A month passed by after Ethan was caught. The carnival suggested by Amya was a resounding success. As soon as the carnival ended, a flood of people came to the city's firm, eager to have their dreams empowered and their productions showcased.
Four days after the carnival at P.M.E.C., it was about seven p.m., and Amya and David were still in the office working on a project. "And done!" David said, saving the project on his computer.
"Wow, we did it!" Amya exclaimed happily.
"Yes! Now the only thing left is to put the plan in motion," David said, turning off his computer.
"Don't worry, I'm sure the team will be impressed with the project ideas," Amya reassured.
"Of course, because I have a very talented personal assistant who is always full of great ideas," David complimented.
Amya blushed and smiled. She then looked at David and caught him staring at her with a smirk on his face.
Amya gave David a questioning look as if asking why he was looking at her like that. "Your smile is really beautiful. You should always smile because it makes you even more beautiful," David said.
Amya's cheeks turned beet red at the compliment, and she shifted her gaze to the floor in embarrassment. "Let's go out for dinner," David suggested, standing up to collect his coat and car keys.
At first, Amya stood rooted to her spot, thinking she must have misheard him. "Are you coming, Miss Cora, or should I drag you with me?" David said sarcastically.
Amya snapped out of her daze and followed David out.
After dinner, Amya and David went to one of the city's exclusive clubs to have some drinks and enjoy each other's company. "Oh my gosh! I can't believe you peed on yourself because of the shadow of a cockroach when you were a kid," Amya said, laughing.
"I know, right? It was hilarious, and I didn't sleep for an entire week, scared of the cockroach monster," David said, looking at Amya with eyes filled with desire.
Noticing David's gaze, Amya stopped laughing and asked, "What's the matter?"
"I'm sorry. It's just that your laugh is so cute that for a moment I got lost in it," David replied.
Amya's cheeks flushed briefly. "Today is unique, isn't it? I didn't know my CEO was such a cheesy guy. I thought you were a stern and cold person who never complimented his employees," Amya said playfully.
"Is that what you think of me?" David asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, that's what I thought. But after tonight, I stand corrected," Amya replied, sipping her soft drink.
"I'm glad you finally have a good view of me," David said, sipping his brandy, which Amya had noticed was his favorite drink.
After a few moments of silence, Amya's phone started ringing, but she didn't pick it up. She knew it was her over-concerned mother calling to check on her.
The phone continued to ring, but Amya still didn't answer it. David asked, "Is everything okay?"
"Yes. Why do you ask?" Amya replied.
"You aren't answering your phone, and it's someone you shouldn't ignore. I even pick up my mom's calls, even during important meetings. So, why are you ignoring yours?" David asked with concern.
"Please don't ask me about this. You wouldn't understand. Just leave it be," Amya replied in a broken tone.
David placed his glass on the table and took hold of Amya's hands. "Amya, I know you may feel shy sharing your problems with me because I'm your boss, but for once, look at me as your friend. I want you to be more than just my P.A.; I want you to be my friend. Don't be afraid to share your burden. When you talk about it, I promise you'll feel relieved, and the weight of the burden will lessen. I'll do my best to understand, because I care as your friend. So, please tell me what's wrong," David said.
At first, Amya wasn't sure if she should trust David and pour out her heart's turmoil, but his reassuring gaze encouraged her. "I live with my mother. She's a feminist activist lawyer who fights and defends women's rights. She even owns a facility that helps abused and disadvantaged women by fighting their cases and helping them get jobs. It's a good thing, and I'm proud of her, but..." Tears glimmered in Amya's eyes. "She's too overprotective and concerned about me. Her possessiveness is suffocating. My mom had a bad relationship with my dad that made her this way. She tries to control every aspect of my life to prevent me from experiencing what she went through. She always stopped me from associating with boys. I even went to an all-girls kindergarten school and also high school. I never even went to prom with anyone, even when my friends did. I just want to make my own decisions and mistakes. I want to live my own life without anyone controlling it. Is that too much to ask, David? Is it?"
Amya cried bitterly, and David stood up, handed her his handkerchief, and said, "I'm sorry things are complicated between you and your mom. You should talk to her and show her that you're capable of taking care of yourself. Prove to her that you're a strong woman who can face her problems. I will support you in any way you need if you give me the chance. I promise I'll take care of you."
Amya stopped crying and turned to thank David, but as she did, her lips accidentally brushed against his. They both froze for a moment, staring into each other's eyes. Then, David initiated the kiss further with passion, and Amya surprisingly responded with the same intensity. They kissed hungrily, but as David's tongue entered Amya's mouth, she broke the kiss, her rosy lips swollen and her face flushed. She stood up and dashed out of the club, hiring a taxi to go home.
When she arrived, she didn't reply to her mother's questions and went straight to her room, locking the door. She lay on the bed, her heart racing, and whispered, "What have I done?"