(Freya's POV).
"Miss. Vivian, what about the fundraising event in Paris? Are you going to participate?" Lawrence asked. We discussed the schedule for the next few months in my office.
"Oh, right, the fundraiser? When?"
"Next month. The money raised will be used to help some orphanages and hospitals. Last year you didn't participate, will you not come this year either?"
I looked at Lawrence with a long sigh. "I don't know. I want to participate, but I can't leave Adam here alone."
"How about bringing him along to Paris?"
"I'll be busy during the event, I'm afraid I won't have enough time to look after him. I don't want anything bad to happen to him, Lawrence."
"But, Adam is old enough now."
"I'll think about it," I said.
"Alright. Oh, about this...." She handed me two tickets to the painting exhibition.
I wrinkled my forehead. "What is this?"
"This morning Mr. Henry came to give me these tickets and asked me to give them to you," she said.
"He must be crazy."
Lawrence chuckled. "Why don't you go out with him once and afterward you can tell him firmly that you don't like him," she advised.
"I was planning to do that too, but I feel bad because he is our colleague."
Just then I felt my cell phone buzzing. I let out a long sigh as I read the incoming message from Devan. He didn't let me rest easily at all. He kept terrorizing me with messages after our meeting last night. And I didn't reply to any of them because I was too lazy to respond.
It's been almost four years and now he looks different. The look in his eyes now is much calmer but wrapped in sadness. Unlike before, every time I looked into his eyes, they were filled with hatred.
I wished he would stop interfering with my life. I'd been living peacefully with my new family, although it was not perfect, but I loved them. Especially, with Adam by my side. That was more than enough. And I didn't need anything more than them.
"How long is he going to bother me," I grumbled when I saw the second message from Devan.
"Did something happen, Miss Vivian?"
I looked at Lawrence. "Oh, nothing," I said as I massaged my temples. "Just this weird guy who keeps texting me since the auction last night."
"He seems to like you."
"He's the guy who paid a million dollars just to have dinner with me." I let out a long breath.
"O-One million dollars? That's a lot of money," she said in surprise, "That's the effort of a man who is pursuing his love," she chuckled.
"Lawrence, don't be silly." I gave her an exasperated look until I heard my cell phone ring.
I widened my eyes in surprise when I saw Devan's name appear on my phone screen.
"From the surprised look I see on your face, it seems like that's the guy we're talking about," she said, "I'll be right out so you can talk comfortably with him." She gave me a bright smile that made me want to vomit.
I snorted as she walked out of my office. I looked back at my phone screen in horror.
Doesn't he know how to give up?!
I was forced to take his call, but I didn't speak a word for a few seconds until I heard his annoying voice.
"Why are you silent?" he asked, "is there someone beside you? So you're embarrassed to speak?"
"Don't be silly. Why do you want to bother me like this?" I snapped.
I heard him chuckle.
"You didn't ask who I was, I assume you know who is contacting you. Then, why aren't you replying to my messages?"
"There's nothing to reply to from all your messages."
"But I'm waiting for your reply."
I paused. I couldn't understand his attitude.
"Sir, please don't behave like this. Your attitude makes me uncomfortable."
"Then tell me what kind of attitude makes you uncomfortable."
"Just stop bothering me and don't send me any more messages," I insisted.
I heard him let out a long sigh.
"But we have dinner."
"Just dinner, sir. And I don't intend to go any further than that," I growled irritably, "please... don't make me say it again and again."
"Vivian..."
I gasped in shock when he said my name in his low, soft voice. It sent chills down my spine with a strange feeling that I didn't understand.
"Vivian..."
"Stop calling my nameー"
"Love. How about that?"
I closed my eyes, almost shouting in anger at what he said, but I tried to hold it in.
"Sir, please stop joking..."
"And please also, stop calling me 'Sir'. I have a name."
Oh, God... why is he acting like this to me? I didn't know what else to do to keep him from bothering me. I've said all sorts of things in a firm manner but he doesn't seem to listen to anything I say at all.
"All right, Mr. Harrison. I think that’s enough for now. I'm busy and Iー"
"How did you know my name? As I remember, I haven't introduced myself yet."
Damn. I cursed inwardly realizing my carelessness.
I bit my lower lip nervously. What should I say to him? This is frustrating me.
"Staff told me, got it?" I replied in a cold tone.
He laughed at me, making me snort in annoyance at his annoying attitude.
"I thought you secretly found out about me because you were attracted to me."
"Stick to your boundaries, Mr. Harrison. And I'm not interested in a relationship with any man either," I insisted. I tightened my grip on my cell phone. "And another thing, we're canceling our dinner. I'll reimburse you for all the money you sent us!"
I heard him groan in annoyance. "You can't cancel our dinner. I'll sue you and tell everyone how incompetent Vivian Harrow is. Surely you don't want everyone thinking badly of you, do you?"
"Sneaky man," I swear.
"Meet me at Osteria's Romana Restaurant tonight. And make sure you wear a beautiful dress. I'm looking forward to it, Miss Vivian."