Chapter 2

"Just shut up and go with me, no more buts," Darius said getting his hands on Hezekiah's mouth.

"Yucks," She murmured.

"Are you saying anything?" he asked while scrolling his iPad.

"Nothing," she said, keeping her mouth shut.

"I think that is Mr . Ramada's assistant, sir," Hezekiah said while pointing to the girl as they arrived at the location.

"I know, don't tell me," Darius coldly said, going in first.

"Very rude jerk," she said and clenched her fist.

As they approached the entrance, they saw Mr. Ramada's assistant who guided them to the private room.

"This way ma'am and sir," The girl guides them.

"Thank you." She smiled awkwardly because her boss did not respond to the girl.

"Nice to see you both today," Mr. Ramada greeted, shaking hands with them.

"Good morning, Mr. Ramada."

"Good morning, Sir," she sweetly smiled at the old man, following her boss's advice to help sway him.

"Please have a seat, Mr. Hedalgo and Ms. Peterson." They settled on an expensive sofa, facing the old man.

"I read and checked your proposal, Mr. Hedalgo and it is quite impressive. It has potential, especially with Christmas approaching many people might consider buying this product ," he remarks examining the products printed on the paper

Thank you, Mr. Ramada." Darius happily acknowledged.

"I hear that your gorgeous secretary designed these clothes with a heater for the winter season."He complimented "Yes, you're right actually, we've brought samples for you to try." Darius proudly said opening the bag and revealing the product inside.

"Wow, this is an unusual scenario convincing an investor but let me check," Mr. Ramada

"These products are impressive how did Miss Patterson come up with the design for this coat? It wasn't her job, Mr. Ramada wondered

"Oh, she was at the meeting and suggested that one," Darius explained.

"Really? That's quite impressive. How did you come up with this unique idea Ms. Peterson? The design for this coat is good. Mr. Ramada placed the coat back on the table, asking her seriously.

"I designed it a long time ago, sir. I dreamt of being a designer in the past and tried sketching that one. I still remember how cold we felt when I was a child and we, were evicted from our apartment. My mom couldn't afford to pay the rent and we ended up sleeping on a cold street during the winter."

Darius was shocked to hear about her secretary's experience, something that he hadn't expected.

"You have a sad story from back then. Is that your inspiration in creating this?"

"Yes, sir, "Hezekiah shyly smiled.

" By the way, You're good at designing, did you finish a degree in design?" Mr. Ramada asks curiously.

"I just studied it for Three years sir, because I got a scholarship from West Harper University, but I stopped for my last year because they reduced their scholar and I am the unlucky one. I couldn't afford it but I am planning to go back to university soon if I will have enough savings."

"By the way. This hasn't been released to the market yet, right?" Mr. Ramada asked

"We're planning to release it next week, Mr. Ramada, as winter begins. We're still preparing for it," Darius explained.

"Okay, good. I've decided to invest in your company."

"Thank you so much, Mr. Ramada. You won't regret this," Darius said, pulling out the contract.

Mr. Ramada signed it, bringing joy to Darius and Hezekezia. They were striving to find investors as their company faced significant.

"Thank you so much to Mr. Hedalgo I like your style. By the way, tomorrow will be my birthday, and I'm expecting the two of you to come to the party, okay?" Mr. Ramada cheerfully smiled at them.

Yes, of course, Mr. Ramada. We'll be at your party."

"Just make sure, Mr. Hedalgo, don't forget to bring your pretty secretary," he added, winking at Hezekiah.

"No problem, Mr. Ramada. Thank you so much. We'll go ahead," Darius politely said.

They bid goodbye, parting ways. Darius was elated and decided to reward his secretary.

"Ms. Peterson. You're coming with me tomorrow. No more but. 9 am sharp, okay? I'll fetch you. We'll have a great makeover for you so you can be beautiful," he said as they walked out of the building.

Hezekiah rolled her eyes and playfully pretended to punch her boss as they walked, saying, "I know I'm not pretty; don't mention it, sir. My problem is what should I wear tomorrow. Perhaps you should bring your girlfriend as a date."

Darius stopped and turned around, and his cold gaze stunned her. "Shut up! I don't want to disturb my Lianah. She's a busy person," he said, entering the car.

"Busy your ass, busy cheating," Hezekiah murmured, ensuring her boss wouldn't hear before entering the car. As they traveled back to the company, her mind continued to grapple with the dream. How could it be possible? They harbored mutual dislike, and their positions in life were vastly different. She felt guilty, wondering if that guilt was the reason behind the dream. Last week, she witnessed his girlfriend kissing another man, and she had proof that her mobile phone hesitated to ruin their relationship.

"Hays," she sighed, contemplating that she was already 27 years old. Desiring to settle down and start a family, financial constraints weighed heavily on her. While her boyfriend, a lawyer, could afford it, they hadn't opened up that conversation yet.

They arrived at the company, and everyone returned to their work.

"Ms. Peterson, make sure to keep the contract because on Monday, my lawyer will get that."

"No problem, sir. It's safe here," she assured, pointing to her desk.

Darius nodded and headed to his office.

As Hezekiah was busy typing, she suddenly remembered something. "Oh my! I have a date tomorrow with Sandro. What should I do?" Panic set in as it was their scheduled date tomorrow.

"He'll get busier because of the case he handles. I'll call him at lunch. Maybe he'll understand if I reschedule it." She cheered up and continued working. Exactly at noon, she called him, but he didn't answer.

"Maybe he's busy," she sighed, staring at their picture on her phone.

She ate her lunch, contemplating her unanswered text. "Hey babe. Are you busy?" she sent, but there was no reply. As 5 o'clock approached and still no response, Hezekiah decided to leave for home, realizing it was time to go.