I racked my brain, walking back and forth inside my office on how to deal with everything that was on my plate. Yesterday, both mother and son departed for their respective rooms, leaving me to fend for my thoughts. I heard him confess his love to me and that had my heartbeat sped up, but instead of joy, I felt too clouded with what-ifs. 

“What is it?” I asked the person who knocked on the door of my cabin, startling me.

“Ma’am, you haven’t had your lunch yet,” Aria said as she came inside with a plate full of fruits. 

“Aria, I’m in no mood.” I sighed as since yesterday I had this headache bugging me and this overwhelming feeling that I couldn’t get over.

“You should start taking care of yourself instead of feeding me,” I replied as I saw her holding the plate of food. Her face looked pale, and that saddened me even more. 

“I. I’m good.” She stuttered. 

“Did Anthony apologize?” I inquired as I pushed the plate toward her. She took a piece of apple shyly and smiled. 

“He has been standing in front of my apartment since last night. I feel bad for him. Isn’t it too much, ma’am?” She asked and instantly I shook my head.

“What did I tell you? Don’t go easy on him. Not this time.” I repeated.

“But ma’am.” She looked sad, and I facepalmed.

‘’Look, you being easy on him was the reason he didn’t care for how you felt at that time. He is not a bad guy, but he goes crazy if something happens to me and ignores everyone else. I want you to build your house above mine in his heart." I said, lightly squeezing her hand.

“But ma’am, I don’t mind if your house is above mine. I know he cares for you and that drew me towards him.” She confessed.

“Look Aria, I know what I’m doing. Just do as I say.” I said, shaking my head. I can’t with these two as they irritated me with how much they cared for me. I wanted to make them realize they had their own life to take care of and that I was not the only one who was their responsibility. 

“Okay,” she said, looking sad. I knew what I was doing, and it was the right time to make that dumbhead realize Aria should come above all to him. 

“You have a visitor without an appointment, madam.” I heard my employee’s voice, and I glanced at Aria as if she knew who the visitor was. She shook her head and said, “I will check.” But I denied it and let the visitor inside as I had some leisure time.

“Ms. D’Waner, I thought your assistant would kick me out without an appointment!” Finn Miller entered along with his charming British accent. He wore a casual t-shirt and trousers, unlike a business executive. 

“Mr. Miller.” I greeted him.

“Please have a seat.” I gestured at the chair in front of me. He walked carelessly and turned the chair facing towards him and sat extending his legs and placed his elbow on the head of the chair. 

“Oh, please. I’m really not used to formal greetings.” He said, scrunching his nose. I looked at him awkwardly because that’s what I was used to. I didn’t know how to respond and as if he took the hint. 

“You dumped me yesterday.” He said, looking disappointed, and that’s when it clicked. He asked me to join him for dinner and I just let it slide. 

‘’Oh, I’m so sorry. I couldn’t keep track of time yesterday and my assistant was also busy so she couldn’t remind me of this appointment." I answered honestly, guilty about the fact that I couldn’t attend it. 

“I knew it. And that’s why I came to meet you personally.” He replied, clicking his tongue, and winked at me. I raised my eyebrows at his actions but couldn’t afford to be on his bad side. He bulk purchased twenty percent of my company’s shares even before I could buy them myself because of the uproar about the racket.

“I’m pleased to hear that,” I said forcefully, smiling at him. I’ve dealt with such people before and used to slide it off, but I couldn’t with him.

“Let’s go for lunch together”. He offered, and I tried to come up with a reason to decline his offer but then, “Liara, the appointment with the Chief is canceled and perhaps you don’t have any--“ Anthony came as he absentmindedly blabbered, ignoring my efforts to stop him. 

“Mr. Miller?” He stopped in his tracks when his eyes landed on the man in front of me.

“Hey there buddy, you came like an angel for me.” Finn saluted Anthony, and I wanted to kick him out of the room.

“Well, what did I do?” He asked, lifting his shoulder, and Aria shook her head.

“I asked Liara out for a lunch date and by the look of it, I bet she was going to decline and then you came announcing that she isn’t busy today anymore.” He exclaimed, beaming with happiness.

“Oh, okay. But Liara cannot have lunch just anywhere because of security reasons.” Anthony said.

“I know that alright. I’ve had my men take care of those things. And believe me, they are as good as you.” He said, laughing.

“So, what do you say? I’m hungry though.” He confessed, and I nodded at Anthony dejectedly.

“I am accompanying you then.” I heard a voice behind Anthony and my mouth dropped after I saw Zearo walking inside. 

“Zearo? What are you doing here?” I asked as I abruptly stood up. I wasn’t expecting him to come to my office like this and was surprised.

“What now? Do I need an appointment to meet my beloved wife?” He asked as he directly walked towards me and snaked his arm around my waist, giving me a little push towards him. I got goosebumps when he inhaled my scent, dipping his head in the crook of my neck. It felt foreign and butterflies danced in my stomach every time he did that. 

“Oh well, meet Mr. Miller,” I said, pinching his shoulder, as I was certain why he acted so bizarre all of a second.

“Oh, hello.’’ He said, still holding me closer to him like I was going to run away. 

“Hey. So what now? Our plan is canceled again? Come on... I have to catch my flight later in the evening. I don’t want to waste it by sleeping in the hotel room all alone.” Finn said, throwing his hands in the air like a kid. 

“I am-“ I started, but my dear husband had other plans. 

“Let’s go then. Mr. Miller wouldn’t mind if I join my wife now, would he?” Zearo added, winking at me.

“Okay then. I will send you the address in a minute. I’ve got to arrange some stuff.” Finn clapped, looking all excited. I wondered how he did his business when he behaved like a kid. 

“Kid these days.” I heard Anthony.

“What brings you here?” I asked Zearo as he let go of me after everyone left us alone for a moment. 

“I was nearby to meet someone and then I realized I missed you.” He answered. He had his usual loose t-shirt and ripped jeans on. His hair was tousled off as if he drew his hands too much through his hair. I studied his face and saw he had a kind of sad expression.

“Don’t look at me like that. I am tempted to take you all at once here at this office table.” He spoke, coming closer to my face. Mere inches away from my ears, he bit off my ear. I gasped as I felt a tingling sensation forming on my entire body. 

“And you think — I would believe you?” I asked, regretting that I was stuttering. 

“I will let you know when the time comes.” He looked at me and smiled. I smiled back, but alas, my smile faded as soon as I saw his phone when it vibrated and Julie’s name blinked in front of me. I cleared my throat and maintained a small distance between us. I bet he realized my inconvenience.

‘’Yes?" He answered the call and walked a little away from me. 

“I am on my way. Send me your address. Don’t cry. Julie, I’m coming.” He said hurriedly, and without looking at me, rushed out of the cabin. I stood there dumbfounded as a dumb idiot who thought something was going on between the two of us and he said he loved me. 

I tried to control my anger, and then my phone beeped. “Yes?” I answered.

“I can’t stop him anymore. We need to go. He is waiting.” Anthony spoke, and I pinched the bridge of my nose and said, ‘’Tell him I’m on my way." and walked out of the building. 

**†****†*****†*****†****†**

“Since you became the Business executive of New York, I’ve been your great fan. I always dreamt of this opportunity.” Finn told me with a cheesy smile throughout our time together, and I nodded, grateful that he thought so highly of me.

“How did you enter this business?” I asked, curious as he looked so young.

“My father passed away, and I had to take over his empire.” He answered, shrugging his shoulders.

“I’m so sorry.” I apologized, and he shook his hand.

“No, it’s okay. I have someone to look up to, and I’m really enjoying it so far.” He confessed. I felt blood rush on my cheeks because he made me feel special. 

“I always rent this penthouse, but never really cared to eat here.” He said, gesturing at the topmost floor of a restaurant. 

“It’s beautiful,” I said when I saw the clear sky and the ambiance was also beautiful.

“Yes, beautiful indeed.” He said, and I caught him looking at me. I put the strand of my hair behind my ear as it was not something I was expecting. He was charming, yes, and his aura somehow relaxed me.

“Anyway, why don’t I see any updates about your marriage on any social media?” He asked all of a second. 

“I don’t like to advertise my personal life,” I answered in all honesty.

“You know, you can use me as your stress buster.” He said, and I raised my eyebrow at him, not understanding what he exactly meant.

“I can see how upset you are because your husband didn’t come with you.” I shook my head. That wasn’t the matter, but he put a finger on my lips, surprising me.

“I know when someone is upset, baby girl.” He spoke, taking his finger away. 

“I guess I need to leave,” I said when I noticed I needed to leave.

“Okay, but can I have your number?” He asked. I contemplated whether to give him, but decided otherwise.

“Okay.” And click on my number on his phone.

“It was nice talking to you, Mr. Miller,” I said, but he shook his head.

“It’s Finn to you.” He said and as I stood, he walked close to me and hugged me. I stood there, unable to comprehend how to react.

“Um, you smell so addicting.” He inhaled the same way Zearo did, and I hated that I couldn't remove the thought of him from my mind. 

“I’m sorry, but it’s true. Your smell is addicting.” He confessed, breaking the hug. I smiled awkwardly and picked up my purse before heading out of his penthouse. 

“I think I should change my perfume,’’ I whispered, clicking on Anthony‘s number. The elevator door opened on the ground floor and I gasped, staggering a few feet back. My eyes didn’t believe what I saw and tears started pouring out of their own accord.

**†***†***†***†***†***†***†***†***†**

❤️Vote, Comment, and Share❤️