A Familiar Face
392 Words
Ava lowered her head as she followed her manager into the conference room. Thankfully, the presentation had not started yet, but everyone had already taken their seats.
"Take your seat, Ava," her manager said.
"Yes, sir."
Trying to ignore the curious stares from her colleagues, she quickly sat down and opened her laptop. Her heart was still racing from nearly being late.
A few minutes later, the meeting began.
"We have an important client joining us today," her manager announced. "I expect everyone to be professional."
The doors opened.
Ava looked up casually, but the moment she saw who walked in, her eyes widened.
It was him.
The stranger from the sidewalk.
The same man she had bumped into earlier that morning.
He walked confidently into the room, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. Several executives stood up to greet him with respect.
Ava blinked.
Who exactly was this guy?
"Everyone, I'd like you to meet Ethan Carter," her manager said. "The CEO of Carter Holdings and our newest business partner."
Ava nearly choked.
CEO?
Her mind immediately replayed the awkward collision from earlier.
Great.
Of all the people she could have bumped into, it had to be a powerful CEO.
As if sensing her gaze, Ethan looked in her direction.
For a brief moment, their eyes met.
Then, to her horror, he smiled.
Ava quickly looked away.
The meeting continued, but she found it impossible to focus. Every time she glanced up, she caught Ethan looking at her.
By the end of the presentation, she was exhausted.
When the meeting finally ended, everyone began leaving the room.
Ava gathered her things as quickly as possible.
"Miss Williams."
Her heart dropped.
She slowly turned around.
Ethan was standing behind her.
"Y-yes?"
A small smile appeared on his face.
"We meet again."
Ava forced an awkward laugh.
"What a coincidence."
"I was thinking the same thing."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Ethan held out his hand.
"Since our first meeting was a little chaotic, I'd like to introduce myself properly. I'm Ethan Carter."
Ava hesitated before shaking his hand.
"Ava Williams."
"It's nice to meet you, Ava."
The way he said her name made her stomach flutter.
And she hated it.
Because deep down, she had a feeling this wasn't going to be their last meeting.
Not even close.
- Writer
