MIDNIGHT FLOWER

CHAPTER 6: MATCHMAKING

Jenny’s pulse quickened as she scanned the room, searching for a place to hide. The break room was too close to where Shau stood, and heading to the bathroom would draw attention. Desperation clawed at her as she looked around, her eyes finally landing on an empty cubicle in the back corner of the office, partially obscured by a tall filing cabinet.

That’ll have to do, she thought, quickly standing up from her desk. As quietly as she could, she slipped away, keeping her head down and moving as fast as she dared. Her heart pounded in her chest, every step feeling like it took an eternity.

Her colleagues, too engrossed in their excitement over Shau, barely noticed Jenny’s sudden departure. They were too busy whispering about his looks, his tailored suit, and the way he carried himself with effortless confidence.

“He’s like a model, but better,” Kier murmured, practically swooning.

“Imagine working directly with him,” Gemma said with a dreamy sigh. “I’d never get anything done. But I won't give up to be his assistant!”

As Jenny reached the empty cubicle, she ducked down behind the desk, her hands trembling. She held her breath, straining to hear the conversation happening in the room, hoping that Shau wouldn’t come any closer.

From her hiding spot, she could hear the muffled voices of Shau and the managers as they discussed upcoming projects. Shau’s voice was calm and composed, but to Jenny, it was a reminder of all the emotions she was desperately trying to keep in check.

Her colleagues continued their quiet chatter, completely unaware of the turmoil Jenny was going through just a few feet away. “He’s so poised,” one of them whispered. “No wonder he’s the chairman’s son.”

Minutes dragged by as Jenny crouched in the cubicle, every second feeling like an eternity. She prayed that Shau wouldn’t venture further into the department. Finally, after what felt like forever, she heard the sound of footsteps moving toward the door. Peeking over the edge of the desk, she watched as Shau and the managers exited the department, still deep in conversation.

As the door closed behind them, Jenny let out a shaky breath, the tension in her body slowly easing. She had narrowly avoided a disaster, and her secret was safe—for now.

Slowly, she stood up and returned to her desk, her legs still a little unsteady. Her colleagues were still buzzing with excitement, replaying every moment of Shau’s visit in their heads.

Gemma's eyes gleaming. “I can’t wait for the next time he comes by.”

But Jenny could only manage a weak smile, still shaken by the close call. As her colleagues gushed over Shau, she silently hoped she could keep avoiding him—at least until she was ready to face whatever came next.

A Vibrant Nightclub, Saturday Night

The pulsing beat of the music thrummed through the nightclub, filling the air with a sense of energy and excitement. Neon lights flickered and danced across the walls, illuminating the crowd of people moving to the rhythm on the dance floor. Jenny sat at a high-top table with her colleagues, trying to relax, but her heart wasn’t entirely in it.

After hearing about Jenny’s heartbreak, her colleagues had insisted on a night out to help lift her spirits. They had chosen one of the trendiest clubs in the city, hoping the lively atmosphere would be the perfect distraction.

Kier, who was always the life of the party, was already on his feet, swaying to the music with a drink in hand. “Come on, Jenny!” he called over the noise, trying to coax her onto the dance floor. “You need to let loose and have some fun!”

Jenny forced a smile, appreciating the effort but feeling out of place. “Maybe in a bit,” she replied, taking a sip of her drink and glancing around the club. The truth was, her mind kept drifting back to Shau, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shake the memories of him.

Not one to give up easily, Kier leaned in closer. “You know, the best way to get over someone is to meet someone new.” His eyes sparkled with mischief as he scanned the room. “I see a lot of options here tonight.”

Before Jenny could respond, Gemma, who had been chatting with some friends nearby, returned to the table. “Guess who just arrived?” she said with a grin. “My cousin Vincent. He’s been wanting to meet you.”

At that moment, a tall, good-looking man approached the table, his confident stride immediately drawing attention. Vincent was dressed in a sharp, casual outfit, and his smile was easy and warm. “Hey, Gemz,” he greeted, then turned his attention to Jenny. “You must be Jenny. Gemma told me about you.”

Jenny looked up, momentarily caught off guard by Vincent’s directness. “Hi,” she said, giving him a polite smile. “Nice to meet you.”

Vincent’s gaze lingered on her, clearly intrigued. “Gemma wasn’t exaggerating when she said you were beautiful,” he said, his voice smooth. “I’m glad I came out tonight.”

Gemma nudged Jenny playfully. “Vincent just got back from a business trip abroad. He’s been asking me if I have single colleagues and I told him that we're coming out tonight.”

Jenny felt a mix of flattery and discomfort. Vincent was attractive, and his interest was obvious, but she wasn’t in the right headspace for this. She forced another smile, trying to be polite but not overly encouraging.

Sensing her hesitation, Kier wasn’t ready to give up. “Why don’t you two dance?” he suggested, giving Jenny a little push. “It’ll be fun!”

Vincent extended his hand, his eyes never leaving Jenny’s. “What do you say? One dance?”

Jenny hesitated, then shook her head gently. “I’m not really in the mood to dance right now,” she said, keeping her tone light but firm. “But thank you.”

Vincent’s smile faltered just slightly, but he recovered quickly. “No problem,” he said, dropping his hand. “Maybe later?”

Gemma shot Jenny a look, silently urging her to give Vincent a chance. But Jenny remained resolute, the thought of getting close to someone else so soon after Shau feeling too overwhelming.

The night continued, with Kier and Gemma trying to lift Jenny’s spirits by introducing her to other people at the club. But each time, Jenny politely declined, her mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Shau. The laughter and music around her felt distant, like she was watching everything from behind a glass wall.

Vincent stayed close to the group, occasionally chatting with Jenny, despite his efforts to be charming and attentive, Jenny couldn’t bring herself to feel anything more than a vague sense of gratitude for his interest.

As the night was winding down, and the once vibrant energy of the club was starting to fade as the crowd began to thin. Inside, Jenny was in no condition to notice the change. She was slumped over in a booth, barely able to keep her eyes open. The night had gotten away from her, and she had drunk far more than she intended.

Kier, who was also a bit tipsy but still coherent, stumbled over to where Jenny was. “Hey, Jenny,” he slurred, poking her gently. “I think it’s time to go home.”

Jenny mumbled something incoherent, her head lolling to the side. She couldn’t even lift her head to respond properly, her limbs heavy and uncooperative.

Kier turned around and spotted Vincent, who had been keeping a close eye on Jenny all night. “Hey, Vincent!” he called out, waving him over. “Can you do us a favor?”

Vincent approached, his expression with concern, but there was a glint in his eye that went unnoticed by Kier. “What’s up?” he asked, though his gaze was fixed on Jenny, who looked completely vulnerable in her drunken state.

“Jenny’s too wasted to get home by herself,” Kier explained, his words slightly slurred. “Could you take her back to her apartment? I’m sure she’ll be okay if you drop her off.”

Vincent hesitated for a moment, pretending to consider it, but in reality, he had been waiting for this opportunity. “Sure,” he finally said, his voice smooth. “I’ll make sure she gets home safely.”

Kier smiled, oblivious to his true intentions. “Well, I asked you this that maybe when she woke up, she will realize how good you are and you know, maybe she'll give you a chance,,” he said, giving him a pat on the shoulder before turning back to the other colleagues.

Vincent reached down and gently pulled Jenny to her feet. She was barely conscious, her head resting heavily against his chest as he guided her toward the exit. “Come on, Jenny, let’s get you home,” he murmured, his tone seemingly caring but with a darker edge.

As they stepped outside into the cool night air, Vincent’s grip on Jenny tightened, and a smirk played on his lips. He had no intention of simply dropping her off at her apartment. He had something else in mind.

Shau, who had just arrived at the club after a long day, saw a familiar face coming out the club just as before he finished parking his car. His eyes narrowed as he took in the scene—Jenny barely conscious, practically being dragged by a man he didn’t recognize.Shau’s instincts kicked in immediately. Something wasn’t right.

Just as Vincent was about to lead Jenny toward his car, the sound of a car's door slamming caught his attention. Shau quickly crossed the distance between them, his expression darkening with each step. “Hey!” he called out, his voice firm and commanding.

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