12

Our eyes met.

And I saw various emotions swirling in his eyes. But I could not quite decipher what the emotions were. He's mastered in hiding his emotions.

Saying those words, he left without any second glance. I looked at his disappearing figure, confused.

Upon hearing laughter, I turned to Kevin, who was chuckling. "Did you see that?" he asked. I responded with a puzzled look, making him roll his eyes.

"Didn't you see how jealous he was?" Saying that He picked up the phone that had been ringing and started talking to someone. I decided to leave as the meeting would be started in 20 minutes.

Jealous? Mr. Rude?

That's not possible. Kevin just had a misunderstanding.

I quickly made my way to the 10th floor. The 10th floor was the finance department of our company. I wanted to collect some reports from the manager and to remind him that our budget has been running low. So, he has to be careful.

As the door of the elevator opened, I walked out looking around. I waved at Jake who had been reading a file. And he just nodded acknowledging me. He didn't smile, nor did he frown. He is always like this.

We tease him by calling him Mr. Quiet. Because He doesn't talk much, that's his nature. Everyone has gotten used to it.

After speaking with the manager, I left his office. As I walked, engrossed in the file he had handed me, I suddenly collided with someone. Looking up, I saw a man standing before me.

The man looked at me and started collecting the files that dropped down meanwhile, I stared at his face, squinting my eyes.

I have seen this man somewhere. But where?

I cursed my weak memory and took a mental note to ask Mr. Rude about how he made his memory strong.

I stared at his face for a little too long. That man looked at me getting uncomfortable with all my staring. He cleared his throat, making me come out of my thoughts.

Suddenly, it hit me. He was the same man that was in the footage. The one who stole the files. My gaze dropped to the identity card that was hanging from his neck. I read his name.

Ben Frank.

I messaged the name to Mr. Rude in case I forgot after some time and made my way outside the building where Mr. Rude was waiting for me inside his car.

×

"May I know why you are messaging me the name of a random stranger?" His stern and angry voice entered my ears as soon as I entered the car.

He had a look of annoyance on his face as he started the car and waited for my answer.

I rolled my eyes and started filling him with all the details. I told him the name and department of that man.

All the way, we discussed this matter, and he told me that he would take care of it.

We reached the destination, and I got out of the car, gaping at the wonderful building, which stood tall covering the sky. The building was a piece of art. Its design and architecture were wonderful.

"Close your mouth and follow me fast. We don't have enough time." Mr. Rude said, walking past me. I scowled at him and started following.

The interior was as beautiful as the outside. But this time, I silently followed him without stopping to examine and admire them.

The meeting room was filled with ten people. They all were in their business attire, and on the main seat sat Mr. Jay Sharma, who is also the CEO of K.M. Financial.

He was in his late 50s, almost my father's age. if only my father was alive.

As Mr. Rude took a seat, he nodded gesturing to start the meeting. The meeting took 2 hours and 33 seconds, and I was almost asleep by then. I kept yawning every 1 minute and almost going to doze off, but one glare from Mr. Rude and my sleep fly out of the window.

I let out a deep breath when I exited the meeting room.

I am gonna take a nap once reaching my cabin. I thought and sighed.

But all my thoughts disappeared as soon as a girl came rushing towards us and hugged Mr. Rude.

He was caught off guard but he quickly managed to cover it all up. He awkwardly hugged her like he didn't know how to do it.

I laughed, mentally.

"Gosh! I missed you so much, Advik." She spoke while pulling back and placing a kiss on his cheek. My smile disappeared in a second.

Who the hell is she?

But why are you getting jealous? My brain mocks.

Ignoring the feeling, I examined her. She was wearing a red dress that fit her perfectly and showed all her curves. The dress was a little too revealing but she looked pretty in it. Her eyes were blueish-gray, and her hair was honey-colored. It looks perfect on her face.

Well, she looked perfect.

Sadness started spreading in my heart, and I didn't even know why.

"Yeah." His response was awkward, which made me chuckle. He shot me a glare, and I struggled not to laugh by pressing my lips.

"How are you? You have changed so much in a year. Look at you, looking as handsome and hot as ever." She said in her high-pitched flirtatious tone, making me roll my eyes.

I looked away from them. No matter how much I try to deny it. But there is this tiny piece of my heart that was jealous.

Maybe that tiny piece had started liking him.

No no! You are overthinking. My mind told me, and I nodded.

I looked at the beautiful paintings hanging on the wall.

Looking at the piece of art, I smiled. I had always liked-no, loved paintings. It helps me clear my mind and gives me some peace.

Reading and painting always help me escape from this world.

I was engrossed in looking at the painting thinking that it must cost a fortune, but my ears were on the conversation that was going on.

I felt like someone was staring at me, but I ignored this thinking it was just my imagination.

"I am fine. You are looking beautiful too." He complimented her, making me cough.

"Really." She beamed with happiness like she had won an award. I looked at her, folding my hands as she continued, "I wanted to ask you for dinner. If we can go tomorrow--"

"Tomorrow will be a busy day for Mr. Aggarwal." I cut her off.

She glanced at me and shrugged her shoulder. "Okay, so the day after Tommo--" She started saying, but I again cut her off.

"Sorry, but he has to attend a very important meeting that day," I replied, emphasizing the word important so it could get in her head.

A look of annoyance spread on her face, and I swear I heard Mr. Rude chuckling.

I looked at him and the corner of his lips were pulled upward in a devilish smirk.

"Well, May I know who this woman is?" She turned to him and asked in an annoyed tone crossing her arms across her chest.

He nodded and introduced us, "Ria meet Myra. Myra Sharma. The daughter of Mr. Jay Sharma."