Violetta's POV

I went back to my office angry at Mike for changing my schedule and his ridiculous threat to fire me. The only reason I'll go with him to the stupid party is because he's offering to help with my cafe.

I do owe him though. After my sudden panic attack yesterday, he was there and didn't leave me alone. I kept seeing my father beat me up over and over in my dreams, and when I woke up, it all felt real. My body hurt and I could feel the pain. The image kept replaying in my head and I wasn't aware of anything till I got home.

I'm happy the panic attack wasn't that bad. Other times when it was awful, I would struggle to breathe and my brain and eyes would get all fuzzy. I'd start seeing things and ill get so scared of everything and everyone around me. My body would shake vigorously till I fell asleep, and even when I woke up, I would just feel sick.

If he wasn't there my kids would've had to see me like that again. It wasn't the first time that had happened after all. The last time, they went to bed hungry and missed school the next day because I didn't wake up. They cried so badly because they thought I didn't like them anymore. It wasn't an experience I would have liked to repeat.

If only Mike stayed friendly. He must be bipolar, 'cause I mean, one second he's nice and caring then in another, he's all antagonistic and aggressive. He's kind of like a girl on her period, having really bad cramps.

It was time for my thirty-minute break, so I went to the parking lot to look for Mateo so we could eat lunch together. We went up and ordered our food. I got pasta and meatballs with the six-piece chicken lap and coke, while Mateo got some fancy bullshit I didn't bother to get the name of and fruit juice.

"Why do you get that?" I implored, staring at the food with a scrunch. "Remember when we went to Disneyland and there were only two drinks available? Sprite and some random drink?" he asked. "Yeah, I remember. You got the other drink 'cause I took the last sprite", I answered. "Well, I loved the drink. It was better than Sprite, so since that day, I vowed to always pick the food I didn't know so I could see if I liked it," he explained earning a nod from me. "Huh, makes sense"

We had our meal happily and as ordinary, Mateo cracked a few jokes making me laugh loudly. "Stop laughing like that! People are looking", he yelled, hitting my leg under the table. "Fine, fine", I said, trying to push down my laugh, while letting a few giggles run loose.

"I've gotta get back to work", I said, leaving Mateo to finish up his meal. I carried my coke up to my office and finished the Alice in Borderland episode. That series is sick, but so interesting.

I decided to call the number Mike had given me for the babysitter. I dialed it using my iPhone and it was soon picked up by a light male voice.

"Hello, it's Dan speaking from Babysiters Lounge, how can I help you today?"

"Hi, I need a babysitter for tomorrow. Is there anyone available", I sent a question to him. "Of course. How many children will there be and what age?", he implored.

"Just three children. And they're all four years old"

"How long will the babysitter be needed for?", he asked further. "Maybe from 5 pm to 12 pm".

"OK. I'll assign you Tiffany. Please send your address to the number". It crossed my mind to ask an important question. "How much will I pay?". The man replied saying it would be $60 per hour. Such an absurd price.

Eventually, I told him I would call back shamefully, knowing I wouldn't.

The price seemed ludicrous to me. I'll just ask one of my siblings to do it. Or I could always ask Paul.

I called Paul and asked him to help babysit my children and he said yes, which I was grateful for. The telephone soon rang and Mike's voice was heard. "I sent you an email. Get to work", he said and hung up rudely.

Hours went by and I was finally rounding up my work so I could go on my hour break. I wrapped up picked up my white bag and walked out of my office. I told Mia, the receptionist who still didn't like me that if Mike called, she should tell him I was out.

I went outside to find Mateo kissing a blonde girl beside his car. Damn, he's got rizz. "Mateo! Let's go" I said as I hit on the top of the car. I waved to the girl who waved back with a smile and a heavy blush, and after, Mateo and I entered the vehicle. "Where to?" he questioned as he turned his head to look at me.

"There's a bar in the estate. Let's check it out.", I told. "Just make sure you don't come back to work drunk." he joked. "Let's hope"

He drove off, leaving the office kilometers away. We got into the estate but had to use Google Maps to find the bar, which we found and it was dope. "I heard the guy you work for owns it" Mateo spoke, looking out the window to get a better view of the bar. "Oh yeah, he owns the whole estate and everything in it." I clarified, leaving him speechless as he asked around.

We walked in and were confronted by a dark room with a few colored lights. It had sofas at every corner and a big counter for ordering drinks. Even though it was early, many people were present. Mateo and I got to the counter, where we ordered drinks, we both got scotch on the rocks just to taste as Mateo had to drive and I had to get back to work.

We drank and ended up ordering two more which we drank as well. "Hey, that's enough. Let's go before we get into some trouble," he advised. "But my break won't be over yet", I said pouting. I ordered another two and drank but Mateo didn't drink, instead, he kept budging me so we could leave. I was already tipsy, and going for more but Mateo refused this time and dragged me out of the bar after he paid a few hundred dollars.

I'm pretty sure everything in the estate is higher than it should be. Mateo helped me into the car and drove off, leaving me to sleep.

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"Hey, get up. I told you it was a bad idea", Mateo berated. "I'm sorry I let you down, I love you so much", I slured. "Just great. Put yourself together and get back in there", he ordered strictly. "Oh and I love you too," he said, cackling at my state.

I drank some water that was in the car, straightened out my white dress that I surprisingly didn't stain, and got back in the building. I went over to the elevator that was free and pressed on the sixteenth floor, and after, I rested my head on the wall and breathed in and out.

The elevator stopped and I got out and walked sluggishly to my office. "Violetta!" Mike yelled, stopping me in my tracks. "You're ten minutes into your work time. When you go on breaks, I expect you to get back to work on time." he reprimanded.

"Oh, uh, yeah. Oh, yeah. I'm sorry about tha- that" I said recklessly. Mike dragged me into my office and slammed the door. "Are you fucking drunk?" he asked, bitterness observable on his face. "No, I'm just a bit tipsy. I only had like 3 or 4... Or 5 shots, so don't worry", I said pushing him lightly. "I'll get back to work".

I wasn't drunk, just tipsy and I was still in my right senses, so he shouldn't be so mad. Should he? He gripped my hand tightly as I tried to walk away from him, pulling me back to face him. "Are you fucking kidding me? Is this some kind of bullshit prank?" he interrogated seriously. "Mike, I'm sorry ok? I just had a few shots. It's not that big of a deal" I said in a soft and apologetic tone.

He pushed me back, letting go of my hand vigorously, leaving me shocked. "Why are you so mad?" I investigated. "I'm not drunk, I promise," I told, hoping he would believe me. "Fuck that. Let this be the last time you come to work and take even a drop of alcohol. The next time this happens, you'll be packing your shit out of this office and that apartment and getting the fuck out." he shouted angrily.

"You know it's wrong to keep using the job as a threat right? I am not even drunk and I hate it when you curse at me." I screamed back at him. "Violetta, you have it wrong. It's not a threat," he spoke and before leaving the office, he added. "It's a promise", slamming the door with power.

"FUCK YOU!" I screamed through the door, sincerely wishing he didn't hear me while letting a few drops of tears drop down my face. I wiped them off quickly, remembering that crying is a form of weakness. Why was he so angry about it? I wasn't even drunk.

I got back to work after crying, regretting my earlier actions, and replaying the memory of Mike looking at me with disgust.

When I reflected on my actions, I realized he did have a reason to be angry. I'm working at an office, not in some shabby place so I shouldn't come in when I'm intoxicated. Mike hadn't used the phone for a while now and I hadn't gone to his office for anything.

I didn't do much for another hour till an email from Mike was sent, giving me a few tasks to get done. He must still be angry with me.

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The next day

Yesterday was pretty hectic. Mike was angry, I was angry, Nickolas was angry because he fought with a friend, Mateo was angry, more like jealous though, because he saw the blonde girl laughing with a coworker. Everyone just wasn't happy.

Mike and I didn't talk today at all. I came in the afternoon by 1 pm to tell him I was there but when I knocked on his door, It was answered by the same girl he had kissed a few days ago. She acted like I was her sore enemy and told me to leave. She said she would inform him I was around and before I could drop some files from the Management department, she slammed the door in my face. What if he replaces me with her, I mean who doesn't want a quick hook-up slash assistant?

I'm so stupid.

I decided to put yesterday behind me because I needed to submit the files from the management department. I left my office and walked over to his and once again, I knocked on the door. No one answered, but I did hear moans. Like loud moans, that were most likely from the black-haired girl. I guess they were having a nice time in there. I hope I don't get in trouble for not submitting these.

I went over to the twelfth floor, which was the management department so I could come up with a reason why I couldn't submit the file. The elevator door opened and I walked out to meet Clara, the head of the department sitting on a chair in the reception.

I met her at the parking lot a while back when I was about to leave with Mateo. She was nice and chill, so we hit it off.

"Hey Clara" I exclaimed. "Oh hi V. What are you doing here?" she greeted. "I was told to drop these files with Mike but he's busy at the moment", I explained. "Oh, that's ok. When he's free, you can give it to him. It's not something urgent".

Clara and I talked for a while after she notified me that she was on her break. Soon, I went back to my posted floor and over to my office. When I opened the door, the telephone was ringing. Shit. Has he been calling?

I ran over and picked up the telephone to hear a female voice. "Hey Vivi, get me a diet coke and a salad from the cafeteria." the lazy voice said and before I could tell her no, she cut the call.

Doing as she said was best to avoid turmoil so I got her the food. I knocked on the door, holding the paper bag in hand, and in seconds, I was told to come in. I opened the door and walked into the room to see the girl once again, but Mike wasn't in sight.

"Stop standing there. Drop it and leave", she said rudely. This girl needs to remember I don't work for her. I dropped the bag on the table and turned around to leave. "Also, I just wanted you to know not to disturb us till it's 5 pm since that's the only time he has any business with you. Mike doesn't seem to like you very much... Well, I don't blame him for the stories he's told." she announced while mocking me.

"Sure! I won't disturb you", I replied with a fake smile and left. I couldn't help but wonder if Mike really talked bad about me to that woman as I got back to my office. He didn't call or come to the office, instead, he sent a bunch of work for me to do.

Hours had gone slowly, as I did all the work he had sent through email and it was finally 5 pm. A knock was heard on my door and I hoped it was Mike so I could apologize to him. I opened it up and was met with a confused Mateo. "Mateo! Hi", I said, jumping into his arms. He hugged me back tightly and then released me. "Some woman told me to drive you to a hotel", he said. "Oh yeah, I'm meant to be somewhere", I answered.

We walked down to the parking lot, and got into the car then Mateo drove off, following the address he was given. We ultimately got to the large hotel and went into it, then waited patiently for Mike to arrive. After about twenty minutes, he walked in with the lady from before, clinging onto him. He looked very aggravated and annoyed by what I didn't know, and he walked right past me into the narrow path.

Mateo and I followed him to the first floor, where we stopped at a white and gold door. Mike opened it to reveal the beautiful room filled with dresses, shoes, and accessories of many expensive brands, designs, and types. "Lilia, the driver will take you home", he whispered to the clingy woman. "But", she began but was cut off by Mike. "Go home", he muttered once more, making her leave.

So much for don't disturb us.

I entered the room along with Mike, his driver, and Mateo. "This is Marilyn, she's your stylist for the night", Mike said, introducing the tall and slim lady. "Good evening. Let's get started," she said with a bright smile.

Mike stepped outside with his driver, waiting for Mateo to leave as well. "Can he stay?" I asked the woman. "Of course, whatever makes you comfortable," she responded. I smiled at Mateo and he shut the door, but before he did, I noticed Mike's angry glare staring into the room. He must still be angry from yesterday.

Monroe got to work. She put me in a wine-fitted dress, that was off-shoulder and ran free down my cleavage. It had a long slit and a cape at the lower part of the dress, that made it look graceful. She matched it with a pair of silver heels and silver jewelry around my neck and wrists.

My makeup was beautiful and simple. She put a lot on my face but made it look so little and natural. It was 6:58 by the time I was ready, so Monroe called Mike to inform him, while I sat beside Mateo receiving praises and compliments on how gorgeous I looked. Mike's driver entered the room and stood for a second with surprised eyes. "You look wonderful madam", he said with a French accent. "Thank you", I said, blushing at him.

I said my goodbyes to Mateo and got into Mike's car, with him nowhere in sight. "Mr. Mariano is already at the venue" the driver informed. "Oh ok", I mumbled back.

After a twenty-minute drive, we arrived at a hall painted white with enormous lights everywhere. There was a big fountain and many statues outside, all neatly decorated. We were thirty minutes late, which left me worried. Mike's driver escorted me to the door, where he then put his hand under mine and knocked on the white door in a pattern.

The door opened to uncover a big room with lights and tables filled with food. All eyes were on me as I wandered down the stairs slowly, trying not to fall in my heels. Anxiety filled me up and I began to shake without realizing it. Luckily, the driver gave me a light squeeze, making me calm down.

I noticed Mike standing with Anna, a woman who I believe is his sister Riley, a tall, handsome man who looked similar to him, and a middle-aged woman dressed in a sparkly silver dress and silver jewelry.

I got to the end of the staircase without falling and strode over to Mike with his driver by my side. "Boss", he recognized, bowing his head to Mike and vacating immediately after, leaving me to the crowd. "Good evening Violetta", Anna greeted kindly. "Good evening"

"Ah, she's much more beautiful than you had described." the middle-aged woman said, smiling at me. "Wow, you have very beautifully colored eyes. I've never seen such a bright shade of grey," she exclaimed while looking into my eyes.

"I'm Micheal", the tall man introduced, picking my hand lightly and kissing it. "Nice to meet you", I admitted politely. "Sorry for the late introduction, my name is Angelica and I'm Mike's mother. Anna told me all about you and how hardworking you are", the middle-aged woman confessed. "Oh really?", I asked rhetorically, surprised at the kind word of me.

"Oh yes. Mike has been sleeping much better since you've been there to help him around. His other assistants were basically useless, more like prosti-" she started but was cut off by Mike who finally acknowledged me. "Mother, why don't I start greeting the guests," he suggested, receiving a grant.

Mike still didn't speak to me, instead, he walked to meet and discuss with many people, talking about business to almost all. I took an excuse and got myself a non-alcoholic drink and sat quietly in a chair.

"All alone I see", Mike's brother, Micheal declared, taking the seat beside me. Micheal was the carbon copy of Mike with almost the same features except Micheal didn't have the tattoos like Mike did and was slightly more built. "Oh, hello", I welcomed politely. "So, has Mike been making life hard for you", he asked. "Pretty much", I let out laughing alongside him. "I'm surprised he hasn't taken a hold of you yet, I wouldn't let go of someone so stunning," he whispered, giving rise to a blush.

Despite never really believing in compliments, it was still nice to hear someone say it to me.

"Will you grant me a dance?" he asked looking me straight in the eye. He had such a dominating aura to him that I could not refuse. "How could I say no"

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Hello Rubyreaders. I hope you've all had a blessed week and days. Please make sure to vote and comment on your opinions so far. It would mean a lot of you shared my book on social media as well, of course, tagging me as well. Thankyou❤️

Q and A
1. Did Mike have a right to be angry at Violetta?

2. What's your opinion on Mike's brother and Mother?

3. How do you think events will play out after the dance?

                                    Don't miss out on the next chapter of Hidden Truths...