6

“Your prince is coming to pick you up.”

Charlotte winked as she lightly touched Valerie's shoulder as she walked by, awakening her from the work contract files she was examining. Valerie raised her head and her smile widened when she saw George leaning against the entrance to her division, looking at her with a gentle smile.

It was already late in the afternoon and most of the employees in her department had left so the room was deserted, there were only one or two people who were still finishing their work, including Valerie.

“Overtime?” George approached and stood at Valerie's table side.

Valerie shook her head. “Just finishing unfinished work, this file just arrived at four o'clock this afternoon and I have to check it because tomorrow this contract must be signed.”

Valerie smiled apologetically. “I am sorry, it might take a while. If you have something more important maybe you can go home first.”

George smiled. “I do not have anything to do. I'd rather sit here and wait for you, staring at you.”

George added his last sentence in a meaningful tone, making Valerie's cheeks flush.

***

They finally went home together when it was seven o'clock in the evening.

“Let's have dinner first.” George turned his car into a restaurant that is quite busy. “Here there is seafood fried rice and steak fried rice which is quite famous.”

Valerie looked at the quite simple dining place, but it seemed like the food here was quite promising seeing the many vehicles spilling around and the many people queuing there, either at the table provided or waiting to bring the food home.

Valerie got out of the car and George took her arm. Lucky that amidst the crowd of customers they still found a place to seat two people. Valerie ordered steak fried rice according to George's recommendation.

“The beefsteak fried rice here is special, the idea is to make fried rice with a sweet taste which is assisted by distinctive peas on the tongue, then on top of it is placed a large piece of beefsteak with distinctive brownish and sparkling spices.”

George drew the picture so seductively that Valerie felt her saliva start to flow in her mouth. “I... I am not used to eating out, so I do not know any good places to eat in this town,” Valerie muttered sheepishly.

George laughed. “Later I'll take you around the city and explore the culinary delights in this city.”

Valerie's heart is pounding, does that mean she will spend a lot of time with George in the future?

Suddenly George's phone rang. The man's expression was serious as he stared at his phone screen, he awkwardly stood up and looked at Valerie apologetically.

“I have to take this phone outside, it's too crowded here. Please wait.” George nodded his head, then stood up and stepped out of the diner.

Valerie followed George's departure with her eyes. The call looked important, given the change in George's expression. But it was impossible to meddle in George's business, she was nothing. She just hoped that it would not be a problem for George.

After a while, George returned with his usual smile. Valerie breathed a sigh of relief, which meant that the phone had brought him no trouble. And at the same time, two plates of steamed fried rice that were still steaming hot were brought before them. The aroma is so appetizing, makes Valerie can't wait to taste it.

When Valerie finally tasted it, she immediately smiled. That dish is delicious. The beefsteak was so soft and moist, probably because it had been soaked for a long time in the thick and very spicy beefsteak, and the steak was perfectly combined with the fried rice that was cooked so deliciously. George watched Valerie with anticipation.

“How?”

Valerie chuckled. “This is the most delicious and best steak fried rice I've ever eaten.”

George chuckled. “Later I'll invite you to taste other delicious foods.”

Valerie nodded her head. “I can't wait for it.”

They eat together deliciously in the middle of the crowd. And Valerie was so happy that she forgot her fear of the blue candles. She felt calm, felt free without any burden. Being with George was very happy for her.

***

“She should not deserve such fun.” James threw photos of George and Valerie together on Jose's table.

Jose only glanced at him briefly, then leaned back in his chair indifferently. The man raised his eyebrows and looked at James meaningfully.

“Why do you seem so concerned about Valerie, James? I am starting to think it's you who is obsessed with her, not me.”

James stared in shock at Jose's accusation. “That is not what I meant. I just feel like you took too long to act on whatever you are planning it.”

Jose shook his head. “I can't be wrong in timing, James.” His gaze sharpened. “And I hope you keep your hands away from Valerie.”

James saw the death threat behind Jose's gaze, he then shrugged his shoulders and chose to retreat. No one dared to challenge Jose, only people who did not care for their lives did it.

“Okay.” James moved back his chair and stood up.

“My men will continue to do their part to keep an eye on Valerie, That is all,” he muttered before walking away.

***

Jose told his driver to pull his car over to the left side of the sidewalk. It was already evening and cold air immediately slapped him when he opened his car door.

“I'll walk from here, you just wait here,” he muttered to the driver.

After that Jose walked down the street in the area close to where Valerie lived. He walked quietly through the many people passing by on the sidewalk of the big street.

Jose likes to walk like this whenever he has time, act like an ordinary person, enjoy acting like one even though deep down he realizes that he is not an ordinary person. His hands are covered in blood and will he need to stain his hands with Valerie's blood in a moment?

Jose's tall body and unusual good looks made many people turn to him twice, making Jose half sneer behind his indifferent attitude. His different appearance among all these people made it difficult for him to blend in, he knows that. But at least Valerie was never aware of his presence, even though he made sure that he was always watching her.

Valerie... the only victim he did not manage kill. His name is well known in the dark world as a never-failing assassin. Everyone who has ever used his services, relied heavily on him and his failure to kill Valerie was like a red streak on the reputation of his job.

His steps slowed down as he stood on the side of a large tree on the inconspicuous sidewalk and watched. Valerie seemed to just get out of George's car. The man helped her out of the car and took her hand in a familiar manner. The adoring gaze that Valerie gave George was obvious.

The woman is in love apparently....

Jose smiles sarcastically. George's presence in Valerie's life may seem very sweet, but Valerie will not realize that Jose will take it all. She inevitably has to face bitterness, with her presence later in her life.