Until You Found Me

You Again?

Jack's POV

I let out a long sigh as I stepped out of the auditorium, and Jasper firmly closed the door behind us. I can't put into words how relieved I was to escape that crowd. Honestly, I wouldn’t have been at that conference in the first place if it weren’t for Osbourne. Osbourne was like a father figure to me against my will.

He kept rambling on about how important my presence would be for promoting our new game. Never again, I promised myself. But since I was already there, I decided to stick it out until the end. I wasn’t the type to quit easily.

After dropping me off at the hotel, Jasper drove off to who knows where. I trusted him, he was responsible. Otherwise, he wouldn't be my personal assistant. As I made my way to the elevator, something caught my eye: a yellow umbrella. My heart sank at the sight. Just then, someone bumped into me.

I looked down to find a girl standing there, with a face that seemed familiar. I was unable to look away. She had brown almond eyes, a cute nose that fit just right with her face, and full heart-shaped lips. Her brows were slightly furrowed as if she was just as startled as I was. It was only a brief encounter so why did I remember her?

She met my gaze, tilting her head as the crease in her brow deepened. Somehow, my heart skipped a beat. “You again?” she said. Me again? That's what she had to say after bumping into me for the second time? I shifted uncomfortably and broke eye contact. “So it’s a habit,” I said.

“What?” she asked. I looked at her again. “Being clumsy,” I replied, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m not clumsy! It was an accident,” she defended, her tone sharp.

“Twice in one day?”

“Doesn’t make it a habit,” she insisted.

“What about you then? Aren't you clumsy as well? You bumped into me too," she accused, shifting her weight to one leg and crossing her arms across her chest. "No, that was all you. You were on your phone," I said, matter-of-factly, crossing my arms as well.

“Yeah, well, why couldn’t you dodge?” she countered, tilting her head.

I sighed, feeling a strange mix of irritation and amusement. “Just be careful next time, alright? Don't bump into me again.” I turned to walk away, shoving one hand into my pockets.

A part of me fought the urge to look back at her, I was sure she would be glaring at my back angrily. What was that, anyway? It was very much unlike me. I thought, as I stepped into the private elevator. I used the keycard for access and made my way up. I shrugged off the feeling. I was pretty sure I wouldn’t run into her again.

I stepped into the penthouse and immediately peeled off my suit jacket and tie. The evening plan was simple: freshen up and order room service for dinner. After that, I would get to work. Just as I was getting comfortable, the telephone rang. I picked it up. “Mr Alfred?” a friendly female voice chimed in on the other end.

“Yes?” I replied.

“Can you please confirm if you have your wallet with you?” she asked. My heart sank as I checked my pockets. Nothing but my phone and keycard. “I don’t have it,” I replied, closing my eyes in disappointment. How did I lose it? “Okay, luckily, someone found it and brought it to us at the reception. Will you come pick it up, or should we send someone to bring it to you?” she offered. “I’ll come pick it up,” I said, slightly relieved.

After hanging up, I grabbed my phone and keycard and made my way down to the hotel reception. As I approached the front desk, my steps slowed down. Just ahead, with her back turned, I recognized the “clumsy girl” from earlier. Hearing my footsteps, she turned and greeted me with an infuriating smirk. Seriously? Again? I struggled to suppress a facepalm as I ignored her and walked straight up to the receptionist. “Jack Alfred, here to pick up my wallet,” I said, trying to sound calm.

The receptionist smiled warmly and handed my wallet over after a quick glance at my ID for verification. “Thank you,” I said, eager to leave. But the receptionist pointed towards the girl standing just a few feet away. “You should thank her. She found it and was nice enough to return it.”

I inhaled deeply, turning to face the girl, who still had that smug grin plastered across her face. “Thanks,” I said, forcing the words out with irritation. She tilted her head with a raised eyebrow.

“What?”

“Are you really thankful?” she asked, crossing her arms defiantly.

“Of course,” I replied.

“Hmmm… How will you show it then?” She stroked her chin dramatically like a detective contemplating a case.

“Uh, what?” I was confused. “Great! How about you buy me dinner?” she suggested.

“Huh?”

Buy me dinner," She repeated with a sweet smile. I swallowed. For some reason, all my annoyance just disappeared. “Okay,” I said, still stuck in a daze.