Anna.

CHAPTER 21

Anna was still mad at Venice for putting her in the spot during the conference meeting and making her prone to embarrassment and critique. Thankfully she didn't succumb to pressure and proved herself worthy to be his P. A in his fancy company. She hadn't realized she felt unworthy till that moment and she wanted to stay mad at him forever but that little speech of his melted her heart completely no she wouldn't cave in she will still like to goggle his fancy eyes out of their sockets.

She had to do this though she didn't want to tsk tsk does that even make any sense. I would get it over and done with before I talk myself out of it she said to herself walking purposefully to the terrace where she knew she would find him. He always spent his morning on non-work days there reading the papers.

Hi can I join you?

Taken aback by her presence he wasn't expecting her at all he fumbled a while for words and when it failed him he nodded slowly.

Thanks I wa want she cleared her throat before hoping she wouldn't stutter this time.

Anna what's the problem? are you ill? oh I know it's about your mom don't worry Lauren and I are doing everything possibly human to find her and we wouldn't succeed okay he gushed.

Astonished by his words and reassurance she could only nod negatively.

No am not here to talk to you about my mom.

Then what?

Here happy birthday she said softly handing him a little wrapped parcel.

Christ how did you know it's my birthday and what's this? he asked looking at the parcel in his hands.

Marshall mentioned it to me and it's a gift.

And you got me a gift shouldn't have bothered.

it wasn't really a bother I ruined your designer white shirt and I promised to replace it am merely fulfilling my word.

Gosh I didn't know you still remembered it's been a long time and where did you get the money to purchase it Marshall helped you as well?

Oh no not at all I used my paycheck for the month.

Hell I don't know what to say thought we agreed on saving for the future.

Yes and I am saving just accept the gift please.

He stared into her eyes and lost himself in her depths mighty mistake he could have done anything she requested from him at that moment.

Thanks I appreciate this gift of yours.

You are welcome happy birthday and thank you for saving my life.

Anna stop it this moment.

okay sir she smiled enjoying how gratitude made him uncomfortable.

You are doing this on purpose right? I have to punish you then.

Eissh I am so scared what will you do this time you already embarrassed me in your fancy meetings.

Anna believe it or not I merely wanted to hear your opinion and not cause you embarrassment but you came out shinning so what's the big fuss?

Sorry I sound petty on your birthday.

No need to apologize it's just another day for me nothing special about it.

I figured you were a birthday person and I will wake up today to a glamorous party happening.

He turned his back at her and remained silent as though she hadn't spoken a word.

She cursed herself internally for talking to much she would leave right before she did more damage. I will be in my room if you need me.

Gosh Anna she could as well stamp "available" on her face she bereted herself.

Wait he held her hands to still her movement without turning to her. she stared at his hands on hers and welcomed the warmness that radiated through her entire arms.

Her stare bore a hole on his hands and he quickly dropped his hand off hers. Did his touch repulse so much? he asked himself.

Mmm what do you want?

I am traveling to China soon for a couple of meeting for my business both for Legacy and my personal ventures and you can't stay here alo-

Oh her heart picked up a beat thudded for a while and landed heavily back to its position. She wanted to get on her knees and begging, crying to remain in his house and she wouldn't trouble or be a bother but she said calmly instead.

I will pack my bags and leave first in the morning and thank you for all the help you have offered me she said meaning it this time and not saying it to make him uncomfortable.

Venice scrunched up his face in confusion okay she had lost him there.

Anna what are you talking about? where the hell are you going?

No no i I thought she rubbed her face to catch her breath. I thought you were asking me to leave she said realizing her mistake and giggling in relief.

Christ you would be the death of me one day do you know that? how could you have assumed such a thing in a space of few seconds.

Do you blame me you were speaking of leaving I won't wait till you say it point and clear before I get the hint.

I would never ask you to leave my house and before you get any wrong signals again you are traveling with me to China. I don't want to leave you all by yourself here.

Emm but i can actually stay here alone I wouldn't want to be a bother and make you spend unnecessary for my sake.

I didn't ask for your opinion it's final you are coming with me.

Oh that's the way it is now one minute you want my suggestion and the next you don't. I am letting this slide because today is your birthday she retorted hotly walking off.

Go pack your bags angel he called after her amused with her tantrums and smiling with pure delight.