Ashlyn arrived at the last floor of her Company's building. She had left home only after assuring Kait that she was fine and would be able to work. Though, Kait wasn't totally convinced, she just couldn't do anything to stop her knowing how stubborn Ashlyn was.
Coming out of the elevator, she met Clara standing there while waiting for her.
"How long did you wait?" She asked and Clara answered, "Just a few minutes."
Walking towards her office, Clara followed her. "Your mum..."
"I know. You both have planned another date." Ashlyn cut in. "Who is it this time? An actor talking only about his self? Or the son of a senator who's rude? Or a real estate agent who acts like a kid?" She asked while stating her past experience.
Opening her door, she entered her office and sat down at her desk while Clara stood at her front facing her.
"It's neither of them."
She heard Clara's reply and she opened her drawer and took a file from it. "So who is it?"
"He's a lawyer. Mark Ruckus, CEO of the Ruckus law firm and son of their chairman." Clara answered briefly.
Hearing Clara's words, Ashlyn sighed and looked at Clara. "Don't you and mum ever get tired of choosing those type of men?"
"Well, your mum wants her son-in-law to be able to take care of her daughter very well." Clara teased and it earned her a cold glare from Ashlyn.
"Son-in-law?" Ashlyn scoffed in irritation. "Where and when are we meeting?"
"Santos hotel by 12pm."
"I see, mum even booked a five star hotel. Ah! She's always getting her hopes up"
"And you're always bringing it down." Clara whispered and looked away to avoid Ashlyn glares. She could tell that Ashlyn was shooting her deadly glares and this was the only way to be safe.
"I think you're done with your part. You can leave my office now Clara." She said faking annoyance.
Obeying her instruction, Clara walked towards the door. "You should apply some make up." She quickly said with a chuckle before leaving the room.
"Ah!!! Make up? Is she really serious?" Ashlyn sighed in frustration.
Now she was left alone, leaning backward on the chair, the scene of her nightmare flooded her mind. That mysterious man, who was he? How can one man fight such army all by himself and yet still look like he was playing with a toy? That name... Selena, why did he call her that?
Ah! her brain was swirling in questions that she didn't know the answer to. Why did the dream feel so real like it was happening? That man, his voice... The pain and regret it held, it felt disturbing. Yes, she could understand him feeling pain but, regret... Why? Did he regret fighting to protect her or he regretted something else?
As much as she tried to think about it, more questions just kept on popping up but still without answers and now another image popped on her mind. The silent but strange man.
Why was she remembering him again? Or was something related? 'Ah! Ash, get yourself together.' she scolded herself. Still thinking about it, she heard her office telephone ringing and she picked it.
"Ash, the Chen's CEO is here."
Ashlyn heard Clara's voice from the other side of the call and she replied. "Okay, let him in." Before ending the call.
Pushing her thoughts to the back of her mind, it was time to focus on work. Opening the file on her desk she started going through it and after a few minute, the door creaked open with Skyler stepping in.
"Good morning, Mr Chen." Ashlyn greeted politely as he approached her desk and he returned her greetings with a smile on his face.
"Please have a seat."
Accepting Ashlyn offer, Skyler sat down on the chair opposite her. He was dressed in a brown Italian suit and brown leather shoes to fit. His wrist was graced with a rolex watch and his short hair was neatly combed to the back.
Passing the file on the table to him, "Here, you can go through it before signing." Ashlyn said but instead he did otherwise. picking up a pen, he turned to the first page and signed without reading it.
"You didn't read it?" She muttered surprised by what he just did.
"No, I already accepted your terms so I don't think there's any need in going through it." Skyler said and passed back the file to her.
A light chortle escaped her lips when she heard his words. Of course he had accepted her terms and this was just for formality. Picking up the file she was about to put it back in her drawer when she heard another word from him.
"Do you mind having lunch with me?"
Surprised by his words, she paused for a brief moment before finally putting the file in her drawer and taking out another file. Facing Skyler, "Why?" She asked straightforward.
Not expecting her question, Skyler could only come up with an answer that looks satisfying. "Well, I'm curious..."
"About?" She asked with raised brows.
"If I'll have a chance to be a friend." He said jokingly
"A friend?" Ashlyn repeated his last word with an amuse smile dancing on her lips and then she heard his words again.
"I know you are busy and have alot of things to do, but I just want us to have lunch and share ideas about work."
'Friends? Ideas on work? Is this guy really serious?' She said in her head. She has heard words like these from different guys and she could tell it was all a means leading to one thing— Relationship. And right now, she wasn't ready for that or rather she won't ever be ready for it.
The fear of getting hurt like her mother still lingered on her mind and anytime it feels like it's fading, an incident happens and it gets freshly ignited again.
"I have your business card, I'll give you a call when I'm less busy." Not wanting to be rude, she had to answer in a reasonable and polite way. Neither accepting his offer nor rejecting it.
Hearing her reply, Skyler nodded his head, "Well, I guess I should be on my way now." He said in a friendly tone and stood up.
"I'll be expecting your call." He said and Ashlyn only gave him a sweet smile as her response before he left.