Chapter 14
The sun has set and it’s almost time for dinner. The plate with cookies is already empty after refilling it t think we still have something to discuss. If there is, I hope he’ll make it quick.
thrice. There’s no tea left as well. And I don’t
I want to eat the leftovers for lunch and go to bed early, but why is this man not leaving yet? I already agreed to think of an alternative regarding the proposal and will submit in when I return to the office which he’s glad to hear.
So, why Lucas isn’t taking his leave yet? Does he want to talk more about the project!
“I just have to come up a good reason for Gold Corp to invest in our new developed game, right? I honestly don’t see the need for them to invest We have a long list of investors whose loyalty has been proven for the long run. Having Gold Corp on our side isn’t bad but it’s not a necessity.” When Lucas asked me to draft a proposal for Gold Corp. I already wondered why we need them. Celestial Group is self–sufficient, unless Lucas is planning for something else, 1 don’t think we need to cooperate with a robotics company.
“They’re focusing on developing robots while we work on software. Boss, you’re not planning to make robots too, are you!”
Lucas grins. “Why not! In fact, the Gold Corp is planning to launch a new project involving their new batch of robots this year. They’re not just cleaning and communicating robots, Daphne. I’m talking about humanoid robots. What do you think these humanoid robots can do! If they agree to cooperate with us, the new game we developed will be the perfect partner for their robots. A software game turning into a real–life battle using robots. How does it sound?”
Stupid.
Lucas has big dreams but he cannot distinguish which one is arrainable and which one is not.
If the Gold Corp can create humanoid robots, there’s no way they can develop a software game themselves. I won’t find another software company to handle it if I’m one of the developers in Gold Corp. There are too many risks if the data is spread outside the company.
Now I understand why Jared, as the Vice President of Gold Corp, wanted the proposal to be revised. The clauses in the proposal mostly state that both companies will share the data related to the project. Gold Corp is definitely not willing to share the data related to their robots which is reasonable and logical to do.
“That’s impossible, boss, Gold Corp isn’t a newbie in the industry. They won’t get tricked with just a few clauses in the proposal. However, if you really wanted to get involved with them, why don’t we propose a different idea? Something that will be beneficial for both companies. And most importantly, it should be tempting enough for Gold Corp to extend their hands with Celestial Group
I don’t want to rack my brain when I’m supposed to enjoy my vacation but since I suggest an alternative, I will have to fulfill my job as best I can.”
“Like what?” Lucas raises his brow and watches me as I make a deep, long breath.
“What the Gold Corp needs now isn’t a game to advertise their product. If what you said about them launching the humanoid robots this year, they will need more exposure to showcase them in public. So instead of having a permanent partnership over a single game, why don’t we offer an. advertisement service?” This is the best alternative I can come up with.
Gold Corp must have already planned what to do with their humanoid robots. Although they’ll have advertisement companies to advertise their product, as huge as the corporation is, they will surely want high popularity for better gay. If Celestial Group offers a time–limited advertisement of the Gold Corp new products in all our software programs and apps, it might work well compared to aiming for a permanent partnership.
“Advertisement? And how do you think its a good idea?”
Really, why did Lucas become the CEO again!
“We need them to trust us for future opportunities. We can’t jump the gun instantly. If this works out, maybe they’ll be the one who’ll offer us a project in their next launch. Besides, the other software companies wouldn’t dare to think of this possible cooperation in this way. They’re too proud to be the Gold Corp’s underdog. Not that I’m saying the Celestial Group will be under the Gold Corp, but we’re building business friendship. We’ll retain our pride, and garner their trust.”
And not just that, when Gold Corp agrees to this time–limited cooperation, even the Celestial Group will gain a lot too, With the huge company’s backing, the other software company cannot easily compete with dirty handed tricks.
“Hmm… It’s por what I expect you’d suggest but you do have a point”
Hah. If you’re not that happy about my suggestion, why don’t you come up with something at least for once!
“Thank you, boss. I’ll submit the revised proposal on time. So, see you again in six days.” I check the time on the wall clock and it is almost seven in the evening. It’s dark outside, Lucas should have noticed it when I turned on the lights in the living room
“Are you kicking me out already?”
Why else would I want to keep you here!
1/2
“No. It just came to mind that I’m alone with a man in my house at this hour. I don’t think this is appropriate, especially for someone who’s engaged.” I just want to be alone again, eat and sleep. Since I have work to do even on vacation. I want to relax for a moment at least. “We’re done discussing what we have to do. I have plans for tonight and you must have yours.”
Lucas shrugs and stares at me. “If that’s the case then. I’ll go.”
Yes, you should leave now. Don’t stay any longer.
I walk you to the door.”
I smile at him at rise from my seat.
771
“That’s kind of you. I appreciate your time today, Daph.” He stands up
up and follows me behind.
A few moments later, I stop and hold the knob to open the door.
“Hmm. I hope you’ll let me know beforehand if you’re coming though. What if I’m outside, or doing something important? Since it’s my vacation, I plan to relax as much as I can.” I can’t help but voice out my thoughts.
“You think I’ve bothered you today, no? I said you’ll get paid double. No one can do i
this job better than you. Daph.”
I’m glad you realized you’re bothersome. Pay me double or whatever, Just don’t make any sudden visit without prior notice. That’s common
Jappreciate your compliment. Just please let me know if you’re coming in the future. It will be nice if you don’t though. I’m saying this as a woman who’s been in love with you for years and now’s trying to move on. You know why I’m taking this vacation, right?”
Lucas laughs “Why? Because of what happened yesterday?”
I swear, if this man thinks it’s funny the way he laughs like my confession is not a big deal at all, I’ll rip him into shreds and feed his flesh to the dogs.
I narrow my eyes and lock my gaze at him. “I don’t want to see you”
His expression changes depending on what I say. The smile that lingered on his lips a while ago disappeared.
“I thought I made it clear yesterday. After that damn confession, I also told you I’ll stop. I’m working not to love you anymore, Lucas. So while I’m on it, please cooperate. It will be best for the both of us when we’re working together.”
“Wh” Lucas scratches his nape. “You were serious about unloving me? But Daphne, you said its been so long. Do you think it will be easy if you don’t see me? What if your vacation ends and you have to go back to work? We’ll see each other everyday.”
He’s right. But
“I will do my best not to be in love with you anymore when that time comes. But even if I still do, I’ll make sure my work won’t be affected.”
“If that’s what you believe, Daph. Just having you by my side like before is enough. I hope you can stop dreaming of something else.”
I already did. I’ve stopped wishing for something I couldn’t have.
“Thanks for your kind words. Rest assured, I’ll get this resolved in no time. It turns out it’s easy to forget unnecessary stuff so I have a good feeling !! will be over soon. Have a pleasant evening, boss.”
1 spare no glance at Lucas when he steps out of my door. Just like how I should let go of my feelings without lingering wants, I close the door to get him out of my sight. The thick wood that separates us makes me feel secure.
Next time, I will surely be able to confidently say that I don’t love you anymore, Lucas
After all, there are many other great things I should appreciate other than you
“Hmm. This is the first time I felt relieved when sending him off. Anyways, it’s dinner time-!”
