Chapter 3

Miss Vera shifted sideways and motioned to me. “This is Ciara, my teammate,” She introduced me in a calm and normal tone. 

As I had no other choice but to look at him, slowly, I lifted my gaze. He was already staring at me with his deep set of blue eyes. Those eyes were the culprit why I fell in love with him before. Unlike those gentler stares in the past, this time, a strong appearance surrounded him. I couldn’t decipher his gestures. My chest constricted and felt like it was about to explode.

“Hi Miss Ciara,” He elevated his hand for a handshake. As I didn’t want to be rude in front of my boss, I accepted it.

“Hi, Mr. Ford”. I smiled faintly like it was the first time I met him. Ironic!

The very moment our skin touched against each other, electricity radiated. That feeling I used to have every time I’m close to him before was still there. He pressed my hand gently, but I was quick to pull it away. Frankly, I wished there was a hole down under my feet that could swallow me right away. I hate he had that effect on me still. “Does he?” I got confused but more on in denial.

It puzzled me if he had an idea that I’m working with Smith’s Glass Wall Company because I didn't see even a bit of a surprise on his face. He was standing straight, calm yet so serious. I could say that those long four years made him better - I won’t deny that.

He looked so charming in his modern fit suit, like a real boss. I could tell he was a few inches taller than before and had matured enough to be more handsome. If I would describe him, he’s completely different in a good way from what he was in the past. I mean, he was already good-looking when we were together but seeing him anew after those years, he was undoubtedly drop-dead gorgeous.

With his demeanor, I could tell he moved on. What do I expect? Four long years had passed and certainly, he already found a new love interest. Besides, he seemed successful and occupied with his business endeavor to waste his time remembering me. I felt my heart squeeze at the thought of it. “What was I thinking? Argh!” I didn’t know what was wrong with me as I could feel tears burning in the corner of my eyes but gladly, got to control them. I balled my fist, not sure what to do next.

He cleared his throat. “This is Warren, our senior head,” He introduced the man beside him. I guess the man was in his late forties because I could see his head already going bald. “And this is Amber, my secretary,” He shifted to the woman on the other side. The lady with large spectacles and weird eye color smiled at us. We reciprocated her with the same level of warmth before we went to sit down and start with the presentation.

Denver and Miss Vera exchanged small talks, and I just kept silent, trying my best to avoid eye contact with him. Truth be told, it was the first most awkward situation I encountered in my entire existence.

In between Miss Vera’s presentation, I noticed him quite a number of times spared a glimpse at me, but I did not care. I acted oblivious to his presence, and I didn’t want to assume that he was trying to imply something to me. Honestly, I wasn’t able to concentrate because he totally disturbed me. 

Miss Vera’s presentation took only fifteen minutes, and it was a smooth one. Well, of course, she’s used to doing it. I could only wish to be as good as her in the future.

“Mr. Ford, if you have time this Friday, we can give you a factory tour to showcase our different glass walls.” Miss Vera was trying to get a new appointment with him.

Denver held his chin with his thumb and clenched his perfectly carved jaw. “We can have it tomorrow afternoon.” he remained serious and that stunned Miss Vera. With wide eyes, “Alright,”  She swiftly replied and seemed happy to get the earliest schedule. Perhaps it could be a good sign for a purchase order sooner. But for me, it was a punishment because as much as I didn’t want to see him around, my job won’t allow me to elude him. 

He faked a cough. “Miss Vera, could your company provide bulk orders of glass walls in a month? We are in a rush to complete the installation of walls and partitions of our office in another month”.

Miss Vera looked at me and I knew it was hard for her to ensure him. Producing tons of walls in a month requires so much effort from our team in the factory. 

“Mr. Ford, I understand that your two floors 5000 square meters office has a timeline, but could you give us 6 weeks for that? I just want to make sure we can complete the delivery while providing you quality glass walls,” She was trying to negotiate nicely.

He hummed audibly before twisting his lips. “I guess that could fit with our time frame." He shifted to his secretary, who was nodding at what he said as well as Warren, who agreed with his time calculation.

Amid their discussion, I learned that their company will operate before the end of the year. That would be two months after our specified period of glass wall delivery. Clueless about what their business is all composed of, I felt like I needed to check their company profile as soon as our meeting would end.

“So, Miss Vera, see you again tomorrow,” He stood up from his seat and so did we. That moment I heard him say it, I felt a bit of ease. It was a sign that the meeting is about to conclude and my agitation could rest for a while.

“I would be happy to show you around tomorrow, Mr. Ford,” Miss Vera’s amazement that the meeting went well was visible on her face. Well, who would not if you got a potential client who could give you so much credit in the future?

Miss Vera sent our guests to the lift while I stayed a few meters behind, watching them still having small talk. Though I could catch him stealing a glance at me, I acted like I wasn’t aware of it. Deep inside, it was a tough acting moment for me.

He behaved like he didn’t know me in front of everyone and incontestably, he played it well. I didn’t know what he was thinking about me. “Well, he shouldn’t matter to me anymore. He was my past,” I pouted at the thought, but “Really?” my mind, no, my traitor mind taunted me. Jeez!

The moment I got back to my table, I flopped on my chair with a stirring heart and mind. I took a deep breath, trying to condition my emotion. After four agonizing years, frankly, I was still in disbelief at seeing him again.

I wasn’t interested in his life in the past years, but to face him afresh triggered my curiosity. I browsed his company ZDF Electronic Security Service on the internet and found out that the primary operation is in Seattle. As I read the content, I learned that they’re in Harrisburg as an expansion. “Their business is doing good,” I hummed.

“Zachary Denver Ford, CEO.” They published his photo on the upper right side of the screen. I curled my lips, thinking that he pushed himself to the extent of his potential because he made it to the top. I felt a pain sting my heart that he left me because his priority was his ambition. Nevertheless, I believed he made the right decision because he succeeded. Besides, with what he'd become, definitely, a lot of women will run after him. He could choose the best that he deserves. “Good for him,” I murmured with a heavy heart.

I was back from my deep thoughts when my extension rang. It was Miss Vera calling me to come into her office. As I didn’t want to make her wait long,  I stood up and hurried to see her.

“I want you to inform our head supervisor in the factory about our visit tomorrow afternoon,” She told me firmly, and I nodded right away. “Yes, Miss Vera."

“Also, I requested a new headcount in our team because I want you to proceed with your online training as soon as possible. I emailed you the links and I hope you could finish them in three to five days.” She added that all the products and brochures were there and I must familiarize their specifications one by one.

“Your new office will be available soon,” She mentioned, and I was trying to sink into my head all the information she shared. I couldn’t believe she'll allow me to have my private space. Anyway, that was a good idea because I could work conveniently. Truly, I loved the recommendation, but it did not vanish in my mind that I’d be working with Denver until his dealings with our company would be over. 

When I returned to my desk, I noticed a message popping up on our internal chatbox. “Is it true that you got promoted?” It was from Alicia. I could only sigh at how fast the rumors spread in every department about my promotion. 

“Yeah, it’s true. Wish me luck!” And added a smiley and a crossed fingers emoji. 

“It amazed us at how you’ve gotten Miss Vera’s trust,” She replied with a thumbs up. “Congratulations! I’m happy for you!” She typed, and I thanked her for the praises.

For the rest of the day, I hated myself for letting Denver occupy my mind. I couldn’t work properly. Thankfully, my boss couldn’t see me from her post. When the clock ticked at five in the afternoon, I gathered my things and bid goodbye to Miss Vera, who was about to leave her office, too.

I drove off from our office building and dropped by a drive-thru to get my dinner. As usual, I ordered chicken, fries, and a few side dishes. I couldn’t remember when was the last time I tried to cook proper food in my house aside from cup noodles. I could only shake my head at my poor skill in the kitchen.

I was turning towards my parking area outside of my house when I sighted a black Range Rover parked a few meters away from the porch. I wondered because it was the first time I saw a car stop near my property. Certainly, a rich man owns it because those people who have millions of dollars in their account could only gain such.

As soon as I turned off the engine, I observed the luxurious car. No movement occurred for a few seconds. As I gathered my food to bring with me inside my house, a man went out. My heart raced fast. “Holy crap!” My eyes widened and couldn't stop cursing seeing who it was.