Cereus
As the date neared, a sense of anticipation tightened in Cereus' chest. It wasn't just the anticipation of seeing Collin again; it was the anticipation of confronting him on her own terms. She had spent the month not just learning about the company, but also learning about him – his management style, his leadership qualities, and even his philanthropic endeavors.
The day of Collin's return arrived. The office buzzed with a peculiar energy, a subtle shift in the air as everyone awaited the CEO's return. Cereus, dressed in a sharp black pantsuit, stood ramrod straight, a picture of professional composure. Yet, her heart hammered a frantic rhythm against her ribs.
The moment the elevator doors slid open, revealing a tall, broad-shouldered man with a familiar head of dark hair, Cereus felt like she had been punched in the gut. The years hadn't dimmed the sharp angles of his jawline or the piercing blue eyes that seemed to hold a lifetime of secrets. He looked even more powerful, more intimidating than she remembered. Collin's eyes met hers for a fleeting moment, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before it was quickly masked by a neutral expression. He offered a curt nod of acknowledgment before striding towards his office, his presence demanding immediate attention.
Cereus took a deep breath, willing her trembling hands to steady. This was just the beginning. Now, it was time to put her plan into action. Walking towards his office, a silent war raged within her – a battle between the hurt of the past and the determination of the present. Today, she wouldn't be the naive girl who was easily discarded. Today, she was Cereus Lilian, the capable PA, ready to face the consequences of their past.
As she knocked on his office door, a single thought echoed in her mind: This wasn't about him anymore. This was about her.
A deep "Come in" rumbled from inside. Cereus pushed open the door and stepped into the lavishly furnished office. Collin was behind his desk, already reviewing a document on his tablet. He glanced up at her briefly, his expression unreadable.
"Mr. Reeves," Cereus began, her voice betraying none of the turmoil within. "I'm Cereus Lilian, your new—"
Cereus, right? Leo's friend?" His voice sounded rusty, disuse making it sound foreign to his own ears.
A hint of a smile played on her lips, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "The one and only," she replied, her voice a smooth melody that sent a shiver down Collin's spine for reasons he couldn't explain himself. "Though, considering the less-than-traditional interview process, I wouldn't blame you if you forgot."
"Yes, Leo mentioned it," Collin interrupted, his voice clipped and businesslike. "Welcome aboard. Get yourself acquainted. Mr. Wang has left detailed notes to ease the transition."
Disappointment lanced through Cereus. A simple 'welcome' or even a 'good to see you again' would have thrown her off balance. But Collin's stoicism, his way of compartmentalizing their past into a neat little box, left a cold taste in her mouth.
"I already have, Mr. Reeves," Cereus replied, forcing a professional smile. "Mr. Wang was very helpful."
A curt nod was her only response. Collin turned back to his tablet, clearly dismissing her. Cereus, however, wasn't finished. This was her opportunity.
"There is one thing, though," she continued, placing a folder on his desk. "Since you'll be attending the Hope Foundation Gala this evening, I took the liberty of compiling some information about the organization."
Collin looked up again, a hint of surprise flickering across his face. He flipped open the folder, revealing a well-organized report on the charity's mission, past achievements, and upcoming goals. Attached was a concise speech draft tailored to highlight Collin's philanthropic endeavors.
Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words. Finally, Collin cleared his throat. "This is… comprehensive," he admitted, a hint of grudging respect in his voice.
"I believe in their cause, Mr. Reeves," Cereus said, meeting his gaze head-on. "And I thought this might be helpful for a quick brush-up before the event."
Collin studied her for a long moment, his blue eyes searching hers. It was impossible to decipher what he was thinking. Finally, a curt nod was his only response.
"Thank you, Ms. Lilian," he said, his voice devoid of warmth. "That will be all."
Disappointment gnawed at Cereus. The stoic CEO, the picture of corporate indifference, was a far cry from the charming, passionate man she once knew. But beneath the facade, a flicker of something – recognition, maybe even curiosity – had sparked in his eyes for a brief moment. It was a flicker, but it was enough to fuel a tiny ember of hope within her.
With a professional smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, Cereus turned to leave. "Of course, Mr. Reeves. Please let me know if you need anything else."
As she closed the door behind her, the weight of the day came crashing down. Leaning against the cool wood, she let out a shaky breath. It was exhausting, pretending like nothing had happened, like they were strangers. The easy camaraderie, the shared dreams – all buried beneath a professional facade.
A surge of anger coursed through her. How could he be so nonchalant? Didn't he recognize her? Didn't a part of him remember the past they shared? Or was he that good at compartmentalizing his emotions?
Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. But Cereus quickly blinked them back. She wouldn't let Collin break her again. She had come a long way, built a career for herself, and she wouldn't let his past actions define her present.
Squaring her shoulders, Cereus straightened her black pantsuit and took a deep breath. There was work to be done. The gala, Collin's upcoming business meetings, a mountain of emails – her tasks awaited. She would channel her frustration into her work.
Just as her day ends, her phone rings.
Phone rings
Cereus: (picks up) Hello?
Matthew: Hey Cereus, it's Matthew. How's your evening going?
Cereus: Hi Matt, it's just winding down. It's been a crazy day at work.
Matthew: I bet. Anything exciting happen?
Cereus: Not really, just the usual end-of-the-week scramble. What about you?
Matthew: Things are good. Actually, I was wondering... would you be free for dinner tonight? My treat.
Cereus: (a beat of surprise) Dinner? Tonight?
Matthew: Yeah, unless you have other plans. I know it's kind of last minute, but I was thinking we could try that new Italian place you mentioned liking.
A surprised laugh escaped Cereus' lips. "The new Italian place? That's so funny, you actually remembered."
Matthew chuckled on the other end. "How could I forget? You wouldn't stop talking about those truffle fries."
The ease slipped back into their conversation, a welcome comfort after the rollercoaster of emotions she'd been on all day. As they finalised the time and place, a calming realisation settled over Cereus. Collin was a puzzle she might never fully solve, but Matthew was a warm cup of coffee on a stressful morning – a dependable sweetness that brightened her day. Maybe, she thought, focusing on the good things right in front of her was the best way to move on.
A giddy smile danced on Cereus's lips as she stepped out of the colossal Wusan building. The weight of the day, the lingering emotions from her encounter with Collin, all seemed to melt away in the anticipation of her date with Matthew. A sleek black car pulled up in front, the one Matthew borrowed from his friend, and the passenger window rolled down to reveal Matthew's familiar grin.
"Hey there, beautiful," he greeted, his voice warm. "Ready for some amazing food?"
Cereus's smile widened. "Absolutely."
The drive to the new Italian place was filled with easy conversation. They discussed their weeks, their plans for the upcoming weekend, and Matthew's playful teasing about her truffle fry obsession. The restaurant itself was a charming little place, bustling with a warm, inviting energy. The fairy lights strung across the patio cast a soft glow, and the aroma of fresh herbs and garlic filled the air.
As they settled into their seats, Cereus couldn't help but steal glances at Matthew. The way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed, the gentle way he held his chair for her – it was all so refreshingly uncomplicated. He wasn't a puzzle wrapped in an enigma like Collin, but a comforting presence, a steady beat in the rhythm of her life.
The food, as promised, was incredible. They devoured plates of steaming pasta, succulent lamb chops, and of course, a generous portion of truffle fries. Each bite was punctuated by laughter and shared stories, creating a warmth that spread through Cereus, chasing away the lingering chill of her day at the office.
After dinner, they strolled hand-in-hand through the bustling streets of the city. The vibrant energy of the city, the cacophony of honking rickshaws and chattering vendors, felt strangely comforting tonight. Matthew stopped them by a street vendor selling colorful ice cream rolls.
"Care to share a ice cream with me?" he asked, his eyes twinkling.
Cereus laughed, the memory of their first date, where she'd insisted on trying the local street food, flashing in her mind. "How could I resist?"
They savored the sweet, refreshing treat, the cool air washing away the remnants of the city's heat. As they continued their walk, their conversation turned more personal.
Matthew thinking her days at the office were being hard, patiently offered words of support and encouragement. "Don't let anything or anyone get to you, Cer," he said, his hand finding hers. "You're strong, capable, and way too good to let someone else dim your shine."
His words were a balm to her soul. In that moment, under the starlit sky of the city, with Matthew's hand wrapped in hers, Cereus realized something profound. Collin was a chapter in her life that had turned sour, one she couldn't rewrite. But Matthew? He was a new chapter, a story yet to be written, filled with the promise of happiness, laughter, and genuine connection.
The night ended with a slow dance under the fairy lights strung across a rooftop cafe. Matthew held her close, his touch sending a warmth through her that had nothing to do with the cool night air. As they said their goodbyes, a lingering kiss sealed the night, a silent promise of more to come.
Walking home, the weight of the day had truly vanished. The lingering image of Collin in his office was replaced by the memory of Matthew's smile, the sound of his laughter. Stepping into her apartment, Cereus felt a lightness she hadn't experienced in weeks. Maybe, she thought with a smile, focusing on her current love story was exactly what she needed.