Chapter 130 Chapter 130
Chapter 130 Chapter 130
I said, "See you," to Ismael before hanging up. I'm on my way to Safira to file a vacation leave, but I don't think it will be accepted because Ismael urged me to consider it a business trip instead. But it's better to know I can file; taking paid vacation just in case is a waste. Our primary goal in Europe is to visit his brother, as if LMC's partnership with Safira is merely a side hustle.
Miss Levanier assured me that my proposal would be implemented because Ismael was considering introducing a scented balm for his company. He claimed it never crossed his mind. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. I'm not sure if he actually loves my proposal or if he simply consented because I offered it. I feel like my responsibilities are greater because it is my idea that we will work on. It's a good thing I chose to be with Ismael because the land of perfumes is in Europe, specifically on the Côte d'Azur in France.
I was going to enter our company's building when I noticed Roxsielle exiting a jewelry store. She wore a basic black dress and heels. She looks so rich and sophisticated. I frowned, especially as she climbed into a black car. Even the car is recognizable to me.
My chest tightened with nervousness right away. It wasn't the first time I saw her like that; I'd seen her quite well when we had a family dinner with Ismael. I'm not the judge, but I'm wondering where she got the branded dress.
I'm not sure why I decided to call Joth. I am just restless. And, to my amazement, he answered my call right away, something I never expected to happen.
"Why?" he nonchalantly asked me.
"Uhm, I just want to ask, is Roxsielle there?" I requested confirmation that what I observed was correct.
"She is not here. She informed me that she was going to purchase milk for our children. Why are you asking?"
I exhaled. Seeing Roxsielle earlier does not imply that she was about to go to the grocery store to buy milk. "Huh? Ah, nothing," I replied nervously. I'm also not used to talking to my brother in person, let alone on the phone. He is frequently angry with me and rants at me as if he were the older of the two of us.
"Okay," he said. "By the way, congratulations on your graduation."
I stopped listening. A tear spilled from my eyes. This is not what I anticipated from him, and it tears my heart to hear it from someone in my own family.
"And don't tell Mom and Dad that I spoke with you."
"O-okay."
"Is there anything else you want to ask?"
I swallowed when I remembered something else. "By chance, did you visit my house again?"
"No." The tone of his voice conveys irritation. Maybe he believes I am accusing him. He seemed to understand the meaning of my query. "Why? What happened?"
"N-nothing. I lost my ring," I confessed to him. I'm not sure why I now feel close enough to him to share anything like this. I'd never felt anything like this between the two of us before, like if, despite our distance, our hearts were moving closer together.
"Ring?" He seemed curious.
"Yeah."
"How does it look? Send a photo."
I bit my lip because I nearly laughed. He sounded like a brother to me now. "O-okay."
"Bye."
When the call finished, I experienced overpowering emotions throughout my system. In addition to Ismael, I believe I had a family and an ally at the time. Even though he has yet to apologize, I have forgiven him because he is my only brother.
I sent a picture of the ring Ismael gave me, just as he had requested. Fortunately, I have it in the gallery, despite the fact that my phone is new. The perks of having iCloud.
I brushed away my tears before entering the building. It seemed like it had been a long time since I had come here. My coworkers, Erl, Zedee, and Caylie, congratulated me. Mill and Miss Ayu were also pleased to see me, greeting me and saying they had missed me.
Before we could finish chattering, I bid my goodbyes and headed directly to Miss Sapphire's office. I noticed her sitting at her table, talking on her phone. I was about to leave again because I didn't want to intrude on her solitude when she recognized me and asked me to stay.
After a while, she hung up the video call without looking at me. "Sorry, it was my husband."
I was surprised and quickly looked at her hand. Why did I only now discover that she has a wedding ring? Why is she nicknamed Miss Sapphire so much?
"It's okay," I said nicely.
She grinned and directed me to sit in front of her. "Well, it isn't really okay because I missed him so much. He is a seaman, so we have a long-distance relationship. Fortunately, our technology has advanced to the point where we can communicate," she stated. "Anyway, that's too much. What led you here? How was the collaboration?"
"I apologize for the brief delay in signing the contract, Miss Sapphire. It was because of my suggestion," I said.
"Oh, yes, I heard that. You're doing an excellent job, Jothea. I'm proud of you for putting so much effort into this project. It hasn't been long since you denied it."
I smiled. "Because of that, Miss Sapphire, I'd like to request a vacation leave. The LMC invited me to join their business trip to further research the balm production.
"Oh, really?" She was astounded by my announcement. "That's a good opportunity, Jothea. You will undoubtedly learn a lot that you can later share with your coworkers and here at Safira."
What can I learn from Ismael? He only showed me something else.
"Alright. Don't worry about the cost; instead, enjoy your trip," she said.
"About the cost, Miss Sapphire, LMC will shoulder it."