In the tranquil expanse of the lounge, a sense of respite gradually embraced Georgia, allowing her to regain her composure at long last. Inhaling deeply, she delicately wiped a stray tear and ventured out into the world beyond the lounge's confines.
The inexplicable shift in Jack's demeanor bewildered her. It was as if an intricate transformation had unfurled within him, causing him to grow more earnest and enigmatic as time progressed. This transformation, veering him away from the person she knew, cast a perplexing aura upon their interactions.
Yet, a certainty lingered deep within her—this change wasn't a true reflection of his essence.
A subdued sigh tumbled from her lips as she trod the path ahead, her mind awash with worries that overshadowed her surroundings.
"Ahem, Assistant Georgia."
Abruptly, a masculine voice broke the cadence of her thoughts, its tone laced with a touch of arrogance that didn't go unnoticed.
Lifting her gaze, Georgia's eyes widened in astonishment as they settled upon Cheng Zixiao, who leaned against the railing with an air of self-assuredness.
Why had he not departed yet?
Perceiving the curiosity on her visage, Cheng Zixiao bestowed her with a genial smile, his voice carrying a trace of playful banter. "Are you pondering why I'm still here?"
A few steps closer, his smile grew more pronounced as he continued, "I stayed behind because I was waiting for you."
A peculiar sensation ran down Georgia's spine at his words. Although she acknowledged Cheng Zixiao's favorable qualities, the manner in which he uttered his sentiment gave rise to an unsettling feeling.
Recalling Jack's recent words, she drew in a steadying breath, composing her features before addressing Cheng Zixiao with a measure of seriousness. "Mr. Cheng, I must confess that our acquaintance is not one of great familiarity. I do have ongoing tasks that demand my attention. Please excuse me."
With that, she made an attempt to move past him.
Yet, Cheng Zixiao, in a playful yet deliberate gesture, intercepted her path, his tone persistently flirtatious. "Assistant Georgia, is this how you treat an earnest request? I simply wished to extend an invitation for dinner."
Suppressing a shiver that prickled down her spine, Georgia held her ground and responded firmly, her voice unwavering. "I apologize, but I am already married."
Her gaze drifted toward her left hand, where a glinting ring adorned her finger.
Cheng Zixiao's eyes fell upon the ring, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.
Married?
Before he could fully recover from his astonishment, Georgia took her leave.
Assistant Xiao Luo, a spectator to this exchange, intervened with a resigned expression. "Mr. Cheng, perhaps it's time to give up."
Cheng Zixiao's stride faltered, his resolve unyielding as he retorted, "No way!"
His gaze then shifted to Xiao Luo, a challenge lingering in his eyes. "Find out who she's married to and when."
For the first time, he found himself captivated by a woman, only to discover that she was already wed. It was as if fate itself were jesting with him.
Xiao Luo sighed, a hint of exasperation coloring his tone. "Mr. Cheng, it might be best to let this go."
Cheng Zixiao's stubbornness flared, his voice resolute. "Absolutely not! I am curious to know the identity of the man who has won her heart."
He was accustomed to triumphing in matters of the heart, and he was unwilling to accept defeat this time.
Meanwhile, Georgia's spirits remained dampened as she returned to her office. Before she could fully acclimate herself, an unexpected entrance disrupted her solitude.
Meng Zihan loomed at the threshold, her gaze assessing Georgia as she inquired, "Is everything in order?"
Her response, while seemingly casual, carried an air of discontent, prompting Georgia to reply with a measured indifference. "Yes, it's all set."
Meng Zihan's surprise was palpable, her demeanor now tinged with skepticism. "Is Mr. Jack still around?"
"Yes," came Georgia's curt affirmation.
Sensing the terse nature of Georgia's responses, Meng Zihan's patience wore thin. "What's the matter with you? How is the progress?"
Summoning a deep breath, Georgia turned to face Meng Zihan, her words carefully measured. "I've carried out all the necessary preparations to host Mr. Cheng in the reception room. Mr. Jack has also made his presence known. However, the specifics of their discussions elude me."
Meng Zihan's dissatisfaction was evident, but her dissatisfaction had no clear avenue for expression. She had long heard tales of Cheng Zixiao's flirtatious and domineering nature, and had consequently assigned Georgia to the task with the expectation of witnessing her struggle. Yet, events had not unfolded as she had envisioned.
Sensing the conversational deadlock, Meng Zihan diverted her focus. "Is the attendance summary ready? I need it urgently."
Georgia's sigh was palpable as she responded candidly, "You handed it to me this morning, and with my afternoon schedule, I'm afraid it's impossible for me to complete it today."
Meng Zihan's tone turned frigid at this, her directive sharp. "Hurry up then."
Without further ado, she turned on her heel and exited the office, the door clicking shut behind her. Alone once more, Georgia remained seated, her mood no less somber.
Thoughts of Jack, and the frigid demeanor he had exhibited, cast a shadow over her heart.
As the day waned, Georgia eventually retreated to her home. Anticipating guidance, she sought her aunt Rong's counsel on how to mend her fractured relationship with Jack. Her query, however, revealed that he wouldn't be returning home that night.
Initially deeming it a temporary measure, she soon realized that the pattern persisted—three nights in succession, Jack had chosen not to return home.
It appeared that this time, he was genuinely aggrieved.
In the ensuing days, a whirlwind of tasks and duties occupied Georgia's every moment. Encounters with Jack were fleeting, confined to sporadic sightings within the confines of the company. These brief exchanges offered no respite for her disquietude.
Persistently seeking an opportunity, she orchestrated her involvement in delivering a document to the president's office, hoping to cross paths with Jack and engage him in conversation.
Clutching the document, she embarked on her journey toward his office, her heart aflutter with anticipation. As she neared her destination, her gaze collided with Cheng Lu, standing there, a stark contrast to her recent hospitalization.
Brief eye contact shared, Georgia redirected her attention and strode forth, only to be halted in her tracks.
Cheng Lu's voice, tinged with a wavering confidence, reached her ears. "Wait a moment."
Turning to face her, Georgia inquired, "What is it?"
The dynamics of her relationship with Cheng Lu had shifted, and Georgia no longer harbored the same trepidation.
With a degree of hesitation in her voice, Cheng Lu questioned, "What are you planning?"
Elevating the document in her possession, Georgia offered a straightforward response. "I'm here to deliver this document."
Cheng Lu extended her hand in a bid to receive the document, her tone inflected with urgency. "Hand it over. I'll take care of it."
However, Georgia subtly withdrew the document, her voice gentle yet resolute. "There are additional matters that require my attention. I believe it's best for me to deliver this personally."
With that, she continued on her course of action, leaving Cheng Lu to watch her depart with a mixture of uncertainty and simmering frustration.
With determined steps, Georgia reached the threshold of Jack's office. Knocking lightly, she awaited his acknowledgement before entering.
Inside, Jack sat engrossed in perusing documents, his focus momentarily broken by her entrance.
Meeting his gaze, Georgia's voice resonated with a composed note. "Mr. Jack, I have brought the summary document from the administration department as requested."
Jack's attention shifted from the documents to her, his gaze steady. "Place it on the table."
Georgia obliged, positioning the document with care. Despite completing her task, she remained rooted to the spot, her intention to engage in conversation evident.
Jack met her gaze, and after a moment of contemplation, he relented. "Is there something else?"
Drawing a steadying breath, Georgia met his gaze unwaveringly. "Mr. Jack, I feel compelled to express my thoughts."
Her words hung in the air, a palpable tension enveloping them both.