Chapter 5
I don’t know how miracles work but what’s important is the result.
“DAPHNE!” Lucas” voice resounded when I popped my head behind the door. How nice it would be if he calls me this passionately every time. Fierce and full of vigor.
“Hi, boss.
He rushes to my side and checks on me. “What took you so long? You’re three minutes late.
Yeah, right? I did my best to follow the traffic rules and racked my brain thinking about the best route to get here as soon as I could. I’m still late.
“Forget it. Let’s talk about it later. I’m informed just now that we’ll be meeting with the Vice President of the Gold Corporation and will run late. I didn’t expect to meet directly with the VI‘ though. Do you have any idea who this person is? He’s a mysterious one that not everyone knows about.
“The Vice President of Gold Corp! Hmm.”
I tilt my head to the side, thinking.
The Goldeney family’s heiress is the President of Gold Corp. It’s been on the news for weeks. If not, I wouldn’t know who is managing the Gold Corporation.
I did my research, but with their tight security, it’s difficult to gain information. It’s as if they’re hiding something big that no one should ever know. Well, it’s not just for the Gold Corporation though, even the Celestial Group, Lucas‘ company, has secured its confidential information as well. And the same goes with the other companies to
My alone time with Lucas ended when someone knocked on the door. I hurried to open it and check who it was. “Yes!” I wear my business smile as I wait for the man in suir’s reply. His dirty bland hair suits him well.
“Good morning. Are you from Celestial Group?”
I nodded my head. “Yes. I’m Daphne Amber, the CEO’s secretary.
The man looks surprised for a second. “Oh. Nice meeting you here, Ms. Ambers Tin Mathew Wellington. The Gold’s Vice President is waiting in the next room. Please inform your boss.
“All right. Thank you, Sir Wellington. I slowly shut the door and face Lucas. “Mr. President, the other party is waiting next door. Shall we?”
Lucas nods his head and stands up. I’m about to open the door again when he grabs my arm. “Daphne, I think my tie is too tight. Can you adjust it for me?”
I tried my hardest not to squeal with joy. Otherwise, he’ll think I’m a retard. Sure. Let me fix that for you,” I said, smiling.
Since it’s a minor issue, it didn’t take time for me to adjust his the. If only there’s no one waiting for us, I would have taken my time. “It’s all done. Let’s go?” I open the door for him and gesture with my hand. “This way
“Hmm. By the way, why are you completely covered today? The weather is hot but your clothes seem too much.”
As if I wanted to wear this. Ejust don’t want others to see the remnants of last night’s mistake. Knowing Lucas, he is only asking out of curiosity, but his question leads me to recall what happened between me and Jared. I don’t even know what he’d say if I tell him I became Jared’s girlfriend. He knows what reputation Jared had back then
“I’m feeling cold. That’s why.”
Like usual, Lucas said nothing else nor tried to dig further about simple things related to me. It’s always like that and I should have gotten used to it Am I a fool if I can’t let go of him! Just as I thought, having a boyfriend isn’t a good idea when moving
I just hope I won’t end up hurting Jared. Maybe I should try to talk to him about our relationship again tonight. We’re having dinner together,
anyway.
I knocked on the door next to the drawing room and waited for a response. Sir Wellington is the person to welcome un “Please get inside.” The blond man flashes a unile. He looked gorgeous when he did that.
The room looks extravagant compared to the one I just came from. The refreshing colors on the walls lighten the atmosphere. It’s a lively sight, making me feel energetic by just looking around.
“President Celeste”
A familiar voice greeting Lucas catches my attention. That’s when I turn to face the man who’s standing on my right, wearing a suit from a famous brand, extending his hand to accompany his shon formal greeting
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“I’m Jared Greenwelche, the Vice President of Gold Corporation.”
My mouth gapes and I hope my lips could contain the drool within. Shorked is an understatement to describe how I’m feeling. However, no matter how shocking things turn out to be. I have to maintain my cool. But really?
Jared is the Vice President of Gold Corp? That’s quite a feat. No, that’s amazing!
Jared informed me about some work he has to do today, that’s why I insisted on going back to my apartment alone after we settled our ‘relationship, but never in my wildest dream did I think that he’s related to the Gold Corporation
I don’t expect Jared to be the Vice President of Gold Car
The Goldeneys are the ones who rule the Gold Corp and they don’t allow outsiders unless it comes to a few cooperation.
Jared is a Greenwelche though. Perhaps he’s also a Goldeney!
“It’s an honor to have a bit of your time from your busy schedule, Mr. Greenwelche, Lucas replied, accepting the hand that was offered.
Jared nods his head slightly and moves his gaze towards me. He said nothing and just looked at me like I’m an invisible entity who blocked his sight. I didn’t expect him to say something to me or act familiar though when he gives me such a look; it feels like we’re complete strangers to each other.
And it’s a little frustrating.
“She is my secretary, Daphne Ambers.” Lucas smiles at me after his introduction. I wonder if he’ll keep the same smile when he knows his secretary slept with his future business partner just before this meeting,
It’s nice to meet you. Vice President.” 1 bow my head, not just to show respect, but to avoid Jared’s gaze.
“The feeling is mutual, is what Jared said in response. When I lift my head up, he’s already back in his seat.
Lucas takes the seat opposite to him and ushers me to sit by his side, which I complied since I came as his ‘secretary‘ and sitting next to him is a luxury that I cannot experience most of the time. In the past, I had to stay behind him, standing
“So, about the project..”
Jared discusses the possible cooperation with the Celestial Group. He speaks calmly but his words are precise..
While listening to him asks occasional questions regarding the project. I ponder how he can be so fluent with his principles. After a good three hours, the discussion is over with a greater chance of cooperation
Jared promised nothing in particular, but he acknowledges the proposed idea. And on behalf of Gold Corporation, he politely sorts out the pros and cons that the project may inflict on his company. Just as expected, getting a solid ‘yes‘ from them after a one time discussion isn’t so easy. After all, the Gold Corp is one of the prestigious companies not just in the country but in the entire world.
“Thank you for giving your insights about this project. Mr. Greenwelche, Lucal said as he rose from his seat. His light brown hair perfectly compliments his bright smile on the face. “I hope you’ll think it over again after making a few revisions on the input. We’re delighted to have a chance working with the Gold Corp on this project.” He offered his hand for a shake, which Jared accepted.
“Overall, it sounds promising. However, there are things 1 should discuss with the higher ups before considering the cooperation. Gold Corp is striving for the better, not just sitting atop and maintaining a status. We sought unique yet best quality ideas.” Jared lets go of Lucas‘ hand and turns to face me. “Miss Secretary here seems efficient in taking notes of every required attribute that the Gold Corp needs as I mentioned. Just the eagerness alone is enough to allow you to make revisions. If the new project proposal is ready, let me know so we can arrange another meeting.
1 smile and gently take a piece of paper from Jared’s hand. He’s giving me his business card. “Thank you. We’ll let you know as soon as we’re done with the revised project plan”
“Hmm. I’m looking forward to it, Ms. Ambers.”
It sounds strange being addressed formally by Jared. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s technically my boyfriend and we’re discussing business from Two different parties or the assumption that he’s clearly drawing a line between the two of us since we’re currently talking about work. Whichever it may be, it’s a relief that he’s not someone easily forced to do something in dealing business. I’m worried he may hold back from giving his honest opinion about the proposal because of my presence. Well, it’s not like I’m being too full of myself, but the way he nodded his head and agreed to almost everything I say in the morning, also when I was drunk the previous night, concerns me
“Oh. It’s already lunchtime. What about having lunch with us, Mr. Greenwelche?”
My ears perked up when I heard Lucas‘ invitation. I know that he’s the type of person who would be friendly with anyone after a serious business talk, but having lunch with Jared after a long hour of talk is only going to be more exhausting for me. Not physically, but mentally. I wish to go home and sleep after having a cup of noodles instead
Please, Jared, say no.
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I silently pray for the Vice President to decline Lucas‘ invitation even though I’m 90% sure he would agree. At least, there’s a remaining 10% chance
he wouldn’t.
Thanky
you
for your invitation, but I have somewhere to be in no time. We might have the time to eat together once we concluded the cooperation. For now, enjoy your meal. I’ll be going first.”
Lucas said nothing more to persuade the other. They both watch as Jared leaves the room. My heart beats rapidly the instant I realize there’s only the both of us now. I won’t deny the excitement looming over me. I can finally be alone with Lucas again.
Maybe it’s foolish to hope for something more than friendship from him. Maybe I’m being ahead of myself for years thinking that he’ll be mine one day. And maybe it’s better to bury my feelings for him deep in my heart. It’s definitely the only way to keep him as my friend focuses on being that man’s girlfriend.
“Are you having lunch in the office?” It’s me who has to break the silence between us, like always
Even though Lucas loves socializing, this only applies to people whom he’s interested in. To think that I’ve known him for many years and yet I didn’t notice until now that he never talks to me first. When he’s having a hard time, it’s still me who’ll encourage him to talk about it. He didn’t, not even once, open up his problem unless I offered him a shoulder to cry on. This is one of the reasons I think I’m special. It turns out that I’m actually envious of those people whom he approach first.
“Nah, Since we didn’t settle the deal. I’ll go back home and give it a good thought. I’ll eat lunch over there. How about you? Do you want to come
over?
Come over! Did I hear it correctly? Lucas wouldn’t invite me to his home unless he’s having his parents over. With me by his side, his father would refrain from giving him discipline.
“Is there any problem at home?”
It’s a habit. Asking him about his problems when he’s sounding listless becomes a habit.
“Not really. I don’t know, It’s just that I’m currently living with my fiance.
So it’s like that.
