#This is how I imagine Hayley is looking for the conference. The picture does not belong to me. Credit goes to the original owner.

"When?"

"Tomorrow at 10 in the morning."

"I will join you for the conference tomorrow."

"You don't have to, I will handle everything."

"This involves me too so I need to be there. We need to clear everything out and fix this together." I said determined. 

"Okay" I could see the conflict in his eyes, he wanted to argue but then he thought otherwise and gave in. 

"I will take my leave now."

"Your car will be delivered to your doorstep by 2 P.M." I nodded and stepped out of his office.

As I was about to exit the building, I came across Stella, the receptionist. She gave me a cold glare, bumped my shoulders with hers and walked away.

I looked at her back stunned as she walked away. What had I even done to her, I thought puzzled.

I left the building and caught a cab to La Fiorenza. I greeted everyone and apoligised for being late. I entered the kitchen to see everyone working on today's menu. I wore my apron and started making Canelloni. I loved cooking, I loved experimenting and creating new dishes. My restaurant was known for its remarkable dishes and their distinctive taste. I had opened this restaurant with the money I had saved while working part time during my days in culinary school and by taking a small loan from the bank. This restaurant was my pride and joy. 

It was going to be a busy day today, being Friday. I was not perturbed, in fact I was glad, it would keep me from thinking about the article that was published today. Rushing around managing, cooking and sorting the paperwork, I didn't realise as the time passed and soon it was nightfall. 

I closed the restaurant and took a cab home. As I got down, I saw my car parked in the drive way. I unlocked the door to my house. I washed my face and went to the kitchen. My feet throbbed with pain and I was too tired to cook anything. I took out the left over lasagna and reheated it. I took a seat at the kitchen counter and started devouring my food. I had skipped lunch and I was starving. After eating, I changed into my PJs and went off to sleep.

****

I woke up in the morning and checked the time. It was 8:30 A.M. No wonder I overslept, I was exhausted after yesterday's events.  

"Shit I am late." I groaned.

I quickly got up and took the fastest shower in the history of human kind. I got dressed into a maroon dress that complimented my curves at the right places. I quickly applied my mascara and eyeliner. I applied a nude shade to my lips. I decided to leave my hair open. I grabbed my purse, wore my favourite golden heels and checked the time. I didn't have time for breakfast. Granola bar would have to do, grabbing it along with the keys to my car, I left the apartment. I pulled out of my drive way and quickly drove towards The Lorde Corporation. 

I arrived at my destination with ten minutes to 10. I still hadn't got used to the size and grandeur of the building. I quickly parked my car and rushed inside only to be blocked by a man wearing a grey suit. He had short cropped hair which was in the shade of red. 

"Are you Ms Preston?" The guy asked. 

"Yes" I replied.

"I am Jack and I am here to escort you to the conference room. Please follow me, Mr Lorde is waiting for you." He informed me. 

I let out a breath. I have to remember to thank Nicholas otherwise I surely would have been late to the conference. I followed Jack to the sixth floor. He stopped in front of the conference room. 

I raised my eyebrows at him. 

"Mr Lorde should be here any minute now," He said not elaborating further. 

After five minutes of waiting, Nicholas finally made it there.

"Hi."

"Let's go," he said without even greeting me. How rude!

I followed him into the conference room. We made our way in the front with all the reporters sitting in front of us. 

"Let's start," Nicholas said with a hint of threat in his voice. 

"Did you break up with actress Lisa Hadley because of her?" A man in his 30s, asked.

"No Ms Preston had nothing to do with that. Lisa is just a friend and nothing else." Nicholas replied with a stern voice. 

"Is it true that Ms Preston is the owner of La Fiorenza, the famous restaurant of New York?" The lady in a red dress asked.

"Yes I am." I replied, not wanting to hide behind Nicholas. 

"Is it also true that Mr Nicholas is the one who funded the restaurant?" The same lady questioned.

I looked at her aghast. I could see that these people had come here to get some gossip for their front pages. I decided not to let them have any. I squared my shoulders ready to answer her.

"No! La Fiorenza is the product of my hard work and efforts that I have put in for the last many years. I made it what it is today with no contribution whatsoever from Mr Lorde or anyone else for that matter. The only one who gets the credit for it is my team who has been there and supported me through thick and thin. I would like you to not sprout nonsense that you have no proof of." I reprimanded the lady.

Nicholas looked at me with pride in his eyes. He gave me a slight nod in appreciation. 

"How long have you two known each other?" Another man asked from the crowd.

"A few months," Nicholas gave him a short and a direct reply. 

The conference went on with the reporters asking questions and either Nicholas or me replying. This went on for one hour. It was going great until what Nicholas said shocked me to the core. 

"What is your relationship with Ms Preston?" A woman who introduced herself as Lilly asked Nicholas.

"She is my girlfriend." He said wrapping his hands around my waist. 

 ****

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SGnGigi