obsessively mine

CH#9 HER

I had come upstairs because my business demanded my attention. As a host, I had a responsibility to tend to our guest, who was staying with us because of a deal I had made. However, business matters were more pressing than personal issues at the moment, so I called my supervisor to arrange an office meeting for the next day. Just as I hung up the phone, there was a knock on my study room door.

"Come in," I called out. Alfred entered, bowing slightly.

"Miss Owner, our guest has chosen the room you suggested, and dinner is ready," he informed me.

"Please serve our guest. I'll be there in a moment," I replied, settling into my chair and opening my laptop. Alfred nodded and left the room while I continued to work. A little while later, I heard my Aunt Be's loud voice echoing through the halls. I knew Vince, our guest, did not appreciate high-pitched voices. Hastily, I rushed downstairs. By the time I arrived, they had already begun their conversation. Noticing Vince's discomfort, I quickly guided my aunt back upstairs to the study.

"Why were you being so loud downstairs? Are you serious, Be?" I asked, my tone edged with frustration.

"What? I didn't know there was a guest downstairs," Be replied defensively. Then, with a knowing glint in her eyes, she continued, "Is he the one?"

"What do you mean, 'the one'?" I asked though I was fully aware of her implication.

"Don't play games with me, sweetheart. Tell me, is he the one you used to be obsessed with?" she prodded, studying my expression. I smiled awkwardly, and Aunt Be understood. She sat down, a playful grin spreading across her face.

"I'll ask you later how you managed to get him here," she began, but I cut her off.

"He's staying here... for a month," I said, avoiding her gaze.

"Anyway, let's discuss the shop matter at the new mall," she said, changing the subject.

"Y-yeah," I replied, grateful for the shift in focus.

"Okay, the shop we booked has been sold to our rival brand for 2% more money," she stated flatly.

"WHAT? How is this possible? We already booked it! How can they just give it to someone else?" I exclaimed, rubbing my temple in frustration.

"I'm sure they snatched it right after we booked it... You and I both know how many times they've used underhanded tactics to undermine us. What should we do now? Any plans?" Be asked.

"The land next to that mall is empty and unclaimed, right?" I asked, my eyebrows arching thoughtfully.

"Maybe... yes? But why do you ask?" she replied, curiosity lacing her voice.

"If it is, then we're going to build our shop in a museum-style right next to that mall," I declared, leaning back in my chair.

"What do you mean?" Be asked, frowning slightly.

"It means we're going to create a Velvet Vogue shop in a museum-style setting, showcasing every design we've ever made. It will be right next to that mall, and then we'll see how many people go there and how many come to us. Velvet Vogue will stand out as the place to be," I explained, a smirk tugging at my lips.

"You're a clever fox, and I like that... Anyway, our guest is eating alone downstairs, so we should go," Be said, her eyes sparkling with approval. I nodded in agreement, and together we headed downstairs.