A Dream Come True

Chapter - 30

A flutter of nerves assailed her as she eyed herself in the washroom mirror.
Nervous or not,she had still managed to look the part.Tall and curvy,her curly hair and alabaster complexion was the sight for sore eyes.

Her heels moved with a clickety clack across the highly polished tiles of the foyer.All eyes were on her.
Xander turned her head and his eyes held a glint of admiration?
She can't tell.But it made her legs woozy.
"I'm so sorry.That was my Dad."
"No worries Ms.Evans.We have almost finish."
The dinner swirled around the assembled associates.
A glass of lemon juice was place in front of Xander.He was about to say something when Azalea cut in,
"Kindly replace this with an orange juice.Thank you."
Xander stared at her skeptically.
Azalea gulped in fear.She realised the blunder mistake she has made.
Even Alastair eyed her suspiciously.
She shrugged in response.
"This one is a keeper Xander.I am glad you chose well."Bill Smoak smiled warmly at them.
Xander smiled at Bill,but his eyes turned hard whenever it met with that of Ian Harvey.While the latter did not held any grudges.Xander balled his fist several times whenever Bill spoke fondly of Ian.

Azalea realised the tension between the two men.She wanted to ease the tension and calm him down. So,many a times she amused them with her witty responses.Several more times she was her usual charming self.She felt Xander relaxing more and more towards the end.

"So when is the big day?"
"Frankly speaking Xander wanted to announce it to the world."She gave a little laugh."But I wanted to keep it a little low key."
"Don't you fret my dear my lips are sealed."Bill made a gesture of zipping his lips.
"So is mine Azalea."
"And now,gentlemen for my final verdict.I would like to have some words with my board of directors.And then I will let you all know."
"Sure Sir."Xander replied politely.There was no doubt,Xander has regard for Bill Smoak.
"Take your time Bill."

"I hope to meet you both at the merger."
They both hummed a response and parted their way.
"Azalea dear a word with you."
"Sure Mr.Harvey."
Moving aside from Xander,Azalea crossed the other side of the main entrance.
"If you are going to fire me.I totally understand."
"I just want an honest reply."
"Oh?"
"Did you know I was speaking of Xander King the other day?"

Technically she didn't meet Xander before.Hence she said aloud.

"No,ofcourse not.You mentioned Xander.I didn't put two and two together and realised you were talking about my Xander."
He was looking at her for any sign of lies.When he found none.He nodded and visibly relaxed.
"Frankly,I'm happy Xander found you.He needs a person like you.
And to answer your question.I am not firing you.You can serve the company as long as you desire."
"Thank you Mr.Harvey.This means a lot to me."
"Might I ask for a favour?"
"Anything."
"Can you help me bring Bianca and Xander together?They need to talk and clear years of misunderstanding."
Azalea widened her eyes.
"You know how he feels about his mother?"
Ian nodded.
"And despite of it you are asking for my help?
Can I suggest you one thing?Just as you've said pyears of misunderstanding'.It cannot be overlooked in a day.But I'll try.No promises though."
"I'll take whatever you can give."
"Now go,lover boy is literally glaring at me."
Azalea laughed loudly.

She quickly strutted towards Xander.Her head held high.
Xander looked at her and nodded his head towards his limo.
She walked alongside him.He put his hand on the small of her back.The warmth of his hand made her body tingle with sensation.
By the time,they reached his limo.She was breathless.
The inside of the limo was exactly the way she remembered.It felt like years.She sighed wistfully.
"Are you a professional actress?Hell,for a moment there even I was fooled."
His words caught her off guard.Heck,what was she expecting?Xander whispering love quotes?
She shook her head.
"Honestly Mr.Xander King.This is my first time.And I wasn't thinking all of it as a facade.
I realised if I act,I'm bound to make mistake.Hence I was my usual self."
He comprehended her words for a second then smiled at her.Not a full blown one which he only reserves for his family.But a small one.

"There is a slight problem.My parents do not know anything about you.How are we going to break this to them?"
She chewed her lower lip.
Xander's eyes were trained on her lips.Suddenly the air around them became heavy.
"Umm."Her lips were dry.
Xander cleared his throat.
"Then I suppose we meet them,the sooner the better."
Her eyes widened.
"And what am I gonna tell them?
That I am imaginary dating with Xander friggin King?"She huffed.
Xander lips twisted.
"I'll help you."
"But firstly I've to get an engagement ring."
"Woah,hold your horses dude."
"First step parents."
"Right."
"I have one more question.Are we..umm.Do we have to get married?"
"Now who is going fast?"
She shot him a look.
"Well,let's just get engaged.I have to return back to New York.You'll meet my family.Finally they will stop bugging me to get settled.And after a couple of months we can part ways."
She couldn't accept this.She needed more time for her grand plan.So she tried a different approach.
"And what about my job?"
"Your job has nothing to do with it.You'll be my personal assistant as long as you are willing."
"But you already have one."
"Who said I can't have two?"Xander enquired arrogantly.
"Cocky much huh?"
Xander smirked at her.
She turned her head to hide her smile.
She wouldn't let Xander know that his mere presence affects her this much.

Little did she realised.Her face was pink and she was blushing furiously.And, Xander was enjoying this mysterious,sexy as sin enigma.He has never met anyone like her.For the first time, a woman was able to capture his attention.She is beautiful,heck she is stunning.He wondered.

As soon as the limo came to a halt outside her house.She quickly stepped down.
No words were spoken.Xander followed her inside her house.
"Hey Mom?Dad?"
Azalea called out.
"Hey honey,you are back?"Her mother came out of the kitchen.
"And who might this gentleman be?"
"Hello nice to meet you.I am Xander King."
"The Xander King?The one you are crushing for days?"
"Mom!!!"Azalea shouted.
She was beyond mortified.She wanted the earth to open and swallow her whole.
"Crush huh?No wonder you knew so much about me."He whispered only for her ears.
When she looked at him.He smirked.

"I was just watching a chat show the other day."She tried to appear nonchalant.
"Also,you hugged me.So I guess there is no fan-girling going on isn't it?"
He was teasing her.Mortification wasn't a word to describe her situation.
'Why couldn't Mom keep her mouth shut?'
No wonder she has a big mouth."Like mother,like daughter."She muttered.

"I'm sorry where are my manners?Please take a seat."
"Dan,look who is here."
"And who might be,this fine young man?"Dan entered the hallroom and shook his hand with Xander.
"This is Azalea's friend Xander King."
"I'm actually her boyfriend ma'am."
Now,it was their turn to looked shock.
"Boy..friend?But when did you people meet?
And Azalea why wasn't I informed about this?"
Her mother looked at her sharply,hands on her hips.
"This is where I come in.Actually we met in her college gala.I was the guest of honour. We met there and hit it off immediately.
Azalea wanted to tell you guys atleast.But I insisted on keeping this low key.I didn't want Azalea to be on the limelight just yet.And I respect my privacy and that of my people.
But it seems the cat is out of the bag."
Azalea narrowed her eyes at him.
He was saying exactly the same thing Azalea told Bill.
Her parents were speechless.
"Azalea go and bring some refreshment for your boyfriend."It was an order from her father.
Her mother followed her.
"Azalea how could you?"Tears shone her beautiful eyes.
"I'm sorry mom.I didn't want to hurt you guys.I am so sorry."Azalea hugged her mother.She was terribly sorry for putting her parents in such a situation.
"Its fine..But don't lie to me again."
"Never."She felt guilty.Her eyes filled with tears.

When she brought a glass of orange juice.She tried to eavesdrop her father's coversation with Xander.
"Do not hurt her."
"Yes Sir...I won't."Xander looked so out of place.
"Do you know I have a gun?"
"Dad!! "Azalea entered the hallroom yet again.
"Yes baby?"
"Juice for Xander and coffee for you."
He looked at her in relief.
Then the next of the hour passed by with lots of questions.
Keeping her guilt inside.She looked at her family and Xander with so much love.Didn't she ache for this day?Didn't she always wanted them to know him?Tears shone her eyes yet again...

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