Twice in a Lifetime (Zayn Malik)

Chapter 88. Red.

Chapter 88

Mia's POV

When I walked into my office, it was more than I ever imagined. I dropped my purse onto one of the white leather couches that decorated one side of the office and strolled over to the source of the lighting in my room. The view of the city from the glass windows was stunning, along with the falling snow. I turned around to the desk where my name 'Mia Vance' was neatly carved into the glass name tag nailed onto the wooden surface made it all more official.

I settled into the black leather chair behind the desk and took in a deep breath of .. I didn't know what to call it .. Office? Maybe I needed to head down to the store and buy some air scents. To my right was a plain white wall, and to my left was a long black bookcase filled with black binders and a large books held in by silver book ends.

There was a knock at my door and Mrs. Reynolds appeared from behind it. She was the one who showed me around the building.

"Your assistant will be in by 8, we didn't expect you to stop so early," she commented as she walked towards my desk. She was in a long grey skirt and a white button blouse while she carried a binder tightly in her arms.

"I just wanted to get a head start," I smiled at her.

"Did you drive yourself?"

"No, uh, Zayn dropped me off." I wanted to avoid the topic of Zayn as much as possible today. But my plan was already failing. Last night was still hanging over my head.

"Oh right, I heard about your engagement! Congratulations!" She beamed and I thanked her. I hope she wouldn't ask me when the date of our wedding was because we didn't have one. "Well, I must be off. Good luck on your first day here," I stood up from behind the desk as she pulled me in for a small hug. "Everyone will love you," she warmly added before leaving. She was so kind. Almost made up for my dad's lack of emotional capacity.

When picking out my outfit this morning, I settled on a light pastel green dress that stopped right above my knees and paired it with an oversized cream blazer. It wasn't that professional looking but I didn't want to see like the intimidating daughter of the boss. I thought pastel would be a very approachable color.

This morning went as awkward as I thought. He dropped me off for work before he went on his own, but before he took off, he gave me something. It wasn't a big deal really, it was the keys to his place. The gesture made me realize that I was going to be living with him. I had a permanent place to stay.

At least, I think I did.

I didn't even say thanks nor a goodbye.

Did I smile? I wasn't even sure.

I needed to get my mind off of him just for one second. Just one second would be enough.

My text alert rang and I rose up from the revolving chair, making my way over to the couch to see who texted me.

From: Zayn Javadd Malik

Wanna go out for lunch? My manager, Retro, wants to meet you.

P.S. You can refuse if you want.

Lunch?

I hadn't even thought about it. Meeting Zayn's manager was happening sooner or later. I wasn't nervous to meet him. I was more nervous to see Zayn. Somehow being with him made me uneasy again. Not because it was his fault. It was mine.

He thought Jack was real and I've been so consumed by my own motives that Jack almost seemed real.

I didn't know how to tell him. I didn't know if I should tell him.