The Business Trip

Emma’s expression froze as she picked up Mike’s phone.  She looked up and met Mike’s gaze, the amusement in his eyes vanished as he noticed Emma’s expression.

“Who is Jonathan?” Emma asked, her curiosity piqued. “And what meeting is he talking about?”

“Jonathan is my friend,” Mike replied. “Which meeting are you referring to?” Emma pointed at the message on his phone.

Mike gently took his phone back and pulled Emma closer. “Don’t worry, it’s nothing to be bothered about. I’m just exploring better job opportunities ,” he lied. “Besides Italy isn’t too far if it’s for a job interview. If I get the job, I’ll  be working here in their company.” He lied again. “It’s just a two days trip.”

***

Before the light of day, Mike was already awake preparing for his trip. Mike could not help but stare at Emma as she looked so beautiful and innocent while she slept. He had the urge to just feel her smooth beautiful face, wondering how he could stand not seeing her for two days. He walked towards Emma as she slept soundly on the bed, as he caress her face, he thought of how fond he has grown towards this beautiful stranger. In the midst of his thoughts Emma opened her eyes, startling him to reality.

Still daze from waking up, she rubbed her eyes softly and asked "You are dressed already?"

"Yes Emma, I have to leave now my flight is by 7am and I don't want to be late. Please call me if anything happens. Also, make sure to take your medications, take care".

Emma gave a nod in affirmation, as she admired how handsome Mike looked as he left the room, as she felt so lucky getting married to a good man like Mike.

"Hey Jonathan, are we ready for take off?", Mike asked Jonathan as he entered one of his many private Jets.

After few hours of flying, the jet finally landed. Mike and Jonathan arrived  at the luxurious hotel where their meeting was scheduled to take place. As they settled into their room, Mike chose a stylish brown long-sleeve shirt with a tie and black trousers, while Jonathan looked dashing in his sleek black suit. As the clock struck noon, Mike and Jonathan entered the designated meeting room at the hotel.

 The door swung open, unveiling a group of five men. Among them, one man stood out because of his size. He had  a noticeably larger build compared to the others, with a rounder physique and a bit of extra weight. Flanking him were two imposing bodyguards.  Completing the group were two slender  gentlemen.

The men were taken aback as Mike and Jonathan walked into the room. They had expected to see Jonathan alone. They ignored Mike as they got up and shook hands with Jonathan alone. “We are from Windedson Cooperation, I’m David and my two colleagues are Mr  Rash and  Mr Rick.” They introduce themselves to Jonathan.

Mike gracefully took a seat, crossing his legs and attentively listened to the conversation before him.  The discussion began with Jonathan taking the lead and Mike observing silently, absorbing every word exchanged as the men discussed the future of their companies and the potential collaboration that lay before them.  They presented a folder containing the carefully prepared proposal and placed it on the table, expressing their desire for Cranseberry Limited to become an investor in their company. 

Following the discussion, they turned to Jonathan and eagerly asked,“So, what’s your decision on this?”

Jonathan responded, “Well, I understand that Windedson may not fully meet our requirements and qualifications, but if the Big Boss is willing to give it a chance, then let’s the company would go  for it. One of the man interjected “I’ve heard  that you usually make most of the decisions.”

Jonathan replied, “Today, in the presence of the Big Boss, I cannot make a decision.”

The men filled with curiosity, asked Jonathan, “Is he her on the premises? It would be an honor to meet the renowned Mike Williams.”

Jonathan’s face lit up with pride as he proudly introduced Mike, “Well, gentlemen meet Mike Williams, the Big Boss of Cranseberry Limited!”

The room buzzed with whispered conversations as they where all in shock.

 They anticipated that Cranseberry’s CEO would be elegantly attired for his position of authority. They had heard so much about him but had never actually seen him before. They stood up to greet him properly, their hand shake filled with a newfound respect. They had obviously looked down on him, and now they were eager to rectify their oversight. “We had no idea it was you sir, please forgive our behavior.”

 Mike picked up the contract from the table, silently walking around the room as he quickly scanned through it. Finally he asked, “Why should I partner with men like you?” Before the could respond, Jonathan whispered into Mike’s ear. “I’ll do it.” Mike said, signing the papers. “Thank you, sir. We apologize once again.”

The men left the meeting room, and one of them whispered, “Why did he let his assistant dressed better than him?”

Mike turned to Jonathan and said, “I hope you know what you are doing.”

Jonathan replied confidently, “Trust me, their pitch was impressive.”

After a long day, they arrived at their hotel room to rest. Mike lay on the bed, staring  at the ceiling, his thoughts consumed by Emma. He couldn’t help but wondered what she was doing. He couldn’t seem to take his mind off her and eagerly anticipated seeing her the next day.

Jonathan noticed  the smile on Mike’s face and knew the reason behind it.

“When will you introduce her to me?” He asked.

Mike pretended not to understand and replied “introduce who?” 

Jonathan persisted, “The one who is making you smile.” With a firm tone, Mike denied, “No one is making me smile, I’m just feeling guilty leaving her alone by herself when she’s not fully well.”

 While they were deep in conversation, Jonathan’s phone suddenly rang. “Hello, this is Doctor Frank. We have been trying to get reach Mr. Mike. Could you please let him know that his wife fainted and she’s at the hospital.” The call ended.

Jonathan stared at Mike as he was left speechless. After a moment he finally found his voice, “Emma fainted and she’s in the hospital,” he said softly.