Chapter 564 - First Step (1/2)

Ian led the group towards his office. While Valerie and Stuart were right behind him, Aria was two steps behind them, with Preston following her closely. He was too excited to see her. Even though she was in the front and he could not see her pretty face, he was just contented to being this close to her. It had been a long time since he last saw her, and now that she was right near him, he did not let go of this mind-blowing opportunity.

Preston hurried to catch up with her, and he cleared his throat to gain her attention. Aria was taken aback to find the man suddenly walking beside her and she gave him a confused look.

”Hello.” Preston greeted her with a wide smile. He was beaming in delight. Even his eyes were twinkling in joy, and Aria blinked at him, wondering what had got him all exhilarated.

”Hello.” She replied with a smile of her own, still perplexed by the man's abnormal behavior.

”You might not remember me.”

”Ohh, I do.” Aria let out a laugh. ”I have a good memory and I definitely keep those people in mind who would shove me aside in anger.” She teased, and Preston's face scrunched up in embarrassment. He scratched his neck, not knowing what to say to the girl when he knew that was his fault in the first place.

”I am sorry for what I did that day. It was rude of me to have pushed you, Doctor....” Even though he knew her name, he wanted her to say it out loud to him.

”Aria West. And that's completely fine. I understand your sentiments. You were worried about your friend. Maybe I would have done the same if I were in your place.” Aria remarked, and Preston let out a relieved sigh.

”By the way, I am Preston Walsh.” He continued.

”I know.”

As soon as he heard Aria's reply, his heart soared with happiness. Just the thought of her knowing his name made Preston all giddy and thrilled. He could not stop himself from smiling even if he wanted to.

”You seem a little different, Doctor.”

”Different? How?” Aria stooped walking, forcing Preston to stop walking too.

”I...Yes. It is as though you have grown more courageous if that makes sense.” He added, not knowing if his words irked the girl in front of him. Contrary to his expectation, Aria started chuckling, taking him by surprise completely.

”People do change when they say a quick hello to death,” Aria replied mysteriously, not wanting to give away the details of what had happened. She started walking again, only for Preston to stop her immediately, startling her in the process.

”What happened, Doctor?” His face was tense, completely different from how flustered he had been a few moments ago, and Aria did not know what had changed in him.

”Just a small mishap. Nothing significant.” Aria brushed it off, not wanting to involve the strange man in her personal life.

Preston was just about to ask her more when he realized that he was crossing a boundary. He pulled back at once, not wanting to leave a bad impression in her mind again. He had already done it once and regretted it doing so even now. He did not wish to have a repeat of it when all he had in mind was to leave a good and favorable impression of him in her mind.

”I am sorry, Doctor. I got carried away. I was just worried.” Preston tried to explain his behavior even though he had a hunch that Aria would not believe it.

”Should I believe you on this?” Aria narrowed her eyes, teasingly. ”Why would Mr. Walsh be worried for me when we are nothing but strangers?” She raised an eyebrow at him. ”At least, we were until now. Let's go. We have something important to tell you.”