"That's brilliant of you to ask that question, Ella."
My mouth hangs open at Kim's reaction. I thought he'd be showing Ella out of the door for insulting him. I glance at Zed to see his reaction, and I also see him holding his breath. However, Kim seems amused at her suspicion.
"Great business magnates are the ones chased, not the other way around," Kim continues, a pleased look spreading on his face.
"My point exactly, Mr. Mori."
"This world is full of treachery and betrayal, so it's hard to trust anyone. So, I admire that, Ella. You're still young and expected to easily get swayed by attractive offers."
"So?" Ella raises a brow at him, waiting for the bottom line of all these. She's indeed a strong and brilliant woman, fearless and confident. And Kim, the man born for the business world, easily spots her potential.
"My motives behind the offer are exposure to your country, partnership with Jamella Tech, and fame. We all know that Jamella has developed quite a name already."
The smirk on Ella's face tells me she's not convinced, so I am surprised at her next words. And I guess we have the same thought playing in our minds. And that is about the comparison between Jamella and Kim Yuan. Jamella may be a five-star restaurant, but Kim Yuan has spread its wings far and wide already for it to benefit from the fame of the former.
"You're right, Mr. Mori. So, thanks for the offer. I'm accepting it."
I shift my eyes on the two of them, wondering who between the two has greater motives against the other and who between them would greatly benefit from the offer. But looking at the slight curve of Kim's lips, I feel that there are more to the reasons he has cited.
"That's good."
"I will run all your cafeterias here and abroad, and I will build a five-star version of Jamella outside your business zones. So, per your offer, Jamella will handle all your outdoor meetings, including all those companies in your business zones.
"Absolutely, Miss Ella."
"Another thing, Mr. Mori, may I hold an office in your premises temporarily while I don't have one yet?"
"Not a problem," says Kim before he turns to me. "My wife can assign it to you."
I smile and nod at Ella as she throws a glance at me. In my peripheral vision, I also see Zed looking at me. This is getting difficult – our space is getting smaller. I'm still battling with these mixed emotions, and here they are, constricting my space.
"Miss Yen, can I have one of your staff to let me see the possible area where I will have my temporary office?"
"My wife can do that personally."
“No, Mr. Mori. Miss Yen is – “
"It's alright. My wife is meticulous. She doesn't want any of our partners to come back and raise a complaint after not seeing it through."
I freeze for a second. Why am I always forced into awkward situations? My husband is so great to give me that credit.
"Sure," I say, letting out a horribly perfect smile.
To end this ordeal, I rise from my seat. "If there's nothing else you want to talk to Kim, we can go now, Miss Ella."
Ella turns to Zed, and the latter reaches out for her hand. "I'll wait for you outside."
"No, you may go ahead. Don't you have an appointment today?" Ella asks.
"We have. Your appointment with your obstetrician."
"Can we see her another time? I still have lots of things to do today."
"No. You and baby, above anything else." Ella pouts, and Zed gives her a reprimanding look.
I turn towards the door, deciding to give them privacy. I just can't stand there and watch their sweet bickering. I feel them following after a few minutes, so I turn to see if Ella is already ready. Just in time to see Zed pecking her lips and holding her hand.
"Can you go with us?"
A sense of anger floods within me. This woman is overacting and insensitive. How can she play dumb and ignore my discomfort in having them around? I turn my back on them, hoping one of them will get to their senses.
"No, love. The Quartet asks for an urgent online meeting. Look at this."
I know Zed wants to prove he's having an online meeting. And I feel sick at his desperate moves to prove himself. No man in this world is as righteous as Zed.
"Okay. See you later."
I walk ahead. In my mind, I already see Zed kissing her before letting her go. But I try to compose myself, even uttering a silent prayer that I would go past this discomfort.
"Miss Yen, I'm sorry. I'm just seeing Zed off."
I turn to her and smile. "It's fine, Ella."
We walk in silence for a few meters. Then, Ella clears her throat.
"You know, Miss Yen, I feel like withdrawing from this partnership. I just realized how much discomfort our meetings are to you. And I will be dishonest if I say I'm comfortable myself. You are the woman Zed is crazy about, the woman who caused him painful struggles to forget."
My lips curve into a smirk. Ella, telling me this, catches me off guard. My mind instantly turns into a mess.
Zed had confessed to her. And she's there for him when he felt torn and dejected.
"It's all in the past, Ella. I'm happy that Zed has found you. You know what happened – it lessens my guilt. I left Zed and chose Kim over him."
"You can't be blamed, Miss Yen. You lost your memories. You didn't know you are married to Mr. Mori."
An uneasy smile breaks on my lips. I surprise myself for acting like the confession isn't killing me. "How is he as a husband?"
"Boyfriend. But I can see him clearly as a perfect husband."
"And how about in–"I stop. It's too stupid of me to ask.
"Bed. I know you're curious about that. But he's great, believe me."
A knot seems to form in my stomach, and I feel my blood draining from my face. Why are we talking about this? I wonder if Zed has told her the whole story. That it's because of me, he has that disorder.
"I'm happy about that, Ella. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. It's something not meant for us."
"Thank you, Miss Yen. I can't believe you're so kind to me, even if we're rivals."
I chuckle at her choice of words. "We're not rivals, Ella. I'm just the first woman Zed has loved first."
She freezes, looking at me with her mouth hanging open. Then, seeing the glint of discomfort in her eyes, I realize the sting of my words.
"Just as I'm sure Zed is not your first love," I add, smiling.
"Of course." She finally smiles.
I look up and realize we have finally reached the building that houses the IT department and the offices of Kim Yuan's engineers.
"We're here," I tell her.
Ella also looks up, and her eyes fall on the man that leans on the terrace, looking at us.