I went out of that room, sucked in a deep breath, and tried to wrap my head around what the hell just went down. Seriously, out of all the people who could stroll in, it had to be freaking Miles?! Like, come on, universe. My heart started pounding, and I could feel the panic creeping up from my toes, crawling up to my shoulders. This is starting to feel like a game of hide-and-seek. I hope my expressions weren't that surprising to Miles in the room. He can act all goofy, but he can read faces very well. I went to my workstation and started completing the file I was working on. It wasn't hard; I just had to look for any errors in any sentences that would be irrelevant.
I was focused on my work when I felt like someone was watching me. I looked up and saw Miles in front of me.
'' Hey, how are you? You are Joane, right?'' he said, smiling brightly.
'' Hey, yes, I'm good. Uh, is there anything I can help you with, sir?'' I asked, keeping my voice maintained in my lower vocal cords so that he would not recognise my voice.
'' Yeah, there is something. Could you check if you are free for a coffee this afternoon? Please don't call me sir; only Miles is fine?'' he said, winking at me.
I can't believe Miles is asking me out for a coffee, or maybe he does recognise this face of mine and realises that it's me. I am not falling for this little game of his.
I started looking through my schedule while he stood there looking at me. There is no way in hell I would be going with him, even if it was just a friendly one. I didn't have anything to do this afternoon, but I also had to complete this file.
I kept my composure, maintaining a neutral expression despite the flutter of annoyance in my chest. "I appreciate the offer, Miles. Unfortunately, I'm swamped with these files. They're due today, and I need to give them my full attention."
His smile faltered for a moment, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. "Oh, I see. No worries, Joane. Maybe another time then."
I nodded, offering a small smile in return. "Definitely. Thanks for the offer; I appreciate it.''
As he turned to leave, I returned my focus to the task at hand, feeling a mix of relief and satisfaction at handling the situation with tact.
I was making the necessary corrections to the file when my phone tingled and a notification popped up on my phone.
It was Lucas.
LUCAS: Hey, where have you been, Ruth? I haven't heard anything from you. Are you okay? Do you want me to drop by??
I smiled at his text every time Lucas texted to check up on me. It feels nice and safe, and it makes me feel that someone out there remembers me. Make this better, more deep, and more loving.
Ruth: Hey, nothing, you know, running errands for Marcus, nothing more. I am okay though.
LUCAS: You want me to come tonight, huh? You can vent out some stuff; I know you need that.
RUTH: Yes, I do! Okay, sure, ill cya then at 8, okay?
LUCAS: Sure, Cya, then take care. I mean, it didn't die.
Truth: I won't relax. cya then.
I put my phone down and took a deep breath again, feeling calm and relaxed.
Lucas's presence in my life was akin to that of a beloved brother. His messages weren't just expressions of concern; they were lifelines, tethering me to a sense of belonging and security. Like a steadfast guardian, he stood by me through the highs and lows, offering unwavering support and understanding.
With each text, I felt the bond between us strengthen, solidifying into a bond forged not by blood but by shared experiences and genuine affection. Lucas's caring gestures were reminiscent of the warmth of family, a constant reminder that I was cherished and valued.
In his friendship, I found solace and strength, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I could always count on him to be there, a beacon of light guiding me through life's journey. He wasn't just a friend; he was family—a brother in every sense of the word, and for that, I was endlessly grateful.
When I got done with the file, I went to hand it over to my boss. I walked across the hall and knocked on the door lightly.
A cold response came from the other side: Come in. I went inside and handed Dylan the file; he accepted it with a curt nod, flipping through the pages without much acknowledgment. After a moment, he set it down with a sigh.
"Alright, I've got three more files for you to review," he stated briskly, his tone clipped. "I need them back in two hours, three at most. Can you manage that?"
"Three more files in two hours? Come on, Mr. Finder, who are you trying to mess with?" I forced up a smile, replying, "Yes, sir, I can manage that."
"Okay," Dylan said as he opened a drawer to retrieve the files. His phone rang, and he answered it as I stood there, waiting patiently. Olds, your hand
"Hm? Yeah... what?!? ... Okay, yeah, I'll be there," Dylan muttered into his phone before abruptly ending the call. He glanced at me, his expression serious. "Get the plane ready. You already have the details and access rights."
I hesitated before asking, "Uh, yeah, I do, but where to, sir?" I recalled James having given me a tabloid with the plane's access information, but it lacked specifics beyond a phone number and an email address.
"Italy, Verona. I need the plane ready in an hour, and you'll be going as well," he instructed tersely, showing little emotion.
I simply nodded and exited the room, my mind racing with questions about the sudden trip. As I made further arrangements, I found myself preparing Dylan's plane and gathering the files he instructed me to keep with me.
Observing Dylan's face, I noticed fleeting moments of worry, though he quickly masked his emotions. Perhaps there was more to this trip than met the eye. It seemed like there was a sense of urgency and secrecy surrounding the mission, leaving me curious about what awaited us in Verona.
After all the arrangements were made, we both headed down to where a Bentley was waiting to pick us up at the airport. We both sat at the back of the car, and the driver started driving.
Throughout the ride, Dylan's expression remained composed, yet his eyes betrayed a hint of stress.
I watched him discreetly, noting the tension in his gaze. It was as though he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, hidden behind a facade of calmness. Despite his efforts to conceal his emotions, the strain was evident in the subtle furrow of his brow and the tightness around his eyes.
I pulled my gaze away to give him the privacy he deserved and texted Lucas that I couldn't hang out because Marcus had some clients waiting for me across the city.
After a 45-minute drive in utter silence, we reached the airport and departed the plane. We took our seats, and I felt the nausea hitting me again. I had forgotten my bad memories about a plan. I remembered that I had to take my first client on an aeroplane. I felt disgusted, and shivers went down my spine.
Dylan sat next to me while the bodyguards were in the back. Despite the lack of conversation, the air between us was heavy with unspoken thoughts and unanswered questions. I couldn't help but wonder what awaited us in Italy and what had prompted Dylan's sudden departure. As the plane taxied down the runway, soon we were up in the sky.