Chapter 4

24.

“You look great” while looking at Jane on her night dress.

She was so embarrassed that she went straight to her wardrobe to put on a robe.

“Why are you here Dan? Do you need anything urgent?

“I was worried, I have been messaging you, but I have not received any reply of you”

“I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you, it’s just that my head hurt the reason I needed to come home early today. It was just so unbearable.” Jane explained.

“Oh, I thought I! Dan sighed stopping himself from saying it.

Jane turned around to avoid his gazed, she didn’t want him to see that he was hurting. She didn’t want to know that it was him that caused her pain.

“You thought what?” Jane asked.

“I thought you were avoiding me. Because of what I said earlier today” Dain answered worried.

“Even if I wanted to avoid you, I could never do that as I work for you, you’re my boss”

“You are more than that Jane” He blurted.

“What am I Dan? Tell me? Am I you’re shock absorber? Someone you just need to be there to cuddle whenever something stressful happens? Or are you thinking that you can make me as your side chick? She said in pain.

“You’re my friend Jane” he added.

“Right, okay! I’m you’re friend.

She looked at Dans eyes as she said those words, she was worried that he can see the pain she feels when he said they’re only friends. She was staring so deep that she could not take her eyes off his.

“Yes, we are friends” He answered.

25.

“I came here because I was worried” he said. “I brought cake as well” He added with a smile in his face as he held up the box in his hand. He couldn’t wait for a response he abruptly went to the kitchen to get some plates for them. He cut a piece of cake and gave it to Jane.

“This one delicious, I got this from my favourite bakery. I’ve been going back there since I was a child. It’s been 3 years since I was able to have some cake from there, I miss it, so I got one for us to share” he said as he cur a slice for himself.

“Oh, by the way, just to remind you we have a big presentation tomorrow for the hotel owner. I want to buy his hotel. I have great plans for that hotel, and I am very excited, so we have to make sure that the presentation is well done, so be prepared”

“Which hotel are you talking about? She asked.

“It’s a small family-owned hotel in Spain, I was planning to make it as a resort. But I was thinking of making it like a themed resort, something different, something that no one has ever seen before. This is my first project for Parc group so I want to make sure that this goes well, Can I count on you?

26.

“What? Spain? That’s a long way away! Have you though about this? We must know things about their business process in the country. It won’t be easy Dan! Although it is quite intriguing and is a good Idea. I just couldn’t believe the risk you are taking for this project. Jane explained in confusion and worry.

“Don’t you trust me, Jane? Do you not know that my mother is from there? I know people from there and I know a lot of their business. The reason why I know about this hotel that I want to acquire! Dan proudly said.

“I’m sorry Dan, I didn’t mean to offend or to overstep, I am just not familiar with their process and I was worried that I may not be a good use for you with this presentation. Jane said hesitantly.

“Don’t worry about it Jane, I know you’ll be just fine and besides I will be there every step of the way. Dan assured.

Jane looked at Dan and they locked eyes, “I think you’ll do great in this new project Dan” I know you will do great things for Parc Group. Jane said as she assured Dan.

They have been looking at each other for so long that they don’t even care what was going on around them. Dan grabbed Janes hand, “Thank you Jane” he whispered. Jane felt the warmth of Dan’s hand, the warm sensation that she feels was fuelling her emotions for him.

She wanted to hug Dan, but she couldn’t make herself. She can’t deny that she can feel that Dan wants something to happen between them.

“Ahm, Dan, do you want some more cake? I can’t eat all of it. As she draw back her hand to break the silence.

27.

“Yeah, yeah sure. I would love some more please. He answered.

Instead of slicing another slice of cake for him, she slid her fingers through the frosting and childishly wiped it to Dans nose. She laughed so hard that she fell of where she was seated.

Dan could not help but laugh as he helped Jane up.

“You are one clumsy girl Jane; you make me laugh” he said laughing.

“Ohmy God, that was so embarrassing, I wish you didn’t see that” she said scratching her head.

There little childish play stopped when Jake heard his phone ring.

He looked at his phone and turned it off when he saw who was calling.

Jane grabbed a clean towel and started wiping Dans face with it.

“Jane”

He grabbed her arms and kissed her cheeks and hugged her tight, she couldn’t help herself but hugged him back as well. They didn’t notice that they have been hugging so long. It seems like Jane was drunken with Dan scent.

-Kiss me Dan- she thought to herself when all the sudden Dan started kissing her neck and her chin.

“Jake” she called him.

“I’ll see you tomorrow Jane” Whispering to her ear.

Before she can even open her eyes, Dan already took off. She sat down is despair broken and started crying.

28.

She fell a sleep on the cold floor in her tears.

She was dreaming that she was waling through the rain in the middle of nowhere, she was bear foot like she was looking for something. She saw Dan from afar coming towards her, as he approached, he gave her a blue rose. She reached for it only to be pricked by the roses thorn. She asked him for help but when she looked up there was no one there but her.

29.

She came to work late deliberately even though she knew that she needed to be there early. She was supposed to be in before 8:30am but came in at 9:45am. When she sat down her desk a pile of notepad taped all over her table asking her to go in the Board room immediately. With a notepad wrapped around her arm she was strolling along the hallway towards the board room. She was taking her time not because her heels were to high but because she wanted to piss of Dan for what happened last night.

As she was pass through the staff’s desk, she noticed that everyone was looking at her. She was wondering what they were looking. “Hmmm, I wonder what they are thinking? Was it my shoes? Or maybe my short skirt.” She thought, “Or could be my bold make up, oh well” she continued.

As she came in the board room all eyes were on her. She noticed that there were just less than 10 in there. She noticed that Devlin was also there with a crippling dagger eyes on her.

“I’m sorry I’m late, Mr. Parc. There was an emergency at home that I need to sort out”

She said as she sat down next to Dan with a sweet smile on her face.

“That is alright Ms. Devi. Everyone this is Ms. Jane Devi one of my executive assistants for the Marketing department.” Introducing her to the guest. Ms. Devi this is Snr. Franco Pascal and his staff, Snr. Pascal is the owner of the Hotel that I want to purchase in Spain.” He added.

“Como estas Senyora, it’s my pleasure to meet you” Snr. Pascal graciously acknowledged her before he proceed to speak to Dan.

“So…do we have a deal Mr. Parc? $28 Million for the hotel property, and 2 hectares of land around it for your resort.” Snr. Pascal continued as he offered his hand to shake Dan.

30.

Jane scrambled when she heard the offer, she knew that the company’s finances are not that great and wouldn’t be able to afford such risk. She looked at Dan with questionable eyes, Dan looked at her back before he quickly switched his gaze to Snr. Pascal.

“Are you sure you can finance this Mr. Parc, this is a massive amount of money, I am for sure that your company do not hold that kind of asset” Snr. Pascal dared Dan.

“Of course, he can, We can!” Devlin stepped in to answer Snr. Pascal. “This is a joint venture, between me and Parc Group.” You probably do not know mine and Dan’s father are best friends and they have been business partners for so long and we wish to continue what our fathers have started” Devlin explained.

“If I am totally honest with you Devlin, this is very reassuring knowing that it’s not just Parc Group who will be investing on this” Snr. Pascal exclaimed.

“I’ve got to admit I was greatly impressed by Dans presentation. The only thing that bothered me is the company’s finances. But knowing that you will also be part of this, has given me that assurance” Snr. Pascal added.

Jane was still looking at Dan dearly thinking -So this is why you can’t turn back to your promise to your dad, you need Devlin’s money- She thought to herself.

“You shouldn’t worry at all, the resort will have its biggest exposure once the project is done. Because, the biggest wedding of the year will be held in that resort, Am I right Dan?” Devlin Added.

All Jane can hear in her head was her heart shattering, she feels like she can hear broken glasses in her head. She can feel tears filling her eyes. She breathes heavily to control herself and stop herself from crying. One of Snr. Pascal came in to bring in all the documents over, drawing the attention to the staff.

31.

The two parties agreed and finally made the final decision and closed the deal. The hotel was no longer in business for quite some time, but the location was perfect, beach front and it was near to marketplaces where guest can go and see the locals.

Snr. Pascal left the board room and all was left behind was Jane, Devlin and Dan. Devlin started talking.

“Honey, you must talk to your executive assistant or better yet get someone else. I don’t think she is capable, nor does she know how to do her job properly” She berated.

“I’m sorry? Jane said annoyingly.

“Jane, just let it go. Devlin, stop it, it wasn’t her fault” Dan came in between. “Beside we got the deal, it’s not a problem”. He added.

“I want you to fire her now!” Shouted Devlin.

“What? You can’t make decision about my employees Devlin, so settle down.” Dan scolded her.

“Yes, I don’t but you do, and I am your fiancé, so I am telling you to fire her!” Devlin added.

Jane glimpsed at Dan waiting for his answer.

“Jane, go back to your station, come back here after lunch, we have a lot of work to do” Dan said calmly.

“I’m sorry Dan, Jane said as she left the room, she can see how annoyed Devlin is.

Jane stayed a little longer by the door and heard them talking.