Ten Million Dollars Mission

c.44- His abnormal heartbeat

"Ma'am, it's me"

Rosa knocked on the office door. "Come in" L allowed; eyes glued to the papers on the table. "My desk is about to collapse if you put them here. Leave it on table" The woman pointed at the table with a pen. "I wish I could take care of your works as well" Rosa let out a sigh. "Why?"

L furrowed brows, Focusing on the papers at the same time. "Well, obviously, I want to share half of your burden. It is too much" The complaint echoed. "I chose this career path. I can endure this much" L stated as her friend pouted beneath a frown. "So strong-willed"

"Mhm hm" L shrugged. "Everyone is gossiping about your dating rumors. Some even dare to accuse you, saying you are just one-night stand for Ishikawa Ryuu and that the relationship was forced" The words drew the woman's attention so that her eyes lifted.

"One-might stand?" L frowned. "Yeah! How dare they say that?!" Rosa raised her fist in air as if she was ready to enter the ring for championship. "Why are you mad?" Leaning to the back, L threw a question. "Seriously?! They are trying to make you seem bad!" Rosa scowled.

"So?"

"Lauren, I know you two love each other. There is no way you are just a one-night stand. As if! You are the finest woman I have ever seen in my life. All the men would do anything to have you as their girlfriend! How could they spout nonsense? This is not acceptable!"

As the friend, it was common for Rosa to defend Laurestine. Somehow, the way she stated the words tickled L. A smile tugged on her lips; "As long as you believe in me, I don't need to care about their opinions" L's retort hushed down the woman. Rosa's lips curved up.

Right. Her friend never cared about others' opinions. That's how she conquered this high spot in fashion industry; by giving no fuck. "No matter what they say, I trust you only. After all, we only have each other to rely on" Rosa beamed. "Yes. Now, I have to work" L sent her off.

"So heartless" Rosa pouted. Walking out of the office at last. "She is really cute" Once her friend left, L ended up murmuring with a smile of admiration. Sometimes, she missed Mian and Cherry who used to be her friends in previous world. The friendship didn't last long.
But the bond did.

"*ring*" The silence within the office was torn apart by the loud phone ringtone. L's gaze shifted. Unknown id. Realization hit the woman. Her eyes glinted with stars of hope. "My dear boyfriend took a whole night to make a call" A chuckle escaped between her lips.

After a few rings, L accepted the phone call. "Yes?" She voiced. "This is my number" Without introducing himself, Ryuu straight up got to the point. Putting a smile on the woman's lips. He knew she would recognize him. "So, when are we going out?" She returned a question.

"Tonight. I don't have time for noon. Just adjust the plan if you have one already. I only have nighttime to spare" The man proclaimed. He actually was spitting the truth. Busy as he was, he had to change some of the plans to keep his word. "It is better to go out at night" L retorted.

Confusing Ryuu. Better? He thought she would complain for making it late. But she was satisfied instead? How bizarre. "Do you want me to pick you up? Or are you coming to the place alone?" He asked. "Come get me. I will be at the office. I already have a place in my mind"

L declared.

Arousing the man's curiosity. Did she manage to think of the plan in short amount of time? "Make sure you are ready at eight" "Mhm" The call ended just like that. L's lips formed into a smile. "I still have five hours left" Grabbing her purse, she did not waste any further second.

"Rosa" On the phone call, L addressed. "Yes? Do you need anything?" Rosa replied; perplexed. "I am going back home to change the outfit. Can you handle things on your own before I come back? It will take an hour or two only" L assured. To date, she must doll up for sure.

"Did you spill something on your shirt?" The confusion echoed in Rosa's tone. Not understanding the sudden mood change of her friend. "I actually got a date tonight" At last, L disclosed. Making her friend's eyes widened. "Why didn't you tell me beforehand?! Go on, go!"

Supportive as always, Rosa agreed to take care of the matters. "Thank you" "Don't mention it. Dress up prettily as you do every day. Make sure to get your boyfriend obsessed!" Rosa had always felt something was missing in her friend's relationship. The man lacked something.

It was as if he did not actually love her friend. But Rosa did not overthink and believed they were just being new in this relationship. She had to help the couple get closer than before. "He will be soon. See you" "See you" L ended the call after hearing Rosa's chuckle.

"What should I wear?"

Back at the apartment, L stood in the changing room, the closet's doors wide open across her. "Black color would go well. That man doesn't seem to have any other colors than black" A murmur escaped between her lips as she picked the black dress. It was designed simply.

Long, v-neck dress with a pair of gloves; she added diamond necklace to highlight this simple look. "People are going to look at me for being overly-dressed" L let out a sigh while she chose the purse. Returning back to the office in this dress would surely catch everyone's attention.

But again, Laurestine was never the type to care about gossip. "Confidence is the key" Smiling across the mirror, L encouraged herself. She held her head high. Stepping out of the apartment once she finished dolling up. The time had passed by. Exactly at eight pm, L's phone rang.

The caller id 'boyfie' appeared on the screen. Putting a smile on the woman's lips. She had been waiting for an hour here, and he made it right on time. "Yes?" L accepted the call; grabbing her purse from the table. "I'm at the parking lot" Ryuu notified; his tone serene as usual.

"Will be there in five minutes"

The woman ended the call without listening further. Her heels striking against the marble floor as she headed to the personal lift. The quiet parking lot was conquered by the arrival of the woman. Her presence was strong, capturing the man's eyes. Ryuu was leaning on car.

Smoking a cigarette. But he ceased his actions over the appearance of the woman. The long dress was simple and yet elegant. Her cold expression suited the vibe. "Oh, we are matching" L raised her brow. The black shirt and pants. He truly had that color only.

Though it was plain black, the brand was exquisite. The way he rolled the sleeves up on forearm was hella attractive in L's sight. "It is just basic color" Ryuu retorted. Saying it wasn't something to be shocked about. "But we are dating. It is shocking that we matched without discussing"

L spat. How could she let this man ruin the mood? "Whatever" Beneath a frown, Ryuu opened the car door for the woman after throwing the cigarette in trash can. "Wait" L stood there as the man stared at her in confusion. "What's wrong?" Ryuu queried; trying to understand.

"I forgot to greet you properly"

After saying the sentence, L wrapped her arms around the man's neck, pulling him down a bit. It was when Ryuu's eyes widened. His grip tightened on the car door handle. He could not push her off no matter how much he wanted to. His body would not budge.

Her breasts, he could feel them on his chest. Her mesmerizing perfume scent permeated into his nose. "For tonight, be my real boyfriend please" L's hot breath tickled the man's ear. Sending chills down to his spine. She, then backed up. Observing his reaction beneath a smile.

Ryuu was still stuck in the loop. "Can you?" L tilted her head. Her voice pulled the man back to reality. He blinked; gulping while looking away from her intense gaze. "Get inside. It is cool out here" He left the question unanswered. It tickled L entirely. Unexpected attack worked!

"All right, my love" She stepped inside as Ryuu closed the car door. It's abnormal. His heartbeat was abnormal. Did she bewitch him? How could this stupid heart be racing over a mere hug? Was it because this was his first time being hugged by a woman so tightly?

Poor Ryuu had unknowingly started to question the reality because of the woman named Laurestine Pierre. "Where do I drive to?" Starting the car engine, Ryuu asked. "Diamond casino" The name L mentioned, captured the man's attention. Casino? Out of everywhere?

"Any problem?" L turned her head.

"No" But Ryuu did not question.

He followed the instructions silently.