THE MYSTERIOUS WOMAN

THE MYSTERIOUS WOMAN


Reyna’s P.O.V

A few days passed away and I was busy these days doing the research for the project. I needed to put all my shots to complete this project, or else I  was going to lose every little thing had had earned by now. This legendary perfume recreating project is the only chance for me to stop all the mouths out there and make my mama proud.

However, my efforts were not hitting the point as the task was way more difficult than I thought. In this part, River was right. It was so hard and I was on the verge of losing my patience.
Currently, I was in the office, still stuck on the guests' list to find the person who actually smelled the perfume. The target was nearly impossible to get because the guest list was a secret. And it was a long time ago, so it's pushing me away from my achievement. Slumping down on her chair, I rubbed my face in frustration. "Oh, God!" I murmured.
When I was already in a tough period of my life, I heard Brit’s voice taunting me.
"Shouldn't the department start recruiting?" I asked loudly. Her intention was very clear to insult and humiliate me in front of everyone.
"Why?" One of her arms-kissers asked, glancing at me.

"Why? Are you even serious? Everyone knows that soon one of the desks is going to be empty!" Brit said so excitedly. "Right after the legendary project, it's going to happen. I am thinking I will bring someone 'gifted' and 'talented' this time with a proper degree, of course." And both girls started laughing.
I felt like crying. I was already feeling so low, and hearing those words, my mind was tearing apart. No matter how strong I was, at some point, everything started to go down when there was not even a single person to help.
I kept my face covered with my hands without replying to her. Because it would only cause trouble and pressure for me when I felt a soft and concerned touch on my back. I looked up, only to find Kevin watching me with worry. "Oh, hi Kevin." I smiled sadly.

Pulling his chair close to me, he kept a cup of coffee on her desk. "Drink it. It will help you to relax a bit.” "Thank you," I replied, looking at my feet.
Kevin sighed. "Hey, don't lose hope. I understand that it's not easy and you are going through a rough time. But, everything will be fine, okay? You are the most hard-working person I have ever met." He tried to ease my pain a little bit. I turned my gaze at him and smiled. "You are the only one I can put my trust in, thank you."

Suddenly, my phone started ringing. It was my best friend, Becky. Excusing myself, I received the call.
"Rey, baby I have news for you." She squealed in a slight excitement. "What is it?"
"Martin finally finds out that a lady called Zoe has smelled the perfume. The lady belongs to a noble family. This is true." (Martin is Becky's boyfriend, who cheated on her with his friend step sister. I trusted them so much and asked for help from them.) "Okay, that's good news, right?" A light of hope peeked in my mind.
"But, there is a problem. He couldn't find any way of contacting her. It seemed like the woman just vanished!" Becky said.
Though it wasn't entirely good news, at least I now knew the person's name. Maybe, after doing her research more, I could get the number too.

"A light appeared on the face. A good news?" Kevin asked from beside me.
This time I smiled from the heart. "A little bit of hope. Let's see what happens next."
The next few hours, I spent my whole time searching for Zoe's number or address. However, the problem was no one ever heard of that lady, nor did anyone know any way to contact her.
Watching the light of hope drowning down once again, I started feeling helpless again. I was troubled and stuck from every side. When I was having second thoughts about my life, suddenly, my phone started ringing once again. But, this time it was from an unknown number.

Frowning, I picked up the call. "Hello?"
"Good Morning, Miss Reyna." A familiar, deep voice rang in my ear, and a silent gasp came out of me in shock.
"Umm... Who is it?" Though I could guess the person from the tone, I didn't want to take the risk and asked to be confirmed.
"Any guess?" The man asked, enjoying this little teasing for sure.
Reyna "....."
Here I was having such a troubled time and there this man is finding things funny! However, I didn't try to guess. What if it was wrong?!
"Umm... I am sorry, I am clueless." I stated.
The opposite person chuckled. "I was right, you are really forgetful, Reyna." He sighed before speaking, "Ryger Pattsons, remember?"
And this was the second time for me to be shocked. Pressing my left hand over my chest I huffed inwardly. 'Thank God, I didn't try to guess!’ Basically, I was expecting River on the other side but not Ryger.

And the truth somehow dulled my mind a bit as I wanted the person to be River.
However, ignoring that slight tinge in my heart, I smiled. "Oh hello, Mr. Pattsons. I am sorry, I couldn't guess. Well, how can I help you?" Trying to suppress my shock, I continued the conversation with him.
Ryger chuckled again. "Hey, it's alright. I called you for lunch this afternoon. Are you free today?"
Once again, I was astonished. Glancing at the phone once I blinked my eyes a few times.
The things happening are really unusual in my life! A few days ago, he came to me in a drunken state, and now this lunch invitation?
'The fuck is happening in my bloody life!' I screamed in my mind.

"All of a sudden?" I asked politely, hiding the annoyance inside my heart. "Well, it's a little apology for that night. I was drunk and caused you a scene. I hope you can accept it." Ryger was nervous while asking her out.
I pursed my lips together. Feeling a little distressed, when all of a sudden an idea hit me. 'Wait! He is from a noble family, right? And nobles do know each other or at least they somehow are connected. Maybe, I can ask him for some help?' I thought in my mind, feeling a bit guilty once again using him for my selfishness.

"Well, okay. I can take that." I agreed.
"Thank you. I will be picking you up. Let me know your location?” Ryger asked.
I quickly shook her head. "It's alright, Mr. Pattsons. You can send me the location and I will be there on time." I politely. After all, he was Ryger Pattsons and I could not let the whole office find a new topic against me.
Ryger didn't push me and agreed to my request.



At lunchtime, I went out of the office and reached the location. Ryger texted me.
Reaching there, I was a bit surprised once again in my day. He actually booked a cosy dinner for an apology. Not so overhyped, ridiculously posh, or stupid. It was an amazing dinner of my liking as if he knew what I liked!
When I saw Ryger, he was, as usual, in his formal attire, looking as handsome as ever. He came to me, took my hand, and politely kissed the back of my hand.

"Thank you for accepting the invitation." He sends a friendly wink at me.
His friendly manner actually eased me up around him and while eating, both talked of their lives. None get personal but their dreams, achievements, and some fun memories.
He even teased her for that condom incident, making me blush. But, it wasn't awkward anymore.
Both of them started calling each other by their first names and the tension I was having was not bothering me much as he lightened up the mood.

At this point, she started liking Ryger again. The bond has formed between us and I felt like it could last as a friendship. Though I was annoyed at first and thought he would be a help. Yet, those were gone now, knowing him better.
After talking about this and that, I finally brought up the topic I wanted to ask. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure, go ahead." He encouraged me to go on.

"Do you know lady Zoe? Or, ever heard of her? She belongs to a noble family." I watched him with expectant eyes.
Ryger  thought for a moment, and then, much to my disappointment, he shook my head. "I don't think so. I have never heard about any lady Zoe. But, why are you asking?"
I pursed my lips. The project is a secret and I couldn't reveal it to him now. Yes, we could be friends but not close enough to trust with all my private matters.
"Okay, this is a bit private as it's for work. Bt, I can say that there is a project I am working ,on and this lady's name appeared. I need to contact her. She is from a noble family so I just asked if you know?" Without giving much information, I answered him.