8

Elise.

"Elise" The familiar voice called. As I turned around, I came face to face with Tristan in all his form smiling at me. "Fancy seeing you here" he said. No matter what Tristan smile will always do something to my heart. I can't forget how his smile sent butterflies down to my stomach back then. Also now.

I composed myself before giving him an answer. "Fancy seeing you here. Mr. Tristan" The smile that was once on his face vanished at my answer. Maybe he was expecting me to be all clingy. But then, he has forgotten what we had before is already in the past. Now, everyone is on with his lives.

"You must be here for work" I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. What did he take me for?

"No. I'm here to dine. I've had an exhausted week, so the best thing is to take care of myself. Treating myself to a good meal is part of it" I ushered forming my lips into a thin line. I shouldn't waste any more time talking to him. I have other things to do. And he might be here with his new girlfriend.

"Elise, I-"

"Um.. I'm actually running late for an important meeting. It's good to see you again after a long time. Mr. Tristan" I could see the expression on his face. And I must say, it kind of satisfy me. I didn't wait for what he had to say when I unlocked my car, ignite the engine to life and drove away. From the mirror I could see his figure. A lady cling to his arm which I recognized as the same woman they shared a selfie together. He came with another woman and yet he wants to talk rubbish to me.

I played some music to divert my mind from any thinking as I drove my way to the office.

I was shocked when I arrived at the office with Skylar on my door. Like she was fast. I don't think I wasted that much time in talking to Tristan and also getting here to the office. "Ma'am" Elena commenced as she marched her way towards me.

"It's okay. I was expecting her. Get us a coffee"

"Okay Ma'am" And she disappeared to go make the coffee while I sauntered my way towards my office.

"Good day to you Miss Elise" Came Skylar's voice with a smile.

"Good day to you too Miss Skylar" I pushed open the door. "Come in" I gestured with my hand. She nodded with another smile and we entered the office.

I first of all I discarded the jacket I was wearing, dropping my bag on the desk and turned towards her who was already seated comfortably. Her bare legs didn't go unnoticed. And not to talk of the heavy makeup she was wearing covering up her natural face.

"So, Miss Skylar, your mother must've explained everything to you?" I said much like questioned.

"Yes. She did. That's why I'm here" She remarked playing with her long nails. I wonder how one does things with a massive long nails. Things like pressing the phone, with the long nails, how do I touch the screen. A knock sounded from the door and Elena walked in with the coffee. Settling them on the small glass table.

"Thank you" I ushered.

Before Elena could make her way out, Skylar was already drinking the coffee. I noticed the way Elena passed her a look. She clearly doesn't like the woman.

"So Miss Skylar, you stepping in my office, means you have agreed to the condition I stated to your mother right?"

"Yeah. I'm okay with that. In as much as it will suit my preference" Only if she knew. This time around, it will be based on my preference.

"I have a sketched out samples already. I will give you to go through them and choose. It wouldn't be out of it" I grabbed my sketching book that was resting on one side since yesterday and passed it to her.

"I will get on with my work while you go through them" She nodded her head as she began flipping the pages and I got myself to work.

**

I slowed down the car in our parking space letting out a sigh on the accord. Today was a hectic day. After contemplating for over thirty minutes, Skylar finally came to a decided. And I'm glad there were no disagreements. It was the final choice. It was funny that, she chooses one of the designs I drew yesterday. I lazily made my way inside the house letting out a sigh every now and then. My Mom was seated at the living room as usual reading on her tablet phone. Come to think of it; maybe Aria got the stalking thingy from her. She's always on her phone. Checking on the latest gossips. And maybe looking for what to throw me into.

"Hello Mom" I said making my way towards her and squatted beside her. For some reason, I wanted to feel her warmth.

"You're back early today" She said patting my hair as I rested my hair on her shoulder.

"Yes Mom. Was exhausted so I decided to ditch the remaining work"

"You need the rest dear. Now go freshen up and come down for lunch. Your Dad should be on his way back. Williams asked for a month leave. An emergency came up at his hometown"

The man I saw just this morning. "Hope all is well Mom?" I asked standing up.

"Yes. His mother had an heart attack so he had to rush there. You know he's an only son" I know Mr. Williams must be shocked. It's really unfortunate. I hope his mother is fine.

"How long will he stay?" I asked.

"One month"

"One month?" I repeated surprised. The sickness must be serious. Taking a one month leave. But then I can understand him. He wants to be there for his mother. Being the only family she got.

"Within that time, someone will take over his position. At least, the position shouldn't stay empty"