MTLNOVEL Chapter 661: Do you remember the first time we were introduced?
At Foster Ventures —
Ryan was closing a file when he heard a knock at the door. He glanced in the direction only to see Zenith walking in with a folder in her hand.
"Sir, this report —"
"Push it to later, Zenith," Ryan said, interrupting her. "I will check it later after I return. For now, I need to go somewhere." And with that, he already stood to leave.
Zenith didn't understand. She had his schedule with her, and on it, there was nothing. Did she forget to keep a record of something important?
Her brows slightly knitted, and she asked, "Sir, do I need to go with you?"
Ryan looked at her and shook his head. "No, it's not work-related. I am going for a casual meeting. So, you don't need to accompany."
She nodded to him and then watched him leave swiftly.
It was after long weeks that she saw him … happy. Maybe he would be getting a fine soon.
She hoped he did. After all, the company depends on him.
Smiling, she turned to put the folder she brought on his desk. Arranging the files, she was about to leave when she heard her phone ring.
Checking that it was real estate agent's number, she took the call. "Hello!"
"Ms. Zane, good afternoon. I hope I am not disturbing you."
"No, no, Mr. Charles, you are not disturbing. Please tell me." She had reached out to him to seek assistance in renting a new place. Her previous apartment could no longer be the best option to commute to the office daily, so she has planned to move altogether. "Did you find any suitable place within my budget range?"
"Yes, Ms. Zane. And that's why I am calling you today," the agent replied, adding, "I have helped you shortlist a few good rental apartments that are under your budget and are located a short distance away from your current company. If you have time, please come and have a look. I can show them to you."
Zenith paused a little. "Today?" she asked.
The man on the line hummed and responded. "Yes, today. Because this week I will be leaving with my family for a trip. I might only return after two weeks. If you see the apartments and decide on one, I will help you complete all the necessary processes before leaving for the trip. This would be better for you as well."
Her expression shifted a little, and she pondered over it. She had been staying with Ryan, and even though he had treated her well and with respect, she didn't feel right staying there for longer.
Hence, thinking over it, she decided not to delay the things. Nodding, she said, "Okay, I will take a half-day leave and come to check over. Just make sure you show me the right places so that I can select one for sure."
The agent reassured. "Don't worry, Ms. Zane. All of them are good. I am sure you with definitely select one today."
"I will meet you at your office in a while, Mr. Charles," she said and then hung up the call.
Once that was done, she walked out of Ryan's office and headed straight to the HR department. If Ryan had been there, she would have hesitated in asking the leave since he would have needed her anytime. But since he wasn't there, she thought it wouldn't be a problem if she asked for a half-day leave.
————
Meanwhile, at a fine restaurant, Arwen had booked a private room and was waiting for Ryan.
She was not there for lunch. But since it was already lunchtime and she hadn't had anything yet, she thought to order something.
But just as she picked the menu, she held back, thinking it was rude to order by herself. Although she hadn't invited Ryan for lunch, they were meeting at a restaurant, and it was only right to wait for him to arrive before placing an order.
Thinking that way, she placed the book down on the table as she waited for him. He didn't get too late. Just when Arwen was about to check her watch for the second time, she heard the knock at the door, and then it was slid open to reveal Ryan on the other side.
She looked at him casually, her gaze neither warm nor cold —just too casual. He stepped in and smiled, a little apologetically.
"I am sorry," he said, adding. "I didn't intend to make you wait. It's just that there was traffic on the way."
Arwen shook her head at him before gesturing for him to take the chair at the table across from her. "It's fine. You aren't very late. I arrived a little early, and it's just been …" she checked her watch, "five minutes since."
"But still …" Ryan spoke, pulling a chair for himself to sit down. "You waited."
Arwen didn't react. She simply gestured towards the menu book at the table and asked, "I asked you out on a sudden notice. It's time for lunch. If you haven't had anything yet, we can order something first and then talk."
Ryan felt perplexed. Arwen wasn't talking sweetly, but there was something in her attitude today that didn't seem indifferent. And that made him relax.
He watched her a second longer before nodding. "Let's order." He then grabbed the book. At the same time, someone came to take the order.
"You must like —"
Before he could say, Arwen interrupted her. "Don't be formal. Please order for yourself, I will do mine." And then, she turned to the waiter to make him note her order.
All the while, Ryan watched her. Only when she finished and turned to him did he snap out of the trance.
"Your order," she reminded, and he turned to add a few more dishes.
Once the waiter was gone, Ryan asked, "Arwen, you asked me out, and I am sure it's for something." He looked at her and, seeing her not denying it, shattered the little hopes he held in his heart.
But then, he had known this even when she had asked him to meet. She had made it clear even on the call. "What is it? What do you want to ask?" he asked.
Arwen stared at him for a longer second as if determining something. She had all the reasons to blame him. But she chose to take a different approach this time.
"Ryan, do you remember the first time we were introduced?"