Chapter 8: His friends
One month later, I resumed work at my parent's company, Bennett's Enterprise. The workers welcomed me back warmly, and the manager briefed me on all that had happened during my absence. I was shocked to learn that my dad had added another sector to the company for interior design.
"A meeting will be held with other members of the company for your formal welcome," the manager said. Since the other sector of the company was doing very well, I needed to fully invest my time in the interior design aspect. However, I was an expert in this field, and my dad had made plans for me here.
The day was filled with meetings and brainstorming processes to help the company move forward. I shared my ideas with the design team, and they loved it. As I worked with the team, the way everyone bonded with each other like family made me realize how much this place meant to my dad. I missed him.
I got home exhausted, as soon as I walked through the door. My eyes darted around, I have tried to avoid meeting Raymond for the past week, ever since our last conversation and he didn't bother me.
As I walked to my room, I bumped into him. "Hi," I said, looking stunned, my heart racing slightly at the unexpected encounter.
Raymond's eyes narrowed. "Hi," he replied bluntly. He walked forward and stopped.
" My friends and I are having dinner out tomorrow, and they want to meet you.""
Why do I have to go? I don't even know these people.""
“I'll be busy at work tomorrow,” I replied, with a frown.
Raymond's expression turned cold. "It's by 7 pm; you'd have closed from work by then." I felt a shiver run down my spine at his words. There was something in his tone that made me feel powerless.
"I'll be there then," I said reluctantly.
His expression softened slightly, but his eyes still held a hint of coldness.
"Good," he replied, as he turned and walked away.
That night, despite being tired, I worked on the company's interior design brochure. The brightness of my laptop screen shined on my face as I worked. I didn't know when I would fall asleep on the chair.
The next morning, I woke up still feeling sore. I ate a light breakfast and got dressed for work, the soft fabric of my navy blue body-hug gown a welcome comfort against my skin. As I left the mansion, I saw Raymond leaving too. He was wearing a navy blue suit, matching my outfit, and for a moment, I felt irritated.
The moment he saw me, he scanned me, surprised, his eyes lingering on my body for a while. I quickly entered my car and started the engine, eager to escape.
That day at work, we got a client who wanted to design her apartment. I took it upon myself to handle it, and we got the contract. As I worked with the client, the sound of her excited chatter filled the air. My team and I went to the apartment she was redecorating to take the necessary measurements.
As I got back to the office, I realized I had left my purse at the location. I quickly drove back. The security man saw me and recognized me. "I left my purse in there," I said, and he nodded.
I entered the house, and my eyes scanned the room, searching for my purse. I saw my purse and quickly grabbed it. As I proceeded to go out, I heard moaning sounds coming from inside. The house wasn't residential yet, so who could be in there? The noise got louder, and I had to leave. It could probably be the client and her lover.
I didn't feel like going back to work, so I called my personal assistant to let her know. I remembered I was meeting up with Raymond's friend that night, and I needed to relax before then.
I got the mansion. After a quick shower and change of clothes, I settled into the sitting room to watch my favorite TV program. Raymond came home afterward, and I could hear the sound of his keys hitting the counter.
I looked in his direction and observed that his hair looked messy, like he had gone on a marathon, and his clothes were slightly squeezed. They were always well ironed. I scoffed and continued with my program.
He went upstairs and came down a few minutes later, already dressed. "Why aren't you dressed?" he scolded me, his voice firm.
Somehow, I missed the old pretentious Raymond. I was so engrossed in the program that I forgot about the dinner. "Just give me some minutes," I said, sprinting upstairs.
Since I wasn't doing heavy makeup, and my hair was already styled, I dressed up quickly. I wore a short black straight sequin gown, with one shoulder off. It was opened a bit at the front and back. I let my hair loose, making it fall freely on my back. I slid into a silver-heeled shoe. Satisfied with my appearance, I took my purse and went out. Raymond was already outside, waiting impatiently. Raymond's eyes scanned me, his gaze lingering on my face for a fraction of a second longer than necessary.
"You look...acceptable," he said finally, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
What does he mean by that? But I pushed it aside.
"Let's go," he said, turning and walking towards the door. I followed him, my heels clicking on the floor. We walked out to the car, the cool evening air hitting my skin. The ride was quick, but the silence between us was thick. I could feel Raymond's eyes on me, but I refused to look at him.
When we arrived at the restaurant, I was surprised to see that it was the most famous restaurant in town. I hadn't been here, but I'd heard the food was good, and it was hard to get a reservation. I couldn't help but gasp at the interior of the place. The restaurant was not packed full, and I liked it - just a few couples. It seemed it was privately booked by the VIPs.
A worker approached us. "Welcome, Mr. Raymond Tristian," he greeted, as he showed us to our seats. It seemed like we were the first to arrive, after Raymond had hurriedly told us to leave. Such a jerk.
I pulled out my phone to check if I had any important messages. I looked up and found Raymond's gaze on me. He quickly averted it. We sat in silence the entire time.
One of his friends, whom I assumed walked in our direction, "Hey, man." Raymond got up, and they made a friendly hug. The rest soon arrived. There were four in total, and one seat was empty. One hadn't arrived. Raymond introduced me to them.
With his friends, he wasn't that cold, annoying person. At this point, it is safe to say that Raymond had two personalities. Or maybe it was just because he didn't like me.
I couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. Raymond's friends were all laughing and joking, but I was still trying to get used to being around them.
"So, Arielle, what do you do?" Dave asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"I'm an interior decorator," I replied, not trying to give too many details.
"That's really cool," Dave said, nodding. "I've always been interested in design."
Raymond's other friends started asking me questions, and I found myself relaxing a bit. They were all really nice, and they seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me.
But then, one of them asked, "So, if you weren't married to Raymond, who would you go for among us?"
I choked on my drink. I realized where the conversation was going. From the corner of my eye, I saw Raymond glaring at him.
"Come on, guys, we know they're contractually married," one of them said. "And she's very beautiful. I wouldn't mind having her."
The rest of them agreed with him. "Tell us, Arielle, who would you go for?"
I felt my face heat up.
Raymond's friends started teasing me, asking me to choose between them. Raymond's expression turned cold, and he said, "That's enough."
His friends laughed and joked, but I could tell they were all a bit surprised by Raymond's reaction. And I still couldn't believe Raymond had told them we were contractually married.
They started discussing random boys' stuff, and I was partially lost. Our orders soon arrived. Seeing how enticing the food I had ordered was, I just wanted to dig in.
I noticed a woman walking towards our table. She was stunning, with long, curly brown hair. I didn't see her face clearly due to the dim light. She got closer, and I recognized her - Michelle, my client.
"What's she doing here?" I wondered.
"Hey, guys," she said, smiling. "Sorry I'm late."