3

George approached her that afternoon with his signature big smile.

“I heard you won the greatest contract of employment this year.”

Valerie smiled shyly at George's greeting. Everyone praised her, even though all she did was come and bring files to be signed as ordered by her superior. Valerie herself rejected all the compliments. The goal of this large tender was not based on her efforts, but rather on the efforts of her superiors who negotiated with great effort. What Valerie did was just the finishing touch, preparing all the contracts and letters of agreement, according to her expertise and then making sure that they were all signed.

“It's all not just because of me,” replied Valerie sweetly, half shyly.

George laughed at that and shrugged. “Whatever it is, you've done it, and I think we deserve to celebrate.”

“Celebrate?”

“Yes. You and I, have dinner together.”

“Dinner together?”

This time George chuckled with amusement. “Val, you are repeating my every word.”

Valerie's cheeks flushed, realizing the ridiculousness of her attitude, but George looked amused instead. He winked teasingly.

“How? Want to have dinner with me tonight?”

Valerie's eyes were sparkling, her chest felt warm. She nodded her head shyly. “Yes, I will.”

It felt like that day Valerie was born again. She, who had always been hiding in the dark, was now being drawn into the bright, dazzling light with George.

***

Valerie stood nervously in front of her dresser, confused. She had tried on three different clothes and for some reason none of them seemed to suit her. Now what she was wearing was her last dress, light purple to almost white. The top is simple, with no accents, just a few buttons with a dark purple color which makes it even cuter. The bottom is flared, making it look very feminine.

Looks like this dress fits the best, Valerie thought. She did not know where George was going to take her to dinner, perhaps in a casual setting, but it could also be a formal place. Wherever it is, this dress is the safest choice, able to look both formal and casual.

After combing her hair, Valerie put on her white low heels. She looked at herself in the mirror one last time, before grabbing her bag and stepping out of the room.

Just at that moment, the doorbell rang.

It must be George. Cheerfully, Valerie walked excitedly towards the door, until then her steps stopped suddenly, for some reason she felt doubtful. Valerie frowned and sighed in annoyance, her fear still lingering, manifesting itself into a sense of alert and suspicion. She peeked into the lookout hole in the door and saw George standing there. Valerie sighed, she was irritated by her foolish unwarranted fear. After taking a deep breath, Valerie opened the door and tried to smile cheerfully.

Well, actually Valerie doesn't need to be too cheerful. George's sweet smile when he saw her and his eyes showed his praise for her appearance, making Valerie feel blushed and happy, for some reason.

George cleared his throat and raised his eyebrows. “Maybe I'll be busy tonight.”

“Busy?” Valerie looked at George in confusion.

George smiled meaningfully. “I will be busy chasing men who glance at you and try to approach you because you look very beautiful.” George winked and half bowed. “Thank you for having dinner with me, Valerie.”

Valerie chuckled at George's seduction wrapped in the joke. When George reached out and led her into the car, Valerie followed with light, carefree steps.

***

The room looked luxurious, decorated with classy items, showing the wealth of its owner, Jose Santiago, who was now sitting on a large chair. His face looked grim.

“Well?” James who sat in front of the man with the gloomy face said. “She doesn't even recognize you when you stand disguised and dressed like my bodyguards.”

Jose raised an eyebrow, a charming but cynical expression in his dark eyes. He half snorted as he said, “I just did not expect her to recognize me.”

“So what now?” James looked at Jose with a seductive smile. “The girl doesn't realize how lucky she is. Nobody ever escapes your target, Jose. You are a man known as a cold-blooded killer. She is the only human who can make you destroy your reputation; as the one who never fails in carrying out your mission.” James cast a fishing glance. “Will you leave her free and never know the danger that is lurking around her, or will you finish your job and eliminate it as it should be?”

Jose did not fall for it, of course. He knew James very well, the old man was his mentor and best friend. James really likes to provoke other people and then make expert judgments after seeing that person's response. That is why James is so successful in his business, he has a genius ability to judge others right down the line. Jose just put on a cold and illegible expression when responding to James, he was as relaxed as possible.

“The time will come later,” he muttered as if he did not care.