Chapter 21

The moment I got to the office, I was attacked with multiple questions from Mr Greg about the text I sent him. I did my best to reply to his questions and elaborate more. He was finally convinced and agreed to purchase the land, only if I also agreed to go see the land with him, which I did.

The land was quite okay. It was about a few plots, and it was located in a not too urban area. The main point was that we bought it, and I left for the mansion straight from there.

"Welcome ma’am." Cynthia's cheerful voice greeted me when I got home. I smiled at her cheerfulness. Waving my hand slightly, I headed for the stairs. When I got to the room, I had my bath before moving to the closet to change my clothes, but I noticed a little change there, my dirty clothes were now clean, and then...James clothes.

I should really give this to him. I took it from my tail of clothes and put it in a paper bag. I had just placed it on the dressing table when a knock came on the door. I went to open it.

"Dinner is ready." It was Cynthia.

"Okay." I mumbled and walked out of the room.

"Did you dry-clean the clothes?"

"Yes, I did." I nodded at her response and followed her to the dining room.

The next day, during lunch break, I set out to James' company to return the clothes, but he was in a meeting so I had to wait for him in the office. As I sat there, waiting, my eyes landed on a portrait. It was a painting of an ocean which had a sun setting on it, giving it a warm vibe.

A small smile appeared on my face as I stood up and went to stand in front of the painting. Seeing it up close, it looked surreal. The painting screamed beauty and nature. James surely has a good eye for paintings.

As I continued staring. A memory suddenly flashed through my head. It was when I was in the club, the restroom...when the rough looking guy tried kissing me, but he was suddenly dragged away from me. It stopped there, but I tried to remember more. It felt like there was something I had to know.

Finally, the memories came rushing through my brain. From when the guy was dragged away from me and James' face showed up. He beat up the guy then I puked on him before falling asleep on him. The next time I woke up, I was in James' car, and then I... My eyes went wide. I kissed him!

The door creaked open and I immediately turned around, my eyes widening more as James walked in. Not now, please!

"Vana, you are truly here. I thought Vince was joking when he told me you were here." He smiled as he walked to me.

"What brought you here?"

"Err... nothing." I shook my head. I was feeling ashamed right now. How could I kiss him after telling him not to try it again?!

"What do you mean nothing? You surely came here for something." He held my hand and pulled me to a chair. He made me sit down before bending down to my level. "What is it?"

"Err.....this!" I raised up the paper bag for him to see. "I– I came to return the clothes."

"I thought I said to keep it?" He questioned. Springing up, I dropped the paper bag in his hands.

"I hate keeping things that are not mine, and thanks for helping me at the clu– ah!" I gasped, placing my hands on my mouth. I shouldn't have said that.

"Wait. You remember?"

"I don't." My head shook as fast as lightning.

"Of course, you do. Then, do you remember the ki–"

"I don't remember!" I cut in and picked my bag before he could complete his words.

"I will take my leave now." I took a step to leave but he grabbed me, pulling me back to him. My head hit his chest and a low gasp escaped my lips.

"You don't have to act shy, you know. It's just a kiss." His cold breath sent shivers down my spine as he whispered into my ear. My breath wavered and it took a lot of strength for me to push him away.

"I really... I really don't remember anything." I prefer to die than admit it, not after all those things I said to him that day.

"Ahh...you are acting really cute right now. Should I start calling you cute Vana."

"Hey!" I glared at him and he chuckled, seemingly unshaken by it.

"I don't get why you are denying it when I totally enjoyed it." A blush creeped to my face, and I bit my lip, trying to control my cheek which was surely becoming red now.

"Fine. I'm sorry for kissing you, it won't happen again." I forced out a smile before turning around to leave.

"Why?" I stopped in my tracks to face him. "What do you mean?"

"The kiss... it's nothing, I will see you some other time." He smiled and I let out a sigh of relief. I was grateful he wasn't pushing it.

With a nod, I walked out of the office, heading back to the company.

_________

Two weeks had passed now and I was really busy. The production of the new product was going fast and well. I was mostly busy because of it. I had to sign a lot of papers relating to it, and supervise the production at times, and I was currently doing that, in the lab.

The face moisturizer had to undergo a series of testing and all sorts, and I had to be there sometimes. The whole place was buzzing with workers who were focused on their work. Sometimes, I wonder if they were this focused or it was because I was there, but anyways, it was nice and encouraging to see them working energetically.

"Young miss!!!!!!"

Everybody in the lab, including me, halted at the sound of the shrill voice. A frown forming on my face, I turned to the entrance to see Mr Greg rushing to me.

"It's true! We've hit the jackpot!" I blinked as Mr Greg grabbed my hand while shouting.

"I don't understand what you are saying, Mr Greg. Calm down and speak." I faked a smile, watching as Mr Greg nodded, breathing in and out. He finally became stable, so I urged him to speak out.

"The land we purchased, the state proposed to buy it at a price of five million dollars!"

"What?!”