Thorns and Petals

Chapter-36

Privacy 

"Not only will this bring a good fortune to us, but this particular strategy can fasten the process of acquirement," said an employee from the management team.

I glanced over to the presentation, briefly, before I shifted my attention to the employees present in the conference room.

The fierce man pushed his spectacles back before clasping his hands together, "I need everyone's vote on this method. Who here agrees with the measure I've just laid out?"

Murmurs hurriedly filled the once quiet room, with pages being flipped, and repeated tapping noises on the laptops. A few of them nodded in agreement and raised a strong hand up whilst some had a look of doubt etched across their faces.

"What about the rest?" I asked, after a good number of hands were raised up.

The dubious employees partially agreed, and I glanced over to Ben who noted down the result of today's meeting.

"Alright then," I said, standing up, "This is where the meeting ends today. I once again apologize for today's erratic schedule."

Everybody stood up and bobbed their heads as they made their way out of the room, leaving me and Ben all alone.

"Boss?"

"Zayden."

"Right, Zayden," He corrected himself, "I don't think this idea is wise on our part. We should consider this again."

I nodded understanding, "Schedule another meeting after tomorrow's stand-up call. Many weren't convinced with this idea, so we shall conduct a poll and hear to their opinions tomorrow." 

"Roger that." 

With that, Ben left the room, and I sighed, plopping myself on a nearby chair. I had no energy left to hit the gym today, and that only meant I could return home early. There's something that has been on my mind for a while now, but I've been hesitant for some reason. 

Taking out my phone, I pressed my lips together at the message I began reading. 

Melina: I'm preparing dinner tonight. Don't eat outside.♥

Before I could come up with a reply, I was disturbed by a fairly familiar voice. 

"Mr. Walker," 

I stood up immediately, taking in the figure that approached me, "Oh, Ms. Brown." 

The slender woman with captivating green eyes shook my hand and stepped back, eyeing me head to toe with an evident smirk on her face, "I hope I didn't disturb you by visiting you at this hour." 

My wife's waiting for me at home.  

"I was just planning to leave," I said, placing my phone on the table, "Is there anything urgent you need to discuss with me?" 

Just then, Ben entered the room, briefly glaring at the woman that stood oblivious to his presence. Ben wasn't a fan of sudden visitors even if it were important people. The slightest change in the schedule could worsen his mood. We both felt the same in many ways, yet I excelled at putting up a facade. 

"I just happened to pass by the company," She said, placing her phone right next to mine, angling it straight, "Thought I'd check upon you before I return home."

I took notice of the frown on Ben's face, "I appreciate it, Ms. Brown. As you can see, I'm doing perfectly fine." 

The urgency in my tone made her eyebrows quirk up, "Oh my, you seem in a hurry. Where are you off to?" She asked, but the surprise slowly changed to a look of intrigue, "Perhaps, a date?" 

"I'm sorry, Ms. Brown," Ben cut in, "Sir has had a really long day. He's tired and wishes to go back home as soon as he can." 

She eyed him in disapproval as if bothered by his presence in the room, "You've got yourself a nosy secretary, haven't you?" 

I let out a synthetic laugh, "He's just doing his job, madam. And to answer your question, no I'm not getting late for a date. Can we keep it professional between us?"

"Professional?" Her red lip curled upwards, and she began closing the distance between us, "We've known each other from a decade, Zayden. Remember? We attended the same classes in college, were part of the same clubs and even went to partys together."

Ben casted a worried glance on me, whilst Amelia kept getting closer to where I stood on guard. 

"That was different, Ms. Brown. The relationship we share now is nothing more or less than business partners," I stated, taking a step back. 

"Aw," Her hand gripped my tie, and her fingers moved upwards, "You haven't changed at all, have you? You need to loosen up sometimes, honey. Or else. . . I'll have to find other ways to make you mine. Just like the old times." 

She let go of my tie before I could grab it from her hands. Picking up her phone that lay on the table, she flashed me a suggestive smile. 

"See you soon, darling." 

•■•■•■•

The door was shortly opened after I rang the bell in spite of having a key. 

I was greeted by the sweetest smile I had ever received in a while, round eyes lighting up my life the moment it clashed against mine. I silently wondered what I had done to experience such a joyous feeling I had previously overlooked. 

"I'm back," I said, softly smiling at my wife. 

She extended the door and made way for me to enter, the glimmer in her eyes not seeming to dim anytime soon, "Welcome back."

I made my way in, placing my briefcase on the side table. It appeared as if I made it home just in time, for the enticing aroma of food greeted me. I just knew tonight's dinner was going to be delightful.

 I heard the door close from behind me and turned to face Melina. 

"How was work today?" She asked, her tender gaze resting on my tired face. 

I sighed, as I lazily reached out for her hand. She felt warm as always, a contrast to my cold ones that effortlessly pulled her close to me. The action caused her to bump into my chest, but she didn't utter a word. Her presence comforted me more than she could ever realize, it soothed me at the end of the day. 

She wrapped her arms around my back and laid her head on my chest, turning sideways, "I'm tired. Let's stay like this for a while, okay?" 

She hummed in response, and I smiled contently, embracing her small figure with the littlest of distance present between us. As if understanding the turmoil in my head, she drew cozy circles on my back. 

Like that, I chose to not tell her anything about Amelia for now.