CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 11


A thorn that was on my chest for weeks has been gone now by that confrontation.

It's not easy but it has to be in that way because I don't want Megan to see that I'm naïve, that I’m weak.

I am also happy that I have people at my back to support me and this time I have Emerson.

He didn't question me neither judge me. He just gave me water, held me close, hugs me for comfort and told me that it'll be okay tomorrow.

I didn't notice that I felt asleep but then I suddenly woke up because of my alarm clock.

Oh! It's too early for you. I reached for it and turn it off.

That’s the time that I felt that someone is beside me.

Emerson's arms are around me. He's spooning me and it feels so good. I didn't want to wake him up so I move carefully.

“You can move. I'm awake for an hour now.” he said then he kisses my shoulder.

“Good morning” I smiled.

It feels amazing waking up this way. I turn to face him.

“Why you didn't wake me up”? I touch his face. “Good Morning”
“I don't have the heart to. It looks like you needed It.” he said. “And besides my arms are around you and I like to hug you more.” he added.

He looks like a school boy and not a businessman. Yes, I like it too. I smiled.

We ate the pasta I prepared last night and I made us coffee.

“Did you cook it”? He asked while he's forking the pasta.

“Yes, why? You don't like it”? I said. “I'll cook you eggs then.” I added, standing up.

“No, it's delicious.” I sit back. “Why do you always take the things I said negatively”? he asked.

I shrug and gave him a half smile. I look up to him to see his brown eyes. “I don't want to expect things.” especially from you. I sigh.

“Have dinner with me.” he said demandingly but his eyes look unsure.

“What”? I must've heard it wrong.

“You heard me right. Have dinner with me, Love.” he said, smiling.

How can you resist that smile? It was like it's talking on it’s own. Like you can't resist me.

“Okay. What time”?

“7 o'clock”? he said putting down the fork and leaning on the chair.

“Okay, just text me where and what to wear.” I said, giving him, a smile and he grins at me.
Emerson POV

This woman is strong and brave. She didn't cry last night. Maybe she cried it all in the coffee shop.

I left her apartment, drove off at my office and take a shower there. My office always has suit for me so I didn’t bother to go home.

I called my executive assistant thru the intercom and she immediately came.

“Yes, Mr. Triumph.” Mrs. Wilson said.

“Will you please call the Cuisines Fine Dine to prepare a table for two for me”? I asked.

“Of course, Sir. “ She said, smiling. “Will your mother come”? she asked.
I smiled. My mother and her, have been friends since they have the same age. “No, I'll have dinner with someone.” she grinned and I chuckled softly.

“Thank you.” she smiled and left.
I scan the financial statements that my Chief Accountant gave and I am satisfied on the numbers at the bottom. Very good Emerson.

Running a business is hard but running an empire is a lot to take in. Being the owner and CEO of this corporation, it's hard to maintain being at the top. The worst-case scenario is when your company rival spies on you. They'll send applicants on your company to be your employees which is also their employee.

Good strategy? No, I call it uneducated strategy. It's cheating.

People won't play fair but I don't want to be like them. Be original in your own way.

I let Jayson pick Love on her house so I can take a shower. I told her that we'll be in a fine dine restaurant.

I am wearing a blue Armani pair suit with white V-neck shirt inside. I let the suit unbuttoned, fixed my hair and wore leather shoes. When I look in the mirror, I smile at what I am seeing.

I ride in my Audi and proceed to the restaurant.

“Good evening Mr. Triumph, this way please.” the manager greets me.

“Did she already arrive”? I asked.

“Not yet sir.” I nod. I look around and the tables are all taken.

“What will you be serving us”?

“It's the Chef's specialty for this night. It's called T-bone steak dipped on pineapple with buttered baby potatoes. “ He said proudly and I just nodded.

I busy myself on my phone, checking mails.

“Sir, I believe your guest has arrived. “ he said and then I see a beautiful woman walking towards me dressed in a baby pink flowy dress and pink pointed heels. Her hair is down and straight. Simple but elegant.

Men’s eyes are literally following her. Following where ever she goes.

I closed my eyes thinking that I should have closed this restaurant for two hours. So that no one will ogle at her like that.

She's even more beautiful closer. “Quite an entrance you got there.” I smiled and give her the bouquet of red roses.

He slaps my arm. “Silly.” I help her sit down. Be the perfect gentleman.

“Thank you for the flowers.” she smiled. Oh, how I love that smile.

“When you were walking towards me, the men out there were ogling at you.” I said and that made her laugh.
Those laugh

“They're just curious why this poor, ugly woman is here.” she said pointing to herself.

“You don't know how to take compliments, are you”? I stated.
She shrugged and gave me a half smile. “It’s true” then she drinks a glass of water.

“Oh! My manners. I'm sorry” I said and I look at the waiter and he approached us when he saw my hands signaling him to come.

He's looking at Love intently; he's checking her out in front of me so I cough.
Love chuckled. She knows.

The waiter with Jim in his name plate composed himself. The manager must have told him in his earpiece that I own this place because he was a bit shaky and sweating.

“I'm sorry, Sir.” He said. “W-would you like me to serve your appetizers”? he asked.

I nod. “It's okay and yes please.”

The waiter left us and Love is grinning.

“What”? I asked smirking.

“You're bad.” she said like a child.

“Why am I bad? I just coughed.” I defend myself.

She shakes her head. “The waiter is sweating and shaking when he's saying he's sorry.”

“I was the one who called him but instead of seeking my needs he was checking you out.” I said.

She laughs. “Mad man, oh! Wait, are you jealous”? she teases.

“Me jealous? That's not possible.” I said but then realizing what I said. Take back your last line. You're an idiot. Her grin turns in to half smile. What a piece of sh*t you made Emerson.