DAVID POV
"Please make sure the documents are ready by tomorrow, and you can take the next three days off to spend some time with your family, I apologize you had to come to work today" I said to Mr. Martins, my Assistant who just got married last year December.
"No need for apologies, sir. I am truly grateful for your benevolence," he replied, his countenance emanating with gratitude as he left my presence.
The way today's events played out caught me off guard and kept me from taking the time to relax as I had planned. Unanticipated circumstances required my presence at the office to conclude pending tasks and address urgent issues.
Retrieving my keys from the desk, I cast one final glance upon the sanctum of my work, ensuring no unfinished tasks were left before firmly closing the door behind me.
"Bye, sir," my secretary, Miss Kim said as I turned to leave the office. I responded with a nod and a gentle smile, acknowledging her kind gesture.
I made the decision to make a stop at Domino's on the way home since I had a kid at home, a cute kid to be exact, and a troublesome one. On days like this, when tiredness loomed over me, a bowl of noodles for dinner and an early bedtime felt like the simplest and most alluring solution. But it was worth it just to picture the smile on her face when she sees the pizza box. My life had not been particularly enjoyable lately due to my workload and the constant conflict with my uncle but thanks to my closest friend Phil whom I got out and spent time with on occasion.
* * *
As I pulled into the driveway, my eyes caught sight of a vehicle nestled within the compound. It was unmistakably Joan's car, which meant she must have returned to hand over the keys. Stepping out of my vehicle, I observed the scene with curiosity, wondering what was going on inside.
Before I could make my way to the front door, my security guard Mr. Pius hurriedly approached me, eager to relay the news.
"Sir, Miss Joan is inside" he informed me, a hint of urgency in his voice. "I advised her to wait for you, but she seemed quite pressed for time."
I dismissed his concerns with a casual wave of my hand. Joan was a woman who operated on her own terms, and no one could truly hinder her if she had her mind set on something. Expressing my gratitude to him, I strode into the house.
As I entered the living room, my gaze fell upon Joan and Jane, locked in an intense exchange of stares. And there stood Jane, draped in my clothes. I couldn't help but let out a small chuckle as her small figure was completely covered by the clothing, I couldn't deny how adorable she looked in it. I had always found her to possess an air of uniqueness, a captivating charisma that drew my attention whenever I celebrated Christmas in Wollongong. From amidst the bustling crowd, I would watch her, captivated by her presence. And now, as my eyes feasted upon her, I realized that she was way prettier than I thought and undeniably cute.
"Joan" I called in a questioning tone
"David" she replied. With an air of nonchalance, she turned to face me, her lips curling into a plain smile that spoke volumes. "You're quick with moving on I see"
"You came to drop the keys?" I asked
"Yes," she replied "And talk to you, but I think I already have my answers," Her response was laden with an underlying tone of resignation, as she handed the key over to me
Joan and I had shared a bond since our high school days, we embarked on countless adventures together. However, her recent betrayal had left a deep wound, one that still pained my heart. Although she had repeatedly asked for my forgiveness and shown regret, I felt in my heart that our paths had permanently parted. Even though I had forgiven her, I realized that I would never be able to bring our relationship back to its former splendor.
I took the keys from her outstretched arm and strode towards Jane, who stood there innocently observing the unfolding scene. Her face bore a hint of curiosity as if she had something to say, but before she could utter a single word, I interrupted her "My clothes, really?" I questioned, Jane's gaze shifted downwards, as though she was only just realizing and a shy smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"I'm sorry, I had no other option," she responded, her words didn't appear to be laced with genuine remorse. The sound of the door closing behind us caught my attention, and I turned to see that Joan had left.
Sensing Jane's lingering curiosity, she mustered the courage to inquire, "Is she your girlfriend?" A flicker of embarrassment crossed her face as she quickly added, "I'm so sorry she had to see me in your clothes. I had no idea." She apologized sincerely.
A wave of affection washed over me as I observed her innocent charm, and for a moment, I yearned to embrace her tightly.
Suppressing those emotions, I averted my gaze and made my way toward the kitchen to make dinner, ignoring her question.
JANE'S POV
I followed him to the kitchen, my stomach grumbled in protest, hoping to satisfy my hunger with a quick meal. Leaning against the doorframe, I casually rested my arm on the wall, and observed him with curiosity
"You were out for a long time," I said
"Did you miss me?". He glanced back at me, and a slight grin played on his lips.
"Oh, you wish," I replied with a scoff
He playfully feigned disappointment, his face assuming a mock expression of sadness. Suddenly, he reached into the grocery bag he had brought home. He revealed a box of pizza and a tempting tub of ice cream, much to my surprise.
"I thought you'd want this," he said, in a warm, kind voice as he handed them to me. "While we wait for the main course, there are also snacks and cereal in the fridge if you'd like."
My heart swelled with joy and gratitude, I was surprised at his kind gesture
"Happy New Year, Jane," he added, his eyes sparkling with sincerity.
I've experienced three instances of surprise already today. I couldn't help but ask, "Uhm! I'm sorry, who are you?"
"Only because it's new year celebration" he let out a genuine laugh turning away, the sound of his chuckle immediately warmed my heart. His smile was unquestionably the cutest thing I had ever seen.
"You laughed?" I exclaimed, joining in his laughter, I felt a warmth spread through my being to see him laugh.
Glancing down at the ice cream can nestled in my hand, I couldn't help but express my gratitude. "Thank you," I softly uttered, my words tinged with sincerity, "for the food and for allowing me to stay."
He countered with a frown, remarking, "Just because I had no choice".
Well, that was him, always possessing the knack for ruining my mood.
"Wow! What a great way to accept gratitude" I remarked sarcastically placing the pizza box on the kitchen counter. I took a slice for myself and gave him some which he also took as he prepared to make dinner.
Something nudged me to voice the question that had been nagging at the back of my mind "You do recognize me, don't you? I mean..." I hesitated, searching for words.
"I've seen you quite a number of times in church" he interrupted in before I could finish.
Taken aback by his response, I couldn't help but retort, "But I have never noticed you"
"You can't possibly notice every member in church" he replied
"That may be true, but how did you manage to notice me, then?" I asked
With a contemplative pause, he turned his gaze towards me, his expression softening "Perhaps you've forgotten, but there was a time when I used to look after you as a child." he replied, his tone now laced with a mix of warmth and playful exasperation. He shook his head lightly, as if reminiscing about how I had genuinely caused him distress during our younger years.
"What?" I laughed at his statement "You knew me when I was as a kid?"
"You were just two" he chuckled "Always getting yourself into some kind of danger. It was quite a task looking after you."
"OMG! That's not true" I laughed. I had never imagined that we had known each other in such close proximity, let alone that he had taken care of me. He would have been just four years old back then. I was overcome with joy and felt more relaxed, learning that we had formed a strong bond as children although I couldn't really remember anything. All of a sudden it made sense why my dad had let me remain at his house.
As I watched him work, I couldn't help but ask what he was putting together.
"What are you making?" I asked curiously
"Rice and beef stew," he replied, a faint smile forming on his lips. His response instantly ignited my taste buds, and I couldn't hide my excitement.
"Oh, that sounds delicious!" I exclaimed, my stomach chiming in with a growl of anticipation.
"So, you can just sit and wait in the dining room, the dinner will be ready in a short while." he added
"I'd love to help." I offered
He let out a gentle sigh, seemingly torn between accepting my assistance and preserving his personal routine. After a momentary pause, he finally relented and said, "Fine."
As the evening progressed, we engaged in a cheerful banter, exchanging playful remarks and witty retorts while making dinner.
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A/N:
Hi Hi Hi guyssss. How have you been?
I apologize for the delay in updating this chapter; I had examinations to complete. I promise I'll try to upload every day from now on. I really appreciate you staying. Also, don't forget to share your thoughts on this chapter with me. I love you.