ALEXANDER
I was caught off guard as memories of Isabella consumed my mind, feeling betrayed as a smile escaped my lips, and for a fleeting moment, the room around me ceased to exist. I was jolted to reality by a question from the person I least wanted to see at that moment - Amanda.
"If I consume your thoughts this badly, why didn't you call?" she asked in a playful tone.
I retorted, "Amanda, you should learn to knock before entering."
"You should be used to me not knocking," she countered.
With a resigned sigh, I replied, "I guess I should."
Curiosity piqued, Amanda inquired, "So tell me, what occupied your mind that you didn't notice me when I walked in?" She pulled out a chair opposite me and sat down, waiting for an answer.
"Just work stuff, nothing you need to worry about," I stated dismissively. "So, why are you here?" I asked without looking at her.
"It's been a while, Alex, and I was thinking if you would go out for lunch with me," she asked, looking at me.
"I'm starving, so I could really use that." I said raising my head
"Your angel is ever ready to save the day." She replied jokingly
"Don't flatter yourself," I retorted as I reached for my suit jacket. She got up and decided to help just as I was about to say I can do it myself.
"You don't…" Isabella walked in with a file in her hand. We exchanged glances for a while, as if she was searching for an answer
Determined to push her out of my mind, I decided to act indifferent to her presence. Just before I could say anything, Amanda chimed in. "Oh, you're the new secretary I met earlier, right?"
"I'm not sure we have met, but I'm his new secretary," Isabella said calmly
"I hope he doesn't stress you," Amanda said, adjusting my jacket and looking at Isabella simultaneously. "Anyways, we've got a date, and don't worry, he will be back for work before you know it," she added confidently
"Just leave the file on the table. I'll take a look at it when I'm back," I managed to say as we walked out, leaving Isabella alone in the office.
As we strolled out of the office, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of unease. Despite my best efforts to convince myself that Isabella's presence didn't bother me, the lingering thoughts of her persisted. I desperately tried to push them aside, focusing instead on the upcoming lunch with Amanda.
"A date?" I asked, my voice filled with disbelief. Amanda's brows furrowed in confusion.
"What do you mean, a date? We're just going to lunch, Alex." She paused, a contemplative look crossing her face.
"Do you think we owe Isabella any explanation?"
Her question lingered, unanswered. I didn't know how to answer. On one hand, I believed that we somehow owed Isabella some kind of explanation on why we decided to leave the office all of a sudden. After all, she was my secretary, and I left her alone in the office. On the contrary, I did not want to overreact on something that might be nothing. In the end, I chose to be careful.
"I do not think so," I said, trying to appear confident. "It's not such a big deal."
Amanda nodded, evidently satisfied with my answer.
Back at the office, I found Isabella at her desk, working. As I approached, she looked up, her gaze steady.
"I hope you enjoyed lunch," she said, her tone neutral. Ignoring the question, I replied,
"Amanda likes to play games; don't read too much into it."
"It's not in my place to read into your personal life, Mr. Stone," Isabella said, shifting her attention to her desktop screen.
Why was she so cold? I asked inwardly as her response kept echoing in my mind. Was she hurt, indifferent, or simply uninterested? I just couldn't understand.
Deep in thought, the tapping sound of Isabella's fingers on my office door brought me back to reality. She entered carrying a file in her hands.
"Mr. Stone, I have got updates on the upcoming Veritas project. There are some important details we need to discuss," her tone professional yet warm.
"Great, Isabella. Let me hear them." I replied, trying so hard to shift my focus back to work.
As she briefed me on the project details, I realized how much we've been lagging behind. We have lots of work to do, and a short period to achieve our goal.
"Isabella, I want you to live with me," I said, looking at the file she placed on my desk. Just for the meantime, until the project is over.
"S-sir?" She stuttered.
"This project is one of the biggest projects Stone Enterprises has ever handled, and we can't afford not bringing in our A-game," I explained.
"But sir, I stay at the company-assigned apartment, which is very close to the company, and I'm here most of the time."
"Isabella, I understand, but this is different. It's not just about your daily duties; it involves a big project that could make or mar Stone Enterprise, so I need you to work closely with me round the clock for the entire preparation." Isabella looked hesitant, her brows furrowed in thought.
"But what about my personal life?" she asked softly.
I paused, considering her question. It was true; she had her own life outside of work, and I didn't want to infringe upon it. But at the same time, this project was of immense significance to the success of the company, and with Isabella on my side, everything would go smoothly.
"Isabella," I started, my voice brimming with honesty, "this is quite a heavy request. But I truly believe that with your skills and dedication, we can do great things together, and I promise you that I will do everything within my abilities to ensure that your personal life suffers no ill repercussions."
She nodded slowly.
"Alright, Mr. Stone. If you really think it's necessary it is necessary for the success of the project, then I'm willing to give it a try."
"Go pack your bag; I will send a car to pick you up by 8 pm."