He was getting closer to us. Those eyes hadn't gone anywhere and were still staring at me. Memories of the past with him pulled back into my mind. But soon I brushed aside the memory of him in the past.
"Hello, bro!" A well-built man who was almost the same as the man beside me greeted his brother.
His eyes looked down at my waist. I just remembered Achille's left hand was still wrapped around my waist.
His face showed no remorse or guilt, he easily greeted Achille, me, and also his parents.
Achilles said, "Hello ...."
"Hi, Claire!" He turned and greeted me as if nothing had happened.
That's the only greeting, nothing else. The situation was very awkward. Both pairs of eyes of my in-laws glanced at me, probably wanting to know my reaction.
"Hi ...." I answered as best I could not to be too stiff. Some eyes are still staring at me. I realized that. It makes me very awkward.
"Calm down, Claire! You can," I muttered.
Achille seemed to notice my awkwardness. I felt his hand pressing against my waist, so I felt calm.
Mr. Demian said, "How long is your vacation?"
"Just a few weeks, Sir, since it's not summer vacation."
"It's okay. The important thing is that you're still in good."
"Basten has been here. So, we have to go," said Achilles. I couldn't decipher the look in his eyes. "Congratulations on the study!" Then he patted the shoulder of the man next to him.
"Thanks. You go there sometime. Many places I can show you. Anyway, recommended."
"I have a lot of work to do. I can't just walk away from work just for the sake of pseudo pleasure."
"You can take time off, right? You can also bring your wife. There are many very beautiful and comfortable places for honeymooners."
Instantly, Achille turned to him, "We have different tastes. I have no taste going there. There are also many beautiful and exotic places here. Why do you have to go there?"
"Come on ... come on, bro! Everyone has proven Aussie is a wonderful place!"
Achille just pursed his lips to the side, hearing his brother's invitation. He was quite calm and didn't say another word then walked away from them. I knew it was not easy for Achille to accept the fact that he has to bear the burden of the family because of his brother's behavior.
I walked, following in his footsteps. When these eyes looked back, they were still staring at us. I turned my gaze back to the front.
"Why? You are still curious to see him?" asked Achilles. Turns out, he was watching me.
"No. I just feel bad for mom and dad."
"No need to think about it. After all, they also don't consider my feelings and you."
I chose to remain silent, not wanting to continue the discussion about this. I was afraid it will only lead to an argument with him.
I knew he was still upset. However, he was calm enough to refrain from arguing with his brother earlier. He chose to run away from it.
All the way home, I didn't dare to ask him. I decided to be quiet because he also hadn't spoken a word. He only focused on driving the car.
Remembering Basten's gaze, the man who seemed to have no guilt earlier, made this heart even more furious. His demeanor was very calm as if everything was fine after what he had done. Neither did my two in-laws' faces show that they were concerned or angry with their son's temper.
Cihoe Street this afternoon was quite quiet. Usually, this area was crowded with vehicles. Achilles freely drove the car. Yes, the office where Achille works was in the vicinity of Cihoe, La defense district. After about half an hour of driving, we arrived at the office.
"Claire, if you want to take a rest, please go to that room!"
"Okay, thanks. You don't want to take a rest yet?" I asked him while walking towards the room he pointed to. I'm curious, want to see the private room in question.
"Not yet. I'm not asleep. Besides, I'm not used to taking naps."
"Okay."
The workspace was quite spacious. In addition to the reception room, there was also a private room to rest. I was quite surprised because this was the first time I have seen a workspace that was very complete with various needs from the face, and stomach to the feet.
I didn't have any experience working or visiting company offices, let alone entering the president's director's office.
It was noon. The sun's rays were shining brightly. Even though I was in a fairly air-conditioned room, it still felt hot because the light penetrated the glass window that I opened and pulled out the curtains. I pulled the window door back because I couldn't breathe in the hot air.
"If you've had enough rest, we'll go to the restaurant across the street for lunch! But later, I'll finish some paperwork to check first, then we'll go."
I didn't know what got into him today, he didn't look as cold as usual. I hope there's no veiled intent in his kindness today.
"Want me to help you? Maybe there's something I can do to make the job easier." I offered to help him.
"Do you want to stand here and watch me finish my work?"
"No ... that's not what I mean, Achille. I mean well. I'm just offering myself. Maybe I can help."
"You mean to do good! There's no need to tire of being nice to me. I wouldn't be flattered."
Huff, just a few hours ago he was being cute. This time the nature of the wolf began to appear again. He can change that fast. What a strange man! Makes my horns just turn red!
"Well!" I dropped my ass back onto the sofa, still feeling pent-up irritability and suffocating my chest.
I've made a good offer, instead, he answered like that! Huff ..." I snorted in my heart as I exhaled roughly.
This privacy room did not have a bed to sleep in, only a dual-function folding sofa. Apart from being a sitting sofa, it can also be used for sleeping.
I couldn't close my eyes. How was it possible to sleep? The debate was still playing in my head. I'm still upset.
Several times this finger rubbed the mobile phone screen then the screen was locked and opened again. I lock the screen and then open it again. Over and over again until I didn't know how many times it's been.
"How about your rest?" He suddenly opened the door and asked. I could only see half of his head behind the door.
Do you think I can sleep well after what you just said?
I just snorted as I walked out.
"I'm waiting outside!"
"Yeah. I'll be out in a bit." I tidy up my clothes and make-up first before going out.
After I thought enough, I walked toward the parking lot. Surely, he had been waiting there.
"How? Are you ready?"
"Oh my gosh! You startled me! I thought you were waiting in the car?"
"Are you sure? Letting you walk alone? Come on, let's go!"
Our lunch didn't seem to be lunchtime anymore, it was lunch to dinner to be precise because it was already 3.45 pm. His habit was often eating at this hour. That's what he told me. Like it or not, I have to get used to it.
After lunch or this afternoon, we go straight home to clean ourselves because we were tired from working all day. After this, usually, they will continue to work again, whether it's a meeting or meeting with clients and others.
I was not allowed to follow it anymore because I was tired. Apart from being tired, I also didn't want to argue anymore. He always makes me angry just because of trivial things. But, actually not only that but because I didn't need to come along. There will be a meeting there. So, I can choose not to go.
"Lassie! Lassie ...!
"Yes, Miss Claire. Why didn't you go with Mr. Achille to the office?" Miss Lassie came over to me.
"No, I don't. He said there was a meeting. So, I didn't have to go and can take a rest at home."
"Oh, I see. So, what can I do for you? Can I get you some water?" She asked me.
"No need. I just wanted to talk to you. Please have a seat here!"
I was used to talking about everything with Mrs. Lassie in this house. The place where we chat was always this place–the side terrace of the house because it was directly opposite a plant of various beautiful vegetables and flowers. This has become my favorite place to relax.
In the evening, the house was very quiet. Usually, they came home around 8.00 or 9.00 pm. If there was no more work or whatever, they go home rather early.
In the preoccupation with chatting, I didn't notice that Basten had been behind me for so long. I was surprised when I heard his distinctive voice. Until I finally stood up and turned around.
"You guys seem to be having a lot of fun! Can I join you?"
"Ah-...."
"Oh, yes. I'm the host here too. No need to ask permission, right?" He cut me off before I could finish my words.
I was still silent, didn't say anything. It was impossible, I asked him to go out in front of Lassie.
He sat next to me. He casually continued his conversation. I just listened but didn't focus on what he was talking about. My eyes were glued to his index finger which moves as if to repel. I glanced in the direction where his finger was pointing. I winced.
Hmm, I already knew what that means. As it turned out, he had told Lassie to leave.
"Excuse me, Miss Claire, I have to go to the kitchen!" Well, my guess was right.
"All right, Miss Lassie. Go ahead!"