4 Leaf Clover - ᴹˣᴹˣᴹˣᴹ

41.

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The first thing Clover did as CEO was get to know the customers and sponsors he was operating with - it was his responsibility, but one that he had taken on proudly. Then, he made Chloe his personal secretary as he wanted to be more involved in a lot of the company's different branches. He discovered Chloe was highly dependable, even the nonsense topics she uttered held undercover meanings. Clover held conferences that lasted for hours to converse with all the heads of these branches. Men and Women would sit around an immense oval table and discuss how to advance the company. There were times when Clover acknowledged he didn't understand a thing they were saying, and that he should quit while he was ahead but his father had been surprisingly supportive.

Clover's new work had completely taken over his life - there wasn't a day that didn't go by that he wasn't spending long hours in the office or at home, glued to the computer, tirelessly responding to a never-ending stream of emails all day. His life got so demanding, he had forgotten about that confession, forgotten about trying to contact anyone. Days had turned to weeks and his phone lay forgotten in the fluff of his coat pocket.

Clover sat in his dimly lit office - it was pouring torrential rain today, and raindrops splattered against the windows every second. The heavy downpour created a soothing ambience, and Clover was at peace. It felt secure as he worked and he found it was nice to work in the pouring rain. He filled out new contracts, responded to inquiries and emails, and then made meetings for more people.

Eventually, the evening had dawned and Clover sat in his corner. In the far corner of his office was the small gathering space, a couple of velvet sofa chairs surrounded a small table but more importantly, Clover placed his books on the bookshelf at the side. Before he moved in, his father had put ancient withered books and bibles on the shelf and as Clover dismantled it, he put his bright fantasy books on. He sat in the velvet chair, sinking into it comfortably, and he read the book he had wanted to read for years.

'The Song of Achilles'

He liked it - it offered a different perspective from anything he had read, and parts of the book made him anxious and melancholic, but he liked reading it. He had a fondness for Patroclus because he acknowledged his character as more normal than the gods and demi-gods, and despite being hated by his lover's mother, he admired his love for Achilles. Clover shared a fondness for Achilles too, the son of a god who had a lot of pressure on his shoulders, forced to do things he didn't want to and fulfil his duties against his will, yet his love for Patroclus spanned the earth and transcended all boundaries.

A sudden knock on his door stopped him from continuing the chapter, he put his bookmark in and called out to enter. Chloe's ginger hair flashed through the doorway and she paused and searched for him, a smile graced her lips as they made eye contact.

"I'm sorry to disturb you sir," She began, "A man here says he is an old friend of yours but he hasn't made an appointment, do you want me to send him through?"

"An old friend?" Clover pondered, "Did you take his name?"

"Yes sir," She smiled and looked down at her hand, "A Mr Manna,"

Clover almost bounced out of his chair, but he reigned back the excitement in his body. He stood up, trying to act professional while Chloe was here and he nodded to her. She smiled and directed the man in, then she closed the door behind her. Clover looked at the man who walked in.

The man's hair was soaked from the relentless downpour, with minuscule droplets cascading from the strands and clinging to his forehead. Despite the weather, a gentle smile graced his face, and Clover couldn't help but be struck by his captivating beauty. His clothes were also thoroughly drenched, prompting Clover to pivot towards the sofa chairs in search of a warm blanket.