The Twin Brothers

Leonardo watched the presentation his worker did. His fingers playing with the pen, with his cold eyes watching only made the worker sweat in nervous. He hasn’t made any move and yet, they already shaking as if it was their last day in the world.

“How was it, boss?” The worker asks.

He leans his back on the chair, “Is that your plan or someone else?”

“I–It was me, sir.” The worker looks down.

“I see.” Leo nods slightly. His phone vibrates, checking who is it. “That was lame ide I ever heard.” He spoke without looking at him. The worker starts to feel scared. The last time someone presented and that person was fired.

‘Mum said we have dinner today.’ – Lorenzo

Leo just reply with a short ‘okay’ and shut his phone. His attention is back to the shaking worker. “Well? Do you have anything left to say?” He arches his eyebrows.

“S–Sir, please give me a chance!! I beg you!!” The worker is already on his knees, begging the chairman for another chance. Leo blue cold eyes just looking at him.

The door opens and reveals Adam but no one pays attention to him. He looks at the worker and Leo, then understands what happened. Before he went to his seat, he whispers to Leo, “He’s the only professional work planner we have. Think wisely.”

Leo closes his eyes for a moment and clenches his fist. Professional? He didn’t see any of it in that work but what his friend said was right. “I will give you a week. Make me satisfied then you are safe. UNDERSTAND!?” He raises his voice causing everyone to flinch except Adam.

“Y–Yes, sir.” The worker nods.

“Good. Dismiss.” He turns his chair to Adam.

The sounds of paper and stuff being heard. Everyone rushed out not to make the big boss even angrier. Adam just laughed quietly, fixing his coat. As soon Leo heard the door close, he lit up his cigarette.

“I didn’t expect you to listen to me for the very first time,” Adam smirks.

“If he’s not the only one we have, I’ve already kicked him out by myself.” Leo went towards the big glass window. “Do you need anything, Adam? Your face seems like you have something to say.” He asks his friend who keeps grinning. “… And stop grinning because it’s creepy”

“Oh well. I don’t have anything to say. I’m just happy.” Adam shrugs his shoulder.

“Yeah. Right. Whatever.” He shakes his head. “Have you done your work?”

“I think it is time for you to speak to them. They wouldn’t afraid of me because they haven’t know who I am.” Adam sneers, crossing his legs. He likes hiding and being a spy for Leo, the reason why people haven’t heard about him. But sometimes, when people do not respect him, he hates it.

“They cancel the shipment?” Leo asks.

When Adam didn’t answer, he take that as yes. He blows out the smoke before getting rid of it. “I’ll handle it tomorrow. I have too much today. See you tomorrow, Adam.” Before he could go out, his friend stop him.

“A new baker is working in our cafeteria. I’m the one who hired her.” He spokes with a bright tone.

“I don’t care about that. You can hire anyone as long as it didn’t give a burden.” Leo groans, ruffling his hair.

Adam smirks and wrapped his arms around Leo’s neck. “I have been friends with you and Enzo since childhood. I know what you guys like and hate. Don’t you curious about who the baker is?” He asks.

Leo rolls his eyes and twisted his arms on his back making Adam groans in pain. “I don’t have time for women, Adam. Even Enzo. Now, go do your work. I have to go home early.” By that, he let Adam go and walks away.

“Oww, geez. He and Enzo were always bad-tempered. But compared to both of them, Leo is the better one with anger issues.” He talking to himself.

___________

Next morning~

She checked herself one more in the mirror. A white baggy sweater that hides her brown skirts. Her hands keep clenching and unclenching, trying to calm herself down. She doesn’t want her anxiety to attack her.

“Everything… w–will be fine,” Liana mutters to herself.

She grabs her rabbit slings back and wears her shoes before locking her apartment door. When Liana out of her apartment, she saw Adam waiting for her in his car.

“I–I’m sorry…” She runs towards him.

Adam notices her and smiles. He bends his knees to reach her height and pats her head. “It’s fine, kiddo. You are not late. Are you ready for your first day?” He tried to cheer her up.

“I–Is it… g-going to be–be fine?” Liana fiddling with her fingers.

There’s one thing Adam notices about this girl. She is too worried and showing she has social anxiety. “Don’t worry. Trust me. Once they saw me with you, I bet no one dare to harm you.”

“Why–Why’s that?” She titled her head.

“Just… um… oh well, they know I’m the boss’s right hand,” Adam said with a proud smile. But soon it has gone when saw the little girl’s expression become more panic.

“Y-You are boss right hand!? Does–Does he know about me!?” Liana can feel tears form in her eyes.

“Hey, it going to be fine. He’s okay with any people I hired because I’m in charge of it.” He said.

Darliana looks down, slightly feeling regret accepting his offer. What if she messes it up and embarrassed Adam? What if Adam is going to take all the blame? She’s too focused on her thoughts that she didn’t realize Adam has already pulled her to get in the car.

“Trust me. You will enjoy it there.” Adam pats her head.

_____________

Everyone attention to those two as soon as they walk into the cafeteria. Darliana tries to hide from the attention as best as she can. At the same time, her eyes wander around watching the fancy company look so luxurious.

“The design was great right?” Adam spokes.

“Y–yeah. So fancy.” She responds.

“I know. Leo let me design as long it satisfied him. I mean, I argued with him a lot about this but in the end, he agreed.” He chuckles when remembers the look on Leonardo’s face.

“Leo? Who is he?” Liana asks.

“He is–”

A middle-aged woman walks toward them, “Hello, sir. It’s so nice to meet you here.” Her smile is so sweet and kind. It helps Liana’s anxiety a bit knowing there’s a nice person she can depend on.

“Hello, Mrs. Willy.” Adam hugs her. “How was your work here? Well, I know the answer already. Who doesn’t like your cooking right?” He smirks and nudges the women in-joke way.

The woman chuckles and smacks his head. “Stop being silly, Ad. Now, can you introduce me to this sweet little girl?” Her gaze met Liana who’s keep quiet.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

“Oh! This is Darliana. She will be the new baker to replace the old baker. In order to lighten your load.” Adam explains.

“That was great!!” She claps her hand. “Hello, dear. I’m Mrs. Willy. I can’t wait to work with you.” Mrs. Willy smiles softly at her.

“M–Me too, Mrs. Willy.” Liana slightly bowed.

“Oh no, no need to be polite. I mean, yes I’m old but I treat my co-worker like a daughter.” Mrs. Willy chuckles.

Liana looks down flushed.

“You can start your work, peanut. I have something to do.” Adam ruffles her hair and walks away while yelling, “GOOD LUCK, PEANUT!! TELL ME IF SOMEONE BOTHERS YOU!!” He does that on purpose so that no one can harm that little girl. Knowing she’s too soft to fight back.

Liana pouts, angry that Adam brings attention to her. Mrs. Willy who notices it chuckles. “He such a playful boy, dear. Don’t mind him.” She pulls the girl gently. “Do you like to bake?”

“Yes. I–I always sp–spend my day with it.” Liana answers.

“That’s great!! I know this is too much to ask, but I hope you can bake right away.” The woman looks at her with hesitation. “There’s no dessert left. Can you bake something simple for today?” She looks at her with hope.

Something simple? Liana bites her lips, “Yes. I-I’ll try.”

“Oh! Thank goodness!! Thank you so much, dear.” Mrs. Willy brings her into her arms. “If you need anything, just call me okay? Use any ingredients or supplies you need. I have to continue my work.” She pinches her cheeks before walking away.

Liana looks at the big kitchen. She put her slingback down and take a deep breath and let it out. “I can do this. You love baking, Liana. You can do this. Just make a hundred or more simple desserts.” She encourages herself.