✿ Aileen's POV
After giving my nosy employees a reason why I have to leave early, I hop into my Jeep and head out. For some reason, I'm in no hurry to get to my destination.
And no, it wasn't the guilt. Yes, I did feel guilty. But no. My hesitance had nothing to do with the guilt.
Fear of rejection?
Yes, that was probably it.
It's only when the security guard walks up to ask if I'm okay for the second time that I decide to finally get out of the car after being parked outside Paragon Scapes for almost an hour. I lean my head back and take in a deep breath.
“I can do this. I've sat through a Jurisprudence and Legal Theory class before. So I can definitely do this. Piece of cake.”
I had to laugh at myself at how nervous I was to go in there and talk to Reid. And I wouldn't blame him if he flat-out rejected me.
'Cause you'd deserve it, my conscience quips.
I climb out of my car. With my Ariana Grande ponytail still intact, I adjust my dress, and fortifying breaths taken, I step into the building. I step into the lobby and it's the first time I notice the Paragon Scapes logo decorating the wall behind the large front desk. I also notice the comfortable-looking furniture for waiting guests.
They redecorated?
The colors are cool and calming—beachy blues and grays that contrast with the dark brown leather couch and chairs. The orchid smell in the air however is intact.
I move toward the desk and a man wearing a headset that somehow didn’t crush his spiky blond hair greets me with a friendly smile.
“What can I do for you?”
“I'm here to see Reid Dalton. And before you ask, no. I do not have an appointment.”
He blinks at me.
“Lee. My name's Lee. It's really urgent.”
“Of course. One moment, please.”
His smile turns a bit sardonic and I fold my arms and wait as he speaks quietly to someone through his headset.
“Oh, ma'am!” Freda's voice chirps from my side.
I turn.
“Hi,” I let out.
“Welcome,” she grins. “Can I get you anything?”
“Oh no, no. I just wanna see your boss.”
“Why of course. You don't need my permission, ma'am. Just that—”
“Err, excuse me, Freda. But she doesn't have an appointment. I checked” the man cuts her off.
“Well, she doesn't need an appointment to see Mr. Dalton, Han. She's Mr. Dalton's fiancée.”
The man's mouth forms an 'o' and just when he's about to probably apologize, he's cut off by an all too familiar voice.
“Last time I checked, she was Mr. Dalton's ex.”
I let out an exasperated sigh and throw her a lazy look which she rewards with an enormous smile.
“Hello, Lee.”
“Anika.”
I don't even pretend to force a smile.
“What brings you here?”
I fully turn to face her and fold my arms. She lets a dramatic gasp and holds her hands out.
YOU ARE READING
To Capture A Bride
Romantizm|Updates every Tuesdays| "Come with me." I laugh and wipe the beads of sweat off my forehead. "And why would you think I'd go anywhere with you?" I ask. He fills his cheeks with air and glances at the time on his watch, before slipping his hands s...
