Butterfly to the Soul

Chapter 2

Alexander

I don’t have any clear concept of love. Yes, I know how to be romantic around my partner but the inner feelings are blurry to me. I’ve never felt love the way I’ve seen or observed in others.

My best friend Noah once told me “You don’t need to have a clear concept about love Alex. It’s a feeling, not a business theory. When you’ll fall in love, you’ll change. You will be aware how sparks can run through your body, how jealousy can burn your soul, and how restless the night can be.”

Honestly, I don’t feel anything like that with Katherine or maybe didn’t get the chance to feel it.

We have been dating each other for 2 years. Like other couples, we do romantic dates, roamed around the world, do shopping and photoshoots. Is there still anything left to prove that we are in love and it’s not a mere attraction?

Our interests, attitude, and standard are the same. Moreover, our families are happy with this relationship. Our relationship is perfect. I don’t know where the sparks and restlessness should be placed. Maybe they are there and I’m not realizing it.

Giving a final glance towards my watch I finally was getting ready for my work as I was running late. I called Mark, my driver, and told him to prepare my car. There was an interview in my schedule, so the day was going to be hectic for me.

After reaching the office I directly headed towards my cabin. There was a huge line in my waiting lobby. I took a glance at them. Taking a deep breath I entered my cabin and called Clara and told her to send the candidates one by one.

Our company only called those people who held a strong educational background because working under me was not easy. But along with education, professionalism is a must. Which was missing in most of them.

They didn’t even know how to dress professionally. One of them was directly flirting with me which fueled my anger. I was already mentally exhausted and she was an extra pain. Giving her a piece of my mind I told her to get out of my cabin.

The interview was giving me a headache. I started to type a mail for my next project and called Clara for ordering her to send the next candidate. A soft knock was there on my door and I said her to come in loudly

I didn’t look at her because I had already made a picture in my mind from my previous experience. I felt a presence in front of my desk and told her to take a sit in a rude tone. I was still typing and after completing I hit the send button and looked toward her.

To my surprise, the person in front of me was not looking in my direction. Her gaze was down toward, unlike others. She was so busy staring at the floor that she didn’t notice my gaze on her. Meanwhile, I was observing her.

Her dressing sense was professional and she kept everything natural. That was not a usual sight for me. It’s true that she wasn’t the wow type of girl but something about her was beautiful. Something that I couldn’t explain for now or maybe I’m just being delusional.

“ GET A GRIP ALEX” said my inner voice.

Clearing my throat awkwardly I signaled her to look at me.

“Name?” I asked searching her file.

“Ava Smith, sir.” she replied in a cold tone.

Taking her file I went through it. Her educational background was impressive and so were her skills. I was surprised when I saw that she was raised in an orphanage. Despite being an orphan, she managed to go this far.

“Miss Smith suppose you don’t have these degrees and skills. Is there still anything that can convince me to hire you??” I asked her.

The main purpose of asking this question was to check her confidence.

“Sir, I think the capability of using knowledge and skills is more important than the education itself. I’m highly educated, also there are so many skills in my possession, but if I don’t know how to use them correctly, all of my education and skills are useless” impressive, I thought.

“ I can work under pressure and am very well aware of my capabilities and know how to use my skills in the right way. I also know how to handle a situation when it’s going out of control. Another strong point about me is knowing the boundaries between personal and professional life. And I’m very dedicated to my work as well” she finished.

She was stronger and more confident than she seemed, I thought.

“Hmm..I must say Miss Smith I’m impressed by your point of view about work and skills. You will get a call if you are hired. Thank you for today”, I said standing up from my seat and holding out my hand for a shake.

“You don’t do that usually, what’s happening today!!??” said my inner voice. “Maybe I’m too impressed” I thought.

Giving me a soft smile she held my hand very carefully as if she was going to taint it. I gave her hand a gentle squeeze and let her go. She took her file from my desk and walked out of my cabin.

Sitting in my chair in a relaxed mood I called Clara and told her to hire Miss Smith and ordered that the rest of the candidates could go home.

I got up from my desk and stand in front of the glass wall where I could see the busy New York. When I glanced down I saw Ava was crossing the road in slow motion.

It was a rainy day and still, she was walking without any umbrella or raincoat. As if she didn’t want to protect herself from the cold water drops.

If Katherine was in her place she would throw a tantrum by now. Katherine was a spoiled rich kid. And I don’t mind it. I’ll spoil her more after our marriage.

Taking my phone out I dialed Katherine’s number and she picked up the phone on the second ring. She was still sleeping.

“Hello” she responded annoyingly in a sleepy voice.

I was going to say something and she cut me off by shouting “ Alexander Scott, how dare you call me knowing that I’m sleeping !!”

She was beyond pissed.

“ My love, I hope you are not forgetting about the lunch we have planned for today.” I said softly.

“Ohh, Yeah I remember it Alex. Give me one hour okay, I’m coming to your office” she said cheerfully.

“ Of course, love,” I said before cutting the line.

Again I took the view in front of me. A busy city drenched in rain. Not my favorite sight at all. I don’t know why rainy days always kill my mood.

A loud knock on my door made me turn. Noah was standing there with a smirk.

“Thinking about Katherine, aren’t we?” he said.

“I didn’t know you can read mind” I said playing along.

Noah and I are best friends since our childhood. Though we are quite opposite from each other, he was like my brother from another mother.

“I saw so many beauties storming out from your building cursing you.” he said.

“Yeah, they were here for the interview for the post of my PA. I already got the one, so I send the rest home.” I said turning on my laptop.

“Ohh, I see. So what is the name of your new PA?” Noah asked smirking.

“Typical Noah” I thought.

“Ava Smith” I said not looking at him.

“Is she hot??” I knew that.

“I only met her once and I’m a committed man for God’s sake Noah. Stop asking me stupid questions.”

“So you are saying that you didn’t look at her once during the whole interview?” here we go again.

“I did Noah, but not like that.” I was getting frustrated now.

“Okay, if you say so. By the way, how is your lady love?”

Nodding my head I answered “She is doing great. Everything between us is great. Just perfect, you know.”

Noah was looking at me with a taunting smile.

Furrowing I asked “Why are giving me this look, young man? Are you not convinced about my perfect relationship?”

Taking a deep breath he said “You are not even near the “perfect”. You don’t even start it yet.”

“Start what?” I asked in confusion.

“Loving Katherine. The thing you are calling love is just mutual understanding. You like her because she matches with your standards but you don’t love her.”

Laughing at his comment I asked “How can you say I don’t love her? Am I not treating her correctly?”

“It’s not about the outer gesture Alex. I’m talking about inner feelings. I’ve never seen the sparks between you two.” Noah said sighing.

“You and your sparks. I’m really confused about your comments Noah, don’t even know what to say. Maybe the way how we feel about love is different.”

“The feeling of love is the same to all buddy. I hope you realize it someday.” Noah said checking his phone.

“Okay I’ve to go now, I’m running late for something,” he said getting up. After sharing a side hug, he left.

Sometimes I don’t understand why Noah throws these kinds of comments about my relationship. I know he is more emotional than me and also sees things differently unlike me. His and mine theory of love can never be the same. I’ve already accepted it, but he is very stubborn to admit this fact.

“Babyyyy” my door bursted open and there stood my beautiful lady. Getting up from my chair I gave her a tight hug. Suddenly she pushed me back. Surprised at her action I asked,

“What happened?”

“You are ruining my hair. It took me 1 hour to set them” she huffed.

“Sorry babe, I was too excited to see you. I’ll be careful next time.” I said in a sad tone.

“It’s okay babe. Let’s go now.” She started dragging me outside.