The Cursed Proposal

Chapter 7: Lunch Date With The Sunshine

Sebastian's morning began with a dreamlike quality. The woman who had occupied his dreams stood before him, smiling sweetly and asking what he needed. For a moment, he thought this was just his imagination, a beautiful delusion trapping him in fantasy.

He knew in the back of his mind he needed to put some distance between them. Even though it had already been a month since the breakup, he knew this was not right. But he couldn't help it. Talking with Kaya was like a breath of fresh air. He could be himself without judgment, and Kaya's positive energy leaked everywhere, contaminating Sebastian's stern and gloomy demeanor, which he was fine with.

He arrived at his office with a smile and a lunch box in hand. People started to stare at him, but he didn't mind and just walked to the elevator as if it were just another happy day.

"Good morning sir. Are you okay?" Margaret greeted Sebastian when he arrived at his desk. She looked at him with confusion, having never seen her boss so elated.

"Yes, I'm fine. So, what is the update?" Sebastian replied still wearing a big smile. He tried to shift his exuberant energy aside to focus on work but Margaret noticed it slip through now and then, altering the atmosphere around him. "Well?" Sebastian prompted when Margaret didn't respond quickly enough, jolting her back to the moment. She began to open her tablet for the briefing.

"The Chinese investor is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, the accommodation is already booked, and nothing is amiss so far. Mr. Hale is still holding several private luncheons with the other BOD members. Mr. Flinch is still investigating the bailout of the investor, but his investigations are leading him to Mr. Anderson." Margaret briefed. The smile vanished from Sebastian's face. Hearing Henry Anderson's name—a man who was practically family—tied to the chaos cut deep, stirring a mix of disappointment and disbelief.

"Was Oliver sure about this lead?" Sebastian asked calmly. The investigation was still ongoing, and there was still a chance that the evidence could be misleading them. He knew that there would always be someone who wanted his place, but knowing it could be someone he trusted so much hurt him deeply.

"Mr. Flinch is still following the lead. We have eyes on Mr. Anderson," Margaret replied, understanding that Sebastian might feel betrayed by the evidence implicating Mr. Anderson.

"Yes, keep doing that. If he is innocent, it would be valuable evidence to eliminate misleading facts. Is there anything else?"

"Yes, I've been looking for other potential investors from different countries, and a few have shown interest. Here is the list that I gathered. Oh, and Mr. Penn called to check if you had arrived at the office," Margaret added. Sebastian received the message and gestured for Margaret to leave him so he could finish last night's pile of work which he had left in hurried to check on Kaya.

Sebastian took the document and began working, only to notice Margaret still standing there. He looked up with a questioning expression. Margaret, usually the picture of professionalism, now wore a huge, giddy smile, like a schoolgirl excitedly meeting her friends.

"So, what happened last night? Who is this Kaya Lane you asked me to find detailed information on?" Margaret asked, her excitement palpable. Her face practically lit up with enthusiasm, making Sebastian feel as though he were being questioned by his mother about his first sexual experience—something that had never happened.

"Nothing happened," Sebastian insisted, though he knew Margaret wouldn't rest until she had the details. That's how perfect his secretary was, never missed a single detail, even if it was only an office gossip.

"Oh really, Mr. Penn never calls just to ask if you've arrived at the office since he knows what time you go to the office. Which means, you didn't go home last night. Tell me, did you sleep with her? Should I ask Oliver to do a background check on her? We don't want another Erica in our lives right?" Margaret bombarded Sebastian with questions, her disdain evident when Erica was mentioned.