Chapter 8: Long Time No See

Sebastian settled himself comfortably on the chair near the glass wall of the cafeteria, as he sipped his favorite strawberry frappuccino while waiting for the sun to set. He could say that it was the only place in the Empire building that can quite relax him. It used to be his studio tho, but for some effing reason, that supposed haven of his suddenly became his stress extractor.

He clicked his tongue as he thought about it. Then, his eyes landed on the people hurling outside the building, patiently waiting to have a glimpse of their favorite artist's presence. Shaking his head, he cringed. He really can't understand why those people were doing that. Was a freaking glimpse of the artists' presence worth the long and exhausting wait? They're not even sure if they will see those they've been waiting for. It's like waiting for the bird that once stayed on the attic of their house and left the other day without them knowing if it's going to come back or not anymore. He was busy watching people below when suddenly, a newly arrived shiny red range rover caught his attention. Tilting his head, he watched the luxurious car parked smoothly in front of their building. It was his first time seeing that model there, but who knew if one of their big star just bought a brand new car Shaking his head again, he sipped on his frappuccino. He's not really fond of any material things, especially those expensive stuffs. He was poor back then, so, he knew how to handle his money practically, despite earning a lot from his current job.

He shifted his gaze somewhere else, for he feels like his eyes were hurting just by looking at the red car. Propping an elbow on the table, he rested his chin on his palm as his other free hand played with the straw on his strawberry frappuccino. His brows then furrowed, realizing what he was doing.

He'd never done that before. Him, just sitting on a chair with a strawberry frappuccino on hand while staring at nothingness. He clicked his tongue. The stress of forcing himself to do something he had never fucking done before was making him into a freaking 'emo'. Then, the thoughts of his rejected songs flashed back like a lightning, along with the culprit who made his braincells drained. His mood instantly changed. He hissed. How the heck will he be able to suddenly write a freaking song that will be very different from his forte?! That woman basically told him to flip his genre three hundred sixty degrees!

He let go of the straw of his frappuccino forcedly that he almost flip the cup on the table. Reclining his back, he shut his eyes and massaged his temples. Unfortunately, Sandra Mendez freaking knew how to hit a nerve just like his annoying brother.

The cafeteria suddenly became noisy, as whispers became loud, whilst others stood up and quickly exited the place. He even saw some who almost ran to the exit, which made his brows knitted together. Curiously, he watched all the people loudly leaving the cafeteria, almost hitting each other just to exit, until he's the only one left inside. He then followed them out with his frappuccino in hand when he can no longer take the curiosity anymore. Then, stopped as he tilted his head upon noticing more commotion in the lobby. Puzzled, he roamed his eyes around. The place was unusually quiet, which only happens whenever there are new artists who just signed an exclusive contract, or just simply visiting their agency. He kept looking around until his eyes landed on a familiar girl who was busy talking to the receptionist.

Contrary to what Sebastian thought, he honestly became more confused than be cleared after seeing the girl, for she didn't get this kind of attention the last time he saw her on the same spot. He didn't know who she was, but the amount of attention she was suddenly getting, he thought she's probably a new rising celebrity who gained popularity for the past days. Without any interest in gossips, he walked back to his freaking stressing studio and sat on his swivel chair. He stared at the clean music sheet in front of him and clicked his tongue at the immediate sight of his workloads.

Disregarding his stressful work, he finished his cup of frappe and opened the speaker to play his very first and oldest composition. Then, he let himself relaxed on his seat as he reclined his back on it with shut eyes, letting the song flowed loudly inside the studio.

He was too drown in the song he failed to hear the creaked of the door, whilst the person who entered seemed a bit surprised by the soothing music that welcomed her ears.

"What song is that?" she inquired.

"Butterfly," Sebastian quickly replied unconsciously, before his brows slowly furrowed as he recognized the voice amidst the loud sound resonated in the room.

He opened his eyes only to be greeted by the sole reason of his permanent headache. Instantly, he straightened on his seat and fixed his glasses upon looking at the intruder.

"Long time no see, Sebastian," Sandra flashed her infamous sweet and bright smile that can make every man fall over and over again.

"What can I do for you, Miss Mendez?" he asked coldly.

His brows knitted together as he looked away. He mentally cursed when he saw the music sheet and remembered that he should restraint himself showing his anger towards her, for he has no reason to feel that way with the acting CEO of Crown Entertainment, when he's just Sebastian Lee in her eyes, not the Phoenix who she was giving a very hard time at work.

On the other hand, Sandra sat on the couch comfortably. She crossed her legs then propped her elbow on top of her thigh and she rested her chin on her palm. She watched Sebastian who was staring intently at the blank sheets sitting on the table in front of him, as if it was more interesting than her.

"Butterfly? I've never heard of that," Sandra commented, instead of answering his question.

Sebastian sighed and paused the music, then, looked at Sandra who was wearing a sweet smile as she stared back at him. He was a bit taken aback at her blinding smile, but he was thankful he still managed to hide his shock and able to act normal.

"What can I do for you?" he asked again, getting impatient.

Sandra raised her eyebrow as her smile widened, which made Sebastian looked away. He mentally cursed for whatever reason and tried not to look back. He swore her smile was so damn bright like a freaking rays of the sun that annoyingly wakes him up every freaking morning, blinding him and never let him go back to sleep again.

"I just want to check on you. You seem okay, so, I gotta go," she said for which he didn't expect.

Closing his eyes, he leaned back on his chair and didn't bother to respond on her. He just listened to her footsteps as she walked towards the exit, and waited to hear the creak of the door that would indicate that she already left, however, no sound of the door closing came after seconds had passed. His forehead creased, then, whipped his head to have it check. And to his surprised, he saw Sandra there, leaning on the threshold with arms folded across her chest while grinning mischievously.

"See you later!" she chuckled then left, leaving Sebastian stunned.

'What the heck was that?' he muttered in disbelief.

________________________________

Sebastian angrily tore the paper and mercilessly crumpled it, then, unceremoniously threw it in the trash bin for the nth time. He groaned as he ruffled his hair then slumped his body on the couch and massaged his temples. It was the first time he got frustrated with his music. Writing the lyrics was actually his favorite part of his job, but this time, it frustrated the hell out of him, for he didn't know what will he write to satisfy the Crown Entertainment's acting CEO. He had never got any problem before with his job until she came!

"Something new, somewhat refreshing and something I haven't done? Did she expect me to compose novelty song?!" he asked loudly to himself.

Groaning, stood up as he felt his stomach started complaining. He checked the time and saw that it's already six thirty in the afternoon. He was already walking his way to the cafeteria when his phone suddenly vibrated in his pocket. Instantly, his brows furrowed upon seeing the caller I.D. before answering the call.

"Boss.." he greeted.

"Accompany Sandra Mendez for dinner," Mr. Park quickly ordered without any greetings on the other line.

Sebastian's steps abruptly came into a halt upon hearing it. "What?" he frowned.

"Accompany Sandra Mendez for dinner, Sebastian. She's on her way now to Gangnam"

"Why would I do that? I have already eaten," he lied.

"I invited her for dinner, but my wife called and I can't cancel it. Husband's duty first before anything else, you know that Sebastian. And knowing Sandra, she'll get disappointed with me again if I suddenly cancelled it while she's already on her way there. I will never do the same mistake again, Sebastian. Not with our new project. You know what she can do without any hesitations if she decides on it. So, please!"

Sebastian scoffed as his grip on his phone tightened. He didn't like the fact that his boss was spoiling that woman too much to the point that he begged for him to accompany her over dinner. He knew Mr. Park was just scared to lose the huge project, but having dinner was not part of the business anymore. That Sandra Mendez should also know that and declined the dinner in the first place!

"What if I say no?" he protruded.

He heard Mr. Park sighed. "You need to talk to her, right? It's been four days, but you haven't start anything yet. Accompany her for dinner then discreetly asked her about the songs that she's expecting from you. Just grab this opportunity if you don't want another disapproval," he said in a serious tone.

He heaved a sighed of defeat. Mr. Park was damn right. He badly needed to talk to her, but didn't know how. He almost agreed on meeting her when she offered it over the phone, but he immediately realized the possibility that she will know his little secret. His identity. To which he wanted to keep it hidden forever. Thus, he rejected.

"Okay," he finally agreed, then quickly ended the call.

Sebastian briskly strode to the parking lot and slid inside his car. He's been in the restaurant before, so, it only took him just a few minutes to arrive there. He parked his car beside the red range rover and scowled at it for a few seconds, as he realized that it was the same car he saw earlier outside their building upon seeing the plate number. Well, he didn't meant to remember it's plate number, it's just that, it was too easy not to forget. Though eventually, he just only shrugged and entered the restaurant.

Sandra didn't hide her amusement when Sebastian, without saying a word, joined them on the table. "It's not you whom I'm expecting to see here," she stated that made him felt a bit offended and awkward at her blandness.

His forehead creased as his lips pursed tightly, stopping incoherent words to slip in his mouth and averted his gaze. However, he got startled a bit when he met another pair of eyes beside Sandra.

"She's one of my favorite person in the world next to Bammie. Her name is Jamaica. Would you mind if she'll join us too?" He heard Sandra asked as if the decision was actually on him.

Shifting his gaze back to Sandra, he saw her beaming at him as her eyes still dancing in amusement. He looked at them alternately, then, realized that Jamaica was the girl he saw earlier at their building, the one people were looking at and the very one he thought gained a popularity in a short time for the sudden fame with his colleagues. Automatically, his brows connected upon putting all the pieces together as to why their staffs were lurking around her. It's because, its not really her who they were looking at, but the ever favorite of the crowd, Sandra Mendez.

He shook his head then forcefully tugged the corner of his lips, "Not at all," he finally replied, then, turned her gaze to Jamaica and extended his hand for a handshake, "I'm Sebastian Lee," he politely introduced himself.

Jamaica just stared at him with impassive expression. Sebastian immediately felt embarrassed when she just stared at him and stayed immobile. His lips pursed and was about to retract his hand when the girl finally have decided to accept his handshake with a firm grip.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Lee," Jamaica stated stoically.

Sebastian brows deeply furrowed whilst staring at the girl. She's pretty and kinda look like Sandra. But unlike the latter, the girl seemed to have not yet introduced to the word 'emotion' and won't take any bullshits if he tries to say something nonsense. She's like a robot with beautiful features. She didn't even smile!

"Isn't she cute?" Sandra suddenly quiried, snapping Sebastian.

'Cute?', he asked to himself incredulously, for he couldn't find any cuteness in Jamaica's blank expression. In his opinion, he thought she looked more creepy than cute.

Sandra's giggles cut the silence on their table, "I'm hungry. Let's order, shall we?"

"Yeah," he replied immediately without taking a glance at her and raised his hand to call the waiter.

They ate silently, but Sebastian couldn't stop stealing glances every second to Sandra, who was busy reading something on her phone while eating. His gaze then landed to Jamaica who was just eating quietly as if she didn't have any companions on the table.

"Jamaica, do you remember Dominic's birthday?" Sandra asked after a while.

Jamaica nodded as she drunk her water "October 15," she answered in a monotone voice.

Sandra grinned then patted the top of Jamaica's head before turning her attention back to her phone.

On the other hand, Sebastian was watching the two silently and discreetly. He saw the fondness in their eyes when they looked at each other. Though, Jamaica has void expression, her eyes changes whenever she looks at Sandra. If he didn't know that Thomas Mendez' heiress was an only child, he'll think that those two were actually identical twins. Or maybe they were actually siblings who knows? He didn't know much about Crown's founder. All he knew was, he's one of the most powerful businessman, has only daughter and the best friend of his boss. So, the probability of having a secret child was high.

He quickly shifted his gaze back on his plate when Sandra finally let go of her phone, acted as if he didn't just watch her being busy with something.

While Sandra, sipped on her glass and tilted her head as she stared at Sebastian. "You haven't explain to me yet why you're here instead of Mr. Park," she stated in a very sweet voice.

Sebastian fixed his rimmed glasses and bravely stared back at Sandra. "He summoned me here to accompany you as a proxy, because there's an emergency"

"Emergency?"

"Husband's duty," He grimaced, unable to hide his discomfort. He still cringed whenever his boss gave that excuse on them whenever they have meetings and he has to leave early.

"Acceptable," Sandra nodded whilst smiling at him.

Couldn't take the intensity of her stares she's giving him, Sebastian looked away. No wonder why every guys, even the most popular and hottest bachelors were head over heels with her, he thought. Her stares alone was something that can make every man fall head over heels. What more if she added her sweet seductive smile? A fucking deadly combo! And he might die in hyperventilation if he kept his eyes on her because she's lethal.

Cursed inwardly, he pinched himself under the table. He's not there to praise the woman! He's supposed to be mad at her!

"Why did you quit?"

The question startled Sebastian that didn't escape from Sandra's beautiful but piercing gazes. It was amusing to see a guy acting brave and unaffected of her but she knew better.

"I'm already working on a project and I don't think I can still work for another one," he answered in a low voice.

He wanted to congratulate himself for not stuttering. The topic was actually the one he's afraid to open up. He knew the woman wasn't gullible. She's smart, based on the things he had heard about her. One wrong word and his identity will be revealed, which was the last thing he wanted to happen. And he wanted Sandra Mendez to be the last person to know about that secret if ever.

"I understand," she replied while nodding her head.

Sebastian gaped at her as if she said an alien word, "H-huh?" he asked dumbfounded. Too preoccupied to sink in what she just had said.

His heartbeat then accelerated when he watched how the sides of her lips lifted slowly, as her eyes sparkled in bliss as if she had discovered something about him that was really amusing. "I love the lyrics of butterfly," she stated.

He stiffened as he felt his chest became heavy while staring at Sandra. Hearing those words from her sent shivers all over his body. She was not suppose to hear nor knew about the song's existence. She just accidentally heard it when she barged inside his studio. He wanted to be mad at her for mentioning it too casually, however, he saw the sincerity in her eyes and he knew she's not lying about liking the song. And that gave little tingles in his heart. Those sparkles that made her eyes looked more tantalizing and hypnotizing remained as her gaze stayed on him was not helping.

"I also like Ride or Die," she added.

When he thought the mention of butterfly was enough to give him a heart attack, he was fvcking wrong. Sebastian felt like a bucket of cold water flashed on him making him froze on his seat and forgot to breathe upon hearing her last words.