Craving You

Chapter 5

“Are you okay? You suddenly spaced out for a moment?”

“I’m fine. Thank you. And I’m sorry again, does it hurt?”

“C’mon that’s just nothing.” She smiled reassuringly at her. Then she immediately turn to look for someone and her gaze stayed longer in that position. When Danaye looked at where Reya’s gaze was headed, she almost regretted it.

All the employees suddenly became ashamed of what they were doing and they all stared at Declan at the entrance hall.

At the back of Reya, she stole a glance at him. Dressed in a black suit that all of them know was exceptionally tailored just for his exact physique, he appeared expensive, wise and handsome. He stood tall and confident as the bright light of the banquet hall sat on his face which made his facial features stand out. Fine jaws, sharp nose bridge, lips pursed and emotionless eyes.

Silence travelled fast in the hall and even the loud upbeat music didn’t sound as it was supposed to be. Aside from he was the CEO and everyone knew who he is, no one can’t really pass without acknowledging how charismatic he is. And even if no one in that room knew of him, his face and aura would still catch so much attention making him the apple of the eye.

Suddenly, we heard the bright voice of Mr. Hans as if lessening the tension that was created by Declan’s arrival. “Mr. Carlsen, to whom do we owe the pleasure of your presence?”

But instead of decreasing the tension, the atmosphere felt heavy for everyone while Declan roam his eyes as if searching for someone in the crowd.

“Why did you stop danshing? Dansh! Dansh!” Divina tipsily tumbled along the crowd while Shantal helped her. When Danaye heard Divina’s loud voice, she apologetically left her and went to help Shantal fix Divina because she was the only one speaking and everyone gazed at them but it was just quick because they already returned their gaze to Declan.

“Divina, give me back my phone, please.” Danaye asked Divina again because she didn’t want to give it earlier. I don’t really have a secret on it. After all, our wedding pictures were just in our house. We can’t be carrying it on our phone for safety precautions.

“No! We will call your fake hushband…where he ish? Doesh he come pick ya up?”

“W-What?” Danaye’s alert mode was on. “W-What did you say?” Her eyes widened and she urged Divina to speak again because she thought she just misheard what she said but Divina was already looking at Declan standing at the entrance hall while other employees greeted him even if they knew he would not return the favour. Because Declan was a little bit far away from where they were, Danaye could still breathe.

“I’m sorry she must have called your boyfriend or something, she was browsing on it while she calmed down earlier.” Shantal looked apologetic and annoyed at Divina.

“Woah? Ish that really Mr. Carlshen?” Divina abruptly stood tall and wanted to go in front to take a look at the man single out in the front. We can see him here but because of the dim light in our area, he can’t be able to see us. “ Mr. f*****g Carlshen who never even paid attention to Chrishtmashparty, outdoor activities and such?” Divina spoked, her mushed voice barely understandable.

“Divina please, give me back my phone, now.” Danaye felt impatient now as she already speculated something they might have said for Declan to come here. But Divina just ignored her.

“Stop Divina! I think it’s his twin.” Shantal spoke, she is also surprised by his coming.

“He hash no twin, you dumb idiot.” Divina countered as she swayed. “I want to dansh with him!” Divina, as if a kid, mulled over in the floor. Shantal got her right arm and made her seat in our round table.

“As if he’d let you touch him…” Shantal rolled her eyes at her. “C’mon stand up. I’ll get you home. This is what I told you earlier, watch what you’re drinking, your alcohol tolerance is s**t, gosh!”

“And what if he has a twin, we don’t even know his birthday or if he has a family.” Danaye froze. She knew the two of them were the only who knew they were wed but she still couldn’t shake her thoughts.

“Her wife’s so lucky. He’s damn rich, exquisitely handsome and seems like the type that would never cheat! Because I never see him flirt around even if that damn Rochelle in the receptionist area was always seducing him!” Shantal’s voice was spiteful while she glanced at the center spot where Declan is but Danaye liked it. s

But anyhow, Danaye didn’t notice she was already gripping her brown sling bag when Shantal called her, “What do you think, Danaye? Does Mr. Carlsen have a wife already?” Danaye glanced at him already talking to Mr. Hans.

Her eyes flastered and she suddenly felt she’s caught but she was not. There’s no way they will know because knowing Declan hated her, he will never ever introduced her as his wife. So she just shrugged her shoulders and answered simply, “I think he doesn’t have anyone but maybe there’s someone he loves that he can’t reach.”

It pained Danaye to speak of the man she loved wanting another girl but she has to or else they will get suspicious around her. She knows they are already suspicious when she first entered the company without even being interviewed.

“Yes! I think that’s it, right? He seems sad and always in a fowl mood that even if he’s handsome, I don’t even want to enter his office. I felt like I would die with just his aura’s presence.”

It was the first time Danaye will see him after that night. She wished that she will never encounter him at work but she is well aware she will have to face him one day. And today was it.

Out of the blue, Declan started stepping away from where he was. For a minute, her feet froze to where she was standing when she realized he strolled towards them. Her mind commanded her to get out of the place. Go home and isolate yourself in a room. But she couldn’t move.

She stole a few glimpse of him in her peripheral view and when the crowd parted for his way, she didn’t dare lift her head towards him while everyone watch his every move.

“A-Ahm ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Carlsen is with us tonight to have fun!” Mr. Hans announced half with half his smile fake.

Motionlessly, Danaye stayed on her seat as she stole her cell phone from Divina. She planned to leave after they continued to party to avoid him.

“C’mon guys! LET THE FUN OVERFLOW!”

Even if Danaye wasn’t looking at Declan move, she can feel him walking towards their table. She was glad Divina passed out on the table and wasn’t blurting out nonsense anymore. But when she found out that Declan had seated just behind her, she controlled the sigh of relief she was about to breathe.

Her mind didn’t know what to make of the situation. Her heart raced and it was the same thing she always felt when he was near her.

During the first time she realized she held Declan on her heart dearly, she couldn’t sleep without thinking of him or dreaming of him. She craved the feeling but was afraid at the same time because whenever he was near her or even at a far area where she could see him, she was filled with anxiety and fear.

And those emotions only intensified after the first month of their fake marriage.