A partnership between rivals

▪︎THE NEXT DAY▪︎

The moment I stepped out of my car, gasps and awe were heard from the almost filled car park. I don't really know why Theresa chose a Cafe that's this popular. I was hoping our meeting would be more secluded.

Thankfully, I was putting on sunglasses or the flashes from the cameras would have blinded me. My family's name is very popular here in Washington DC so seeing a face like mine at a place like this is a big honor to most regular people.

They kept staring at me like I'm some idol without walking up to me so I didn't really need a bouncer. I ignored them and walked into the building. I was about to go in and look for Therese when a server walked up to me.

"Mrs. Ellison. Please follow me, your date is waiting for you." He said as he led me to a more secluded room.

I followed him silently and he pulled the door open when we got there. In the room, I saw Theresa sitting and taking a sip of her coffee. Her eyes lit up when she saw me.

"You made it." She said said happily while I replied with a small smile and a nod. I took my seat on the chair opposite hers after the server had left.

"I didn't know cafés have special rooms." I muttered as I stared around the room in awe. It was so beautiful unlike a regular cafe.

"I know right, that's why I love this place. They have special rooms for people like us that can't be seen together by outsiders." She muttered.

"What do you mean by that??" I asked evn though I knew what she said was right.

"Don't act like you don't know that both our families are rivals, especially you and my brother."

"I wouldn't really call your brother a rival to me..."

"No need to lie to me. Everyone knows the history between you two. You guys nitpick at everything you do and can't even bear to be in the same space. Funny enough, you see him as pervert." She said with a small chuckle.

I smiled in embarrassment when I recalled my past actions. I don't really know what made me see him that way. I must have been really stupid. No wonder Andrew and Amra were able to play me the way they did.

"Enough about my brother. I called you out here so we could chat, as friends." She said.

"Friends??"

"Yeah.. friends. I know you might think it's too early because we just met yesterday but I like you. I really do and I believe that small meetings like this can help us slowly become closer."

"What about your brother?" I asked.

"What about him?" She asked back as she took another sip from her coffee.

"Like you said, he and I are rivals. Don't you think it would be inappropriate for us to be friends?"

"You being his rival makes you a good candidate for my proposed friendship."

"Really??"

"Yes. All of the ladies I've tried to be friends with only follow me around because they want some type of relationship with my brother. I don't like sharing, especially not with my brother."

"What if I told you that I plan to have a relationship with your brother too?"

A glint of disappointment flashed in her large eyes. "You do??" She asked.

"Yes. Does that affect our friendship?" I asked her.

"Is that why you came here??" She asked, ignoring my question. Her bubbly expression had disappeared.

"Why? Are you disappointed?"

"I can't say I'm not. I thought you would be different from the others given you guys history but it's fine though. You're better than the rest. More beautiful and I like your personality so you have my consent to date my brother." Hearing her words, I couldn't help the chuckle that escaped from my lips.

"What the hell are you talking about?" I asked, admist my chuckles.

"Why? Isn't that what you wanted??"

"What?? No. I meant a relationship as business partners." I answered as I managed to stop myself from laughing.

"Oh..." The glitters in her eyes resumed immediately. "I thought you wanted to date my brother."

"Why would I want to date him? Like I said, I'm a married woman. Even though my marriage isn't that rosy, it doesn't mean I'll break my marriage vows. I'm not that type of person." I said. I noticed the look of respect ans admiration she had on when I said that.

"So what you're saying is that the only way for you to date my brother is if you get divorced?" She teased.

"Really?? That's the only thing you got from all I just said?" I asked her, feigning disappointment.

"I was just a joke..." She said with a small chuckle.

"So.. don't mind me asking, why do you want a partnership with my brother?" She asked.

I looked up like I was thinking about my answer before; "Your brother is a great businessman and I'm sure there would be enough profits to get from our patnership." I said.

"Yeah, you're right but what about your father? What would he think about this?" She asked again.

"I don't really know. He'll probably support me because I'm only doing this for the good of our company." I didn't tell her my real reason but I was half right. The partnership would really benefit us all.

"Alright then. Since that's what you want, I'll help you plan a meeting with my brother." She said.

"Really?" I asked as I stared at her hopefully.

"Sure, anything for my newfound friend." She said with a smile playing on her lips.

"Thank you so much." We talked about more unimportant things till we decided to call it a day.

We bid each other good bye and we left for our various homes. That same evening, I got a text from her saying Nicholas agreed to meet with me. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it.

She sent me the location and the date he wanted to meet. That night, I slept with a huge smile on my face.

☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

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My breath hitched as I stared at the tall building in front of me. This is it, it's finally happening. I clutched my suitcase between my palm and took in a deep breath. Here goes nothing.

I entered the restaurant and I was led from the door by a worker into a private room. Like brother, like sister. What's with them and private rooms?? When the worker opened the door, I saw Nichilas sitting comfortably on a chair with his back facing us.

"Mrs. Catherine is here sir." The worker said, announcing our presence and that got his attention.

He stood up and turned to face us. The worker took that as his cue and left me alone with him. Nicholas stared at me, silently for a while before the blank expression on his face switched to a wide smile.

"Mrs Catherine.. should I say I'm honored to be called upon by you?" He asked as he took slow strides towards me. His aura was so magestic that I was lost for a moment.

By the time I came back to my senses, he was already so close to me. My breath hitched when he took my hand in his and placed a small peck on it. He sure knows how to take my breath away so effortlessly. How was I able to hate such a man??