25

The soft light of dawn filtered through my curtains, casting a warm glow across the bedroom. I stirred under my cozy quilt, the gentle sound of the chirping birds waking me up from sleep. I blinked, stretching my arms above my head, a contented smile spreading across my face.

My heart fluttered with an unknown excitement as I thought of the day ahead. I recalled the moments of last night, a small smile making its way to my lips.

The scent of fresh coffee engulfed my nose, I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my feet meeting the cool wooden floor. I glanced at the clock and was surprised to see that I had woken up early, too early. Doing the morning routine, I got dressed in a navy blazer paired with a crisp white blouse.

After giving myself one last look in the mirror, I descended the stairs and took my seat at the breakfast table.

"How do you manage to wake up so early?" Aaron inquired, taking a bite of his apple.I rolled my eyes at him and began my breakfast. After finishing, I unlocked my phone. Suddenly, a message appeared, making me cough as I read it.

Mr. Rude -

I am going to pick you up. Message me when you are ready.

I took the water Grandma handed me and gulped it down swiftly.

"What happened?" she asked, her eyes full of concern. I gave her a reassuring smile and rose to my feet.

"Nothing,"

"Your nothing speaks everything," Aaron spoke wriggling his eyebrows and passing me a cheeky smile.

I chose to ignore him and went towards my room to grab my bag and a stack of documents that i needed for the meetings.

On the way, I messaged Mr. Rude, and his reply came immediately that he would be here in 5 minutes.

I stepped out, the air outside was cool and fragrant, with the scent of blooming flowers in our little garden. I smiled as the cold breeze caressed my skin.

Within two minutes, his car arrived. He emerged and gave me a smile that melted my heart, causing me to blush.

Stop Ria!

You are behaving like a teenager.

I approached, feeling the world fade away around me.

"Good morning," he greeted in a soft voice, looking down at me with his intense gaze, a small smile playing on his lips as he opened the door for me.

"Yeah, good morning," I replied with a shy smile, settling into the car, and brushing the few strands of hair away from my face.

Why am I blushing so much?

Maybe I am not well?

Or maybe because he is looking so handsome that you—

"I thought I'd pick you up on the way since your car is in service," he said, addressing the question I hadn't asked as he sat beside me in the car.

"Thanks," I replied looking ahead, trying to avoid the eye contact.

He started the car and we drove off.

The ride was silent, yet it was a comfortable silence. I was preoccupied with the view outside, watching the trees pass by, while he engaged in casual conversation.

×

It was lunchtime and I was seated with all my friends.

I was busy eating my food, half hearing the gossip of Rosy. Ryan and Kevin were busy with their talks. And Jake...

I looked at Jake to see what he was doing. He was on his phone, his fingers were typing with the speed of light, maybe he was chatting with someone. He had a huge grin on his face with a little blush.

I grinned and nudge rosy with my elbow to look at him.

"Awww! Looks, like someone is in a relationship." Rosy spoke with a teasing smile and snatched his phone from his hand.

A look of horror covered his face as he made a failed attempt to get his phone back.

"Let's see who the lucky girl is." She smirked as she went on reading the chats.

"No. Give it back." He stood up from his place and came to take it back.

I laughed looking at them, as Rosy typed something on his phone as fast as she could and gave back the phone.

Upon reading the message, he casts a sharp glare in her direction. "I'm gonna kill you. Rosy Parker."

"You can try Jake Rivera." She spoke with the same attitude, folding her hands.

Shaking his head at us, he went outside with his phone away from all the eyes.

"What did you type?" Ryan and I asked at the same time.

"Nothing. I just made his life easier by doing something he will never do." She chuckled and continued, " I wrote 'I like you and I miss you so much. Let's meet at 8 today.' "

We couldn't help but laugh as Jake returned to the table. He shot Rosy a glare, and in response, she flashed a toothy grin.

"So, what is her reply?" Ryan inquired, smirking. Jake's glare then turned to him.

"She said yes." Then a small smile started to appear on his lips as he talked about her. "I have known her since we were in kindergarten. We are best friends. She shifted to a different city for her graduation and got busy with her life. We lost the connection. I thought she might have found someone and forgotten me. But then, 3 months ago, she contacted me and informed me that she is here for her new job. I was relieved that our bond is still the same after so many years. She didn't change neither did I."

"Wow!" exclaimed Rosy, her expression mirroring the surprise look evident on everyone's faces after hearing his words. That's so sweet.

She inquired, "So, do you love her?"

With a smile, Jake met her gaze and replied confidently, "Yes."

"And what about her?" Ryan asked to which he shrugged his shoulder.

"Maybe. I don't know." He said with sadness laced in his voice.

"Trust me, she loves you too. You are such a nice soul." Rosy affirmed squeezing his arm.

"Yeah, she is right." I piped and tried to change the topic, "And Why didn't you tell us about her before?" I questioned watching him with narrowed eyes and raising my eyebrows.

He narrowed his eyes at me and said, "You! You should shut up. You are asking like you tell everything to us."

"What?" I blinked confused and all the eyes on the table focused on me.

He folded his arms, and asked, "Ria Mehra. Where were you yesterday?"

I could see a smirk appearing on his face.

"Office then home." I simply answered.

"At 7 p.m." He spoke like he was some officer asking questions to a criminal and doing an investigation.

I opened my mouth to speak but closed it as soon as I realized what he was talking about. I was with Mr.Rude at the restaurant. Did he see us?

"We are waiting for your answer, Ms. Ria." He spoke passing me a sweet smile.

"Um....I....was at a restaurant," I spoke looking at all the faces.

"And with whom?"

I glared at Jake for pushing me like this.

"With Mr. Advik," I spoke, looking away from them and at the sandwich which suddenly started looking interested to me. A dramatic gasp escaped from rosy lips making me roll my eyes. I quickly added, "We had a business meeting,"

"Why at the restaurant and not in the office?" Jake interrogated.

"Because I was hungry."

"You could've ordered food to the office."

I glared at Jake again, frustrated that he wasn't buying my lies.

My mind search for some excuses, but nothing came.

I was about to speak when I got interrupted.

"Hey, look! That Britcha girl! What's she doing here?" Kevin exclaimed, causing all of us to turn our attention to the person he indicated.

Britcha?

Hmm. That sounds familiar.

"Who is she?" I whispered to Rosy. She looked towards me and spoke,

"The secretary we told you about, who got fired in 10 days."

"Oh."