I woke up this morning feeling a little disoriented from yesterday's stress. I yawned, stretching my limbs in bed
"Good morning" Faye said groggily. She has always been a morning person just like me but right now, she looks kinda tired
"Good morning. What did you do yesterday? You look exhausted" I got out of bed to pick an outfit for work
"The interview was stressful but luckily, I got the job" she said rubbing both her eyes
"Really? I thought you were doing it all day with Zack" I decided to tease
She gasped "what? Of course not. Eww" I giggled
"Anyway, congratulations. I think we should celebrate" her face immediately lit up like a kid in a candy store
"Yes. We should definitely celebrate. I'll invite the others as well" she started rambling on where we'll go and what to wear "oh I forgot to ask you, how was your first day at the office?"
I sighed before telling her all that happened and how Ash and I were assigned to work on a project together.
"I feel that with each passing second he sees me, he is reminded of how much I hurt him" I sighed
"Just give it sometime, I'm sure and hoping he'll come around" I nodded and went to the bathroom to freshen up.
After finishing my business, I applied a little foundation and a mascara to give a little life to my eyes. I applied some lip balm and got dressed in a high neck black gown with pink, orange and blue butterflies. I put on a delicate belt to match and styled my hair in it's usual ponytail.
I head downstairs for breakfast. Mom and Faye were already at the table eating.
"Morning sweetie" mom said taking a sip of her ginger tea
"Good morning mom" I sat down and started eating. Dad had already left for the office
"How was your first day baby?" I shrugged
"It was okay" I replied simply
"How about yours Faye?" Mom switched her attention to her. Thank God
"It was awesome aunt"
"I still don't understand why you don't want to work in the company but I'm proud of you sweetie" she said
"Thanks auntie" Faye said smiling. I quickly finished my meal and left for the office.
*****
"KK industries has already emailed the blue print to me. I'll forward it to you immediately" Kim was filling me in on my schedule as we walked to my office
"What about the investors coming from China? Have you informed Ash about the meeting?"
"Yes ma'am the meeting is scheduled for 1pm" she said looking at the tablet she was holding
"Any other meetings I have to attend to today?" I entered my office and sat on my seat
"You have a meeting at 4'o clock with Royale magazine. Other than that, you have some documents to sign and designs to look at"
"Ok thank you" she turned to leave "by the way Kim, stop calling me ma'am. I already told you"
"Yes ma...I mean Dawn" she blushed before leaving
Time flew by with so much work. I was replying to an email when dad came to my office
"Princess" I went and hugged him before resuming my work
"Sorry I couldn't come greet you this morning dad. I had so much work to do" he sat opposite me
"That's ok, I understand. I hope the work is not too stressful" I shook my head, typing fast on the keyboard "Anyway, I came to remind you of the meeting with the Chinese investors"
"I'm aware dad. Don't worry, I won't disappoint you" he got up to leave
"I know you won't. Love you princess"
"Love you too dad" I completed the email and just in time, Kim came and we went for a meeting.
The meeting went on for two hours. I was a little distracted at first, being so close to Ash and all. I could feel the heat radiating off his body but, I quickly composed myself
"Congratulations Mr Norman. Miss Clemonte. We're looking forward to doing business with you" the investors said after shaking our hands
"Glad that's over with. Carol you and Kim should ensure that the designs run smoothly" Ash instructed our P.A and they left leaving us behind. I have to admit Ash is a really good businessman and I'm surprised he could speak Chinese. I didn't think I could ask him how he learnt it, as we're not close.
"Um...you were pretty amazing today" I said softly to him
"Thanks" we shared a look and I got lost in his eyes until my tummy rumbled
I blushed profusely and he chuckled lowly. Gosh I miss his chuckle. "I'm sorry" I looked away carrying my bag
"It's fine. Do you want to get lunch?" I looked at him, surprised at his question
"Together?" He scratched the back of his neck. He always does that when he's nervous
"If it's okay with you" I grinned so hard that my face hurt
"Of course" we went out of the office to a cozy diner and sat at a booth
While looking at the menu, I noticed someone's eyes on me. I looked up to see Ash staring at me intently. He didn't even look away after being caught. I blushed
"Excuse me Sir, would you like to order now?" The waiter came and interrupted our staring contest.
"Yes" he ordered a steak while I ordered some rice and fried chicken.
"So, how are you Dawn?" He turned his attention back to me
"I'm..I'm good. What about you? How have you been?"
"Great actually.... As you can see I survived" a flash of pain flashed in his eyes but he immediately masked it
"Ash..." I started but he cut me off
"There's no need for an explanation. What happened has happened. Your explanation won't change anything between us" I felt my eyes brim with tears and I bit my lips to stop myself from crying
"Ash I know you'll never be able to forgive me for what I did but I want you to know that I never meant any of the things I said. I'm sorry" I whispered looking straight into his eyes
He averted his eyes "it doesn't matter anymore" just in time, the waiter came with our food.
We barely said anything else after that. After lunch, we both head out of the diner but before entering the car, I slipped and he quickly caught me. It was exactly like those cliche rom-com movies as we stared into each others eyes for what felt like hours even though it was just few seconds.
But unlike those movies, we didn't kiss. He cleared his throat and looked away. "Be careful" I thanked him and got into the car with him. Our drive back to the office made me remember the first time we went on a date.
Flashback:
I giggled as he blindfolded me. Ash has been sneaking around and acting strange this past week. He said he has a surprise for me and now he has blindfolded me as we snuck back to our usual hideout.
"Why don't you tell me what you've planned?" I giggled as he guided me carefully to the house
"I told you it's a surprise angel eyes. If I tell you, it won't be a surprise anymore" he whispered
"My goodness, I'm so nervous" he chuckled "this better be good though"
"Trust me" after a couple steps, we stopped "you can take your blindfold off now" I smiled and quickly took it off. I was awestruck seeing how beautiful the house was. It was decorated with white orchids, my favorite and scented candles.
In the middle of the house, lied a blanket with many of my favorite dishes. It was a picnic setting but in the evening. He sprinkled red roses on the blanket on which the food was placed. He's so romantic, I couldn't help the tears that formed in my eyes
"What's wrong angel eyes? Did I do something wrong? Don't you like it?" I wiped my tears and threw my arms around him
"Oh Ash, you did everything right. I love it so much. Thank you" he let out a sigh of relief
"Phew...I almost had a heart attack thinking you don't like it" i giggled at his expression.
We sat down on the blanket and ate. Everything was just so good. After eating, I helped him clean up, I went over to the other side of the room and admire the beautiful decorations
"Thank you for the surprise Ash. I love you so much" he cupped my cheek with his left hand
"I love you too angel eyes" he leaned in and I blushed, turning my face away. It's not the first time we're about to kiss but I can't help feeling shy all the time
"Ash.." I whispered softly as he stared into my eyes before dropping his gaze to my lips. He leaned in again and this time I couldn't look away. He finally pressed his lips on mine and we both sighed in content from the contact. He pulled me closer and I had to tip toe alot because Ash was just too tall for his age. He nibbed on my bottom lip and I gasped to which he took an advantage by slipping his tongue into my mouth. The kiss was getting too passionate and I couldn't help feeling a little nervous and scared so I pulled away softly.
"Ash..." I whispered as he let go of my lips and instead started placing butterfly kisses on my neck which made me giggle at first cause it was ticklish. "We...we should...we should stop" he sighed but eventually stopped.
Lately, he's been hitting that he wants to take the next step in our relationship. It's not as if I wasn't ready, I mean we've been going out for months now and all but, it's just that I was so scared but the look on his face right now is heartbreaking.
"Ash...I'm..I'm sorry" he shushed me by placing his thumb on my lips
"I'm not upset Angel eyes. I just long for you" my heart skipped a beat. I couldn't bare the sadness and longing in his eyes anymore so I said
"Ok" he looked taken aback for a second
"It's ok angel eyes. I'll wait for you" I shook my head and smiled
"I'm ready for you Ash. Make me yours" I whispered softly. He leaned in and kissed me hard
"Are you sure about this?" Ash asked again to make sure I wasn't feeling pressured.
"Yes" he layed me down gently on the blanket "I'll be gentle okay" I nodded shyly, as I gave him not just my heart that night but, my body and soul.
(End of flashback)
I couldn't help but remember my first time with Ash. It was truly magical for me. Everything was perfect.
It's been an hour since we came back from lunch and he has gone back to his company but, I couldn't stop reminiscing all our beautiful memories together. I can't take it anymore so I left the office for his. I plan on setting everything right between us today.
*****************************
Phew! It's high time if you ask me. I think it's high time dawn grows a pair and go and tell Ash her real reason for breaking his heart years ago. Who knows it might change things between them..........or not.
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