Chapter 12
The sound of a keyboard clinking rapidly in my workspace. The numbers on the screen blinked, the project report I was writing was almost complete. I sighed, glancing at the clock in the corner of the screen. It was almost eight in the evening.
Most of the employees had gone home, but I was still struggling with my work. Ever since I was first given responsibility for this project, I wanted to make sure everything was perfect.
“Still here?”
I was startled and looked up quickly. I found Caius standing in the doorway of my room. As usual, his suit looked impeccably neat, and his tie was slightly loose, showing that he had also been working all day.
I quickly stood up. “Mr. Leclair. I was just finishing up some reports.”
He walked over, his gaze fixed on my computer screen. “You’re very thorough. I saw the progress of this project, and the results are quite impressive.”
I hit the save button before closing the laptop. “I’m just doing my job,” I replied nervously, afraid of being reprimanded for exceeding the required working hours.
Caius crossed his arms over his chest. “But not everyone does it this well.”
I was a little surprised by his praise but kept a professional expression. Still, at least I was relieved he wasn’t angry.
“Thank you, sir,” I replied with a bow of my head.
He eyed my desk, which was still full of documents. “You haven’t eaten dinner yet?” he asked, turning to look at me.
I glanced at the clock once more. I hadn’t eaten anything since this afternoon, but I wasn’t used to discussing things like this with my boss.
“I can eat after this work is done, sir,” I replied.
Caius let out a small sigh. “Come with me,” he ordered as he immediately turned around.
sir?”
I looked at him and asked in confusion. “Excuse me, sir?”
“Dinner,” he said casually as he turned his head. “You work all day. At the very least, you should eat properly.” He said back and was ready to walk away.
I hesitated a little. I didn’t want to get involved in any relationship, let alone with someone who was in a professional sphere like him.
Seeing my expression, Caius added, “This is not a personal invitation. Think of it as a token of appreciation for your hard work on this project,” he said as he turned his body to face
- me.
I thought for a moment then finally nodded. “Very well, sir.”
***
The restaurant where Caius took me has a calm atmosphere with warm lighting. It wasn’t too crowded, but it wasn’t quiet either. I felt a little awkward, although Caius seemed calm
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as usual.
“You’ve lived in Switzerland for a while, what do you think?” he asked after we ordered our food.
I leaned my back against the chair. “I like it. The environment is comfortable, the people are professional.”
“And nothing is tying you down from the past?” he said quickly with his eyes on me.
I stiffened for a moment. I knew what he meant, not to corner me, but his question pressed something in my heart.
“I just want to focus on what’s in front of me right now, sir,” I replied with a small smile. Caius nodded, as if satisfied with my answer. “Good.”
The waiter came with our order, and for a moment our conversation stopped. I tasted my food, savoring the warmth of the soup that instantly filled my empty stomach.
I sat across from Caius, staring at the plate in front of me with my mind wandering. The restaurant had a calm atmosphere, and soft lighting that provided comfort. However, I felt like my mind wasn’t fully present here.
As I took a sip of my drink, Caius spoke up again. “I like the way you work, Althea.”
I looked at him, a little surprised by his direct statement. “Thank you very much, sir, for the compliment.”
“You’re focused, a quick learner, and don’t seek attention. That’s not uncommon in the working world,” he continued as he sipped his coffee.
“I just want to make sure that everything I earn comes from my efforts, sir. That way, I’m satisfied,” I replied, wetting my throat again with my drink.
Caius looked at me for a moment and then smiled slightly. “And you have done well.”
I felt something strange in my chest, a feeling that was warm, but also unfamiliar. All this time, I had never really received such a sincere compliment.
“It’s also because of the comfortable working environment, sir,” I said with a smile.
Caius nodded as he replied, “You’re right. I’m lucky to have professional and responsible employees like you,”
Our conversation went smoothly throughout dinner, but I couldn’t ignore the fact that something kept bothering me. Every little attention Caius gave me reminded me of someone, Damien.
I didn’t want him. I didn’t want to think about that man anymore. However, when Caius casually poured wine into my glass without asking, I remembered how Damien never did anything like that.
Damien never cared whether I wanted a drink, or not. If we ate out, he always ordered what he wanted, without asking what I liked.
Chapter 12
