Nile scanned the files from the folder. His eyebrows raised, obviously in surprise.
I didn’t wait for him to say anything. If he wants to insult me again, I don’t want to hear it. If he realizes he was wrong and wants to compliment me or better yet, apologize, I don’t want to hear it.
My hand reaching the doorknob paused midair when I heard him clear his throat.
“Thank you.”
I whirl around to face him. “Next time when you read a book, don’t fall too much on the cover.” Certainly I didn’t pass the chance to retort. I didn’t wait for him to speak nor see his reaction. I slammed the door shut while I revel at having the last word.
---
“I need your help.”
Quinn suddenly came out of nowhere. Her small figure covering my sight on the photoshoot happening in our very own studio.
“What can I help you with this very early morning, my dear friend?” I was sitting languidly on one of the benches here while monitoring our first work of the day that started as early as 6AM. The models had another schedule later today so we have to start earlier.
“I might take a day off today. Tyler finally had the time to do our cake tasting so I won’t be able to take your place in Veselov.”
“That’s sad.” I deadpanned. My eyes were still on the models and the photographer who was busy directing good poses to take.
“Kura, come on. You need to go to Veselov.” She insisted.
“Even if I was there, the guy hates my guts so I’d rather not ruin his mood with my presence.”
Quinn then takes a seat beside me. The bench was enough to fit two people. “You know, he and I talked a couple of days ago. He was pretty sorry that he judged you. He saw your efforts and he could see why I trusted you much. I could see the regret in his eyes.”
My head whirled around in a swift motion and looked at her in disbelief. “He said that?”
“I could see it in his face.” She answered innocently.
I snorted. “Well, that’s reassuring.”
“Come on, Kura. Just do this project for me, not for that asshole.” I raised a brow, amused that she called her family friend, asshole. She obviously took it from me but she had to do some ass kissing before I even moved here. “Oh, don’t give me that look. I’m sucking up to gain your favor.” She said with an eye roll.
I laugh. “Sure.” I watch her with a smile. “You know, Tyler is so lucky to have you. He’s lucky to have you as each other’s’ partners for the rest of your lives. And I’ll be the unlucky one to have my best friend be stolen away from me.”
“Oh, Kur, don’t make me cry. I’m tearing up right now.” She’s fanning her eyes with her dainty hands. I laughed, teasing her.
“Alright, fine. I’ll go to Veselov but in return you have to make the wedding cake chocolate.”
She grinned, showing her pearly white teeth. “Deal.”
It wasn’t really a request from the start since Quinn would’ve chosen chocolate regardless. She loves it so much and I was only influenced by her. I was never a sweet tooth but she made me love chocolates. Tyler would’ve complied no matter what. He loves his fiancée so much. And I’ll be this supporting character in their lives who’ll be more than happy to have her best friend stolen from her.
---
The next day, Quinn came with me to Veselov. My day didn’t start with my usual walk since she came to pick me up from my apartment. I was still sleeping when she came. The incessant sound of the doorbell woke me up. I opened the door with a bedhead and was still in a state of grogginess. Quinn was chirpy and upbeat with a bag of breakfast and coffee in her hands. She had too much caffeine and too much Tyler yesterday for sure.
We’re still very much busy and still haven't finalized everything. The planning always takes a lot of time especially as big as this so we’re stuck for the mean time in the office. I let our employees do the errands outside.
“I’m here to bring the ladies some lunch.” Our heads turned towards the intruder simultaneously. We were so focused on our work that we didn’t even notice that someone had opened the door.
Quinn’s smile was so wide, it could slit her face in half. “Tyler!” She squealed and lunged towards her fiancé.
My eyes widened, alarmed at her gesture. He almost let go of the bags he was holding just to receive Quinn’s hug. I was fast enough to grab it from him while scolding her. “Fucking hell, Quinn. You almost destroyed our lunch!” I gently placed the bags on our table.
Tyler managed to return her hug warmly and tightly, squeezing and swaying her. He was smiling at her excitement and probably how cute she was being.
“Thank you for the food, babe.” She then lets him go and kisses him. He returns the kiss in her cheeks, smiling.
“Yep, always the savior.”
He laughed when he saw my state, already started munching the food he brought. “I knew someone’s going to be this starving. Sorry, babe, but the food’s meant for Kura.” He teased.
She giggles. “I already had a feeling.”
My smile was satisfied as I watched them together. I know I said to her that Tyler was lucky to have her. It was the same with her, too. Tyler is the kind of guy who every girl dreams of. After all the men she dated which I could hardly approve, she finally found the right man for her. They only dated for a year and a half before Tyler asked her to marry him. And even before that, the two were arranged to be married by their families.
Quinn protested at first. She was such a romantic. She always wanted to marry someone she loves. But her parents grew impatient. She was turning twenty-six at that time and she still wasn’t able to find someone who she’ll marry. When she met Tyler, he proposed that the two should start dating first and if it didn’t work out, no marriage would happen.
Two years later, surprisingly, they did work out. I never had an ounce of bad feeling for him unlike all the other men she dated. They were all arrogant and egotistical especially whenever she wasn’t around. She didn’t know this but I have a good number of punches for them whenever they insult me or Quinn. Tyler was so different from them despite his rank in the society. He was rich, handsome but above all he was kind, level headed and soft-spoken. He just had the whole package and was perfect for her.
I let him whisk her away after lunch after reassuring them that I was fine for now with the work. Wedding planning was just as hard since you could only have the very best wedding in your life with someone you love.
I was so absorbed with finishing my work that I didn’t notice the time. It was over 10PM when I finally realized it. Rubbing my face with tiredness, I decided that I really should go home.
The offices and cubicles were dark and empty when I passed by, letting me know that I was the only one left here. As soon as I stepped out of the elevator, I could hear the loud sound of heavy rain falling heavily outside. I sauntered towards the entrance, observing the rain pelting against the transparent walls of the building.
Why didn’t I notice this in the office? I asked myself. I cursed under my breath, thinking how I can go home now. The rain was so strong that it felt like there was a storm coming.
“Good evening, Miss Kunoe.” The security guard whose name was Jackson, nodded his head in greeting. I nodded back with a small smile. “I’m afraid you won’t be able to go home tonight. There’s a thunderstorm coming. The news said to better stay at home.”
“You gotta be shitting me.” I muttered. In the start of fucking summer? Am I that unlucky? I thanked Jackson either way. I decided to turn around and probably sleep in the office. Clearly, I didn’t have a choice.
My eyes suddenly met the source of my bad luck. He stopped short when he also saw me, eyes widened in surprise. He took off his coat and tie, leaving only with his white shirt with sleeves rolled up his arms. Waking up from surprise, he continued to walk. I did as well.
When we finally met halfway, he suddenly grabbed my arm, catching me off guard. “Stay here.” He said unclear and made his way towards Jackson who greeted him in respect.
I stood still wondering what he was up to.