BE MY OBSESSION

CHAPTER 25

•SHELBY•

I stopped by my father's office to collect some crucial paperwork from him and was taken aback when I spotted him chatting with Mr. Nakamura outside his door. Their genuine smiles and firm handshakes surprised me. As I glanced back in the elevator, I noticed that William had witnessed the encounter with the same expression as mine. Reacting swiftly, he stepped out before the doors closed, and both men turned their attention toward us.

Approaching them, Mr. Nakamura greeted us warmly, "Just the two people I was hoping to see. How are you both doing?" he asked, shaking our hands.

"We're fine, thank you. It's unexpected to see you here; we weren't informed you'd be coming by today," William replied.

Mr. Nakamura shrugged nonchalantly, "My schedule will be tight in the next few days, so I won't be traveling around much. I wanted to come by and clear things out before the merger ceremony takes place next week."

I nodded, understanding the situation. I noticed Mr. Nakamura's lingering gaze on us and instinctively drew closer to William, wrapping my hand around his arm. We needed to keep up the appearance, making Mr. Nakamura believe that our engagement was real.

"Mr. Nakamura and I have already signed the contract, so we were on our way up to get your signatures as well. But since you're here now," Dad explained, gesturing toward his office.

We all entered the office, where William and I sat in front of my father's desk. He handed us the contracts and pens, and after a quick review, we signed them. Standing again, we faced Mr. Nakamura.

"Thank you, Mr. Nakamura. You won't be disappointed," I assured him, and he smiled in response.

"I know you won't," he replied.

William shook hands with him as well, and Mr. Nakamura checked his watch.

"Thank you all for your time and patience. I'd like to stay longer, but I have another appointment to get to," he mentioned.

"Right. Thank you for dropping by," my father responded.

As Mr. Nakamura turned to leave, he suddenly stopped and turned back to us.

 "I forgot to ask, have you decided on a date yet?"

William and I exchanged confused glances. A date? Did he mean our wedding date?

"Uh..." I began to reply, unsure of what to say.

"We haven't decided on a date yet," William promptly answered, and Mr. Nakamura frowned slightly.

"Well, you better decide faster. I'm really happy for both of you and would like to be there on your special day."

I let out an awkward laugh, "We will, don't worry, Mr. Nakamura. You're more than welcome to be there."

"I appreciate that. I'm looking forward to seeing both of you again at the merger ceremony next Thursday," he said, heading towards the door.

"On that note, why don't you come by tomorrow night for our special house party to celebrate us moving into our new house together?" William suddenly invited.

I was taken aback, as there was no such party planned. When did he decide this without telling me?

"A housewarming party? That's great," Mr. Nakamura replied, sounding enthusiastic.

"Yes, we'd love for you to come. Please bring Mrs. Nakamura as well; we'd like to meet her too," William added, glancing at me.

Of course, he had put me on the spot. I played along.

 "She's been dying to meet you both. We'll see you both tomorrow then."

After Mr. Nakamura left, I glared at William.

"Where did you come up with the housewarming party idea?" I asked accusingly.

"Just now. I had the idea in mind for a while, and inviting Mr. Nakamura makes everything perfect," he replied nonchalantly.

"Are you serious? We just moved in yesterday," I protested.

"Exactly. We'll invite some close friends and family, take some pictures with Mr. Nakamura for our social media, and by Friday morning, everyone in the world will be convinced that we're engaged," he explained, seemingly pleased with his plan.

I crossed my arms, contemplating the housewarming party that was now scheduled for tomorrow night.

William walked past me towards the door, and I turned to face him.

"We never talked about any wedding date."

He turned to me with a blank expression and smirked, "So?"

"So, I hope this doesn't escalate to the point where we have to discuss fake wedding day arrangements too. This charade ends at being fake engaged, nothing more."

He laughed at me, causing my irritation to grow. 

"Don't worry, Shelly. I haven't even thought that far, but you seem to be suggesting the idea rather than dismissing it."

"I'm serious." I warned with a glare.

He tilted his head and laughed, which only irritated me further.

"I get it, so relax," he said.

As he reached for the door handle, I couldn't help but call after him; 

"And the housewarming party arrangements are on you!"

He ignored my comment and walked out of the office. There was no way I'd prepare a party I didn't plan. If he came up with the idea, he could handle the arrangements by himself.