Chapter 7 - How Are You?

She looked very sexy today. Wearing a dress that tightened on her body with her hair loose on purpose.

Her makeup never failed to make her even more beautiful.

Today she was very prepared to meet the sexy man she met a month ago. The smile on her lips formed just by remembering their hot activities that happened in one night but managed to make her forget about her problems.

"Good morning, Serena. You look happy," Sunny greeted.

"Morning, Sunny. Yes, I am. Oh, you told the others that if he had come, I wouldn't have known who my modeling partner was, right?"

Sunny nodded while pointing her finger in an OK shape. "No worries, I told them already. But, who is that guy? Why are you so enthusiastic?"

Serena smiled and shook her hair. "A secret. For now, I won't tell you."

"Here is your coffee. We were told that he is on his way here for a meeting."

She nodded vigorously and said, "I'll be here waiting. Call me when he's in the meeting room."

As she prepared herself, she typed Vernon Johnson's name into a search engine. It didn't take long for his profile to pop up about the businesses he owned. But Serena was only interested in his romantic life.

"Hmm, last time with Cherry. That woman is still his last ex. That means he hasn't been in a relationship with anyone else," he said elegantly.

Her smile widened and she closed her laptop while spraying perfume all over her body.

"I wonder if he remembers me or not," she said.

The door to the room opened after a knock from outside and Sunny appeared. "He's here. Already in the meeting room."

"I'll be there."

When she stood up, she looked in the mirror in front of her, revealing her entire body. "Do I look sexy? Oh, yes, of course, I am."

She walked out of her room and into the meeting room, showing her natural surprise as Vernon was surprised to see her as well.

"You … " Serena said with a gulp.

The shocked Vernon stood up and then the expression disappeared in favor of his hand that was extended to shake.

"Vernon Johnson," he said, sounding professional.

Serena was even more surprised when Vernon introduced himself. She thought Vernon would greet her but instead, it was as if he didn't know her in the first place.

But eventually, Serena returned his handshake and sat down opposite him. Looking at him made her heart pound. His good looks had not disappeared and when she saw Vernon wearing a suit, he did look more charismatic.

"So, we can start, right? I don't have much time," Vernon said.

Serena just kept quiet and sat up straight while showing her charm. She didn't even take her eyes off Vernon as the producer and her team explained the concept of their project.

"This is a one-year contract job, Mr. Johnson. You are free to resign if you feel uncomfortable."

"He won't resign," Serena said, telling the producer.

Those who were listening and staring were surprised, but not Vernon as he showed a gaze that looked sharp but full of meaning and passion.

"But, Serena, don't we always do that? Giving your model partners the freedom to end things the way they deserve?" said David.

Serena gave David a sharp look and said, “This man seems to be the exception, David."

David was almost speechless and he looked at Vernon, asking him to speak up if there was anything he didn't like.

Vernon cleared his throat and started to speak, "I think I should discuss it with Miss Clarkson first. How about it, Miss?"

Serena still showed her indifference and sighed. "That would be a good idea. Maybe we should end the meeting this time, David.”

The meeting room was left with Serena and Vernon both still sitting in their places.

"Want to have coffee and talk about it with me?" Vernon asked her.

"Wasn't that your idea, Vernon Johnson?"

His Adam's apple rose and fell as he looked at Serena, making him think back to a month ago.

"Then one car or—”

"One car. Wait for me in the lobby, I'll get my bag."

As if deliberately coming out with Vernon from the meeting room, Serena brought her body closer to him, showing her half-exposed breasts. That made Vernon surprised and his heartbeat fast.

“Sorry,” Serena said while smiling.

While waiting for Serena, Vernon sat on the lobby sofa and checked his cell phone. There were many missed messages and calls from Cherry that he deliberately did not respond to. Even one month on, she had not stopped contacting him. She looked like want to get back but with an excuse as Vernon was at fault.

"Why don't you tell her that you like another woman? She'll definitely back off," Serena said to his surprise. She was behind Vernon, bending down to read the messages from Cherry.

Vernon's heart pounded at this and he quickly pocketed his cell phone and stood up. "I don't like lying."

"It's not a lie. You're interested in a woman, right? That's the same as liking her."

"Who do you think that woman is? You seem to know better than me."

Serena shrugged her shoulders with a smile and walked ahead first. He sighed and followed her until they reached the car park.

For the first time in a month, Serena was finally in the same car with the same man. His distinct scent made her like him even more, she didn't even know if it was a liking or an obsession. But all this time she had just kept quiet without finding out about Vernon until today.

When they arrived at the coffee shop, they waited for their coffee order and still sat facing each other without opening their voices.

To be honest, Vernon could not even stop stealing glances at Serena. Besides looking different from the first and last time he met her, this time he could tell that Serena looked much sexier and hotter apart from her beauty which was a plus.

Then Vernon sighed as neither of them had opened their voices until he finally decided to start the conversation.

"How are you, Serena? It's been a long time since we talked.”