After the Business Trip

Chapter 23

A/N:  Here is another chapter and I hope you enjoy it.  

Pete POV

Talk about going from good to bad. Last night was a very good example of that. I could see that Ae was finally unwinding and relaxing and within the span of only a few seconds, his mood went straight down the drain. Unfortunately, the rest of the night was focused on trying to figure out what we can do to keep Ae "hidden" from his parents and that stupid fiancé.

I don't know how I did it, but somehow, I was able to get Ae talked into getting a new updated phone with a new number. Well, I don't think that I'm the deciding factor. Ae finally agreed after talking to Earth. Earth had informed him that traditionally they give sales reps a cell phone, but that HR had inadvertently forgot it. I don't know if that is actually the truth, but I'll wait until I'm alone to quiz him. However, it finally worked. Ae agreed to turn his phone off and only use it when absolutely needed.

Earth made the whole thing easy by bringing over the company provided phone last night. He instructed Ae that he could give out this number to his friends, but only if his friends knew that they couldn't give the number to anyone else regardless of who they said they were. The number is registered to the company so trying to search that way would be useless. The only way that his parents will be able to get the number now is if Ae's friends slipped up and told them. That is why he would only give it to them if they promised repeatedly that they wouldn't give it out.

When Earth was here, he also stated that he has told everyone in the company that no information relating to Ae is to be released. That includes any employees posting Ae's name in social media accounts. The employees were all sent messages stating that it is strictly forbidden, and he reminded them that if he has to address them this time that it will be much worse than what Ae did that afternoon.

I already knew that Earth's company was a very close group of people. He often would refer to the company as a family, and this is a clear case of it. Every employee vowed to keep the information secret and to not give out anything.

Even though we managed to get a lot done, the night was mentally exhausting. Ae and I nearly fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillows.

***

Currently, my mind is wondering how Ae is doing, and I can't seem to think about anything else. I keep trying to work on my project, but I just can't keep my mind focused on it. I don't doubt my mother's powers, but my mind keeps wondering what will happen if we can't get this arranged marriage resolved. I know for sure that I'm not going to give Ae up. I already know that he is my future and my life.

As my boss stands beside me reviewing my work, my mind is lost once again with Ae. My boss clears his throat and points to my screen. "Pete, you have a mistake here and here. You also forgot to change the wording here. Pete, are you listening to me?" He nudges my arm. "Pete, you have to get this fixed right away. I need to review and approve it before you leave today."

My mind suddenly comes back to reality. Confused, I look at my boss. "Sorry, sir. What did you say?"

He frowns and shakes his head. "I'm only going to repeat this one more time and you better pay attention this time."

I nod my head. "Yes, sir. I'll pay attention."

My boss repeats everything again. This time I force myself to pay attention, and I actually take down notes, so I don't forget it again.

As soon as my boss leaves, Max and Fei pop their heads up from their desk. Max quickly asks, "What is wrong with you today, Pete? Clearly, your mind isn't here."