Chapter 3: Cedric

Cedric…

Thinking deeply, I rattled my head to search for the reason why it sounded so familiar. For a man I haven’t met before, he acts like he’s really close to me.

Is he some kind of model? Plus, the name seems like a model’s name. Maybe he is one? But he works here…

Biting my lower lip, I glanced at the man before lowering my gaze. He is tall and handsome, so he fits the qualifications. But the idea of him being famous was not the only thing that’s been plaguing my mind for the past few minutes.

Why does he want me to have lunch with him? I don’t recall talking to him and he isn’t in our department. Have I met him before? Why is he even doing this? Did the gossip reach his ears as well? Is he here to make fun of me? He better not try and mess with me.

A cold breeze brushed past us, making me glad I was wearing a thick coat. Winter was near and we were expecting snow to start falling here in Auburn City in a few weeks. Eyeing the towering building of Dixon Enterprises made me feel small as we walked down the sidewalk. The tall structure seemed small from a long distance but when you come up close to it, it’s actually huge.

He’s…awfully quiet.

Secretly, I glanced at the man walking beside me only to look away when he caught me staring. Cedric, whose last name and position I have yet to know, was taking me out to lunch today. A total stranger taking another stranger to eat lunch together is something you don’t see every day.

He clearly has a motive.

Wrapping my coat tighter, I made sure there was a great deal of distance between me and the man since I was still not sure whether to trust him. I wasn’t even going to accept his invitation to eat outside but the man was persistent. After much deliberation later, I accepted and followed him out of the office. The rest of the employees gawked at us as we walked out. Me, in a shy and awkward manner, while Cedric walked out like some kind of king. Even right now, as we walked past people hurrying to get to their destination, he looked out of place with his suit and attitude.

Focusing back on the man, I narrowed my eyes in suspicion.

He better not poison my food. If this man is up to no good, I won’t hesitate to kick his butt.

“What do you want to eat?”

His question threw me off. His blue eyes stared at me again and I almost tripped while sputtering out an answer. “W-what? Anything is fine. I’m not really hungry and I was eating my chicken sandwich when you came along.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh? A chicken sandwich? That’s not something that could satisfy your hunger.” His eyes scanned the row of restaurants, and he smiled. “Maybe you’d like it here.” He gestured to an expensive-looking restaurant which made my mouth go dry. There is no way I’m eating there. My wallet would surely suffer a seizure only for one lunch break with a charming stranger.

“N-no thanks.” I waved my hand in disagreement, realizing the man wanted to dine in a fancy restaurant. Perhaps this was his plan all along, for me to end up broke. “I can’t afford the meals here and I’m saving—”

“Nonsense.” His hand found my back, pushing me to the door. “There’s no need for you to feel shy. Who knows, this might become your next favorite restaurant.”

“But—”

Suddenly, his face was close to mine again. The words that almost left my lips caught up in my mouth. A small smile spread across his lips. “Don’t be shy, Miss McKenzie. You don’t have to pay anything. Consider it…my treat.”

Why is he so determined? He really has something up his sleeve.

Without further ado, I followed the man into the restaurant. The sound of chattering customers filled my ears along with the soft music playing throughout the place. The pretty usherette led us to a table near the windows and offered their menu with a beaming smile. I merely sat still, watching Cedric order for us since he was paying. His eyes didn’t even land on the menu as he told the lady what we would be having.

What should I do? This is making me feel uncomfortable. However…this is free food, and I couldn’t let it go to waste. Still, it doesn’t seem right, and I can’t pinpoint what he aims to achieve in treating me to lunch.

“Is there something wrong, Miss McKenzie?”

I waited for the usherette to walk away and when she did, I looked him in the eye. “Based on my observations, you’ve been to this restaurant a lot of times.”

Cedric blinked, not expecting this, before smirking. “You’re…sharp, Miss McKenzie. Yes, I’ve been to this restaurant a few times. I guess you saw that from the way I ordered without looking at the menu.”

“I also think it’s very strange for someone to take a stranger out for lunch,” I continued with a frown. “You’re hiding something from me. Is there anything you wish to tell a poor co-worker?”

Staring straight into my eyes, he responded with a smile still on his lips. “You’re probably really nervous or afraid as to why I asked you to come with me. Well, you shouldn’t be. I’m not going to hurt you or anything. I’m just here because it’s been bothering me how my employees have been gossiping so much these past few weeks.”

At that information, my face paled. Of course, he heard the gossip. Those women just wouldn’t stop blabbering. Hands fondling the napkin on the table, I lowered my gaze and bit my lip, not knowing what to say after his statement.

He’s obviously here to ask whether or not those people were right about me…

Licking my chapped lips, I mustered up the courage to ask him. “A-are you sent by the higher-ups? Do they wish to fire me?” When he didn’t answer, I went on. “If you’re here to ask if I have a relationship with the CEO, I don’t even know the man. I was even surprised that I got the job, honestly.”

Why is he so silent now? God, I hope he believes me. I would never lie about how I got the job but those rumors of me having a relationship with the CEO is just absurd!

The man chuckled and it made me fear that he was laughing at my situation. Irritation running through my system, I pointed a finger at him and frowned. “Why are you laughing? It’s not my fault that an idiotic CEO gave me the job! He shouldn’t have given it to me and offered it to someone else, someone more deserving than me! Due to his stupid decision, I’m now being targeted by my co-workers!”

Despite my explanation, he continued to laugh. Stomach churning in uneasiness, I clenched my fists and fought back tears that were threatening to spill.

It’s no use justifying myself. They wouldn’t listen…they’re all the same!

“Miss McKenzie, why would there be a need for me to fire you?”

Wait, what?

Glancing up, I was absolutely confused as to why he was still laughing. There was nothing funny with what I just said.

“Why are you—”

Cedric held up a hand for me to stop and he grinned. “You’re clearly being looked down upon by your co-workers and that is not good. I don’t see why they should be gossiping about you. You’ve been with the company for three weeks now, and I don’t see any problem with you despite having no experience. You’re a fast learner, something I like. And from what I’ve observed earlier, you’re smart as well. Would you like to work next to me?”

W-what’s going on? Why is he suddenly complimenting me? Why the sudden job offer? Who is this man? Where is this going?

A million questions with no answers raced around my head and it was maddening. Not wanting to be left in the dark, I leaned forward and whispered. “I don’t know what you’re talking about…” I trailed off, head now putting the pieces together.

The people grew quiet when he entered our department. The suit. The expensive restaurant. Him offering me a different position.

“I’m just here because it’s been bothering me how my employees are gossiping so much these past few weeks.”

No…Oh god, no.

It suddenly dawned upon me as I gawked at the man who is much more important than I initially thought.

“Cedric…Sir, don’t tell me you’re the…” I was unable to finish my sentence due to the shock taking over me. My jaw hung open and my eyes were wider than the moon.

Cedric nodded with a huge smile on his face, hand tucked under his chin. “Yes, Miss McKenzie. I’m Cedric Dixon, the CEO of Dixon Enterprises. The ‘idiotic’ CEO who gave you the job.”