(Freya's POV).
I was surprised when someone pulled my hand from behind and it turned out to be Devan. He suddenly appeared and caught me giving flowers to his mother. My heart was beating so fast when he suspected me, but luckily I had a good reason so he believed me.
But to my surprise, he acted like a traumatized person when he accidentally hurt my shoulder. Is this because of what happened in the past?
I'm not used to seeing his weak side like this.
"Sorry, I seem to have made a mistake. I shouldn't have treated you like that. I promise it won't happen again," he said in a low voice.
"It's okay. It didn't hurt that much anyway."
"I don't want to hurt you anymore." He dropped his gaze to me, making me drown in his deep gaze.
Was he traumatized from hurting me in the past? Is that why he was acting like this?
"Forget it. The important thing is that this misunderstanding is resolved," I said, "I have to go back to the boutique, so..."
"Wait, can't you be here any longer?" he asked. He grasped my hand like a child who didn't want to lose his mother.
"Wh-what?"
"Just for a while. Just leave it like this for a while." He dropped his head on top of the hand that he was holding.
I fell silent. Didn't know what to do, but I left it like that for some time. Until I saw him look up, looking at me with a pair of dark, black eyes.
"Feeling better?" I asked. I didn't know what to say at a time like this.
"Yes. Do you want to meet my mom?"
I gasped in shock at his words. My eyes widened. "Y-Your mom? I don't think that's necessary. I don't know her, and I don't want to disturb her rest time."
"Today I came to take her home. She'll be happy to get flowers from you."
"It was Tristan's idea. He felt bad after hearing that your mom was sick. Since he and your father are colleagues, he sent flowers to your mom," I explained. I didn't want him to think that I was Freya.
"It doesn't matter. She'll still like you visiting her," he said, but I didn't answer. "Is there a lot of work at the boutique?"
"Um, yes it is...."
"Then, can I visit your boutique after this?"
"What for?!" I glared at him.
"Can’t I?”
"It's not that you can't. There has to be a reason why you want to visit someone. Moreover, we're not close at all, so..."
"So, can we get close enough that we don't need a reason to see each other?"
I was shocked when I heard his words. I didn't know how to react.
"Pick one. Visiting my mom, or me visiting your boutique."
I glanced at him sharply, feeling annoyed he smirked at me.
"I don't have to..."
"Yes, you do."
I bit my lower lip nervously.
"Come to my boutique," I replied. "Now, let go of my hand!" I snapped.
I furrowed my brow as I watched him laugh contentedly.
"Then I'll see you later," he said as he stood up.
I still couldn't understand what I was doing. I shouldn't have gotten caught up in his game. I had decided not to have anything to do with Devan anymore, but somehow, something always made us meet.
I swallowed hard when I got a text message from Devan. He didn't let me rest easily.
"You're such a fool, Vivian," I grumbled.
I went back to my boutique. Taking care of all the work, I somehow felt very nervous at the thought of Devan coming to my boutique. It had been bothering me since our meeting at the hospital.
Just then, I felt my cell phone buzzing. And I received a text message from Devan.
(I'm already at your boutique. Come down.)
He must be crazy!
I went downstairs and saw Devan talking to Lawrence. It looked very exciting as if they had known each other for a long time.
"Lawrence," I called out. Devan immediately threw his gaze at me.
"Oh, Miss. Vivian." She approached me and smiled meaningfully. Whispered something that made me widen my eyes. "He's very handsome. If he confesses his love to you, accept it. Cheer up!" then walked away leaving me alone with Devan as the rest of the staff also left as if to make room for us alone.
What's there to be excited about? I grumbled to myself.
"Are you ready?" he asked as I walked up to him.
"Ready for what?"
"Dinner."
"What?!" I shouted in surprise. "We never promised to have dinner together!"
"Then what did I come here for if not to ask you to dinner?"
"I refused. And don't act like you're close to Lawrence," I protested.
"Why? Are you jealous that I'm getting close to your secretary?"
"Are you crazy?!" I exclaimed. "What am I jealous of you for?"
"That's right, why would you be jealous when my eyes are only on you."
"I didn't know you were so good at flirting, Mr. Harrison," I said in a brusque tone.
I had to keep my sanity.
He chuckled. "Can't you call my name comfortably?"
"No."
"Well, that's okay. You'll slowly get comfortable," he said, "come on, I've booked a restaurant for our dinner."
I don't know what he was thinking, but he could so confidently ask me to dinner. And foolishly, I accepted his invitation.
"W-what do you want to do?"! I protested, staring at him with glaring eyes as we were in the car and he suddenly approached me. His lips were so close to mine that I could feel his warm breath caressing me. It gave me goosebumps.
"Seat belt," he whispered with a smirk.
"I can do it myself!" I glanced at him sharply, but he just chuckled.
My heart was beating very fast and I realized my face was heating up. Hopefully, he didn't notice my nervousness.