The CEO's Dilemma

CHAPTER5

(Bond of trust)

Desmond had planned to visit Freya's restaurant later that night, but his workload had other plans. He was so preoccupied with meetings and tasks that he didn't even realize the time until he finished his last task at 8 pm.

He looked at his watch and groaned, realizing that his plan to visit the restaurant was no longer feasible. The restaurant was likely closed by now, and even if it wasn't, it would be too late to drop by without drawing attention to himself.

Desmond decided to drive home, his mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Freya. He couldn't believe how much she had taken over his thoughts, and he found himself wondering what she was doing at that moment.

Was she home, relaxing with her family? Or was she out with friends, enjoying a night on the town?

As he drove, Desmond's mind wandered back to their last encounter. He remembered the way she had smiled at him, the way her eyes had sparkled in the moonlight.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of longing, a desire to see her again and find out if there was a chance for them.

Finally, he arrived home, his mind still racing with thoughts of Freya. He knew he had to see her again, and soon.

He made a mental note to visit the restaurant the next day, determined to confirm his suspicions and find out if there was a chance for them.

As Desmond entered his home, the maid informed him that his father was already fast asleep, and his mother had quickly retired to bed.

He felt a bit concerned about his father, as they hadn't spoken all day, but he was surprised by his mother's early bedtime, as she wasn't typically one to sleep early. At least, he thought, he was spared from her constant nagging for the time being.

Desmond headed upstairs, where he took a bath and changed into a white sleeveless top and black shorts.

He then made his way to the rooftop garden, where he poured himself a glass of wine and called his best friend, Mikel. "Hey, buddy! Come over to my place, we need to catch up. It's been a while," Desmond said.

Mikel replied, "Of course, I'm on my way! In fact, I'll be there in ten minutes. You sound excited, don't worry, I'll be there soon." Desmond ended the call and poured himself a glass of wine, sipping it slowly as he waited for Mikel's arrival.

As he sipped his wine, Desmond couldn't help but think about his mother's early bedtime. She had been acting strange lately, and he wondered if everything was okay.

He pushed the thought aside, focusing on his upcoming conversation with Mikel. He had a lot to share, and he was eager to get his friend's perspective.

Just as he was lost in thought, Desmond heard the doorbell ring. He made his way downstairs, wine glass still in hand, and opened the door to let Mikel in. "Hey, buddy! Come on up," he said, leading Mikel to the rooftop garden.

As they settled in, Mikel noticed the wine glass in Desmond's hand. "Ah, I see you're already started without me," he said with a chuckle.

Desmond laughed, "Just getting a head start, my friend. I've had a long day." Mikel raised an eyebrow, "Long day? That's an understatement, I'm sure. So, what's going on? You sound excited."

Desmond took a sip of his wine, savoring the moment before diving into the story. "It's about a girl I met, her name is Freya, Mikel. I think I might be in love with her."

Mikel's eyes widened in surprise. "Whoa, that's big news! Tell me everything."

Desmond launched into the story of his encounter with Freya, leaving out no details. Mikel listened intently, nodding his head and making supportive noises as Desmond poured out his heart.

As they talked, the night wore on, the stars twinkling above them like diamonds in the sky. Desmond felt a sense of relief wash over him, grateful to have shared his secret with his best friend.

Mikel leaned in, his voice filled with excitement. "Dude, this is amazing! You have to tell me more about her. What's she like?"

Desmond's face lit up with a smile. "She's incredible, Mikel. Smart, funny, and beautiful. And she has this spark in her eyes that just draws me in."

Mikel grinned. "I can tell you're smitten, my friend. So, what's the plan? Are you going to ask her out?"

Desmond's face turned thoughtful. "I'm not sure yet. I want to, but I'm scared of rejection. And there's something else, Mikel. Something that's holding me back."

Mikel's expression turned serious. "What is it, Desmond? You can trust me."

Desmond hesitated, unsure if he should reveal his secret. But something about Mikel's encouraging gaze made him open up. "It's my parents, Mikel. They want me to marry Bella, and I don't know how to get out of it."

Mikel's eyes widened in surprise, his face a picture of disbelief. "You mean Bella Michael? The Bella Michael?" he asked, his voice laced with surprise.

Desmond nodded, his expression calm. "The same one."

Mikel quickly composed himself, his face returning to its usual cheerful state. "Oh, I must have come across her on i********: or something. I don't know her personally."

Desmond's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind racing with thoughts. Why was Mikel acting so strange? He was his best friend, and yet, he seemed to be hiding something.

"Anyway, like I said, I don't have feelings for her," Desmond said, his voice firm. "It's just an arranged engagement, and I'm only going through with it to please my parents."

Mikel nodded sympathetically. "I get it, buddy. But are you sure you're ready for this? You don't know her very well, and neither do I, for that matter."

Desmond shrugged. "I don't have a choice, Mikel. But I appreciate your concern. Maybe we can figure something out together."

Mikel's expression turned thoughtful. "Let's not rush into anything, Desmond. Let's just see how things go, okay?"

Desmond nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. Maybe Mikel was right. Maybe he shouldn't rush into anything. But he couldn't shake off the feeling that his best friend was hiding something from him.

As they continued talking, Desmond couldn't help but notice the subtle change in Mikel's behavior. He seemed more reserved, more cautious, and Desmond wondered what was behind the sudden change. Little did he know, Mikel had secrets of his own, secrets that would change everything.