All For You

--Poppy’s POV--   “Poppy, let’s break up.”   Hearing those words took me by surprise. Charles went to Hawaii for two weeks because of his work and we finally have time to meet today. I wasn’t expecting this.   “W-Why?” I asked him, confused.   “It’s just –”   “Did I do something wrong? Tell me!” I demanded; my voice was a bit loud.   He held my hand trying to make me relax a bit. People are starting to stare at us, and I know he felt embarrassed. “Calm down, will you!”   “Charles, we’ve been together for – what – like 5 years and –”   “It’s Hannah.” He cut me off.   “Hannah?!”   Hannah is one of my friends. I’ve known her when we were in college. She and I were on the same group once back in college days and we get along well. I introduced him to Charles, and they became friends as well.   Now I remember. Hannah once said that she wanted to work at the company where Charles planned to work in the future. I didn’t know that someone who looked as 'pretty as a picture' can be a 'viper in one’s bosom'.   “I like her so much. I don’t want to fool you anymore. Hannah and I have been going out since we were in Hawaii.”   Slap!   His left cheek became red in an instant. The slap was crisp and clear, and I know Charles felt my anger rising.   “I deserved that.” He raised his head and looked at me. “But what can I do? I no longer feel anything for you. Let’s not see each other again.”   He stood up, paid the bill and left the café. Just like that, I was left there alone shaking in anger.   --Oliver’s POV--   Today’s day off was a bit relaxing. No blind dates whatsoever. Mom must have been exhausted setting me up with women I don’t even like. I’m still young at 33 and I can still give her and Dad grandchildren even when I’m in my 40s. For now, I must focus on the company more. I can settle down whenever I want to. I also want to settle down with someone I would love for the rest of my life.   'Anyway, let’s grab some coffee'. I said to myself and parked my car.   As I entered the café, I witnessed a very familiar scene. It could be, the woman dumped the man because he was caught cheating, or the man dumped the woman because he was cheating. Either way, it’s all about cheating for sure. But to my surprise, the woman was somewhat familiar to me.   'Ah, I see'. I thought. 'It was ‘her’'.   I’m not that kind of person but I found myself eavesdropping to their conversation as I sip my iced coffee, like I was watching a free drama.   Then I saw her slapped him in the face. 'Ouch! She was powerful indeed'. I keep my thoughts to myself. I don’t know why but I felt relieved for some reason.   Then the guy stood up and left her alone. People at the café are whispering to each other and of course, she was the topic.   Then my feet suddenly, without my consent, brought me to her.   ***   “He got guts to be like that knowing he was the one cheating.”   A deep husky voice that came from a distance caught Poppy’s attention. It was Oliver Smith, the CEO of the company she’s working right now, S Holdings Inc.   “M-Mr. Smith?!”   'Mr. Smith?' Oliver thought to himself. He doesn’t know why but he was a little disappointed hearing her say those words.   “Dry your tears.” He commanded while handling her a handkerchief. “You shouldn’t waste your tears to jerks like him.”   Poppy accepted the handkerchief and wiped her tears off. She didn’t even know she was crying at that time due to her anger.   “I’m sorry, you have to see me in this state, sir.”   Poppy realized how embarrassing it was when her boss was there all along when she was dumped by her stupid boyfriend – ex-boyfriend.   Oliver Smith is known to be a cold hearted and a heartbreaker. Gossips around the office day by day about the big boss spreads like wildfire especially when her mother sets him to blind dates. He would mercilessly dump the woman in just few minutes of meeting without knowing her. Whether daughters from wealthy family or rising celebrities have no exception as well. He was known as the hard-to-get bachelor in the city.   What really makes him the man and the reason why women flock around him even with rumors like that was because of his talent in the business world. He is witty, gumptious and passionate about his work. He is considered a rising entrepreneur in the IT industry in whole Boston City.   But today, he was somewhat warm, comforting and her savior. Poppy felt the gazes of the people inside the café focused on her. How she wished she can dig up a hole and hide there for a few minutes or hours maybe. Fortunately, he showed up just in the right moment.   Sigh.   He let out a deep sigh. “I’m sorry. It seems like I was eavesdropping you both Poppy.”   Poppy was astonished. 'He called me ‘Poppy’. How did he remember my name?'   This was the second time they talked to each other. The first time was when she had her final interview with him for the position she was applying at the company, which was a year ago, that’s why Poppy was taken aback when Oliver called her by her name suddenly.   “You’re thinking how I remembered your name when we only met once, right? It was written all over your face. Surprised, huh?”   “I was – yes, surprised. I mean –” Poppy stuttered.   “I have my ways.” Oliver said showing his pair of dimples because of that little smile he made. “Anyway, I’m not sure what to do with this situation and offering you an iced coffee might not be a good idea either.”   “Please don’t worry about me, Mr. Smith. I am fine.” Poppy assured him. “I suddenly felt tired so I’m going home for now.”   Poppy picked her bag and walked towards the door. She halted when she remembered something she forgot to say to Oliver. “By the way, thanks for the handkerchief. I’ll wash it thoroughly and returned to you as soon as possible.”   “Alright.” Oliver responded shortly. 'She’s a mess', he thought.