My Perfect Love.

Chapter ten.

Adrian woke up to the soft glow of the morning sun filtering through his bedroom curtains. The mild headache that lingered from the night before was a reminder of the long night he had.Memories of all that happened at the club stung him.He rubbed his temples, grateful for the Advil he had taken just before bed. Today was pivotal; he had a business proposal meeting with Mr. Clark Macgregor, a tycoon known for his ruthless business acumen and high standards.

After a quick shower, Adrian dressed in a white shirt and tailored navy suit, his mind racing through the details of the proposal. He glanced at the clock on his desk; time was slipping away faster than he anticipated. With a sigh, he grabbed his briefcase and headed to Kingston and Co., where the atmosphere buzzed with urgency as employees prepared for the day ahead.

Once inside his office, Adrian felt a pressing need for coffee. Not just any coffee, but the delicious frappuccino that Abby had made—a mix of rich espresso blended with creamy milk and just the right hint of sweetness.He didn't know if he wanted the coffee or Abby's face.
       'I still can pinpoint what this feeling is.We aren't even that close',he reasoned.

He picked up the office phone, dialing Abby's extension with a sense of anticipation.

“Abby,” he said when she answered, trying to keep his tone light despite the pressure mounting in his chest. “Could you come to my office for a moment?”

Abby arrived swiftly, her brow slightly furrowed with curiosity. She had just submitted her report that morning and wasn’t sure what else Adrian could need from her. When she entered, Adrian’s demeanor surprised her; he seemed softer today, almost approachable.

“Could you make me a frappuccino?” he asked calmly, his voice almost soothing compared to how it usually sounded—cold and businesslike.

“Of course,” Abby replied, her heart racing slightly at his unexpected warmth. She couldn’t help but feel pleased at being asked for something so personal as coffee-making—something she took pride in.

As she left the office to prepare his drink, Adrian sank into his chair, feeling a flicker of happiness tugging at his chest. He had always been a loner in this world of corporate giants; seeing Abby's face just brought him a feeling he couldn't tag, seeing she hasn't even worked up to two months with him.Maybe because she was good at her job and has a way with words.

A few minutes later, Abby returned with a steaming cup of frappuccino topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel sauce—the exact way Adrian loved it. He took a sip and closed his eyes momentarily as flavors exploded on his palate.

“Wow,” Adrian said genuinely, “this is amazing! You really should make this for me every day.”

Abby beamed at him, feeling a mix of pride and surprise at his compliment. “I’d be happy to,” she replied shyly.

On her way to her office,she couldn't help but smile at his new attitude.'prolly Zeke spoke to him',she thought.

Just then, Andrew popped into her office with an easy smile that contrasted sharply with Adrian's serious demeanor. “Hey Abby,” he said casually, leaning against the doorframe. “Would you be free for dinner this weekend? Just something friendly.”

Abby hesitated for a moment. Andrew was charming and fun to be around, but she couldn’t shake off her skepticism regarding his intentions. Still, there was something about him—perhaps it was his easy confidence—that drew her in.

“Sure,” she finally agreed, trying to sound nonchalant while her heart raced at the unexpected invitation.

As Andrew left with a wink, Abby’s mind began to whirl with questions about what might be behind that charming smile.

The clock ticked closer to ten o’clock; it was time for the meeting with Mr. Macgregor. Adrian felt an unsettling flutter in his stomach as he walked into the conference room alongside Abby and two other directors from Kingston and Co. The room was large and imposing, filled with sleek furniture and glass walls that overlooked the bustling city below.

Mr. Clark Macgregor entered shortly after them—a tall man exuding confidence dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that screamed wealth and power. His presence filled the room instantly; everyone straightened up in their seats as if bracing themselves against an incoming storm.

Adrian initiated the meeting with poise despite feeling a wave of anxiety wash over him. He presented their proposal clearly while keeping an eye on Mr. Macgregor’s reactions. The tycoon listened intently but remained inscrutable—a mask of indifference cloaking any hint of approval or disapproval.

As Adrian reached for an important document meant for Mr. Macgregor's review, panic surged through him; it wasn’t there! His heart raced as he rifled through papers desperately searching for it—his mind racing through all possible scenarios of failure that could unfold if he didn’t find it soon.

Sweat began trickling down his back while confusion spiraled around him like smoke from an extinguished flame. He had never made such a mistake before; losing this document could cost him not just this deal but also credibility within his own company.

Noticing Adrian’s distress from across the table, Abby excused herself quietly from the meeting room under pretense of needing some water but instead darted down the hall towards her desk. Racing against time, she rifled through her notes and pulled together everything she knew about their proposal into a cohesive draft that could serve as a temporary substitute for what Adrian had lost.

After twenty agonizing minutes of stalling time by engaging Mr. Macgregor in small talk about previous projects they’d collaborated on—her heart pounding all along—Abby returned to the conference room out of breath but determined.

“I’m sorry I took so long,” she said breathlessly as she handed over her hastily prepared documents to Adrian without breaking eye contact—a silent reassurance that she was there for him.

Mr. Macgregor frowned but took the documents nonetheless; curiosity piqued as he flipped through them quickly while everyone held their breath in anticipation. The tension in the room was palpable as time seemed to stretch infinitely until finally—

A smile broke across Mr. Macgregor’s face as he looked up from reading Abby’s work—the relief washing over Adrian like cool rain on parched earth when he saw that glimmer of approval in Mr. Macgregor’s eyes.

“This is impressive,” Mr. Macgregor announced firmly before signing off on their partnership deal without hesitation—shaking hands first with Adrian and then turning towards Abby with an approving nod.

Once Mr. Macgregor left, relief flooded through Adrian like sunshine after stormy weather; he turned towards Abby who stood by nervously waiting for feedback on her impromptu contribution.

“I can’t thank you enough,” Adrian said sincerely—his voice lighter than it had been all morning as gratitude radiated from him like warmth on a chilly day.

Abby smiled shyly back at him; witnessing this genuine side of her CEO made her heart flutter unexpectedly again—his smile accentuating features that were typically stern and unyielding now softened into something almost boyish.

As they exited the conference room together amidst congratulations from fellow directors who praised Abby’s quick thinking—the atmosphere shifted into one filled with camaraderie rather than competition—it felt like they were part of something bigger than themselves now—a team united by success against all odds.

 

Raquel and Neil approached Abby after everyone dispersed slightly excitedly suggesting they all go out for dinner later that evening as thanks for saving not just Adrian but also their potential million-dollar project—a gesture that made Abby beam even brighter than before.

Adrian watched them walk away while he was on his way to his office.He was really greatful for Abby's help and quick wits.He wondered how she was able to come up with such impressive document over a short period.He also wondered how the document got missing because he had made sure he brought it to his office earlier that morning.
     'Strange',he thought.

   He however made a mental note to be nicer to her,she had proved to be more worthy than he thought.