Jason’s thoughts were in jeopardy. What transpired at the ceremony was still a puzzle to him. He was sitting among the other managers on the stage, so he got a full view of the event that unfolded.
The moment the new CEO stepped onto the stage, his eyes strayed in a particular direction. And the only person sitting in that corner was none other than Annie.
If it was just a momentary glance, Jason would not have thought much into it. But from the time the man stepped onto the stage up to the time he went to his seat, his attention was fixated only on her. So wasn’t it more than a coincidence that the man immediately left the stage just after she stood up and left?
Jason thought he could clear the misunderstanding with her in his office. He’d made so many assumptions including the possibility that the CEO must have mistaken her for someone else. But he didn’t even get to go to his office with her this morning. Because, out of nowhere, the new CEO’s assistant appeared in the department and investigated the employees. Even he, the manager, was not spared from the interview.
And each question was about Annie. Therefore, Jason was more than conflicted at the moment.
“Annie,” he called out to the girl who looked as if she didn’t hear his question.
Annie ate her food carefully, she wasn’t fast or too slow. She took her time to chew the food in her mouth before taking a sip from the juice glass in front of her.
“Aren’t we supposed to be celebrating my promotion right now?” She curled her lips, giving him a small smile. “Why are you bringing this up, Jason?”
Looking at her nonchalant expression, Jason’s anxiety only heightened. From this morning when the assistant appeared in the department up to this moment, the girl didn’t lose her cool. As if what transpired didn’t bother her a bit.
“But we have to address the elephant in the room. It is the new CEO we’re talking about.” Jason gave her a worried look. “I know you don’t go around looking for trouble, Annie. So there’s no possibility that you’ve offended the new CEO.”
Besides, if Annie offended the man, the assistant wouldn’t just come and ask questions then go, right?
“If there’s anything going on between you two, don’t you think I deserve to know?” Jason continued. “Considering our relationship, we can’t hide anything from each other.”
“I understand what you’re thinking.” Annie dropped her spoon then chuckled. “Be rest assured, Jason. I won’t go back on my promise.”
Her eyelashes dropped and she resumed eating after that. Jason studied the girl and sighed inside. He couldn’t tell what she was thinking nor could he ever tell what she was feeling. He only knew that she stood by her words.
Yes, they’d made a promise. But was that promise enough?
“We are engaged, Annie. And very soon, we’ll start talking about our wedding. If there’s anything you want to talk about, I’m always here to listen.”
“I appreciate your concern.” Her smile disappeared the instant it came. “And I’ll keep that in mind.”
After her words, there was silence. The only sound that could be heard in the dimly lit restaurant was that of utensils clicking against each other. The candlelight dinner and the aroma of food combined with the fragrances rising from the candles should create a romantic atmosphere.
But this dinner felt more like a professional meeting to Jason.
“When will you move in with me?” He asked. “It is normal for couples to live together, you know.”
Annie stiffened before dropping her spoon, never planning to pick it up again. Her smile returned and she shook her head. “I know you want more from me. But I’ve long given you my words that moving in with you is out of the question.”
“Don’t you love me, Annie?” Jason murmured. The reason why he kept bringing that question up was because he hoped someday, she’d miraculously agreed.
“I believe the pillar of a solid relationship is not love but respect. We respect each other, Jason, and that is the most important thing. It’s not like we’re in a hurry. At the end of the day, we’ll end up living together.”
Jason could understand her ideology. But wasn’t love and respect a different thing? Whenever he stared into her eyes, he wished to detect some emotion. Yet, even at this moment, her eyes were blank. None of those glimmers he found in other girls’ eyes existed in hers.
It was as if her eyes were shrouded by an impenetrable mask. Her smile was contagious, but when you look closely sometimes, you could tell that it was forced.
Was she simply cold and out of touch with her emotions, or was there something more?
As he drove her home, Annie was engrossed in her phone, playing candy crush. She never bothered him with talks or whined about unnecessary things. Wasn’t this the quality that made him develop an interest in her in the first place?
Then why did he feel insecure at this time with the appearance of the new CEO?
He dropped her off at the apartment building hoping she would say anything more than goodnight. His hope was dampened, however. The only thing he got was that gentle smile and a wave.
Jason started his car while she stood by the roadside, watching him drive off. The streetlights flickered and he kept looking at the sideway mirror to see her reflection. Suddenly, an enormous bike zoomed past his car, startling him.
At that time of the night, not even a stray animal could be found on the street. The bike made such a loud noise that could wake up the neighborhood. And it came to a stop, seconds later, right by the spot where Annie stood.
Jason’s first instinct was to alight from his car and flee to her rescue. But contrary to his thoughts, the biker didn’t turn out to be a thief. From the side mirror, he could see the reflection of a tall man taking off his helmet. And the man’s back view was the only thing he needed to recognize who he was.
…
Annie stared up at the tall figure standing in front of her. The flickering lights cast a shadow on the sides of his face. His lips were pursed and his eyes were narrowed.
Folding her hands, she tilted her head, her eyes glinting. “To what do I owe this pleasure, Mr. Lim?”
“Annabelle, don’t you have any sense of shame!” His glare intensified and he pulled her harshly, making her collide with his body.