one and only (Editing)

mother

2020...

"Good morning, Miss McDylan. It's nice to see-"

Adrian froze while I gulped, still couldn't believe my eyes.

"And this one, ah yes, this one, Mr Jeckel's favourite drawing," Isaac kept on explaining about all the drawings that were hanging on the wall, specifically pointing at a drawing of sunflower being held by a woman. I dare to say that the woman in the drawing was me since he personally asked for my permission for him to draw a potrait of me holding a sunflower. It happened exactly on the day before Delia came back into his life.

Isaac seriously have no idea about what was happening in the room, he might not sense the thick air and the tense atmosphere as me and Adrian were still locking our eyes with each other. Isaac moved to the next frame of Adrian's masterpiece and started to explain further about it.

"And this one-,"

"Good morning, I'm sorry for my late arrival," suddenly Liam appeared from behind the door, panting hard. In his hands, there was a thick black file with Exile Co written on it.

Liam smiled faintly as I shifted my gaze and attention at him. "No worries, Liam," decided to ignore Adrian, I sat on a chair and waved Liam to my side. He nodded obediently and settled down beside me before handing me the file he brought with him.

Adrian cleared his throat and sat comfortably in front of me and followed by Isaac afterwards. I felt like I was being watched and when I peeked at Adrian, my instinct was right, he was still staring at me with a hint of longing in his eyes.

"Good morning," Isaac simply beamed.

I curved a smile, trying not to make it obvious that I felt not comfortable with Adrian presence around.

"The foods here is good. So before we proceed with the meeting, let's order our foods first," Isaac said, raising his hand to attract the attention of the waitress outside the private dining room. Few waitresses loyally waited for any of the VIP customers in the private dining room to ask for their assistance. I personally thought it was unnecessary for them to stand outside since there's also small silvery table bell that we can ring anytime we needed assistance. Why making things complicated and more tiring when there's another alternative that have been prepared?

The waitress entered our room and started to take order. Soon as she approached me, I politely shook my head making all eyes shifted to me.

"I'm leaving. Liam can do this alone without me," I explained.

Adrian opened his mouth, "at least drink something."

I shot a warning gaze at him. "I've another business to handle," I uttered, my voice was slightly flat and cold as I tried to control the flame of anger in my heart. I knew it was not a good thing to say since they were also a client but God know how much I want to escape from the room. I felt so suffocated although the air flow was pretty impressive in here.

"Liam, I have to leave now," I informed Liam.

"Sure Isha. Take care," he simply bid goodbye to me. Liam was one of my employees that have gone through many downs together with me since the beginning of my journey as a business woman so we kept aside all formalities in all businesses because he was not only an employee of mine but also a good friend.

I stood up, packing my stuffs before looking at Adrian and Isaac professionally, keeping a smile on my face.

"I'm sorry that I have to leave but I'm sure my assistant, Liam Ricklan can handle this excellently," I assured them.

Isaac nodded understanding.

"Isaac, I'm leaving too. Liam and you can surely handle this," Adrian simply said as he followed my steps.

I whirled around, shocked with his action and saw how confused Liam and Isaac witnessing how unprofessional Adrian and I have became. I opened my mouth to say further but Adrian's sudden whisper stopped me.

"Let's go. Or else we both will going to embarrass ourselves in front of our employees."

I rolled my eyes and reluctantly continue walking as told.

As we arrived at the parking lot area, without hesitation Adrian yanked my hand trying to stop me.

"Adrian!" I whined.

"Isha," instead of showing negative feedbacks at me, he said softly with eyes begging.

"Get out from my sight," I yelled.

"We are in public right now," he said, throat voice.

"I. Don't. Care!" I yelled again, emphasizing every words. "Let me go!" I struggled trying to get off from his strong grip around my wrist.

"I miss you," he pleaded.

"Hands off from me Adrian or I shout!"

"Lunch with me?" he ignored my warning.

"Let me go!" I sneered, starting to feel pain around my wrist.

He squeezed my wrist a bit harder, either he enjoyed to watch me in pain or he did that purposely for me to accept his invitation.

"No until you say yes," he declared.

"Adrian," I frowned, mad.

"Baby..." he muttered under his breath. "Please, I have lots of things to tell you," he begged.

"No. I don't want to hear anything," I rejected immediately.

"My mother, um- I mean my late mother, I have something from her. She said it is for you," Adrian said still pleading.

My eyes widen in surprised.

"La-late mot-mother?" I stammered confirming, the news was not pleasing at all. Mrs Jeckel's motherly face potrayed in my mind. She was kind to me, she was one of the greatest woman I've ever known. She care for me and I knew she loved me but I didn't have the chance to say goodbye to her for the last time.

Adrian's eyes dropped to the floor. "Yes."

I took my phone immediately from my handbag, dialling someone's number before placing the receiver on my right ear.

"Good morning. This is Elisha Alan speaking. Something has happened and I don't think I can make it to the meeting this afternoon. I'm so sorry for this inconvenience."