The Quiet Contract

The Dinner

Double update with y'all 

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Jennie's POV

I grabbed my bag, adjusting the strap on my shoulder as I made my way to the lobby. The moment the elevator doors opened, I heard the quiet murmurs ripple through the reception area.

"She's here."

"Wow, Lisa Manoban in person."

"They look so good together, don't they? Like a power couple straight out of a magazine."

I stepped out, my heels clicking against the polished floor, and turned toward the entrance. Lisa was already standing there, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit that somehow managed to look both casual and elegant. Her hair was styled effortlessly, and her posture screamed confidence.

She turned when she heard my heels, a polite but subtle smile spreading across her lips. "Jennie."

I ignored the slight flutter in my chest and gave her a curt nod. "Lisa."

Behind me, I could still hear the whispers.

"Look at them."

"They're like opposites—Jennie's all poised and icy, and Lisa's just effortlessly cool."

"Yeah, but somehow... they fit."

I felt a blush creeping up my neck and quickly brushed past Lisa toward the car. "Let's go," I said, keeping my tone brisk.

Lisa followed without a word, her hand lightly resting on the car door as she opened it for me. Her movements were smooth, practiced, and undeniably professional. I slid into the passenger seat, doing my best not to acknowledge the employees still watching us with wide eyes and hushed voices.

When Lisa got into the driver's seat, she glanced at me briefly. "They seem to admire you a lot."

I huffed, pretending to check my phone. "It's not me they're whispering about."

She chuckled softly, the sound warm and surprisingly disarming. "I think it's both of us."

I rolled my eyes, but my cheeks betrayed me with a faint warmth. "Let's just get this over with."

Lisa nodded, starting the car. Her calm demeanor was maddening. How could she stay so composed when all this attention was on us? On her?

As we pulled away, I couldn't help but steal a glance at her out of the corner of my eye. Maybe the employees had a point. Lisa Manoban was undeniably good-looking, and there was an ease to her presence that made people gravitate toward her.

But that didn't mean anything.

Right?

Lisa led me into the restaurant, and I couldn't help but pause for a moment as we stepped onto the rooftop terrace. The view was breathtaking—city lights twinkling like stars against the night sky, a soft breeze carrying the faint scent of flowers and gourmet dishes.

"It's my favorite spot," Lisa said, glancing at me with a small smile. "I thought you'd like it."

I crossed my arms, brushing off the hint of warmth her words stirred. "It's... okay, I guess."

Her smile didn't falter. Instead, she pulled out a chair for me at a corner table. The gesture was simple, polite, but somehow it made me feel oddly self-conscious. I sat down stiffly, muttering, "I could've done that myself."

Lisa didn't respond, just took her seat across from me. A waiter appeared almost instantly, handing us menus and pouring sparkling water.

As Lisa scanned the menu, I couldn't help but study her. She had this strange mix of confidence and awkwardness—like she was trying too hard not to do or say the wrong thing. It was almost... endearing.