Tangled Affairs

Chapter Three

David and I had always kept our relationship a secret from everyone in the office for six years now.

We never practiced office romance, except once in a while, when we happen to pass by each other, we'll just flash a smile or let our hands brush each other. Sensational.

We rarely had the chance to go into each other's office for official reasons except we had general meetings or programs, where we met at the conference room. And today, Luminax, our company, was hosting one of those programs.

It is an investor-partnership program. CEOs across the nation have been invited, and it was a very big day for us at Luminax.

Preparation has been going on for months, and all our hard work is going to be put into action.

As a product development specialist in Luminax, today is going to be a very long one, as I have to deliver a speech before big-time men and women.

My team members and I have worked for this day. David too is probably preparing earnestly back in his own office.

CEOs had started to arrive, in fact way before the set time. It really takes a lot of effort to be one; punctuality is in their DNA.

They were all escorted into the big and large hall where the program is going to take place. The program was about to start, and almost everyone was seated already.

Our chairman and CEO, Henry Reynolds, was already on board with the other board of directors too. I quickly stepped out to use the restroom.

I bumped into David on my way out, and he dragged me into a corner right beside the hall. There weren't so many people walking around as earlier.

"I'm so nervous, Aubrey, I can't wait for today to end," he said, looking straight into my eyes, his cold hands holding mine.

David had always been a very outspoken person right from time, he was just probably intimidated because it was a gathering of CEOs and he didn't want it to flop.

"I should be the one saying that, David," I said, giggling. "It's okay, you're going to be fine, just go up there and do you, okay?"

"Oh yes, you too, love, I got to go. See you after, huh?" He said and gave me a kiss on my forehead.

"Sure, good luck," I said after him as he walked away.

To avoid suspicion, I waited for a few minutes to pass before I came out of the corner and walked into the bathroom. I tried to rehearse my lines and build up a little more confidence.

After a while, I came out of the bathroom to see another CEO arriving in a limousine; he was escorted by his own convoy.

When the door of the car opened, a man evolved from within, he looked like a man in his late thirty's.

He stood there and looked like he was scanning his environment, after a few seconds, he adjusted his expensive-looking tuxedo and began to walk towards the hall.

The security man bowed and told them only one person was allowed to follow him in. A fierce-looking young woman then proceeded to walk behind him.

As they both walked towards me, I adjusted my stance and greeted him with a smile and a little bow.

His eyes seemed to linger around my body a little while, he tilted his head and crooked his lips downwards in a way as if saying not bad, then back to my eyes again as he winked at me, flashing me a smile.

My smile quickly disappeared as they both walked into the hall. I scoffed. What a jerk. I soon followed behind him, located my seat and team, and sat down.

Minutes later, the program commenced, and everything was going as planned-on a good note. David spoke really well, better than I had even expected. What was all the fuss then about earlier?

Not long after he spoke, my team members and I also gave our presentation perfectly. I started off by showing a comprehensive competitor analysis and customer feedback to show our company's growth potential and that they are good to go to invest in and partner up with us.

We also gave our insights on ensuring alignment and maximizing returns on investments. I analyzed and gave out the benefits of them partnering and collaborating with us too.

I had such a great time speaking to such a successful group of people, it was a wonderful experience.

As we concluded, and ready to leave the stage, A man in the audience raised his hands-it was the CEO that arrived last-and asked a question, which I answered, then another one, then another one, then another one.

It was beginning to get upsetting and even annoying because he was starting to deviate from what I had delivered.

From the manner in which he was asking the questions, I could tell this man was just having fun. Why is he here anyway?

I managed to answer all of his questions to the best of my knowledge. He was about to ask another when the anchor (coordinator) of the program stepped forward to intervene and announced that there would be a time for questions later on. Thank God.

Myself and the rest of my team made our way back to our seats, and my eyes met with this man's, a goofy smile was plastered on his face, contradicting the stony expression of the lady sitting beside him.

The rest of the program went well, and finally the time for questions came. Mr. Smiley refused to ask any questions. Other CEOs gave their suggestions and also asked questions, it was a very interactive moment.

It was time to wrap up the questioning time. This man still refused to speak, even the anchor called out to him. Everyone expected him to speak, and most eyes were even on him, but he still didn't and just waved his hand, signaling no.

He seemed to love the attention he was getting as he smiled heartily, taking his time to look back at everyone. It became obvious that he was just trying to bother me.

The chairman gave his vote of thanks and announced a dinner would take place after the conclusion of the meeting. Everything finally came to an end, and people started trooping out of the hall.

David and I exchanged glances and smiled at each other, we had other things to do, so we both went our different ways.

The dinner was quite exquisite. Solemn music played in the background and everyone chatted quietly. A waiter offered me a glass of wine, which I took from the tray he was holding and chugged down a gulp. Hmm, tastes like divine.

Someone suddenly spoke behind me, so close I could feel their breath.

"Hiya, Mademoiselle," he said.

I sprung around startled, almost spilling the wine on myself. I was shocked to see Mr. Smiley. He was literally exhibiting the name I had come up with for him, smiling.

"Hello, sir," I said.

"Your soothing voice almost made me consider partnering up with your company, but I've got to be strict. This is business."

"You'll never regret it if you do."

"Uh, you can't say, in fact, I have a lot to lose than gain."

"Why do you say that, sir?"

"That's a business secret." He smiled again at me and then looked away. "So what's the name?"

"Aubrey." I answered. "And what's yours?"

"Another secret." He laughed in a not so funny way.

Weirdo. I didn't bother asking anymore, and he began to speak again.

"So, Aubrey, you're quite interesting, I must say."

"Why do you say that?"

"Just your aura alone speaks a lot. I could point out a lot about you right now."

"Um....thanks," I said ignoring his last sentence as I didn't want to prolong the conversation.

He takes a sip of his wine. "Crisp, isn't it?" He raises his glass.

I just smiled and nodded.

"I have a vast collection of fine wines, you know, maybe I can show it to you sometime...privately," he whispered the last part, his eyes gleaming with suggestion.

"That might not be necessary, we're here for business, remember, and I don't think that's a good idea."

"Ah, yes, business," he squinted his eyes. "God, I love that word."

I looked across the room and saw one of my team members signaling for me to come over.

I placed my empty glass on the table behind me, and only then did I realize that the fierce-looking woman had been standing behind us all along.

She looked at me, and I quickly glanced away. I excused myself and hurried off.

If only the eyes could shoot lasers, I'd be dead by now.