Chapter 36

"Why were you at Saeja Interiors?" James asked me as we settled into our usual booth at the restaurant. I smiled, thinking about how many times we had been here together. But then I noticed his raised eyebrows and realized he was waiting for an answer.

I told him about the deal with Saeja Interiors and how I had to bring Xander back as a result, but his expression changed the moment I told him that.

"Why would you bring him back?" He questioned with a frown.

"I had to; it was the only way we could secure a deal with Saeja Interiors." I replied, eating from the chips we'd ordered. James' frown deepened further.

"What do you mean that's the only way? You could have asked me." He said, his voice laced with concern.

I paused, taking back by his seriousness "Why would I ask you? I can always sort it out myself, and – "

"If it's too difficult, you can always count on me." I blinked nothing as I stared at James. He looked so serious that it made my heart flicker. Like, why is he so invested in my life?

His brows raised as he spoke up. "You get it?"

Saying nothing, I looked away from him to my meal, pouring all my attention to it.

"Are you not – " James was cut off by the ringing of his phone. He took it out of his pocket and picked it up, speaking to the caller for some minutes before hanging up while sighing.

I looked up at him, my eyes narrowing, and he sighed again.

"Is there something wrong?" I asked, noticing his reluctancy.

"I have to go, got something urgent to attend to." He replied, getting up to leave. I felt a pang of disappointment.

"What about your meal?" I asked quietly, hoping he would at least stay to finish it. But he just shook his head and turned to leave. Then, he suddenly turned back.

"Are you free on saturday?"

"Huh, why?"

"I would like to take you somewhere."

Biting my lip, I nodded and a grin spread across his face.

"I will pick you up at your house." With that, he winked and left, leaving me a little stunned.

Taking my gaze back to the table, my lips formed into a pout when I saw his untouched food. I guess it will just go to the waist. Pouting sadly, I continued eating.

"Look who we have here." I heard the all too familiar voice and I looked up to see Reed. My eyes narrowed, but I didn't respond.

"Are you ignoring me?" He chuckled, settling down which made me look up. "I never asked you to sit."

"Why? Are you expecting someone or... did you get ditched?" He asked, his eyes glinting with mischief.

My brows creased into a frown. "Can you leave now or don't you have something to do?"

He chuckled and my frown deepened, as he leaned back on the chair with an amused smile on his face.

"My Silvana has grown up," he said, his head cocked to one side. "She is not the submissive one she used to be. The Silvana I knew wouldn't even try to argue with me, she would rather be happy." His words stung, and I felt a surge of annoyance.

I glared at him. "At least you know I'm not like I was before. That should tell you to stay away."

Reed's smile faltered. "And if I don't?"

"Then you will pay for it," I replied and stood up, "I will advise you to stay away." Giving him a tight lipped smile, I walked out of the restaurant. I hailed a cab and headed back to the company, feeling a sense of satisfaction of having stood up for myself.

_________


The week went by quickly, and it was already the weekend, Saturday precisely. I was currently getting ready for my outing with James. I decided to go with a stunning lilac flared gown with low white heels. I had no idea where we were going, but I was undoubtedly curious, and wanted to look my best.

As I applied the last of my makeup which is a glossy lip gloss, my phone beeped. I stood up from the chair in front of the mirror to take the phone on the bed. It was a message from James saying he was downstairs.

A smile appeared on my face and I rushed to the dressing table, I grabbed my white sling purse before checking the mirror. Satisfied with my reflection, I went out of the room, rushing downstairs.

"Careful," Cynthia called out as I almost tripped on the stairs. I smiled and nodded, rushing to the door. I turned the door knob and almost went out, but I stopped, exhaling and inhaling.

I shouldn't act all excited. It's nothing, just a simple outing. Convincing myself with that, I pulled the door open and walked out.

James was by his car, operating his phone, but he looked up when I came out.

"Hey." Smiling nervously, I walked over to him and he smiled, pushing himself off the car, his eyes not leaving me. "You're beautiful." He said, his voice low and sincere.

I smile, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. "Thanks, you are not bad either." He was putting on a simple white t-shirt on black pants, but he looked really hot in it. The crisp white fabric hugged his chest and accentuated his chiseled arms. In short, he looked hot in it.

"Shall we move?" He asked, opening the passenger seat. Smiling, I got in and he did the same.

"Where are we going?" Though I didn't want to seem all excited and anxious, I couldn't hide my curiosity.

He glanced at me and smiled. "We will get there soon."

My lips formed into a pout and I looked out of the window as he drove, anxious of where we were heading to. I just hope it's somewhere nice.