"Miss Claire, why are you surprised? Is something wrong?"
"No. I just realized that in the few weeks I've been here, I haven't seen Mr. Basten." There's no way I'd tell Lassie about Basten.
Did I hear wrong? Basten will come. It means we will always meet.
Maybe Achille picked him up too because this morning he was already tidy. But, no way, they shouldn't seem to get along with each other.
I reached for my cell phone in my pocket, swiped the screen, opened the green app, and typed a message to send to Achille.
I was just curious and wanted to make sure, was he going to the office or the airport.
[Good morning, Achilles. Are you at the office already?]
Five minutes passed, and still no answer.
Twenty minutes later ....
[Hmmm ... Why?]
"Huff, what does it mean? The answer is just asking me back." I grumbled in annoyance.
I still wonder, was he in the office or not? Or maybe at the airport. His answer just made me more confused. Why didn't he just say it to the point?
My thumbs were twirling and so were my thoughts. I was still looking for ideas to send him a message again.
[Achille, I'm going to the office. Your last offer, I accept it. I want to work in your office.]
Instantly, this idea popped up. Besides, I haven't had anything to do for almost a month at home. So, I better accept his offer to work while accompanying him.
A few weeks ago, Achille offered me to be his secretary. However, I refused because I thought I would feel pressured to work with a frozen man like him. In fact, at that time I suspected that I would not work as a secretary, but like his personal assistant who was sent here and there. He looked annoying.
[Did I misread the message?] Achille's asking me
[Not. I'm serious. I'm going to the office now! Twenty minutes later, I will arrive.]
I had no longer time to wait for an answer from him. I closed the green application and rushed to the bathroom.
After I was ready with my clothes and make-up, I went to the office by ordering a taxi online. I couldn't wait to arrive and see him at the office.
My mind was filled with various prejudices and conjectures that I do not know, true or not. I was just worried that if they met at the airport there would be an inevitable fight. It's just my assumption, I hope it doesn't turn out as I thought.
The taxi slowed down, then parked in a tall, six-story building. I've only been to this office twice while out with my mother-in-law, the second time with that cold husband. And now the third time, I came alone.
"Thank you, sir."
I took out some banknotes and paid the bill because the balance in the application was not enough. I didn't have time to fill it out.
I rushed out of the car and headed for the security guard door to ask about Achille.
After asking where Achille was, I headed for the fifth floor. His office is on that floor. The elevator that I took was alone, there were no other employees because it was reserved for high-ranking officials in this company and certain people.
The elevator stopped, a sign that it had arrived. I hurriedly exited and then headed to his study. I watched the room from a distance, but it seemed like the lighting inside was lacking.
I knocked on the door and said hello, but there was no answer. I repeat once again, maybe my greeting was not heard. Still nothing. I tried turning the doorknob, but couldn't. The door is locked.
I've tried many times to knock on the door and say hello, but there's also no answer. I went back and forth in front of his room in a confused state to ask who. Moreover, the fifth floor was quite quiet because there was no one I met.
Like getting the jackpot in the midst of anxiety, someone is passing by. Hurriedly, I immediately called him, "Excuse me... Sir. With Mr. Aris?"
"Yeah, right. Miss Claire, right?"
"Yes, sir. I happened to be here looking for Mr. Boss. They called him Mr. Boss. Since then, I knocked on the door and there was no answer. The door was closed. Did you see it?"
"He just came downstairs. It seems, there is something important that he is in a hurry."
"In a hurry?"
"Yes, Miss. He left not too long ago, about ten minutes ago."
"Okay, thank you, sir." Why didn't I meet him in the elevator earlier?
"You're welcome, Mom. You'd better call her."
I walked limply towards the elevator. It seemed Achilles stay away from me when I will come to the office? What's really going on?
I remembered that Mr. Aries' advice to me was also true. Immediately I reached for the device in my bag and called Achille rather than confused myself.
Only this time, I dared to contact him directly by calling. Usually, he contacted me himself. I'm quite annoyed with his treatment of leaving me here–when I was about to go to his office and he just left without any notification.
I managed to calm myself down a bit so I wouldn't be on fire then called him.
When the call was connected, my chest rumbled, "Hmm ... Achille, where are you?"
"I came home to pick you up."
"Hah! I'm already in front of your room. Didn't I tell you, I'm going to the office? Why did you pick me up?"
"Why didn't you tell me? I sent you a message and you haven't answered."
"What?" I held my forehead.
Ouch! I leaned against the elevator wall limply. My legs felt weak. The call was over.
I just remembered the message on WhatsApp and forgot to check it when I arrived at the office. I snorted in annoyance. I suddenly opened that application and read a message from him.
The message is thirty minutes ago.
[Okay. Just wait at home. I'll pick you up.]
Geez!
[In that case, I will be back at the office. You just wait in my room. I have asked Mr. Aries to open my room for you.]
[No need, Achille. I'll just wait in the lobby. I just came down.] I'm tired of having to turn back up again to his room.
[Okay.]
"Huff." I buried my face into the table as I waited. I was really annoyed with myself.
"How ...? Your decision hasn't changed right?" The deep voice rebuked me. I lifted my head and turned towards the sound. He was still standing next to me. I couldn't remember how long I have been sitting at the table.
"Does my character look wishy-washy and my face dubious?"
"Hmm, more or less like that!"
"What? I never lick my spit. When I say something, I'll keep it."
"Okay. We'll prove it."
"No need to worry!" How dare you judge me wishy-washy.
"I'm just judging by the looks of it over the past few days. After that, I don't know." He smiled wryly.
Hmm, I remember those words. Those words were I ever told him. Okay, I know.
He had already left me and left me alone without helping me up from my seat due to exhaustion.
Didn't he see the tired look on my face? Insensitive!
"Want me to help you? Are you still strong, right?" He turned and just stared from a distance.
What kind of offer is that? Why offer help from a distance!
"It's okay. I can stand on my own." I replied curtly.
I followed behind. Even though I was a little annoyed, I was relieved that my guess was wrong. He didn't go to the airport.
At least, he didn't hold a grudge against his brother and made them enemies.
"Oh, wait! What time is it?" He stopped and looked back. I almost hit him. If I didn't stop in a hurry, my head would hit his back.
"It is 08.00 am. Why?" I replied after glancing at the watch on my wrist.
"We're going to the airport now." My eyes rounded.
"For what? Is it urgent or ...?" I pretended to ask as if I didn't know something.
"I'll explain it to you later. Come on, let's get to the car!"
We walked together. Achille grabbed my wrist instantly. I was a little surprised by this treatment, which was unusual. We've never walked hand in hand and too close like this. Usually, I always followed behind him and he walks without waiting for me.
My eyes averted and still stared at the wrist.
"Hurry up, we're going to be late! What are you doing?" His eyes squinted at our wrists.
"Not." My cheeks blushed a little.
"Hmm ...." He let go of his hand and turned to hug my waist from the side.
"Uhpp ...." My chest is getting tighter. My heart was beating irregularly.
"A husband and wife are supposed to walk like this right?" He asked me.
These lips were speechless. I didn't know why this heartbeat was getting erratic. I felt so comfortable in his arms. Ah, my mind was starting to mess up. But I didn't think so. We were husband and wife.
Days with Achille, for some reason I feel there was something I couldn't explain. He's so different.
"Wear your seatbelt! If you can't, I can put it on for you."
"No, thanks. I can use it myself."
The car drove down the highway. I was still lost in my thoughts. Achille's attitude made me change his judgment.
After about half an hour, we arrived at the airport. He had explained to me in the car earlier that we were going to pick up Basten. Actually, I already knew from Miss Lassie. So, I wasn't too surprised when I heard that. However, I also want to hear from Achille.
"We're going there." I saw my mother and father-in-law sitting. They were waiting for their son.
We walked together to approach them.
"Claire! Let's sit here!" Mother smiled at us. His eyes were still fixed on us. Maybe he had never seen our closeness before. Moreover, Achilles hand has not been released from my waist.
Not long after, these eyes narrowed, seeing a young man who was approaching us. His haircut hasn't changed–a bit of a thin shave on the sides and thick hair on top. He brushed it back. His trademark side part hairstyle. My chest beats erratically when our eyes meet.