At my company 

Bastian's POV

The moment I clicked send, waiting for her response, which never came, I started feeling frustrated. God, that girl is stubborn. She’s too young to be on Tinder.

Well, technically, she’s not. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m jealous. If my body reacts to her in ways that drive me crazy, then every guy on Tinder will be flocking to her as they will be attracted too. Lilith is a gorgeous girl.

I don’t know if I should feel good about creating a Tinder account last night. It wasn’t my intention to, but I just needed something to take my mind off her. Since work wasn’t helping, I thought flirting with someone my age might do the trick.

My phone lights up, showing I’ve received a message. I pick it up swiftly, letting the tie around my neck dangle loosely. I unlock the phone, thinking it’s from Lilith. But no, it’s not. It’s a message from one of my directors, informing me about an interview happening on Monday.

I’d like to handle that interview myself, as I need a new secretary. I want to pick my own this time. My current secretary is getting on my nerves. No matter how hard I try to subtly make it clear I’m not interested in her, she just doesn’t get it. It’s becoming tiresome, and I can’t deal with it right now.

To say I was disappointed that the message wasn’t from Lilith would be an understatement. My mood instantly soured. I want her to stick to her promise of avoiding me, but at the same time, I want her to be around. She’s somehow gotten under my skin, and it’s more than just attraction or desire now.

I took a deep breath, the sound echoing in the empty apartment. After Sofia’s death, I moved out of the family estate I built for us. I couldn’t sell it because it held too many memories, both good and bad ones. The estate, though, constantly reminded me of my failures so I had to move out. 

Mrs. Florence will be coming today. She comes three times a week, sometimes more. I’ve raised her salary more than once, and she’s specifically told me to stop increasing it. In this bleak life I’ve had since losing my wife and daughter, she’s one of the few bright spots.

I grabbed my keys and walked to the mirror to check my reflection. Everything was in order. I had an interview with People’s Magazine today. Marcus, my best friend is the CEO of Zmorrel Production, insisted I do it. I know the owner must have asked him for a favor. I could never say no to Marcus, I would be doing the interview. My mind moved to Lilith wondering if she will ever join her dad in the production industry.

Knowing Lilith, I doubt it. I got into my SUV, inserted the key, and the engine roared to life. Two blocks from the office, I decided to grab a coffee. I wasn’t ready for another crazy show from Zihara, my current secretary. She’s great at her job, but her constant attempts to seduce me are becoming unbearable.

The second I walked into the coffee shop, I regretted my decision. There, just two seats from the front desk, was Lilith, laughing at something the young man in front of her was saying.

I can’t explain the surge of jealousy that took over me. I hated that I was acting like a teenager instead of a forty-year-old grown man. So, she couldn’t respond to my message because she was busy with this guy? Was he one of her Tinder dates? 

My phone buzzed with a call from Zihara. She doesn’t call unless it’s urgent. I picked it up and moved to the front desk to place my order. Confronting Lilith wasn’t an option; it was better this way. I’d get over it... or at least, that’s what I tried to convince myself.

“Hi, I’d like an iced Americano,” I told the barista.

“Sure, sir,” she responded as the coffee machine hummed to life, filling the shop with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

“Hi, Zihara,” I answered the call.

“Good morning, boss. The manager of the Scotland branch called. There’s been a serious incident at the warehouse.”

“What sort of incident? Can’t he handle it?”

“Several workers died in an accident, and their families are seeking justice and compensation. Some workers are in the hospital.” As Zihara explained, my anger grew. How could the managers allow something like this to happen? How could they be so careless?

“Send Manager James to handle it,” I suggested.

“Sir, the board of directors in Scotland is requesting you handle the situation personally.”

I sighed, taking my coffee from the waitress and dropping a thirty-dollar bill. The barista smiled widely, clearly happy with the tip. I smiled back, grabbed my coffee, and headed for the car. I glanced at Lilith’s table, assuring myself that I wasn’t checking her out but she was gone.

I guess this is how it’s going to be between us now. It’s what I wanted, so there’s no need to feel sad about it. I was almost at the place car my car was parked when Lilith appeared out of nowhere, standing right in front of me.

“Hi, Uncle Bastian,” she said with a cheeky smile.

Uncle Bastian? Really?

“Let me call you back, Zihara,” I said, ending the call.

“Good to see you, Lilith. I see your Tinder account is working its magic already,” I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm as I sipped my coffee.

“I don’t need a Tinder account to get a date, Uncle. You know I’m beautiful,” she replied sarcastically, resting her hands under her chin like she was posing for a photo, looking both adorable and... kissable. The sun highlighted her fiery red hair.

“Yeah, sure,” I muttered. “I have an appointment to get to. I’ll catch up with you later.” Our conversation felt formal and awkward, but I didn’t feel guilty. This is how it’s supposed to be, right?

“Sure, Uncle. By the way, I didn’t bring my car. Mind giving me a lift to the company? My next date is waiting for me there.”

“At my company?”

“Yes, Uncle.”