Grace heard the waiter that Hunter was already inside the room so when she found it empty, she was a little surprised. Then she thought maybe he hadn't arrived yet and the waiter might be mistaken.
So when she was still thinking about it, her phone rang. She had already saved his number as they had talked so when it showed 'Hunter Ally' she was honestly a little surprised. She hasn't yet talked to him on call and never even heard his voice so when she suddenly got his call unexpectedly, she didn't react.
Finally, on the third ring, she picked up the phone and said.
" Hello?"
" Hello. It's me, Hunter. Have you already arrived?"
" Yes. Why do you ask?" She heard little noises from his side and felt like he was still driving.
" Well, the thing is, I will have to back out. I arrived 15 minutes earlier but at 7:50 am, I got a call from the military. I had to leave instantly. I am really sorry about that. I feel bad about my actions. But you know, I think it was good that this happened. You already got a demo of what my life is like. So even though you gave an answer, you are still welcome to reject me."
Hunter's voice sounded a little bitter. Grace heard him seriously. It was true that she didn't expect their first meeting to end up like this. But she wasn't the type to get upset over things. However, she was a perfectionist. She led a systematic and organised life. She was not comfortable with the ups and downs. She wasn't one with inconsistency.
However, that was a reason too small for her to be upset. She was too mature for her own good to care about these little details of other's life. As long as her life doesn't get shaken up, she doesn't care. So she asked.
" Where are you now?"
" I've just left the cafe. I am driving right now."
" It's okay then. You are also busy and I am also busy. I'll be getting busier soon so I don't really care about this. When will you be back?"
" I don't know. I can be back as soon or after months."
" ... Then let's skip the meeting. I'll ask my parents to have dinner with your parents a month later. If you could be back, it would be great and then we'll proceed with our marriage a month later. But if you're still not back even after that, then we'll have our wedding day postponed."
" ...You mean you don't care if we meet for the first time on our wedding day? Are you sure you're okay with marrying me who is as good as a complete stranger?"
" Yes. We are both marrying for each other's convenience so there is no need to be concerned about such matters. Even after marrying, we'll both live our own lives. I don't want to delay things and get done with them. It doesn't matter if we met for the first time on our wedding day. We'll just get to know each other on that day then."
" But what will we say to our parents? I don't think they would agree to this."
" Tell them that we met today. After all, we almost met each other so just say that we've already met and agreed to this. Then the rest, our parents will handle. It all depends on your schedule."
"...Okay. Then do you have anything to ask me? I can talk while I drive. And do you want me to send you my picture?"
" No. It's not necessary. I don't really care. And I think we already know important information about each other. So let's just go ahead with this plan. If any problem arises, we'll take care of it then. Oh, do you perhaps want a picture of mine?"
Grace wasn't interested in his picture. First and for all, she knew he was very good-looking as he was famous for it. Moreover, she felt that she wouldn't be able to judge him based on a photo so they'll just meet when the time comes. And he should also know about her as her most basic information is already known to his parents.
" No. I feel the same as you. By the way, after today, you won't be able to contact me until my mission ends. So if anything comes up, just leave me a message. After coming back from the mission, I'll check my messages first."
" Okay."
" Well, I think that's all then. Once again, I am really sorry for missing our appointments. I will try my best to not let this repeat again. If in case I don't come after one month, then I am really sorry. But I should probably be able to reach home for our wedding. In case I would be delayed longer, my father would have an idea beforehand so he will postpone it."
" Okay."