Unexpected Reunion

“Come in”, Claudia's calm voice said from the other end.

She took another deep breath as she walked into Claudia's spacious office.

The office was of the best in the firm, located on the highest floor. It was painted a lovely shade of blue and white, and its glass walls overlooked the city of Bristol. You could lose yourself by just staring through those walls.

Mayeli sat in front of Claudia's large oak table, waiting for her to finish her phone conversation.

Claudia’s pretty, high-cheekboned face was twisted in concentration. Her short, curly, black hair fell in waves a little past her shoulders, bouncing slightly with each movement. It blended perfectly with her black, expensive-looking suit. She looked elegant.

“Mayeli darling, good to see you, it's been a while.

Mayeli threw her a polite smile. Claudia had always been very kind to her.

“It's good to see you too Claudia”.

“Okay, let's get to my reason for calling you. As you know, I was elected to represent Soter Group, in the last board meeting. Well, I'm currently working on a very important murder case that requires my full-time attention, so I was wondering if you could take up my workload for now. You can take the salary that comes with the responsibility too, and it would be good for your career”.

Mayeli shifted uncomfortably thinking of an excuse to give Claudia. The last thing she wanted to do was meet Killian. She was sure he would remember her since he had been drunk on the night of the Mayr ride, but she couldn't risk it. True, she had acted without precaution and had only wanted to satisfy her curiosity and maybe have a little fun with a past love, but the aftermath of that night had done more harm than good.

Not like she regretted having her baby. She hadn't just planned things to happen that way, and she didn't want Killian to think that she took advantage of him. Besides, she still cared about what he thought about her.

What would he think now if she showed up at his doorstep with a baby, claiming it was his? She couldn't bear to think of his reaction.

The Killian she had known before was loving, kind, and devoted. But that was a Killian from her past. She didn't know who this multi-billionaire was.

She cleared her throat, thinking of a solid excuse to give Claudia, but she was cut short.

“Mayeli darling, before you say no to me. Know that you're currently my best and only option, and I'm selfishly in great need of your help right now”.

Claudia's eyes were screaming the word no, but she couldn't voice it out. The warm, genuine smile the older woman was giving her, left her defenseless.

“Fine Claudia, but I hope I won't be working on it for too long”. She fought the urge to spank herself at the moment.

“Certainly my dear. We're going to be having a meeting with them right now, but the CEO won't be able to make it so his representative would be coming in his stead. Get ready, and meet me at the boardroom in thirty minutes”.

Claudia's voice was high-pitched with excitement, and relief.

Mayeli walked out of Claudia's office cursing silently. She was finally in a situation she had been desperately trying to avoid, all because she couldn't say a simple no to her superior.

At least she won't be meeting with him today, she comforted herself. She would be better prepared the next time she was going to meet him.

Thankfully, Kreed was gone when she reached her office. He had left a note saying he had signed off for the day, and a box of her favourite chocolate cookie was on her table to make up for her untouched lunch. 

She smiled brightly. Kreed always had a way of making her feel cared for. She quickly wolfed down the cookie, adjusted her makeup, and headed for the boardroom.

When she got there, Claudia was already waiting. 

Mayeli greeted her with a polite smile and sat down beside her as they waited for their guest.

A few minutes later, the door of the boardroom was thrown open, and a smiling Nixen walked in followed by, Killian!

Mayeli gulped, running her hands through her blonde hair as she tried to steady her racing heartbeat.

Claudia threw her a pleading “I'm sorry, I wasn't aware either” smile. She kinda knew about Mayeli and Killian's history.

Nixen looked surprised to see her, but his surprised look was quickly replaced by a loving smile.

His companion Killian looked about indifferent until his ocean-blue eyes rested on her. He looked shocked for a moment, then confused, and finally cold.

“Have we met before?” Killian asked, his voice deep and authoritative. She could listen to him forever.

Mayeli wanted to say something but her mouth won't open. She ran her hands through her hair again, staring at her nails. She couldn't bear to look at him. Talk about an embarrassing moment!

“I don't think so”, Nixen answered for her, looking quizzically at Mayeli.

“We haven't”, Mayeli mumbled.

“Okay, but you look very familiar. Maybe I was just mistaking you for someone else. I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable”, Killian said, taking a seat. 

It pained Mayeli that he didn't even bother to remember her. Confusing her for someone else? Nice!

Claudia just looked around helplessly.

“Okay let's get to business, Claudia?”, Nixen's calm voice said, breaking the awkward silence in the room.

“Umm…so, Mayeli would be standing in for me to represent Soter Group. I have an important case I'm currently working on, and I trust she would be able to fare well under my guidance”, Claudia hastily said.

Killian turned to stare at Nixen, and Nixen gave him a reassuring nod. 

The two men looked very much alike, Mayeli noticed. 

Her already racing heartbeat picked up rhythm, as a thought formed in her head.

She quickly gulped down the glass of water in front of her, trying her best to focus on what Killian was saying.

“Is she the one you were talking about?” Killian asked Nixen, his perfect brow raised slightly.

“Yep”.

What were they talking about? Have they been having conversations about her?

“Okay, we'll try her out, brief her on the case, I need to go now. Let's talk when she has everything ready” Killian said, walking out of the room.

Nixen followed after him, leaving behind an exhausted Mayeli and a confused Claudia.

“I'm sorry, May, Nixen told me he wasn't coming”, Claudia said, giving her a pleading look.

“It’s fine”, Mayeli mumbled.

Deep down, she knew it was far from fine.