Emma was reluctantly dragged by Lisa to the company's dinner party. She had planned on spending the evening at home, but Lisa was insistent.
"You can't skip this, Emma! It'll be good for you to socialize," Lisa had said, pulling her out the door.
Emma entered the party with low expectations, and as the evening progressed, she found herself feeling out of place. The room was filled with laughter and chatter, but she couldn't shake off her unease. She sat at a table, nursing a drink, trying to blend into the background.
Suddenly, the room fell silent. Emma, sensing the shift, turned around to see what had caused the hush. There, standing just behind her, was Ryan with an unreadable expression on his face.
His presence was commanding, and Emma felt a flutter of anxiety. What was he doing here? She had never seen him at any company social events before.
Ryan's voice broke the silence. "Everyone, please, continue enjoying the evening."
The room slowly resumed its buzz of conversation and laughter, but an undercurrent of curiosity and excitement remained. Ryan had never attended these gatherings before, and his unexpected appearance was the subject of many whispered conversations.
Ryan moved towards Emma's table, where Lisa and a few others were sitting. "Mind if I join you?" he asked, his tone neutral.
"Of course not," Lisa replied quickly, gesturing to an empty seat.
Emma couldn't help but feel self-conscious as Ryan sat down beside her. She tried to focus on the conversation around her, but her thoughts kept drifting to the whispers she had overheard from a group of women nearby.
"Why is he here? He never comes to these things."
"Do you think he's here for someone special?"
"He's been paying a lot of attention to Emma lately…"
Emma took a light sip of her drink, trying to calm her nerves. She wished she could dismiss the gossip, but the speculation gnawed at her.
Ryan seemed at ease, joining in the conversation and even sharing a few laughs. His demeanor was different outside the office—more relaxed, approachable.
At one point, Emma excused herself to get some air. She stepped out onto the terrace, the cool night air a welcome relief from the crowded room. She leaned against the railing, her mind racing with the evening's events.
She hadn't noticed Ryan following her until he spoke. "Not enjoying the party?"
Emma turned to see him standing there, his expression softer than before. "It's not really my scene," she admitted.
Ryan nodded, stepping closer. "I understand. These events can be overwhelming."
Emma looked at him curiously. "Why did you come tonight? You never attend these things."
He met her gaze, his eyes reflecting a hint of vulnerability. "I thought it might be a good idea to be more involved. And… I wanted to see how you were settling in."
Emma's heart skipped a beat. His words hung in the air, laden with unspoken meaning. Before she could respond, Lisa called her back inside.
"Emma, come on! We're starting a game, and you have to join us!"
Emma gave Ryan an apologetic smile. "I should go back in."
Ryan nodded. "Of course. Enjoy the rest of the evening."
As she rejoined the party, Emma couldn't help but replay his words in her mind. The night had taken an unexpected turn, and she wondered what it meant for her future at XX Marketing—and for her relationship with Ryan.
The dinner party had taken a surprisingly pleasant turn after Ryan's arrival. Emma, who had been dreading the evening, found herself genuinely enjoying the company of her colleagues and even more so, the unexpected camaraderie with Ryan. As the night drew to a close, she felt a strange mix of relief and contentment.
Emma was about to leave when she noticed Lisa in an animated conversation with Ryan. They stood off to the side, engaged in what seemed like a familiar and comfortable dialogue. Emma's curiosity piqued—she hadn't known that Lisa and Ryan were acquainted.
As she walked toward the exit, Emma couldn't help but glance back at them. Ryan caught her eye and gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod. Lisa, too, turned and waved her over.
"Emma! Come here for a second," Lisa called out.
Reluctantly, Emma walked over, her mind racing with questions. "Hey," she said, trying to keep her tone casual. "I didn't know you two knew each other."
Well not really..,his mom is my neighbor so we kind of know each other, Lily explained as Ryan glanced at Emma.
I didn't even know he was the CEO of XX when Ryan's mom invited me for dinner,Lily continued talking as Emma nodded with a smile.
That's cool, I'll get going now,Emma said with a smile.
Ryan can drop you off..,I mean he is dropping me so we can make a stop first,Lily said and Emma politely declined.
Um.. I'm fine,I actually drank so I need to walk it out,Emma explained and left them.
Was that how close they were,she had been to their family family and met his mom, Emma thought as she walked back home.
She entered the apartment as Ana was still up watching TV.
Finally you're back,why did you waste so much time at work?,And is that alcohol I perceive?, Did you drink?,Ana questioned.
Easy with the questions MOM..,We kinda like had a company dinner party,I didn't want to go but I went,And also yes! I did drink and am sure you know why now,Emma answered.
Am really tired,I need a cold shower before bed,Good night Anny,Emma said.
Night Em,Ana responded.
Emma took a cold shower and went to bed that night, thinking about the events of the day,she went to sleep.
Waking up early that morning for work,She had a hangover but it wasn't serious still she went to get a quick hangover soup to stop the headache she felt before she got ready for work.