In the beginning of the dinner party...
[Unknown's POV]
Friday night and I find myself in the midst of businessmen- Practically wolves in sheep clothing. Why am I sitting with these men? Shouldn't I be in the same table with the person who invited me here? Along with the people who actually give a fuck about the research and project proposals?
Leaning to my left, where Tyler sat, I muttered through a smile. "Ty, are you sure we sat at the right table?" He looked up from his phone and glanced around the room. Then I said, "Also, make sure to find that bastard I was talking about, and subpoena his ass to court."
He nodded as he typed a note on his phone, then asked. "The man who punched a woman a couple of nights ago?"
Discreetly, I gestured a "yes" with my head as my name was suddenly called out and an eruption of laughter circled the table.
Halfway through the dinner party...
*Amora's POV*
"Will you stop fussing?" Evan asked as he continued to lead me to the multi-function room that our department booked in this hotel. "You literally look like a fucking angel- So, charm the CEO into agreeing with our proposal."
It was a good thing that I decided to carry the makeup bag that I never use. Because if I didn't, then I wouldn't have had the powder thingy to cover my back with. And if I didn't cover it... I'm sure Evan will start raising some questions about why there are so many scars, cuts and marks on my back.
That's why I felt exposed and conscious in this stupid dress. I'm not going to lie, it was sweet of Evan but sometimes his preferences are a little too... Uhh...
As we neared the entrance, I stopped at my tracks which caused him to collide with my back. I turned at him and said, "What are you insinuating here?" Slightly irritated, I folded my arms in front of my chest. "I don't care if everyone thinks the CEO's a bitch, but if he can attend this party, then he can wait- So that means, I have time to change back-"
Smartly dodging Evan like playing a game of tag, I sped past him as I laughed my ass off. When I heard Mr. Geoff's voice, "Ms. Van Allen! Mr. Danielson! What are you two doing, playing round' here?" He emerged from the curtains that covered the side door. "Mr. Young's about to give his speech- Afterwards, be sure to talk to him about it."
Our eyes popped in surprise as we nodded like a bunch of innocent 5 year-olds getting scolded.
He grumbled as he entered back in, "Seriously, I don't know if you're adults or children sometimes..." Evan and I looked at each other and gave each other a wide grin.
Within a blink of a moment, I felt Evan push me towards the double doors of the room and as it opened and closed, I stumbled into the room that was brimming with bright lights and various palettes of colors. A scent of expensive perfume lingered around the air as the boisterous murmurs of people gave life to the undivided room.
Squinting through the spotlight that was suddenly beaming at me, a flight of stairs stood before me, while the boisterous murmurs- Out of nowhere- Gradually died down. My eyes darted around in alarm as I realized that about a hundred pairs of eyes were looking at me.
Out of the entire crowd, only one pair seemed to have gotten my eyes magnetized towards theirs. With the rest of the room fading into grey, I made my way to the stairs as my eyes continued to make eye contact with the pair that was across the room.
It's him again. It's him- Wait a minute. Mr. Geoff said that Mr. Young's about to deliver his speech... So does that mean the man I keep meeting is the CEO of Young Enterprises?
Holy. Shit.
Clearing his thoat, he continued to speak as I descended the steps. "What else can I say but thank you for showing such great hospitality." By now, I was really just gawking at him- Because who knew how small the world was that I would meet him again- Like this. "I've talked to Mr. Geoff and Mr. Danielson about the project and I'm quite interested and impressed at the amount of preparation that was already done. Though, I suppose all of the decision-making has been put on hold thanks to a certain someone." As he said this, his eyes bore straight into mine, and gleamed with a hint of coldness.
Nervous as heck, I reached the foot of the stairs but as my stare-off continued with Mr. Young, all of a sudden, a throbbing twinge grabbed me by the back of my head, and forcedly, I watched Mr. Coney pull the trigger.
And Dad was shot.
And a flashing image of Luke blinked in my memories.
The echoing sound of a gunshot filled my ears and the floor seemed to keep moving. Now walking away from the stairs and to a corner of the room, my legs wobbled and jiggled. Just when I was about to fall over, I grabbed the top of a chair just in time and sat on it- Pretending that was my intention for grabbing the seat like that. To sit on it.
I shook my head. Oh no... What was that? Why are you coming back now? Out of all places. And why was Luke there? Strenuously, I pushed the whirling thoughts that infested my mind, away.
And forced myself to think about what Mr. Young said... When he said "a certain someone", does he mean me?
Oh shit. Right, I was late.
As I saw Evan approaching me with 2 glasses of wine in his hands, I shook my head as a "No, thanks" and made my way to the back of the room, to meet Mr. Young.
Every step I took led me closer to him and my heart was still pounding from the sudden flashback I just had. But why do I feel like it's pounding because of him.
Lavishly dressed in a black suit and a black tie, with his almost-black hair loosely hanging above his forehead. He stood almost a head taller than everyone while his hands were pocketed in his black slacks. When he saw me walking up to him, he patted Mr. Geoff's shoulder and shook his hand with a firm smile plastered on his face.
Hesitantly, I extended my hand for a handshake. "Mr. Young- Hi, nice to meet you." I greeted with a smile but he just stood there and stared at my hand. Taking that as a "no", I dropped my arm and placed it behind my back as I suddenly felt how bare my back was. "I'm sorry for being late- I'm usually very punctual." I glanced sideways to follow what he was so keen on looking at, nonetheless, I carried on talking about the research we want to conduct.
While I explained the situation we were currently at, I didn't feel completely nervous because it felt like he was miles away. But as I'm nearing the end, it now feels like I'm being examined underneath a microscope. Sweating profusely, I tried to come up with ways that would make the proposal extra appealing.
But as I opened my mouth, he cut me off in a steel-cut voice. "Yes, I approve- I'll sign the papers and have the contract sent by tomorrow." And with that, he left. Leaving a gust of air that smelled of expensive cologne.
In disbelief, I stared a hole onto the back of his head while I constructed up an entire made-up swear word to yell out. I mean why embarrass me in front of the entire room if you're just gonna walk away like this- I bent over backward to get here on time and now he's leaving like this.
But I obviously held myself back. Although for some reason, I feel like I can act freely like this whenever I see him. Even though he has an uninviting and stone-cold demeanor.
~~~
[Jackon Young's POV]
How could someone look so similar yet different at the same time?
It takes a few moments for my eyes to set and finally see the resemblance between the girl that I see in my dreams and the woman that was now climbing down the stairs. A million thoughts exploded in my mind but I also couldn't help but take at this moment. This breath-taking moment that made time feel non-existent.
Annoyingly, I realized that I wasn't the only one staring at her because I felt the entire male population in the room turn their heads at the same time like a bunch of meerkats, which made me think- What the fuck am I doing?
~~~
"Well, I'm excited to know what you're decision will be, Mr. Young." A smile formed on his face as Mr. Geoff took a sip of white wine.
Nonchalantly, I nodded my head as I checked my watch, "I came tonight, having already decided beforehand." When I said this, he blurted out what he was drinking into his wine glass again and shot me a surprised look. "I've had an entire week to think about it and you know I don't like wasting time- So, yes. Excavate and do your research- I'll allow it. But of course, both parties must come to an agreement for the terms and conditions of the contract." With one handshake later, we exchanged goodbye's.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted her making her way over to me with a carefree smile gently tugging on her lips. Again, a wave of men started turning their heads and ogling her, which caused me to form a fist with my hands that were in my pocket. One of the few men that attempted to talk to her, got sidelined by her but had the audacity to stop her from leaving by grabbing her wrist
It's none of my business. It's none of my business. It literally has nothing to do with me. But this is seriously bothering me.
I knew where the conversation was going to go, yet I let it run its course as an excuse to be near her. To examine her behavior.
Getting a non-verbal signal from Tyler across the room, I knew it would be best if we didn't shake hands. As she went on about the towns that needed to be visited, I was distracted by the number of stares we were receiving. And this time it felt like the entire room had eyes on us.
I have to play it safe so I decided to cut the conversation short by telling her that I'll have the contract signed and delivered by tomorrow.
~~~
Urgently and swiftly as possible, I tried to keep my composure as I strode to the parking lot and to my car.
Was it so necessary to follow me all the way here? I thought as I located a familiar black Mercedes car, hiding in the shadows of a tree.
However, as I made my way down the stairs, I instantly recognized whose back I was seeing in the dark. With her head pointing up in the sky and as her hair danced among the crisp night wind, she hugged herself with her arms.
Ms. Van Allen.
Without listening to the voice of reason in my head, the pace I was walking at slowed as I approached her, and while I neared her I unconsciously slid off my dinner jacket and placed it on her shoulders while I continued walking.
And brushed past her as I picked up my pace again. At the corner of my eye, I saw her shoulders tense up while she muttered something underneath her breath.
I probably shouldn't have done that.
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In this chapter, I wanted to focus on Amora's interaction with Mr. Young... And for some insight into Mr. Young's thoughts. So that's why this chapter is just mainly that.
i'm sorry if it was boring oof.
vote and comment if u want ;)
anyways have a good day and be sure to stay safe and happy :)