get them worldwide, with Milford’s record label, my advertising skills, and Massimo’s influence.... we can make their group a worldwide sensation.

That was the pitch Milford used, and with names like Massimo Buscami, the girl’s manager was more than happy to choose us over .... I forget his name. Skank? Frank?

Ah, who cares?

But I need a good commercial, one that is just.... so wow that people will be lining up for Glow Up’s first performance with a record label like Milford’s.

My team was racking their brains, and I was doing the same. I’ve been trying to get Milford to trust me with an advert for his label for two years before my accident. Each time he turned me down with some bullshit. The opportunity is here now and my brain is choosing to f**k s**t up.

It’s so frustrating, so goddamn annoying.

I need a break to think better. “Everyone, take your breaks. Yes, amirah that definitely includes you.” she closes her mouth right away. I marched out of the meeting room, heading over to my office when Amirah came running.

“Ma’am, I forgot to tell you that a mister Enzo Buscami is waiting for you in this floor’s lobby.”

Enzo is here? What and why? I can’t imagine having anything to offer him. And my revenge plans happen mostly off work. I groaned and dismissed Amirah. My feet hurried towards the lobby where I spotted two basic men, likely waiting for their appointment with me, and one zombie.

The zombie is Enzo. Dressed in some jeans and a neat blue shirt, he sits with both his legs on the table. The nerve of some uncultured swine. Plastering a smile, I cross the distance between us.

“Enzo.” he jolts, and I find it strange. Like b***h you are in my domain, what were you not expecting me to be here?

“Ant- err Victoria. How are you today?” he moves to getting up. Coming over to give me a hug, and to press a kiss to my cheek. I stayed like a statue, mixed between disgust and confusion.

“I am good. May I ask why you’re here?”

“I was hoping to take you out for lunch with Eleanor. To apologize for my behavior last night.” I noticed the way people stared.

“Did Massimo put you up to it?”

Enzo fakes a smile. “You know my father, he just loves his wife.”

I curve my lips and nod. “I can do lunch. Just let me get my bag.”

I did get my bag, I left some orders with Amirah to handle the two men and I went for lunch with the two most heinous people in this world. Dumb and dumber. b***h and bitchier.

Whatever you wanna call them. They took me to one of Aurora’s private Italian restaurants.

The car ride was quiet, Eleanor avoided looking at me and Enzo couldn’t stop looking at me. I kept the cocky smile on my face. Even when we were directed to a table. He pulled the seat out for Eleanor, and I watched them as I sat. Jealousy wouldn’t show in my eyes or face, I wouldn’t let it. When he looked at me, I raised an eyebrow. He searched my face for anything, but there was nothing to see.

I can’t let him get any satisfaction. I even refused to glare hateful daggers at Eleanor. She doesn’t deserve any of my attention right now.

The restaurant was one of the many places in the city of Aurora that used a tablet to select drinks, main courses, side dishes, and desserts. I don’t need all of that right now.

“I’m paying,” Enzo says just as I pick up the device. I bit my smirk away. Okay, now I’m feeling hungry.

He leaned over to Eleanor, they were in their own world as they ordered. I selected my meals. I stared at the tablet and everything I’d picked out before clicking the order button.

Drink: Aperol Spritz Royale- A sophisticated twist on the classic Aperol Spritz, featuring top-shelf Prosecco, a splash of Aperol, and a delicate garnish of edible gold leaf for an extra touch of extravagance.

Appetizer: Burrata di Bufala con Tartufo Nero- Creamy burrata cheese made from the finest buffalo milk, drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar reduction and adorned with shavings of rare black truffle, served alongside artisanal crostini.

First Course: Risotto all'Astice con Caviale Oscietra- A sumptuous lobster risotto, crafted with Carnaroli rice cooked to perfection in a rich lobster broth and finished with generous amounts of decadent Oscietra caviar, elevating this dish to unparalleled heights of luxury.

Main Course: Bistecca Fiorentina- A perfectly grilled Fiorentina-style T-bone steak, sourced from the finest Italian Chianina beef, aged to perfection, and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Accompanied by roasted heirloom vegetables and a velvety truffle-infused potato puree.

Side Dish: Insalata di Rucola e Parmigiano Reggiano- A refreshing arugula salad tossed with aged balsamic vinaigrette, adorned with delicate curls of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and garnished with toasted pine nuts for added texture and depth of flavor.

Dessert: Tiramisù all'Oro- A luxurious rendition of the classic tiramisu, infused with edible gold flakes and crafted from layers of delicate ladyfinger biscuits soaked in espresso and Marsala wine, interlaced with velvety mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder.

I waited for my drink, it came first with the appetizer. I thanked the server as he placed a buzzer in front of me and told me to call him when I needed a refill.

Enzo and Eleanor stared at the appetizers like they knew I was about to rob someone of their very lovely cash. If it were someone like Massimo, he would care about the expenses but I know Enzo is on a thin line. He doesn’t have the kind of money to burn as he once did.

Especially not on food for his ex that was f*****g his dad.

The devil on my shoulder laughed hysterically. Boy, am I a crazy b***h.

“So, what did you two want to talk about? I’m assuming the real reason isn’t to make amends. I’m not stupid.”

“I know. I was wondering.... Eleanor needs a job. And I checked the listings on your site. You need a new assistant.”

I blinked. I do? Wait, no. That listing is for someone to bring me and my team food, coffee, or any other drink whenever we want. Not to handle anything serious.

I started laughing before I could contain it. My eyes shut, and my hand shook nearly spilling the drink. Oh my god. Did they really think this through before they came to me? Oh, my lords, the universe is just throwing me all the ammo I need to f**k with them.

Once I’d calmed down, I cleared my throat and let out a short giggle. Eleanor looked embarrassed and Enzo was ticked off.

“That was uncalled for.”

“Oh I’m sorry, it was just so funny.”

“I don’t want to work for her. f**k no.” Eleanor stated with an angry expression. I began to munch on the appetizer. It’s actually so good. I just ordered what had the nicest price tag attached to it. So yum.

“You don’t have a choice,” Enzo told her through gritted teeth.

“Yes, I do. Find me another place.”

“Have you gone mad? You have no skills, your college degree is worthless and the pay surely won’t be as good as what she will offer. So shut up, and deal with it.” he whispered. But my ears were in their conversation. Others might not hear, but I could.

“She won’t even hire me.”

“I will. You got the job, and you can start tomorrow. I’ll have my PA send you the dress code and schedule. I suggest you do some shopping.”

She turned her glare into a deadlier one. You know, as deadly as a chihuahua.

All bark and zero bites.

“If you have a PA, then why do you need me?”

“I don’t need you, I’m doing you a favor because I used to give a crap about you. I used to pay for your clothes, your mother’s hospital bills, your college where you got that worthless degree, your house, your cars. I used to pay for it all. And for the times when I cared about talking to you. I no longer do. I have two assistants, my life is busy. I could use a third. And don’t mistake my kindness for anything else. I will fire you if you f**k up. Then you’ll have to be jobless, and poor in the Buscami house. As the only one.”

Her fist clenched, and she slammed it on the table. I finished my appetizer as patrons looked at her. Our first courses came in. Well, my first and their main. I got a refill on my drink and acted as though I hadn’t said something mean to her. She waited for the waiters to leave before she started talking.

“You self pompous princess. You think you can walk over those less fortunate than you. Karma will get you.”

I chewed first, swallowed, and took a sip from my glass of water before I spoke back.

“Karma? Hmm, let’s see. I loved your mother like she was my own. I made sure you had everything you needed in this world. I donate blood twice a year, I give to charities anonymously so no one can give me credit. Yet when I gave you money to keep your life on track, you never once gave back to those ‘less fortunate’. Instead, you took more and more from me. Then f****d my boyfriend and let him believe you were the one with the money. You are such a funny girl.” I gave her a little chortle, and she leaned back. Almost like she wanted to disappear.

“But the past is in the past. Had you not been such a w***e, I wouldn’t have met Massimo. And honestly, why go for a rich guy when you can have his father?” the glass of wine in Enzo’s hands snapped. I heard people gasp, their eyes filtered towards our table. I smiled at them. I caught a few guys blushing.

I ate once more like I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Let me just say, that they didn’t utter another word to me.

It was the best lunch I’d ever had. I couldn’t finish everything so I took the leftovers to my office. Giving them to my driver. He stays in the private parking area all day, just waiting for me. I upped his raise because he had also gotten hurt in the accident, but he fared better than me. I wanted the guy to know I valued him in my life. He was grateful.

He enjoyed the food, I could tell as he drove me home later that night. I might not have come up with an idea for Milford, but I still have two weeks and this was practically a successful day- in my unbiased opinion.

I am mean to people, but some others deserve kindness. I smiled at him through the mirror, and he gave me one back. I know soon enough he’ll be retiring. And I’m hooking him up with a family plan to keep him stable after he does.

I know, it doesn’t sound as icy as most would expect. I believe you don’t need a billion friends. Just a small group of people you can count on. Right now, that’s my driver... and Amirah. And Massimo, because he has integrity and nothing to gain from turning on me.

I kept smiling. That father comment pissed Enzo off so much. I should start calling Massimo ‘daddy’. I laughed, no. I’m not going that far.

Not yet.

Gotta love me.