Chapter 95.1
The lunch that Geoffrey prepared tasted so good. But somehow, it was hard to digest, as if they had eaten a rubber instead.
Then, Adira, Geoffrey and Chadwick went back to check the other stores in the mall where they will launch the wine in mall for the first time. They walked here and there, passing by bright lights, vibrant signs. And an array of people who filled the grand foyer and bold signs, neon light animates each store. There are over a thousand shops to browse from, signs are as big as giant and people from all occupations and professions are running errands or browsing every retailer.
They said that the mall is a place where women love to go to do retail therapy.
Adira will agree. When she looked around at the Forever 22 shop, she heard music playing in the background creating an exciting feeling for some and girls in small groups browsing each rack of clothing. Metal racks filled to the brim with overprices and cheaply made clothing.
Despite that teenage girls still flock to this store. Most girls head towards the sale section first.
‘We should put a ‘sale’ tag in our launch,’ Adira thought of an idea. She smiled to agree but suddenly frowned when she felt the throbbing of her feet. She looked down and saw the back of her feet turning red for walking so much with high heels.
'Now I regretted not letting Hansel accompany me,’ Adira said to herself with an inward sigh.
Before the three of them went to the mall, Chadwick and Adira both said to their secretaries not to follow them anymore. The reason is because they wanted to talk freely with Geoffrey.
So, what are the two secretaries doing now?
Neil and Hansel are in the office of Adira, eating doughnuts.
"I feel guilty for eating here while my boss is working," Hansel said, looking at the doughnuts.
"Why would you? Madam Adira and Sir Chadwick told us not to follow them," Neil defended.
"But still..." Hansel bit her lower lip.
When Neil saw her sexily biting her lips, he choked.
"Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!"
"Are you okay?" Hansel asked, giving her the cup of ice Americano.
Blushing, Neil received the coffee and drank it. "I am o-okay," he uttered.
"Why are you eating so fast? Tsk, tsk, tsk. You look like a pig."
Neil just pouted his lips while avoiding her eyes.
"Anyway, I am wondering what they are doing right now," Hansel sighed.
"It is obvious," Neil uttered. "The two are probably fighting to win over Madam. Didn’t you see how they act before? They did what they wanted as if we weren’t there. I am thankful that they left us here.”
Hansel would agree that it feels creepy watching two men fighting over one woman. However, knowing about Adira’s thoughts on trying to open her heart, she felt excited for her. How will Adira deal of receiving love from two men? Hansel is curious.
‘She might be tired right now,’ Hansel guessed.
And she’s right.
"I am afraid if Mr. and Mrs. McElroy are tired now," the director said to them.
It's true. But they don't have the choice but to end the work for today.
'But my feet are aching so bad,’ Adira complained inwardly while walking.
"It's alright. There are two more stores. So, let's hurry and finish it," Adira answered.
"Thank goodness," the director said. "Ahh, actually I am one of Mrs. and Mr. McElroy fans."
All stopped from walking.
Although Geoffrey kept the smile on his lips, he has an expression that is difficult to paint. Chadwick and Adira have divorced already, but since it is a secret, the people around still see them as a married couple. A sweet and perfect relationship at the top of that. They gained fans because of the articles, advertising, and the recent news about Chadwick.
People looked up into them, thinking that their story resembles a story in the fiction world.
‘But it is not true,’ Geoffrey protested silently, the clicked his tongue.
On the other side, Chadwick felt good hearing those words. He felt like he has the whole world on his side, and they are against his competitor, Geoffrey.
"Really?" Chadwick replied with smiles creeping at the corner of his lips from time to time. "Then, do you like to have a picture of Adira and me?"
The director's face brightened. It is an offer that a fan like him cannot decline!
"Can I?! It will be a pleasure!" he gasped.
"Of course," Chadwick answered without asking his ex-wife if she's okay with that.
They are still acting as a married couple so Adira cannot decline. For that, she just wanted to laugh it off.
"Thank you so much," the director enthusiastically showed his gratitude. Not wanting to waste time, he quickly grabbed his phone and opened the camera application. Next, he stood between Adira and Chadwick.
It’s all set up, except the photographer. Who will take the picture?
He desperately looked around. The only person he found, who can take the picture at this moment is no other than his boss, Geoffrey.
He contemplated while staring at Geoffrey with an apologetic gaze. How dare he is to ask a person in a higher position to take a picture?
Geoffrey saw the director’s gaze. It did not take him long to understand what that gaze held.
'Sh*t,' Geoffrey laughed internally.
Taking a picture of Chadwick and Adira is something he really hates, second to none. Yet, Geoffrey cannot let his jealousy to create an unnecessary scandal between him and the two CEOs.
“Okay,” Geoffrey said, heaving a sigh. “I will take the picture.” He raised his hand as to volunteer.
The director sighed in relief. “Thank you so much! Sir!” He quickly dashed to give the phone to Geoffrey.
Holding the phone, Geoffrey moved backward, looking behind him to make sure he wouldn’t bump to anyone else inside the busy and crowded mall.
Once he stood at a good distance, he stopped and looked at the three.
"I will take it right now," he said, staring at the phone screen. "One, two..." before he pressed the shutter, he stared at Adira’s beautiful face.
Adira sensed his gaze.
He smiled at her and continued, "Three."
Kachak. Kachak. Kachak.
He took three pictures of them.
"Thank you so much, sir," the director said, getting his phone back to Geoffrey.
"Then, how about me?" Geoffrey asked him.