187 First Dinner Date (1/2)
”Are you staying with us? ” Anthon asked, knowing that the company accomodated all the engineers and architects in one condominium.
” Yes. ”
Anthon saw a flicker in her eyes that reminded him of Jia. Not only that,her name,her gracefulness, that soft - piercing gazes... the gentle features of her face, spoke about her.
”Are you free tonight? ” Anthon couldn't understand but all of a sudden,he wanted to spend more time with her.
”Yes. ” She answered briefly.
”Can I invite you for dinner? ” He said, feeling suddenly nervous that she might refuse.
At seven in the evening,Anthon took her to a restaurant by the beach which offered a mediterranean and Asian cuisines. They choose a table by an outdoor terrace which could give them a spectacular view of the Arabian Gulf.The starry night, the magnificent view of the surroundings and the sophistications of the environment blended well into an romantic atmosphere.
Anna was wearing a pastel blue, tight - hugging dress,a sharp contrast to her usual business outfits which registered into Anthon's mind. He knew she was attractive but it was always concealed by her big,dark sunglasses. And besides,he was not interested to look into any of her female colleagues.
He remembered that the sky - blue shade of her dress was the same color that Jia wore during that night when they were on a resort.
”Anna,how long have been here in Dubai?” Anthon just asked anything to open up a conversation.
”Three years. ” Her replies were only brief and concise.
”Is it really your dream to work here? ”He asked further,trying to start delving into her private life.
”No. Actually,I ran away from a man whom my parents want me to get married to. ”
Anthon laughed softly. ”Does he look like a monster that you have to run away? ”
”It's difficult to deal with someone you do not love. ” She smiled wryly.
Then she returned his question. ”How about you? ”
The question caught Anthon unprepared that he stuttered.
” I ...I also ran... ran away to forget.”
She held her gaze against his and asked. ” A woman?Married to someone else? ” She guessed it correctly.
”That's it.. ” Anthon chuckled. ”It's a long story... but she married my brother,instead. ”
”Sorry to hear that. That must have hurt so much. ” She said sadly.
”It doesn't. ” He smiled with bitterness.
”Oh? ” She couldn't believe it.
”It didn' t just hurt mebut... killed me, instead. In fact,you're the first woman I have invited out. ”
Anna nodded. ”Time heals and forget...”
”I hope so. ” He smiled.
If not for the common traits she had with Jia,he would have not wasted his time with her. But that dinner was not the first one,anotherfollowed,and another....
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