Beautiful Dreamer

50. My Only Wish

"Mun, he did it."

"Who?"

"Who else will I be talking about with you?"

"What happened this time?"

"He got me that client I'd lost. I don't know how he convinced the only person who hates me the most to become my business ally."

"Mr Liwaswalva?"

"Yes."

"Wow." Mun laughed excitedly. "How did he crack him again?"

"I wonder." Ari was tempted to share his newfound information regarding Rey's involvement with his younger brother but decided against it. Knowing Mun, he'd become a little protective; therefore, acting on impulse over the matter might have dire consequences.

"That guy must have a soft spot for your lover boy." Glancing at Rey a distance from him, he seemed immersed in his paperwork. Mun had invited him to supervise his pending assignments. "That guy, as you know, never gives out anything for free. I wonder what lover boy had to sacrifice this time."

"How should I know what he offered? That's between them. My concern was getting the client."

"You shouldn't joke with a man after your heart." Mun laughed when Ari cursed at his remark. "So that was why he'd asked for a half day off to come and see you earlier this week. I had to punish him thoroughly though. We equally have deadlines, so he and I have been working overtime at home. We could use your assistance."

"I don't think that's a great idea. I finally have forced a day off from my schedule since launch day and...."

"We have some takeaways from Yummy Yum restaurant. Rey brought them."

"If I'd known he was home, I'd have gone to Ned's apartment...and I always bring work home whenever I go there, but today, I wish to relax and unwind, so I'll leave you two be and keep to myself." 'I also need to discover why Rey is conspiring with my family, but I'll study him first.'

"How far are you?"

"I'll be up in ten. Do you need me to grab anything?"

"White wine. Make it dry."

"Got it."

No sooner had Ari hung up than Mun turned to Rey. He advised him to take a break and mentioned he needed to run somewhere shortly. "I'll be back in a jiffy. If you need anything from the grocery, let me know."

"Thank you for your generosity, Manager Mun. I'm the one who made you work overtime, so I don't wish to impose further."

"How many times will you apologise? Just stay the night, and we'll leave for the office in the morning. Better yet, I've asked Ari to help us with our task. If he succeeds, we will have converted several days of work to days off instead."

"That would be reassuring, Manager Mun."

"Of course." Mun nodded coyly. "Anyway, he is coming over; hence I must make haste."

"Pardon..."

"Bye now," Mun grinned suggestively and closed the door behind him.

Rey was left bewildered, his hands beginning to tremble: he didn't know how to face Ari, especially after he'd beat himself up for tripping on his own promise. He'd known the mission impossible but still fostered hope to win Ari's attention, and when the door opened to the sight of him, Rey was left dumbfounded, not knowing whether to offer a greeting or an apology."

"Are you okay?" Ari asked, unable to endure Rey's state and unresponsiveness to his greeting.

"Mun just left moments ago...a-and as soon as I'm done with my work, I'll be on my way."