Fated Love

Chapter 6

The image of Richard being so utterly engrossed with his cooking suddenly reminded me of Dad—the same furrowed brow, and quiet determination. Speaking of which, I really needed to call him. I hadn't heard from him in the last twenty-four hours, which was unusual, even for him.

I moved toward the bathroom mirror, and pulled out my phone only to find two missed calls. One from Dad. The other from Rosa. Just as I was about to return Dad’s call, his name flashed on my screen.

"Hey, my baby. How are you doing?" He asked.

"I'm good, Dad. And you?"

"I'm fine—just exhausted from the multiple surgeries we had this morning."

"Oh dear. I wanted to call earlier, but I figured you might be busy."

"Yeah, I was," he sighed. "How's your sister?"

"She's fine. We just miss you, that's all."

"I miss you girls too. I can't just wait for this to be over." He yawned softly. "How's work along for you?"

"It's been fine so far. At least, I survived."

Just then, Rosa and Krystal’s video call came in. "Dad, sorry—can you hold on a sec? They’re calling.”

"No need. I was about to hang up anyways," he said. "Alright, girl. Talk to you later. Stay safe." The call ended, and I quickly switched over.

"Hello, girls!" I sang, the fatigue of the morning lifting slightly.

"Hey, babe," Rosa replied.

"Hi, sis," Krystal answered flatly.

I frowned at the screen. “Krystal, aren't you supposed to be in class? And what's with that tone?"

"Relax, sis. I am in class—but the teacher’s a no-show. Probably slacking off somewhere.” She said, tapping her pen against her tablet. “And some random girl tried to push my buttons earlier.”

"Oops," I muttered. "Sorry about that."

"Enough of the sweet, concerned-sister act,” Rosa cut in sharply. “Now give us your report. How’s it going on your end?”

I watched her closely. Rosa usually fidgeted with her keys like that only when something was bothering her. “What’s wrong, Rosa? You seem off.”

“I’m fine,” she said quickly.

Krystal and I exchanged looks.

“Okay, fine,” Rosa admitted with a sigh. “It’s this stupid director. He gave me a project but didn’t specify what he wanted. I came up with some great ideas with the little info I had, and do you know what he said?” Her irritation was palpable.

“What did he say?” Krystal asked, twirling her nail polish brush lazily.

"He said—and I quote—'Rosa, I like your line of thought. These ideas are nice but not what the company needs at the moment. I think you should redo the project.’ Like seriously, is he mad or something?"

I winced, knowing that when Rosa was this worked up, someone was about to catch flames.

"He is mad,” Krystal said without missing a beat. “Does he know you could end his career if you wanted?”

I shot Krystal a look. The last thing Rosa needed was encouragement to go nuclear.

"Yeah, that's true,” Rosa said, blinking as if the thought had just occurred to her. "I don't blame him though–it's only because I'm an intern. He should just wait for me."

"Rosa, it's okay” I said gently. Redo it. And when you become a manager or director yourself, you'll get to use your ideas."

"What?" She widens her eyes. "Did you just tell me to redo the project again?"

"I'll help you," I said quickly.

That did the trick. Her frown melted. "Okay, deal.”

"Alright, enough with the stories,” Krystal said, leaning closer to her camera. “Kiara, how are you faring?"

"I'm fine. Everything's good," I answered, trying to sound casual.

"Kiara,” Rosa groaned. “Don't give us that nonsense as an answer. Be fast and give us the brief version. When we meet later, you can fill in the juicy details.”

Krystal nodded in agreement.

"Fine,” I smiled, sighing dramatically. “So, I met my invisible boss's friend–and damn, the guy is freaking handsome."

At that, Rosa smirked. Krystal arched a brow. "Sis, define handsome.”

I ignored her. "I'll give you a hint, you should figure it out."

"Hey, that's not fair." Krystal protested.

"Go ahead, give the hint." Rosa said impatiently.

"Okay. He’s the current chairman of ABS corporation."

They both furrowed their brows, clearly not getting the hint.

"Oh, come on. Rosa, you should know him. Your Dad's company has been trying to strike a deal with them!”

"Wait a second." Krystal said slowly, her face lighting up.

"Oh my freaking goodness–don't tell me–are you serious?!” Rosa shrieked. "You actually met him?"

I smirked, relishing their reaction. We had talked about him some days back in the comfort of her room.

"Who do you think I’m talking about?”

"Richard Seo?!" They both screamed in unison.

I giggled, glancing nervously at the bathroom door. “Shhh! He could hear you two!”

They rolled their eyes, but lowered their voices.

"Took you guys long enough to figure it out," I said. "And yes, he is my boss' representative for now. He's treating me to lunch." I sang the last part as I exited the bathroom, feeling a playful confidence.

The reaction was exactly what I expected– they screamed so loud I winced.

"Seriously, babe." Rosa gushed, holding her hand to her chest. "That's amazing! Do you know how many people would kill for that opportunity?”

"K, I'm jealous. Can we swap our bodies just for today?" Krystal whined.

"No." I grinned. "Anyway, I’ve got to go. I've been gone for too long, and I can't have him thinking I’m slacking. Besides, I promised to help him with the setup. Talk later, ciao!”

Before they could respond, I ended the call. Taking a deep, fortifying breath, I stepped out into the living room. Richard was already setting the table, the sight immediately dispelling my nerves.

“Took you long,” he said, arranging the cutlery with precise, practised movements. “I was beginning to think you'd bailed out on me."

"No, I just had an important call with my family and got a little carried away,” I said, fidgeting with the cuff of my sleeve. “I’m sorry.”

He shrugged and effortlessly pulled out a chair for me to sit. "It's okay," he said, returning to his seat. “It’s fine. At least you’re here now.”

I smiled, my cheeks warming. "Such a gentleman,” I muttered under my breath.

He laughed, a rich, pleasant sound, reaching for the jar of water. “I can be a gentleman when I want to be."

"Really?" I smiled, staring at the table. It was laden with several appealing dishes. "This is quite a feast."

"Yeah," he said. "I'm not much of a chef,” he said with a modest smile, “but we can make do with this."

"You've got to be kidding me. This is fancy! I was expecting a takeout container.”

"So,” he said, watching me closely as I took the first bite, “how’s the food?”

It was only then that I noticed–he hadn't touched his meal. He was waiting, perhaps anxiously, for my reaction.

I grinned. "It's awesome." And that was the truth. He was such a good cook, and he reminded me of Dad at that moment. “It’s awesome." I grinned, swallowing the delicious bite. “Seriously, you’re a great cook.”

He narrowed those beautiful eyes playfully, leaning back in his seat. "You’re not just saying that to flatter me?”

I laughed, a little louder than intended. "Nope, the food is totally good. You remind me of my dad, actually. He’s a good cook too."

He smiled, seeming genuinely pleased. "I'm not a chef, but I cook to pass time." He answered.

"More like an hobby?" I leaned forward, resting my chin on my hand, fascinated.

"If you want to call it that." He wiped his mouth with a crisp napkin–every movement delicate, controlled and elegant.

Just sitting down there, in the soft light of the apartment, he looked like he’d stepped right out of an ad-campaign. The man was painfully good-looking.

I sighed dreamily, catching his attention. He arched a brow, amusement flickered in his eyes. "What?"

"You're even more beautiful in person,” I blurted out before I could stop myself. "Do you mind gracing me with a picture?"

He laughed softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Are you flirting with me, Kiara?"

I hid my face behind my hands, my cheeks burning. "No! I'm just... a fan.”

"Ah, I see," he chuckled, the sound deep and smooth, sending shivers down my spine. “If it's a picture you want, sure you'll get one."

God, that baritone.

"I don't usually do this for people I’ve just met,” he said, gesturing towards the perfectly set table. "This–all of this– doesn’t happen often."

"I guess I'm lucky then," I said, smiling brightly.

"You sure are." He raised his glass of champagne slightly. “A toast–to our growing friendship."

I laughed and clinked my glass with his.

As we ate and talked about everything and nothing– from my job as an ‘assistant’ to his complex world in finance–I found myself completely at ease. He was warm, funny, and easy to talk to. Somewhere between laughter and soft glances, I found myself preoccupied, imagining how my life would unfold from this moment forward. The feeling was inevitable; I admit I feared it. Still, whatever life delivers, I have no choice but to prepare for the challenge and fight it through. realized –whatever life brought next, I’d have to be ready for it.