CHAPTER 5: BE MY DATE

Zara Langford

I paused on my track. God not now!

I pushed the door open, totally ignoring the loud ringing, and walked out. I knew taking that call would get me more worked up.

Right now, I need to focus on delivering these files successfully and hoping He-devil won't find any fault in any of them.

Working extra hours on these files could make me go insane.

I was about to open the door to Declan's office. When a Figure waved at me, from the entrance of the hallway.

I waved back and waited for the figure to come closer. I didn’t fail to notice the red heels clicking on the floor softly.

Oh, it's a woman. She looks like she is in her thirties. The heels she was putting on, adding dangerously to her tall figure

Just when I thought everyone in this company was a cold jerk like their boss. But someone was nice enough to have waved. The secretary I met earlier at the reception didn't leave a nice impression.

“Good afternoon” The woman smiled broadly. “The new personal assistant, right?”

And she is even nice enough to greet. Good to know not everyone here is an asshole.

I returned her smile in kind.”Yes, in flesh and blood, “ I replied and we both burst into laughter.

She is not bad.

She stretched forth her hand, “Michelle,” She said with a bright smile. I took her hand into a warm handshake.

“Zara”

“Nice name you got there” she said with a nod. “So, how has your first day been? enjoyable or..,” I didn't let her finish before cutting in.

“Enjoyable? Please…” I said with a dramatic eyeroll and she laughed heartily. I held out the stacks of files, “If this is your own definition of enjoyable, then your definition sucks”

A gasp tore from her lips, her eyes still glancing at the file, then they met mine. They increased in size. “You didn't”

Oh girl! Don't remind me. Six hours is not a child's play.

I smiled, “I did…Six hours” My stomach chose that time to growl.

No! Why now? in front of a stranger…Will today get any better?

Michelle laughed, “The princess needs food” she pointed at my stomach. “Hold up! Did you say six hours? And the best hardworking personal assistant goes to Zara” she did a short clap, cheering happily.

If only she knew how stressed out I am right now. And hungry at the same time.

“Sarcasms in the highest level” I rolled my eyes. I held out the files and stole a glance at Declan's door, “Mitch, I have to submit this and also feed this hungry princess” My gaze dropped to my stomach.

She chuckled, nodding her head towards the door behind me. “Run along…catch up with you after work hours..and it was actually nice meeting you Zara”

I smiled. She was fun too. At least, heaven blessed me with someone to cheer me up during lunch break or after work hours.

“Right back àtchà”

She laughed and walked into one of the offices in the hallway.

I gave the hallway a warm smile but it faded almost immediately. I quickly said a silent prayer… pushed open Declan's door and went in.

Time to face the He-devil, tick tock.

★★★★

Declan Voss

“...a date? How the hell do I get a date?” I asked, pinching my brow.

“We sincerely apologize it came on short notice, but yes a date…everyone must attend with a date,” he hung up, his voice emphasizing more on the date.

Damn!

Who in hell brings a date to a business party meant for CEOS?

I'm cooked, where do I get a date? Hire an escort? No way!

Like the heavens heard my prayers. Zara walked into my office.

Zara. My head screamed her name continuously till she was at my desk.

She sets down two folders on the desk along with files pinned together. My eyes followed her hands as she arranged them separately.

Ask her! She checked every box you need in a date partner! My subconscious mind yelled

I shifted on my seat. I can't. She is my rival's daughter, dude.

I snapped out of my head bantering. “Sit” I offered, gesturing to the seat closest to her.

She stared at me for a minute. Her gaze was so piercing I could feel it in my skin. “I'd rather stand, sir” she declined with a smile.

Ouch! She rejected my nice gesture. She could easily say no to being my date too.

“Sir, here are the reports already condensed to ten pages” she pointed to a slimmer folder.

Wait!

She finished the task! No sane person can do that in a day, plus the financial calculations.

Who the hella is this girl?

I picked up the folder. “You worked past noon” I pointed out, scanning through the pages. And she did an excellent job here. My eyes noticed a figure she redmarked.

Wow! She recalculated the estimated financial budget and expenses, red marked lots of figures. None of my personal assistants in the past has caught that.

I dropped the folder. My eyes settled on her. Her hands were rubbing the other and she was suddenly sweaty.

Was she nervous?

“That was okay for a start”

She gave me a questioning look. I tilted my head. “Okay?”

Silence. “We are traveling to China tomorrow, a three-day trip.” I picked up the tablet and its pen on the left side of my desk and handed it to her. “Reschedule any meetings I have during that period.”

She furrowed her brow. “We?”

“Yes we” I replied.

God! How do I tell her I want her to be my date? Just maybe if she weren't Victor's daughter, it wouldn't be this hard.

“Okay sir,” She replied, her voice trying to betray her choice.

Just do it Declan!

I cleared my throat. Hands folded on the desk and I looked straight in her eyes. “A date is needed for this trip, and I've no date.” I paused to observe her. “What do you think?”

“Hire an escort”

What I expected her to say. It's time. I leaned closer with my heart thudding loudly against my chest and then dropped the bombshell.

“No Zara…I don't need an escort. Be…my date”