CHAPTER 25: A FRIEND

Introductions were made the minute a group of seven well-suited employees entered the office. All stated their names, job descriptions and their length of stay at the company. None of them seems to look near my age, they were more likely of the same age as Lewis or even ahead of him.


After nearly an hour of initiation, the team respectively excused themselves with the exception of Rose, who would be my executive secretary and personal assistant.


“See my daughter in her office, Rose, and walk her through with the basic information that she must adhere to.”


“Yes, Mr. Hunt. Miss Hunt, right this way please.”


As ordered, Rose walked me towards another room, which I immediately recognized as my office because of the name plate posted at the forefront of the door. She opened it for me and I was literally head over heels enthralled at what my eyes beheld.


This executive office was the same size as my father’s, the same enormous large space as his. There was a private conference table at the right wing that could accommodate ten people, a lounge area on my left furnished with comfortable sofas and a center table. At the center, a large executive desk was situated equipped with high-end and latest technology. It also has secure storage of cabinets and safes for important and sensitive documents. The entire room was designed with artworks, indoor plants and high-quality furniture that were pleasant to the eye. The ceiling to floor glass windows provide ample natural lights and a magnificent view of the outside.


According to Rose, this room was built soundproof to minimize distraction and to provide a quiet and more focused environment. It also comes with a private restroom if in case I wish to lay down and rest. She also mentioned that there was a small kitchenette at the back of the private conference table.


After a brief tour inside the office, she started to fill me in with the company’s nature of business, its history and how it reached the top spot in the fashion industry as well as its underlinks. She also showed me the list of departments that the company has and their heads, the Board of Directors and their designated positions plus the personnels that could be found in this floor.


It took us quite a while before she concluded the details, which according to her were just the basic information I needed to know. I was left with piles of documents where she had discussed for further reading. Moments later, a quick knock on the door made me lift my head as Lewis entered in his most dignified manner.


“Lewis, what about?”


“Your father asks me to accompany you to the coffee shop in the lobby downstairs to have a quick snack before meeting the Board.”


What he said made me shake my head in disbelief, obvious of what my father’s intention was. He was still playing Cupid with me and Lewis, which slightly irritates me. But since I didn’t want to embarrass Lewis and take for granted his effort and kind gesture, I simply nodded my head in defeat before standing behind my desk and walking towards him.


He gently opened the door for me as I walked out ahead of him, but just seconds after, I felt his hand at my right elbow as he ushered me towards the elevator. The touch was just gentle and feathery, but enough to make my body stiffened. The nerves inside my body suddenly became alert as uneasiness and awkwardness started to envelop me.


I am not used to anyone giving me such attention like this, yet alone a man getting this close to me. The only man I physically got in contact with before was with Michael and that was six years ago, after that, no one has. I had become independent throughout the years, with only me tending and taking care of myself. I had never experienced someone’s care nor assistance all my life and Lewis was the first to do such a thing aside from my father.


The ride downstairs was wrapped with eerie silence. The space of the elevator was enough to withstand twenty people, yet I somehow feel a lack of breathing now and somewhat suffocating while my heart was rumbling loudly with just the two of us inside. After clearing the lump inside my throat, I took the initiative to break the silence that was starting to creep me and make me anxious.


“Don’t get me wrong, Lewis, but you shouldn’t be doing all of these for me. This is not part of your job description as my father’s personal physician. I don’t know what’s gotten into my father’s head to ask you to accompany me with matters that shouldn’t be of your concern. I sincerely apologize for his behavior and I knew that you just couldn’t say no to him and his crazy requests.”


“It’s not a big deal, Penelope. I didn’t mind at all. I told your father that I would go to the coffee shop for a mid-morning snack and he asked me to take you with me, because according to him, the Board meeting might take hours to finish and it’s best that your stomach is filled.”


“Thank you for your effort, Lewis, I really appreciate your kind gestures.”


What he said made sense, but I still couldn’t suppress myself from feeling agitated and uneasy, especially not after what had occurred earlier inside the limousine. My thoughts returned to the scene on our way here when this towering and lean man courageously voiced out what he had spoken. I could feel my cheeks flushing again as my heart continued to beat triple times.


The doors of the elevator opened, and just like what he did minutes ago, his warm and light touch landed on the skin of my elbow as we headed to the coffee shop. Almost all eyes were upon us, which only added to the overwrought feeling I was experiencing. I cleared the cobwebs inside my head as I sat alone at a table while Lewis ordered at the counter.


Lewis was indeed a dignified man, not just because of his profession, but how he carries himself with an air of confidence and self-assurance. He exudes a sense of calm, grace and respectability. His demeanor is composed and serious, yet approachable and friendly. His neat and polished appearance that showed with his clothings and posture were hard to deny. His actions are deliberate and measured. He speaks clearly and thoughtfully, choosing his words carefully to convey respect and consideration. He listens attentively as well and responds with empathy and understanding.


My thoughts about him were interrupted when he returned, carrying a tray with two thermal cups and some pastries. He diligently placed a cup in front of me then one across me and placed the pastries on the center of the table before sitting.


Now that I am face to face with him, I could vividly see his facial features, which I assume several women admire. Lewis was a handsome man with a face that features well-defined and symmetrical facial structures. He possesses a strong jawline that was free from any stubbles, high cheekbones, and a narrow straight nose. His deep forest eyes are likely to be expressive, with a captivating gaze and framed by well-groomed thick eyebrows. His skin is clear and smooth, with a healthy complexion. I could say that his well-shaped lips were one of his assets for its reddishness, which with a slight smile adds to his charming appeal. His jet-black hair is neatly tailored, complementing his overall dignified appearance.


“You said earlier that you have a daughter, how old is she?”


At the mention of Michelle, my heart warmed up as visions of my little angel flashes inside my head. A sweet and genuine smile appeared at the corners of my lips as I looked at him.


“Michelle’s six, turning seven in a couple of months.”


“Judging purely on the way you spoke, she must be a darling.”


“Oh, she is. She’s always the center of attraction wherever she goes. Her smart mind was always adored by many, so was her cheerfulness and those chubby cheeks of hers.”


“You must be so proud of her and miss her dearly.”


“Words couldn’t express how much I am proud of her and how dearly I miss her. If only I could bring her here with me, I brought her along. But I can’t, yet.”


“It’s not my intention to pry, but I assume that was because of your ex-husband.”


“Yes. I can’t simply take her with me even if I wanted to. Michael wouldn’t agree with me the slightest, especially if he was the sole provider for her every need.”


“Oh! So you didn’t work during your marriage with him? Just stayed home for Michelle? Took care of her and everything.”


“Yes, I didn’t, although I wanted to work before. But Michael,”
I could feel the pain creeping inside of me over again, which made me stop from speaking.


“Never mind what I asked, Penelope, don’t answer them” He sincerely uttered afterwards before flashing a friendly smile at me.


“Thank you, Lewis, for being so considerate. I had a grim past, you know, and it’s still hard for me until this day to move on with everything that happened to me.”


I couldn’t control my eyes from watering, which made me lower my head to hide them from him. The agony and anguish of what happened to me are still fresh inside my heart. They were like unhealable and excruciatingly painful wounds that would forever ache in me for the rest of my life. I was shocked when Lewis handed me a white handkerchief, I wasn’t aware that I was shedding tears already. I took it from him and gently patted my cheeks.


“If you need a friend or someone whom you can talk to and share those pains with, I am here. No man is an island, Penelope. You need to take out all those pains and cry them out, so it will somehow give your heart an ease and peace of mind. I could be your friend, Penelope. I’m good at listening and counseling as well, with no charge at all.”


His last words made me laugh, which somehow elevates my somber mood.