Because of the early morning rush hour traffic, Xander arrived at the meeting location slightly after the schedule. He decided to use his middle name to avoid confusing Sophia with the other person. However, he was disappointed to learn that she would not be the one to discuss the deal contract with him. He has suddenly decided to remain for one more month to advance his career as a chef, and he intends to convert their former home into a restaurant. And additionally, to learn more about Sophia.
"Mr. Will." Clarissa Bennington is a representative for Louver Home Design and Décor. She greeted him politely.
"Good morning. My name is Will Richards." Much to his amazement, he returned her greeting and noticed that Sophia was under the table, collecting her notes.
"Why is it that his voice sounds so familiar? Sophia turned her head in his direction and looked at him. Once again, she was shocked because she believed it to be him, the man with whom she had spent all night making love.
"Sophia!" Clarissa was tugging at Sophia's sleeve since she was not responding but silently staring at the client. After giving Clarissa a quick glance, Sophia turned her attention back to the man's face.
"Can I talk to you for a minute outside?" Sophia's question was intended to be serious.
"OH! Are you starting to miss me already?" Xander thought and couldn't help but crack a grin. "But no, baby! We will talk about business first. I want to know more about you." He continued to think while glancing at her at the same time.
"I'm sorry, Miss, but I have a tight schedule today. I'm here to talk business." Xander refused her offer and sat before them.
"Does he have no shame?! After all, that happened! He was here, acting like an innocent! How rude of you?!" Sophia pursed her lips as she harbored resentment for the man.
"I miss those lips." Xander smiles quietly to himself.
"Now, Ms. Clarissa, right?" He makes a comment while turning to Sophia's companion.
"I'm married, Sir." Clarissa smiles.
"My apologies, and I was wondering if we could start the discussion right now." He demanded.
"Of course, Sir. Please have a look at our latest designs." Clarissa provided him with all promotional materials, such as brochures, flyers, and offers.
"How about we talk about the design?" He asked.
"Sophia..." Clarissa beckoned to her again and dragged her from standing because she had not yet sat down. "What the heck is wrong with you?" She spoke in a hushed tone, appearing irritated.
"Mr. Will Richards, this is Sophia Valencia, the best interior designer we have in the company. She'll be discussing the outline." She was introduced to her by Clarissa.
It was common knowledge that Sophia was a workaholic employee. Still, when it came down to it, she always managed to maintain a professional demeanor regardless of the circumstances, just like she was doing right now.
"Fine then, go ahead, show it to me," Xander requested nonchalantly.
"Good morning, Mr. Will; here are some different options for the design that you might find appealing. I can only assume that it will be pleasant given that you intend to construct a restaurant in the East where workplaces will surround it. Relieving stress, creating a pleasant environment, and relaxing. Some variation on that." Sophia continues with the presentation perfectly.
"She really is something!" He thought while observing and listening to her. Xander couldn't help but be awestruck by her. He can't help but have a growing admiration for her.
"I wonder why she dumped me when we were in high school. I thought she liked me and insisted on meeting her mother. But why all of a sudden embarrass me the whole school?" He thought again while staring at her like he had done twelve years earlier.
After Sophia's lengthy speech had finally concluded, everything went off without a hitch despite his distracting stare, which captured her perplexity the whole time.
"What exactly is his issue? He never once took his gaze off of me!" She felt some annoyance against him.
"Impressive!" At long last, he smiles and talks.
"Does that mean you decide to sign with us?" Clarissa questioned him.
"Yes, let us have the contract signing tomorrow. I'll ask my secretary to arrange it." He response.
"What do you think about the cost and ___?"
"There is no need to explore that further. If it means that Ms. Sophia will be working with me, then I am willing to pay for anything that is necessary." Xander, cut her off abruptly while wearing his alluring, dazzling, and enormous smile,
He stepped up and gave a firm handshake to both of them.
"I'll see you around then," He said.
When they had finally arrived in the parking lot, Clarissa and Sophia were just ready to get into her car when all of a sudden, Xander spoke again.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Clarissa, but could I borrow your friend for a second?" He said, which left her astonished.
"Sure, no problem!" Xander made his way over to Sophia and grasped her hand as he did so.
"You said earlier you want to talk with me in private?" He said.
"Yes!" She nods.
"I'll be waiting for you at the office, Sophia." Clarissa just up and left without any explanation.
"I'm not sure if this is the way things should be done." Xander thought to himself as he continued to stare at Sophia while she watched the automobile drive away.
"Excuse me? Mr. Will? Mr. Will.?" She decided to give him a call because they had been waiting for what he intended to do for quite some time now and they were still standing there.
"I'm sorry, are we going to?" Xander made an offer to help her and led her to his vehicle.
"Mister, where do you want us to go?" The driver probes farther.
"Drive us in the direction of the East, Sunset Drive." He responded in a nonchalant manner and then gazed out the window.
"Sir, is that the same location that we visited the day before?" The driver inquires once more.
"Yes!" He said.
"Are we planning on going to the location? I'm already on my way to work; maybe I'll see you tomorrow." That was when Sophia stepped in.
"No, I need it right away!" He was adamant that she should not be given the opportunity to argue against him.
Sophia is still determining the specific reasons why she did consent. She was pondering whether it was because it was a significant matter or because she desired to get to know him more.
"He just took my virginity! Damn it!" She pondered things in silence.
"I'm unsure if this is how things should be done." Xander thought to himself as he stared at Sophia while she watched the automobile drive away.