Chapter 48--PDA

*Amber*

I try to console myself in my head, to tell myself that everything will be fine. But as I am standing in this large conference room, with all eyes boring into my skin, I feel the confidence I have summoned wane. Even with Ryan’s hands interlinked with mine, I can still feel my legs turning to jelly, daring to give out on me. My eyes trail through the river of faces, each etched with different emotions.

Surprise, confusion, disapproval, judgment.

I swallow to lubricate my dry throat as my eyes land on Mr Holden. The look on his face says all that I need to know. I expected this, but why does his stare feel so heavy and unbearable?

The murmurs erupt from each corner of the room, increasing the tension in the air.

I clutch Ryan’s hand even tighter and he shoots me a small glance before he speaks up. “Sorry for the delay, the meeting can commence now.”

Without letting go of my hand, Ryan pulls me with him as he approaches his father. There are two empty seats beside Mr Holden and I freeze, my eyes going wide.

“Ryan! I can’t stay for the meeting too!” I whisper, pulling on his hand to stop.

But he does not. Instead, he turns to me and whispers, “Just trust me.”

How can I trust him when Mr Holden’s gaze is boring into my skull? I am sure he is just as curious as I am, on why I'm heading right up to him.

Ryan pulls me all the way there and urges me with a nod to take a seat. Reluctantly, I slide into the soft, plush chair. Ryan takes a seat beside me and my eyes slowly trail from him to the row of men, and women seated in front of it.

It is only then that I realize I am seated at the head of the table. Tension crashes on me like heavy bricks and I lower my eyes to my hands that are placed on my thighs. Mr Holden’s voice booms through the hall as he addresses the group. And just like that, the meeting starts, with me listening to all the business jargon they throw around. Soon enough, my mind zones out and their voices becomes mere whispers, playing in the background of my mind.

I did not question Ryan’s decision to introduce me officially in his office, but is this really a good move? Will this, somehow, help us in any way? I frown, a mixture of anxiety and uncertainty brewing inside of me. I want to spend the rest of my life with Ryan, but it feels like I need to break through a lot of obstacles just to get that. It is hectic, but for Ryan, it is worth it.

I slowly raise my head up, my gaze flickering from each of the investors. I need to hold my head high, and show them how confident I can be.

The meeting goes on smoothly, with everyone’s attention focusing on Ryan’s voice, and occasionally Mr Holden’s. The tension in the air slowly dissipates and I can feel myself relax.

“That will be all, thank you,” Mr Holden says.

Everyone begins to pack up their thing and make a beeline for the door. I let out a long, heavy sigh and I feel large, warm hands on my shoulder. I turn to my side and see Ryan, giving me a small smile. “You did great,” he says softly as he plants a soft kiss on my cheeks.

My cheeks go bright with color and I go owl eyed. Was it really okay for him to act like this in public?

Before I can feel mull over that, I see Mr Holden, getting up from his chair. “Ryan,” he speaks up, causing my heart to speak a few beats. “I need you to come to my office now a-“

“Ryan,” a voice calls out and I snap my head to the direction of the voice.

A man in a beige coloured suit and a bright smile walks up to him. “If you do not mind, I would love to discuss with you the sales of recent stocks we’ve acquired.”

Ryan shifts his gaze to me, a reluctant look in his eyes. He doesn’t want to leave me alone, and not especially with his father. I shoot him a smile, squeezing his arm.

“I’ll be fine,” I whisper with a nod.

Ryan sighs and rises up from his chair. He falls into step with the man and they walk out of the meeting room, voices getting more and more distant.

Ryan’s absence weighs heavy on me and I immediately feel Mr Holden’s presence beside me. I turn slowly, until I meet his gaze.

“You. I would like to have a word with in my office... Now.”