Chapter 101 - Eros et Psyche 4: Its A Date (1/2)

Ria felt a little sad. It's not that a subordinate and boss relationship was frowned upon. Society had long since become understanding of that – most especially since she could say she was not entirely useless with how much projects she was able to take. The thing was, accepted by society or not, the gap between their statuses was still miles apart.

Also, Michael Chen might have softened his treatment towards her as they had been working on a project together, but his aloofness still remained. There were still so many facets in his personality that was hidden by shadows.

In short…

In your dreams Ria Davis. In your dreams…she muttered under her breath as she brought the plates to the sink and marched outside the house towards the waiting car. Inside the car was her schedule for the day— or the person ȧssigned to take care of her schedule. She went over her activities for the week as she was only told the days of the week instead of the complete date.

It's totally a weird practice for a company, but by now, Ria already got used to it. Also, she felt it's nice as she was free to focus on her projects and didn't worry about her schedule much. Days passed and she got used to her work and her boss.

Today, as soon as she reached the office, she immediately took out her file and started working. She was so focused that she hadn't realized the time that passed or that she was no longer alone in the office.

”You look…blooming.”

The comment made her pause from her work at her table, look up, and grin. Dylan Ng stood by the doorway eyeing her thoughtfully and her grin widened.

”Am I?” she challenged as she raised her hand to beckon him closer, feeling excited like a child eager to show her new toy.

”What's this?” Dylan asked as he saw the new designs she was working on and his eyes widened. ”You got Aqua again?” he asked and when she nodded and smiled wider, he grinned like silly too. ”That's so cool. Congratulations!”

”Thanks!” Ria felt like bursting with happiness.

Aqua was known to be very picky when it came to people working on its projects and so securing its contract was such a huge achievement for her.

”So that's why you look so blooming lately,” he commented again. ”And here I was thinking that it was because you finally found a boyfriend,” he added which earned him a slap on the arm as the two of them laughed, unaware that they were no longer alone.

”Who's got a boyfriend?”

Ria and Dylan turned towards the door to see Charles standing there. Based on the huge teasing smile on his face, he must have heard their conversation.

To Ria, Charles hearing it was okay. Then again, Michael Chen was behind him with his brow raised, a habit which she noticed that the man always did whenever there's something not to his liking.

Clearly, he heard everything that was said and she felt like wishing for the floor to open up and swallow her whole. What could he be thinking now?

”Good afternoon!” both she and Dylan greeted the newcomers.

”Ria's working on the Aqua ad!” Dylan announced cheerfully and Ria felt thankful for his quick thinking— well, not really quick thinking since Dy was a bit dense, but she's grateful to him anyway for deviating the topic.

”We already know that Ng. Who do you think was with her when Aqua signed the contract?” Charles retorted as he and Michael walked inside the room towards her desk.

The young CEO remained unspeaking as he peeked at Ria's monitor where she was working on the design. Miachael Chen's almond eyes were focused on the screen but she knew that he was listening to them.

”Hey, don't change the topic. Who's got a boyfriend?” Charles Wong asked again and Ria gritted her teeth. Her immediate boss really was an ȧsshole.

”No one,” she answered hurriedly as she nervously glanced at Michael who seemed to be engrossed on her computer. ”Dylan just mentioned it.”

”Ah, too bad,” Charles' said as he turned to Dylan. ”I thought cupid was really on the loose. I heard you hit it off with Ruzzel's Director?”

Ruzzel's was a chain of department stores whose director, the one who was mentioned, specifically asked for Dylan to design their spring advertisement.

Ria never got to ask her friend about that project, but looking at Dylan now, with his face being bashful, turning red to the tips of his ears, she thought she should have.

”H-Hazel and I w-were c-classmates back in h-high school,” Dylan stammered and Charles gave him his disbelieving gaze which subsequently made him spill his guts out. ”Okay, we're going out,” he confessed and Charles smiled sweetly.