Everything He Did

by Imatopia

Summary:

The elevator doors open and I find out sooner than I thought. Just at the doorway, there was Sovieshu and a woman inches away from each others face and it seemed me and Nian had interrupted. I had gotten the answer to Nian’s question.

What kind of man takes another woman into their apartment when they’re already in a relationship?

A cheating one.

Chapter 1: I Got Distracted

‘Rain?’

The weather should be as clear as ever today. Or did I mishear the news? I frown as I remembered I didn’t bring an umbrella, looking outside of the plane window.

That’s right, I had just come from another interview in Florida. Thank heavens this plane ride is almost over. I sigh thinking of the 5 hours I’ve sat in this chair. I glance over to the seat next to me.

“Nian,” I call quietly.

The brunette opens and looks over to me with tired eyes. I smile slightly, trying to contain my chuckle looking at the drool coming from her mouth.

“Do you have any umbrellas? It’s raining, unfortunately.”

I pull out a tissue from my purse and hand it to Nian. She takes it, flushed, and wipes the drool on the corners of her mouth.

“I don’t usually check the weather so I didn’t prepare any umbrellas, no.”

“Then I’ll ask Laura to bring umbrellas before she gets to the airport.”

I pull out my phone and shoot the text to Laura only to look at the contact below hers. Sovieshu…

He still hasn't texted me back yet. Originally he was going to bring me back from the airport. That was my plan so I asked yesterday if he could and he hasn’t even texted me back. Was he okay?

I clench my phone anxiously and frown. Nian seems to notice and looks down at my screen.

“He hasn’t replied even now?”

“No, I hope he’s alright.”

Nian rolls her eyes and starts digging into her bag.

“How dare he leave you without a reply for more than 3 hours. What a prick.”

I giggle at her logic. She hasn’t liked Sovieshu ever since she met him when we were in highschool. Though I’ve known Sovieshu longer than Nian, I will admit her presence is more preferable than his nowadays. My phone chimes with a text which startles me. Sovieshu?

I look at my messages quickly. Oh, it’s Laura. She gives the okay to bring the umbrellas and that she’s on her way now with Joubert. Though it wasn’t Sovieshu texting me back, I still smile.

I’ve known Laura and Joubert since college. They even live in the same apartment complex as me now, along with Nian. Laura was the redhead with lots of fight, while Joubert constantly kept her in check being more on the calm side. Though Joubert seems to have problems with her boyfriend, she doesn’t really show concern for it.

Speaking of concern, I get a text from Artina asking if the plane ride is going okay. Ever since I moved into the apartment complex, my neighbor, Artina, has been so very welcoming. I’ve known her for 6 years now and she’s always been so concerned for my well being. She’s also very active. I’ve seen her take jogs in the early morning hours and even exercise at the park near the complex. She even goes to the gym! What a healthy woman.

-The plane ride is fine, I should be landing any minute now.

I send the message and smile. I should get some coffee with all of my friends once we unpack and I take a nap.

The plane lands without problems and I find myself letting out a sigh of relief. Though I do like being in the sky I’m always weary of landing. Nian giggles at my gesture, getting her luggage and I blush lightly.

“You’re so cute, Navier, you know that?”

‘How embarrassing..’

“You can go on ahead, I'll meet you and the others at the gate.”

Swiftly changing the subject, I stand and adjust my jeans while Nian continues giggling while walking away.

I lift my hair from the tangling of my purse and move out to grab my luggage. I reach up as far as I can, but to no avail. I couldn’t even touch it. Nian was wearing heels so she could reach it no problem. I, on the other hand, only wore my slides today. I sigh.

‘Maybe I shouldn’t have sent Nian off.’

I hit myself mentally for sending her off because of a little embarrassment. As I go for another reach, suddenly there’s a shadow looming over me. My eyes widen as an arm reaches for my suitcase and brings it down next to me. I turn around and am met with a smile.

“I didn’t mean to intrude, but you seemed like you needed help.”

I look at the man, shocked by his presence. He makes me feel at ease even though I don’t know him. How strange. I find myself smiling genuinely, not able to keep composed.

“Oh yes, thank you.”

His eyes widen as if he had been tranced by my voice, just to go back to smiling but his eyes creasing this time.

“No, it was my pleasure.”

He takes my hand and holds it up to his face before lightly kissing it, keeping eye contact as he did so. Startled I snatch my hand away. I feel my stomach doing flips and question what’s happening. That felt too intimate for just a kiss on the hand.

His blond hair swings as he looks at his phone. I stare at it feeling nostalgic. It reminds me of something…

“Well, I’m moving into this city so I hope we bump into one another again!”

His voice snaps me out of his hair and I process his words. I close my eyes.

“I doubt we will, this city isn’t exactly small.”

Hearing myself, I sound rejected by the idea of seeing him again but I feel the opposite. Not many people get my jokes, maybe I should have just-

“Pfft-!”

I look up at the man holding back a laugh looking away. He turns back to me with a smile.

“That may be the case, but this city isn’t exactly big either, wouldn’t you say?”

So he did understand, thank goodness. I smile to myself, closing my eyes again.

“That’s true.”

“Why the hell are you still here?!”

The blond flinched and I peek behind him to find another man holding two suitcases. He wore gray converse, and a matching gray sweatsuit. His hair was also blue, which surprised me, pulled back into a ponytail. The blond turned to the man smiling nervously.

“S-Sorry McKenna I’ll be there in a second!”

This made the man walk off with a “hmph!” and the blond turned back to me smiling.

“Again, hopefully I’ll see you soon.”

“Oh, yes, and thank you again for your chivalry- um…”

I trail off. I was talking all this time and forgot to ask for his name.

“Heinrey.”

The man smiles again making my stomach flip for the second time in under 5 minutes.

“Yes, thank you, Heinrey.”

The man flinches again after I called his name and suddenly fans his face. I chuckle and look down.

“Cya.”

He quickly pardons himself and walks away quickly with his luggage. What a strange man.

“Navier? What are you still doing here?”

I look up to find Nian grabbing my hand and pulling me away. I grab my suitcase handle quickly rolling it along with us.

“I got distracted.”

Chapter 2: Another Woman

Summary:

“He..had another woman at his apartment. Very late in the night. She didn’t leave until later that night as well.”

I sway slightly. Another woman? At Sovieshu’s apartment?

I plop down on my bed, relieved to finally be at ease. I kick my slides off as I slither under my covers and over to my phone charging at the bedside table. I hadn’t had a lot to unpack since the trip was only a two day stay, plus Laura and Joubert had also helped.

I unlock my phone to a wallpaper of me and Sovieshu at our prom. I smile remembering the memory. Was Sovieshu alright? We haven’t communicated since I’ve left. I go to contacts and immediately call him.

…

Voicemail. Should I go to his apartment then? I walk to the living room and toss on a jacket over my nightgown. Just as I pick up my phone I hear a knock at the door.

“Miss Navier?”

It was a whisper so I could not tell whose voice it was. But then the whisper grew louder.

“Are you home yet? Miss Navier?”

It was Artina! I quickly stowaway my phone in my jacket pocket and open the door.

“Ah! You are home!”

“Artina, I didn’t expect you to visit this la-”

“Shh!”

I was abruptly cut off by Artina’s shushing as she put a finger to her mouth. I look at her worriedly. Was she in danger? Just as I was about to ask she looks at my attire.

“Where are you headed this late at night Miss? In your nightgown at that.”

I go along with her whispering.

“I was going to see Sovieshu, he hasn’t been answering me virtually at all. I fear for his well-being.”

At the mention of Sovieshu, she looks even more troubled.

“May I come in?”

I nod and let Artina in. I shake off my jacket and hang it back on the rack in the closet as Artina sits on my couch. She seemed to have been wearing her night wear as well or a jog perhaps. I couldn’t really tell since she also wears sweatpants and a t-shirt to jog. Then again, it is raining so it must be night wear.

I sit across from her on my chair and let go of all of my concern to her.

“Are you alright? You seem fidgety.”

At this, Artina’s eyes widen and she shakes her head ferociously.

“N-No no! I’m perfectly fine! I’m just worried about you is all!”

She worries for me but makes such a sad face? What a strange girl.

“About me?”

“Yes I’ve come here to talk to you about Sovieshu.”

“Sovieshu? Did you see something while I was away?”

Oh my, is Sovieshu injured? Or perhaps sick? In that case I should get to him soon.

“Yes yes! Something that has been troubling me! I’ve been waiting for your return so I don’t have to make any assumptions.”

“Has he hurt himself that badly?”

Artina cocks her eyebrow and tilts her head sideways slightly.

“Hurt himself? That isn't what I meant, Miss.”

So he wasn’t sick? Or injured? What other reason could there be then?

“What is it?”

“He..had another woman at his apartment. Very late in the night. She didn’t leave until later that night as well.”

I sway slightly. Another woman? At Sovieshu’s apartment?

“What time exactly did you see this?”

“Around 9pm, Miss. She didn’t leave until around 12.”

Artina does her jogs at 9 so she must have spotted them then. Artina also hasn’t lied to me before, she’s not that kind of person.

“How do you know she left around 12?”

“I was thinking of you Miss so I dropped what I was doing and went right back to my apartment.”

Right, Artina’s Apartment is right next to mine and Sovieshu’s is 3 doors down from hers.

“I sat in the living room of my apartment as we are now and waited until I heard her leave.”

“You waited 3 hours?! You didn’t have to do that for me..”

I chuckle feeling flustered. Artina smiles proudly and clasps her hands together.

“I’d do it again in a heartbeat, Miss!”

“Thank you for that. Also, as I’ve said many times, you can just call me Navier.”

“But I want to show respect to you, as you’ve done for me.”

“But it’s so formal, like I’m in a hierarchy or something like that.”

“I believe that you must have been a queen of sorts in your past life. I truly do.”

I smile again embarrassed by all of the praise.

“Nonsense…”

“You are also very elegant and wise. You had to have been one.”

“Well if I was a queen I’d definitely appoint you as my guard. You are very fit and alert.”

At this. Artina smiles and blushes, sitting up straighter than before somehow. I giggle at her, how cute!

“It would be an honor to have been your guard, Your Majesty.”

I chuckle again at the nickname she just gave me. Artina may have been very poker faced around others, but I find myself liking this side of her very much. I should invite her over more. Suddenly, her face shifts from gleeful to worrisome.

“So…”

“Oh yes..”

With all of the royal talk we were discussing I forgot the reason she came here. That girl…Sovieshu hadn’t had any business planned for when I was gone. I’ll have to confirm that first. I’ll also ask Laura and Joubert if they had heard anything since they are also on this floor. And Verdi, she’s not on this floor but the receptionist. She’s also very trustworthy and smart. Since she’s the receptionist she had to have seen them come in at least, so I can identify the girl’s face and look out for her.

“Thank you, Artina. I’ll return the favor in any way I can.”

We walk over to the door and Artina refuses my thanks.

“It’s my pleasure. I really don’t need anything anyways.”

“What about…”

I open the door for her, pondering on what I could get or help her with. She’s very athletic so she won’t need any protection and very smart so no need for advice. But there is one other type of advice I can give to her. I smirk even thinking about it, how cute it would be.

“A relationship might be nice.”

Artina, to my surprise, shakes her head again.

“I’ve been here forever. There’s not really any guy that piques my interest.”

“Still, let me know if you find someone. I’d really like to see it progress.”

“If you say so.”

Artina steps out of the apartment facing me in the doorway. Unexpectedly, she does a playful bow and smiles.

“I’ll see you later, Your Majesty.”

I chuckle and nod, closing my eyes.

“Goodnight then.”

Artina walks next door and I walk back into my room after closing and locking the door. I plop down on my bed for the second time and stare up at the ceiling. Was Sovieshu cheating on me? There’s a chance that he would. I won’t say he hasn’t been loyal, but I have noticed that he is distant and less affectionate nowadays.

‘Is it because I didn’t want to h-’

A few taps against the glass on my window interrupted my thoughts. Is it raining that badly? I sigh and close my eyes, only to shoot them back open a few seconds later from another few taps. Rain isn’t that solid. What could that be? Another few taps. I get up from the comfort of my bed and to the window. As I open the curtains I see a beautiful bird.

“Oh my.”

Because it was wet, the color of the feathers had darkened but I could tell it used to be a bright yellow or goldish color. The tail was very long and it was very big. I had only seen small birds flying around here when I went out. This bird also looked very exotic and expensive. What was it doing here? I pout and quickly walk into my bathroom and return back to my room with a towel. Before I open the window I whisper to myself.

“Please don’t fly around my apartment.”

With one last exhale to boost my confidence, I open the window.

Chapter 3: I hope she'll take me as her lover!

Summary:

“Please take care of yourself. I will visit soon so don’t feel too lonely. You have your friends as well.”

“I might need comforting.”

“?”

“From you I mean.”

Heinrey bites back a scowl and turns. Such words shouldn’t be said to the brother of your dead husband.

“I’m sure your friends can help you with that. They’ll be of more comfort than me.”

“Heinrey-”

“I’ll see you soon, sister in law.”

I wake up the next morning surprisingly energetic. Despite talking to Artina so late, I feel awake. I won’t tell Laura or the others how long I stayed up. They’d nag me about getting proper rest. I stretch and reach for my phone, satisfied with 100%. I take it off the charger and head to my bathroom but leave it on the bed.

I step into the shower and start with washing my hair. As I do, all the memories of last night with Artina come to me. The talk of queens and nights and…that girl. Who was she? I would feel a little better if the girl had been with Sovieshu during the day, but at night? What could they have been doing? Was he actually…?

‘No!’

I rinse the chemicals out of my hair and start washing my body. There’s no evidence that that had happened. Even if there was, I want to hear it from him. I grab my towel and wrap it around me after doing a quick dry. Turning the water of the shower off and the sink on, I start my face routine.

• • • Last Night • • •

“It’s gonna be okay.”

McKenna hugs Heinrey and Heinrey hugs him back. This is what did it. McKenna wasn’t big on showing emotional help so a hug from him was a big deal. Heinley let his tears that he had let build up from the funeral go as McKenna hugged him. Heinley held on tighter as the tears roll down his cheeks and onto McKenna’s shoulder.

“Wow a hug from you? I don’t know if I should be honored or insulted that you’re showing pity.”

Heinrey chuckles as they pull apart and McKenna rolls his eyes,

“If you tell anyone, I’ll break your umbrella so you can walk back to the car in the rain. And why would I pity you? I'm showing actual feelings here.”

“Yeah I know.”

Heinrey smiles sadly as they walk back to the rest of the crowd at the funeral. Heinrey stares at the casket.

‘I’ll miss you brother. I’ll remember your dying words.’

Suddenly a brunette hugs Heinrey, sobbing. Heinrey questions the embrace but soon returns it, realizing it’s his sister in law.

“I’m sorry for your loss, Christa.”

“I should be telling you that..”

“He was my brother but you were his Fiance.”

Christa ends the hug stepping back and looks up at Heinrey.

“Will you be alright?”

Heinrey doesn’t answer and looks back over to the casket. Christa looks down and wipes her tears with her cloth. The funeral ends and McKenna along with Heinley walks back to the car. McKenna starts the car but before Heinrey can close his umbrella to step into the passenger seat, a voice calls out to him.

“Heinrey!”

Heinrey turns to find Christa walking over to him and he sighs. As Christa steps up to him she frowns.

“Should I join you?”

“What do you mean?”

“At your apartment I mean. We live down the hall from each other so, should I visit later?”

“Oh, I just moved out a couple days ago. I’m going to my new one now.”

“Oh…”

Christa frowned even more but Heinrey feignes ignorance and turns getting into the car. After rolling down the window he looks up at Christa and smiles.

“Please take care of yourself. I will visit soon so don’t feel too lonely. You have your friends as well.”

“I might need comforting.”

“?”

“From you I mean.”

Heinrey bites back a scowl and turns. Such words shouldn’t be said to the brother of your dead husband.

“I’m sure your friends can help you with that. They’ll be of more comfort than me.”

“Heinrey-”

“I’ll see you soon, sister in law.”

Heinrey rolls up the window and McKenna drives off. Heinrey sighs and closes his eyes. McKenna glances over at him and then back to the road.

“I thought she would stop her advances at least for today.”

“Yes, me too.”

McKenna had picked up on the flirts that Christa would occasionally throw to Heinrey which Heinrey would repeatedly shut down kindly. Christa would recover implying it was a joke but she went even bolder today.

“She went as far as to ask to go back to your apartment with you. I’m happy you decided to move out when you did.”

“I am as well. Did our moving truck arrive tonight?”

“No, it should be there tomorrow morning. We’ll sleep at a hotel tonight.”

Heinrey scoots closer to McKenna and away from the window. Heinrey smirks, speaking in a high pitched voice.

“Oh, a hotel? What are you planning, McKenna?”

“I got a seperate room from you.”

“W-Why?!”

“Cause I know you’re going to do something to me while I’m asleep.”

Heinrey scoots back to the window and folds his arms.

“Why are you always two steps ahead of me..?”

“Because it’s my obligation as your assistant. And my pleasure as your older cousin.”

McKenna smiles and Heinrey sinks back into his seat. McKenna parks the car in front of the hotel and tosses the keys to the Valet. Heinrey follows McKenna to the reception desk and up to the rooms. McKenna gives Heinrey a card as they stop in front of a door.

“Here’s your room key. Also, don’t stay up too late. It’ll make you feel worse.”

Heinrey nods and McKenna walks into the room next to his. Heinrey jumps down on the bed and sighs. Grabbing his pillow and tears threatening to fall again.

‘I wonder if someone is feeling the same way I am right now.’

Heinrey chuckles at the thought. Blinking the tears away he looks out the window. It’s still raining but not too hard. Heinrey stands and walks over to the window, opening it.

‘I’ll fly for a bit.’

Heinrey then transformed into a large golden bird and flew out the window. The wind became stronger and the rain stayed light. Heinrey looked over to a bright sign displayed on a building.

Luxury Apartments. That was the one he would be moving into tomorrow morning. He flew over towards the building and landed next to a window. Then he heard a woman's voice. That sounds like…

“Goodnight then.”

Navier! The woman he met at the airport on the plane! Oh how beautiful she was. Heinrey shook his feathers; just thinking about her made him flustered and filled with joy. An elegant and beautiful woman.

Hearing the door close snapped Heinrey out of his thoughts and saw the silhouette of the woman flop on the bed. The curtain was covering the room of course so Heinrey couldn’t exactly see what she was doing. It looked like she was daydreaming. Oh how he wish he could hear her voice.

Heinrey then taps on the glass of the window with his beak. Hoping he could at least get her to talk to herself. There was no response. Another few taps and she look towards the window. Heinrey’s heart flutters. He taps again and this time Navier walks to the window, opening the curtains.

She wore a long black nightgown with sleeves and her cleavage showing a bit. Heinrey covers his mouth internally and blushes.

‘She even looks beautiful when ready for bed.’

“Oh my.”

Heinrey perks up after she speaks. Such a smooth silky voice. She sounds as elegant as the last time he heard her. She runs away but just before Heinrey could feel saddened by her depart, she comes back with a towel. Navier then murmurs something while her eyes are closed and then opens the window.

Heinrey looks up at her shocked. He didn’t think any person in their right mind would open their window for a bird. Then again, Heinrey looked like a foriegn bird so maybe that piqued her interest.

“Are you not going to come in?”

Heinrey looks back up at Navier with the same look of confusion. She mumbles to herself about how any bird would fly in given the opportunity. Heinrey flies into the room cautiously and lands on her bedside table.

Navier closes the window and rushes over to him with the towel ready.

“I hope you allow me to dry you.”

Heinrey obliged even though it felt like he was being touched while naked. He didn’t want to scare her off. After Navier finished drying him the best she could she returned with water. Heinrey drinks the water from the bowl, not realizing how dehydrated he was until after the first sip.

Heinrey tweets happily and Navier smiles.

“Did you like the water? I’m glad. I don’t know much about birds so I don’t know what to feed you.”

Heinrey then flaps his wings in excitement that she was thinking about taking care of him. Of course, he can’t stay in this form forever but the thought of her babying him was too thrilling.

“I wonder if you have an owner. You seem to accept my hospitality quite natrually.”

Heinrey nods. Navier’s eyes widen at this in shock.

“Wow! You must be a trained bird as well!”

Heinrey nods and Navier smiles.

“I wonder how far away your owner is then. They must be looking for you. Or they sent you out in the rain. How rude.”

Heinrey shakes his head no aggressively. He was not!

“Hm? You don’t want me talking badly about your owner?”

Heinrey nods.

“Do they live in this building?”

Heinrey nods and chirps happily, coming to the realization that he lives in the same apartment complex as her.

“Well I hope to meet them soon.”

Heinrey flies back to the window sill and Navier follows after him. He then flaps his wings making Navier reopen the window.

“Are you going? While it’s raining?”

Heinrey nods.

“Well, I suppose since your owner lives here you don’t have to travel too far.”

Navier then pecks Heinrey on the head and smiles. Heinrey blushes and flaps his wings embarrassed.

“Don’t lose your way, okay?”

Heinrey leaves in a hurry and back to the hotel room. As he lands on his floor he shifts back into his natural state and covers his mouth, blushing intensely.

‘I didn’t know she lived there.’

Heinrey walks over to the clothes he discarded on the floor when he turned into a bird earlier and puts them on. After slipping them on he lies back down on the bed closing his eyes.

‘Should I take her as my girlfriend?’

Heinrey’s brother wanted nothing more for him than to feel happy in a relationship. Now that he’s gone he feels the need even more to get one.

‘Of all the beauties I’ve seen, I’ve never once seen one with such radiance.’

Heinrey smiles dumbly, trying to hold it back while thinking about her. He buries his face into his pillow and squeals like a giddy school girl.

‘I hope she’ll take me as her lover!’

Chapter 4: A Cheating One

Summary:

“Heinrey?”

I call his name to clarify and he looks over at me with a smile even larger than before with shock. Oh, how I could stare into those violet eyes all day. It would be so very- no.

‘What are you thinking, Navier! Pull yourself together!’

I mentally hit myself for thinking so intimately like that. Before I could react, just like before, Heinrey grabs my hand and kisses it except this time I don’t pull away.

“My Queen.”

My eyes widen at the nickname. This is the second time someone has referred to me as some kind of high status royalty.

“You can call me Navier.”

I pull my hand away as Nian watches in awe. I forgot she was there. How embarrassing.

I sit in the cafe with Nian and tell her about everything Artina told me last night. Her face switches from shocked, to sorrow, to disgusted by the end of the story. She pulls out her fan, covering her face as she speaks.

“I’m sorry. You don’t deserve this.”

She takes a sip of her tea sadly as I look out of the window. Across the street is our apartment complex. I see Artina leaving the building, putting in earphones. She glanced around while adjusting her phone in her arm band. Our eyes meet and I wave, giving a slight smile. She waves back while adjusting her leggings and sports bra, then starts her jog.

“So,”

I turn back to Nian.

“What do you plan to do?”

I close my eyes and internally sigh. This predicament is troubling. I never thought he would do something like this. Then again, I haven’t confronted him about it to get his side of the story. I also still have to ask around if anyone heard anything.

“I want to know why and where he met up with her in the first place. I also want to hear his perspective, so I’ll ask him.”

“You’re more reasonable than I took you for.”

“I try.”

Nian giggles at my joke. She is also one of the few people that gets my jokes. I look out the window again to the complex but then I see a familiar man leave the passenger side of a car. The car looked very expensive. Much like Sovieshu’s but it looked more..glamorous? I couldn’t exactly put it. Before I could identify the man an even bigger vehicle pulls beside the car and the man goes to the driver where I can’t see him. Nian seems to notice and looks out the window as well.

“Is that a moving truck?”

“I believe so.”

“Oh! I heard there were some handsome men moving onto the 5th floor!”

“There are?”

“Yes! I heard from Joubert!”

“Oh I didn’t speak much to her yesterday unfortunately. I was pretty tired.”

“You know, only the wealthiest people can move into apartments like these!”

Nian seemed excited by the new neighbors. It’s true that you have to have a large sum of money to live in this kind of complex, but some also live here because of working here. Like Laura, Joubert, and Artina. Are they going to be working or just living here I wonder.

“Should we introduce ourselves?”

“You’re the social butterfly. I’ll be right behind you.”

Nian giggles as we stand from the table and start walking across the street that separates the complex and the cafe. It’s way hotter today than I thought. I should have worn a solid puff ruched Dress like Nian instead of my mesh sleeve top and straight leg pants.

As we get closer Nian fans herself with her rigid paper fan and greets the man.

“You seem to be moving in! I’m Nian, I hope we can get along.”

Nian extends her arm for a handshake. I peel over her shoulder to see the man accepting the handshake with a smile. A familiar one that made my heart jump once again.

“Of course! I’m-”

“Heinrey?”

I call his name to clarify and he looks over at me with a smile even larger than before with shock. Oh, how I could stare into those violet eyes all day. It would be so very- no.

‘What are you thinking, Navier! Pull yourself together!’

I mentally hit myself for thinking so intimately like that. Before I could react, just like before, Heinrey grabs my hand and kisses it except this time I don’t pull away.

“My Queen.”

My eyes widen at the nickname. This is the second time someone has referred to me as some kind of high status royalty.

“You can call me Navier.”

I pull my hand away as Nian watches in awe. I forgot she was there. How embarrassing.

“But you are like a queen, in many ways Navier.”

Nian chimes in, going along with him. I sigh and grip my purse. I push my hair off of my shoulders feeling hot.

“What are you doing here Heinrey?”

“I’m moving in, my Queen! Onto the 5th floor!”

“The 5th floor?”

Nian seems as shocked as I am but keeps her facade just like me. Heinrey nods. The fifth floor was VERY expensive. It’s not like either of us couldn’t move up there. I originally intended to go there as well but I wanted to stay close to Laura and the others. Nian also in this building with her boyfriend but on the fourth instead of the third like me. She is still close because she also enjoyed my company.

“What about you my queen? Do you live here as well?”

“Yes I do.”

“You should see her apartment, it’s very gorgeous.”

I snap my head over to Nian who smiles at me cheekily. I look back over to Heinrey.

“It’s nothing gorgeous about it. It’s a regular apartment.”

“I would still love to drop by today, if that’s okay.”

Nian smiles even brighter than before. I close my eyes.

“I won’t be there today, unfortunately. I will be visiting my boyfriend’s apartment, though you are welcome to reach out tomorrow if you’d like.”

Nian snaps her head to face this time me as I open my eyes. I also notice Heinrey’s smile turn into a frown. What an expressive man.

“I’m afraid not, I will be busy tomorrow visiting my sister in law.”

I feel a strange sting at my heart knowing I won’t see him again soon, though I don’t let it show. This means I won’t see him until the day after tomorrow. Possibly?

“Well then hopefully we bump into each other in the halls while you bring up your things.”

With this, Heinrey’s mood switches at the drop of a pen from sad to gleeful. How cute. No! Not cute!

“Yes, hopefully.”

We part ways with him, Nian and I heading into the elevator. When the doors close, Nian glares at me.

“Your boyfriend?”

“We don’t know whether or not Sovieshu is cheating yet Nian. It’s just an assumption.”

“What kind of man takes another woman into their apartment when they’re already in a relationship?”

“That’s what I’m going to find out.”

The elevator doors open and I find out sooner than I thought. Just at the doorway, there was Sovieshu and a woman inches away from each others face and it seemed me and Nian had interrupted. I had gotten the answer to Nian’s question.

What kind of man takes another woman into their apartment when they’re already in a relationship?

A cheating one.

Chapter 5: I was just thinking I should comfort your muscles

Summary:

“Tch.”

Nian sucks her teeth but covers her face with her fan as she does so. The woman seems to sense the atmosphere and looks at Sovieshu’s complexion.

“Darling? Are you sick? In this hot weather? Your apartment has air conditioning though.”

So she was the woman in the apartment. And she even called him darling. I feel my eyes start to burn and I push past them both.

“Excuse me.”

I feel Sovieshu’s eyes follow me as I open my apartment door while I struggle with the key from my hand shaking. Nian takes the keys and opens the door for me. I thank her and walk in with her right behind me.

I thought our relationship was pretty manageable. Though I had to travel sometimes, but rarely, to meet for other business opportunities. I would always come back a week later at most. Sovieshu said he put me in that position because of how highly capable he knew I was of it. Only for a few weeks later he openly admitted to his dislike of the job.

I still work as the C.O.O. because that’s what I wanted to do. It’s what I went to college for. It’s what I wanted to be. What I didn’t want to be was in this situation..

“Oh! Pardon us! We were just on our way out!”

The woman speaks in a sweet voice and wraps her arms around Sovieshu, squeezing next to him. On the other hand, Sovieshu looked as pale as snow while staring at me.

“Tch.”

Nian sucks her teeth but covers her face with her fan as she does so. The woman seems to sense the atmosphere and looks at Sovieshu’s complexion.

“Darling? Are you sick? In this hot weather? Your apartment has air conditioning though.”

So she was the woman in the apartment. And she even called him darling. I feel my eyes start to burn and I push past them both.

“Excuse me.”

I feel Sovieshu’s eyes follow me as I open my apartment door while I struggle with the key from my hand shaking. Nian takes the keys and opens the door for me. I thank her and walk in with her right behind me.

Nian slams the door making Sovieshu sigh. The woman rubs his arm soothingly but has a confused expression on her face.

“Do you know that woman?”

“Yes, I do. But I’ll talk with her later.”

Sovieshu smiles down at the woman.

“Let’s continue on our stroll.”

“Will you buy Rashta the thing you talked about yesterday?”

The woman’s eyes glisten with hopefulness and joy.

“Of course I will. I don’t go back on my word, Rashta.”

The woman spoke in third person, Rashta was her name. She had long, wavy, silver hair and wore a square neck bow jacquard dress. Rashta pulls Sovieshu into the elevator, hopping lightly and smiling.

“You are very kind! I hope to repay you someday!”

The elevator takes them to the lobby.

“You don’t have to repay me. Your beauty is already enough for me.”

Rashta giggles.

• • •

I stare at my ceiling mindlessly in disbelief and Nian waits outside my bedroom door. I don’t know what she’s thinking right now. She tried to tell me about him and I defended him. I’m an idiot. I already saw the signs but stuck beside him. I thought I could make it work, but I was too late.

Nian opens the door, making me sit up composing my thoughts and sits on my bed, putting a box of tissue on the bedside table. She starts rubbing my back soothingly.

“Should I call Laura and the others?”

“Yes please…”

I speak in a whisper. I don’t trust my usual tone right now, feeling it could crack any second. I feel Nian nod and leave the room calling someone.

What should I do? I had the whole day planned to look for evidence of Sovieshu cheating and the answer was given to me in full. A tear escapes my eye and I grab a tissue from the box Nian left. I dab my eyes trying not to ruin my blush. I guess it’s already ruined.

I sit up, determined to be productive. I can't just sit here all day moping. I’ll make a list. I grab a pen and my journal and quickly write down what happened today. Then after that I create the list.

Things To Do:
-Wash my face
-Have tea with friends
-Visit Heinrey
-Shower
-Nap
-Confront Sovieshu
-Have dinner
-Sleep

I looked at the third thing on my list. Should I visit him? I told him I’d be visiting my boyfriend so he couldn’t visit me. If I show up to his apartment it’ll seem like something happened. I shook my head.

‘I’ll go see him another day.’

I put an “x” in the box next to that one. I look back up at the first one. Wash my face. I feel a lot better now that I have something to work on.

I get up and start my list.

• • •

“Just bring the last box in, I’ve got the TV.”

Mckenna lifts the TV with the hauler (furniture mover) and Heinrey goes into the back of the truck.

“You got it!”

Heinrey lifts the box and it’s..surprisingly heavy! Not that heavy, he just expected it to weigh something like plates. What could be in here? Heinley turns the box around and lifts it toward the sun. The box was labeled: Weights d;

That damned McKenna only helped with the TV cause these would be heavier. Heinrey exhales heavily and chuckles.

“Just when I thought he was being nice..”

Heinrey lifts the box and walks out of the truck. He looks at the horizon to see the sun setting.

‘I’m glad we started in the morning.’

Heinrey makes his way to the lobby, pushing one of the doors open with his back and feels the cool AC hit him. Thank heavens for the central air.The elevator opens and Heinley snaps his head over and out comes Navier, but wearing an off shoulder drawstring and skirt. Heinrey smiles.

“My Queen! Hello!”

“Heinrey,”

Navier walks over to him. She stops 2 feet in front of him.

“How is the move going?”

“Good! This is actually the last box.”

Heinrey lifts the weights gesturing the box. A bunch of clunking noises are heard. Navier looks curiously at the box.

“What’s in there?”

“Weights, McKenna made me lift them.”

Heinrey pouts.

“How cruel, right Queen? You should comfort me.”

Navier giggles at his childish antics. She then glanced over at his arm just to realize he’s not wearing what he was earlier. He wore a black T-shirt which was now drenched in sweat and cargo shorts.

Navier stared at his arm for a while and shook her head blushing.

“Are you alright, my Queen?”

“Yes I was just thinking I should comfort your muscles.”

Heinrey’s eyes widen and he blushes lightly. Navier snaps her head away and coughs covering her mouth.

“I-I mean I think your muscles need comfort.”

Heinrey giggles as Navier clears her throat once again and stands up straight with her eyes closed. This time she speaks slowly.

“What I meant to say was I think you can comfort yourself.”

“Are you sure you don’t wanna comfort my muscles, my Queen?”

Navier glares at Heinley and he laughs.

“Okay Okay! I’m kidding!”

Navier smiles slightly but barely noticeably. She starts walking to the lobby door.

“I’ll see you later, Heinley.”

“Hopefully sooner than later, Queen!”

Navier smiles warmly and nods.

Chapter 6: One Thing He Did

Summary:

What would he do if Artina didn’t show up? Or worse, what would he do if I had fallen asleep earlier?

“Navier!”

I snap my head to Sovieshu driving. I must have been lost in thought looking at the stars. How long has he been calling my name? He sighs.

“Were you even listening?”

“No, I apologize. I just feel a little woozy still.”

Sovieshu had picked me up from a party at Nian’s place. She wanted to have one last party at her home before she moved into the apartments where me and the others live. I didn’t know there would be drinks at the party though and Nian refused to let me sit there without “having fun” as she put it. I will admit I did have fun but a little too much to drink, which is why I called Sovieshu.

“You drank quite a lot.”

He chuckles and I smile.

“I guess I lost sense of time. I didn’t want to dance much, so I just stayed in my seat.”

“I see.”

“What were you asking before?”

“Nothing.”

Sovieshu slides his hand on my thigh while continuing to drive with his other. I place my hand over his and lean on the window. Watching the moon as the light shines down onto the windshield. I feel my eyes getting heavier by the second but before sleep fully takes over the car comes to a stop. I realize Sovieshu had pulled over to the side of the road.

“What’s wrong? Are we out of gas?”

“No, it’s full. Give me a sec.”

He opens the car door and exits, closing it back. I watch as he checks the tires. I pull out my phone and open a text from Laura. She sent videos of me struggling to follow Nian’s dancing. I cringe at my movements but can’t stop myself from smiling. I look up at Sovieshu as he opens the hood and examines with his flashlight.

My phone rings an email notification. The people I’ve been wanting our company to do a collaboration with agreed to the interview. I’ll have to book a flight tomorrow with Nian as she moves in. Sovieshu comes back into the car and sighs trying to start the car again but with the hood open. Still, it doesn’t start.

“What’s the problem?”

“It’s the car battery. It might be weak or going dead.”

“What do we need then?”

“We have jumper cables in the back but we need another car to start it.”

“I’ll text Artina then.”

I look at the time. It’s 9:43, Artina should have finished her jog by now. I shoot her a text about the car and she responds almost immediately ready to help and on her way. I tell Sovieshu and he sighs in relief. I feel my head start to spin as I look at the stars again.

“*Hic*!”

I widen my eyes as the sudden hiccup comes from my throat. Sovieshu chuckles and I turn away embarrassed. He places his hand on my lap again and leans in close to me.

“I’sss not funny..”

I mumble and slur over my words.

“Sorry, Sorry.”

Even though he apologizes I hear him laugh still. I close my eyes and huff and he starts pecking my cheek. I smile from the affection. I turn around to kiss his lips and he holds my hands in his. Suddenly a wave of dizziness crashes over me and I hiccup again, but this time Sovieshu doesn’t laugh. He makes his way down to my neck and starts kissing it. Barely able to focus, I push him away and place a hand over my head.

“I can’t..Sovieshu…”

Sovieshu grabs my hands more firmly this time and gets even closer than before.

“You’re fine, it’s okay.”

“I’m diz-”

I get cut off by Sovieshu kissing me sloppily. We’ve done far more than kiss before but this time I couldn't keep up, and try to pull away. Sovieshu on the other hand didn’t falter and held me in place. I start to panic, feeling overwhelmed and breathe heavily as he pulls away. I gasp for air and barely am able to focus on his face due to the drinks I had earlier. I sway and lose balance, leaning onto the seat and pant. Sovieshu lets go of my hands and starts caressing my thighs.

“Sovieshu…”

“Yes darling?”

“I..not now, please…”

“Why not?”

His voice stays calm and I try to push him away, but my weak pushes do nothing because of my state. Just as he nears closer and closer to my region I hear a car horn beep. We both look up in front of us through the windshield. Artina’s car parks in front of ours and she steps out. Sovieshu pulls away and kisses me on the cheek then steps out of the car, over to Artina.

I sit there stunned by what just happened. Why didn’t he stop when I asked? Did he misunderstand? No, he couldn’t have. He responded as though he understood. He didn’t make any movement to stop or back away either. I feel my heart rate pick up thinking of possibilities. What would he do if Artina didn’t show up? Or worse, what would he do if I had fallen asleep earlier?

. . .

“Navier!”

I look up from my teacup to everyone staring at me smiling. I shake my head, hoping to shake off the memory I just had while daydreaming. Joubert is the first to speak.

“You seem to space out a lot, Navier.”

“She always does. I tell her to sleep more.”

“Does that even help with that? I’m pretty sure you made that up.”

 

“So what if I did?”

Joubert and Laura go back and forth and I take a sip of my tea to calm myself from the memory. Do I really get lost in thought easily? I look over to Nian flirting with the waiter, and seems to be succeeding by his reactions. I look over to Artina, blowing on the tea trying to cool it off. How cute.

“Artina, are you looking for any jobs?”

Artina looks over at me and sits up straighter. So cute. She nods and then sighs.

“I don’t want a job that’s too far from here but the jobs that are close seem a little too laid back.”

“I see.”

Artina would want a job with more moving involved. Maybe something with traveling? But then again, she did mention she doesn’t wanna be too far. I smile and turn back to my tea, taking a sip.

“Would you like to work as my bodyguard? I’ve been meaning to get one.”

Artina smiles, closing her eyes.

“Ah, your bodyguard. Of course you’d need one since you are-”

Artina’s eyes snap open widely and she snaps her head to look at me, almost dropping her tea.

“Wait-!? Me!?”

“I would feel safe with you around.”

Aritna fidgets nervously and shakes her head no.

“You need someone way more skilled, Your Majesty!”

I smile hearing the nickname again.

“You’ve worked in the army before though, haven’t you? You told me so.”

“Yes but…”

Artina seems to contemplate the offer as she looks down at her tea.

“You don’t have to answer right away, you can let me know by the end of this week. I would really feel safe though if you accepted.”

“Okay, thank Your Highness.”

I chuckle.

“What happened to ‘Your Majesty’?”

Artina smiles.

“They mean the same thing, don’t they?”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.”

We end the little tea party we had and head back to our apartments. I take a shower and sit on my couch with a towel wrapped around me. It’s already 9pm so I make quick noodles and head to my bed, still walking around in my towel.

Eating the noodles in silence while scrolling on my phone I hear taps at the window. The familiar taps make me hurry to the window and open the curtains. Just as I suspected, the bird was here again. I open the window but the bird backs away.

“Sqwak!?”

“Oh my.”

I glance around my room to see if there was anything that would frighten or hurt it but there was nothing. I turned back to the bird but it was even more frantic than before.

“I won’t hurt you, I promise.”

I smile and reach out for the bird but it flies away. I sigh sadly. It was such an interesting and beautiful bird. I could have sworn that it had something attached to its leg.

Chapter 7: Not One Ounce Of Sympathy

Summary:

‘This isn’t some fairytale where a prince swoops me off of my feet-’

“My Queen!”

I turn back around and am met with violet eyes and feel the weight lift off my shoulders.

“Heinrey!”

Christa runs up to Heinrey with open arms. She was acting full of energy, despite her husband passing a few days ago. Regardless, Heinrey accepts the hug but pulls away as soon as possible.

“Sister in law, how have you been?”

“You can call me Christa you know.”

“I’d rather not, I feel more comfortable with sister in law somehow.”

Chrsita’s smile falters for a split second but lets him into the apartment. She notices McKenna not following behind him. In fact, McKenna isn’t even there! She closes the door and sits next to Heinrey on her couch.

“Is McKenna not joining us today?”

“No, he has other things to do.”

“I see.”

Christa smiles giddily at the response. She then scoots closer next to Heinrey. Heinrey hesitates but ultimately decides not to move.

“How’s the new place?”

“It’s good.”

“Meet any of your neighbors yet.”

Heinrey’s face lights up at the talk of that. He smiles to himself.

“Yes I did actually.”

“What was he like?”

“Not he.”

Heinrey smiles as he takes a sip of his tea that Christa had prepared. Christa’s smile once again falters. Heinrey rolls his eyes internally.

‘Is she even trying to hide it anymore?’

“Yes, she’s very gorgeous. Her beauty is unmatched and her hair as golden as the sun.”

He glances at Christa as she clenches her tea cup handle and he continues.

“Her eyes, oh her eyes. I could fall head over heels for her with one look. And her glare, it makes my heart skip a beat.”

Christa sits her cup back onto the table and leans onto Heinrey’s shoulder. Heinrey looks down at her and she looks back up at him. They hold eye contact.

“What about my eyes, Heinrey?”

The deep blue orbs stare back into violet ones. Christa wraps her arms around his and bats her eyelashes. Heinrey smiles.

“I’ve seen plenty of women with blue eyes.”

Christa’s eyes widen and Heinrey takes that opportunity of shock to pull away and head into the kitchen with his teacup.

“I hope to meet her again tomorrow. Or invite her to my apartment. I wonder if she knows how to play chess.”

“I’d like to visit if that would be okay.”

Heinrey stares at Christa. Christa fidgets with her fingers.

“Why?”

“Because, uh…I’d like to…”

Heinrey sighs and puts the teacup in the sink as he finishes it.

“I’ll be heading home now.”

Heinrey walks to the door as Christa catches up with him.

“Wait!”

Heinrey turns and Christa stares up at Heinrey. She blushes and Heinrey holds back a sigh. Christa chuckles and reaches up to push his bangs from his face.

“You have gorgeous eyes, you know that?”

Heinrey grabs her hand pulls it down almost immediately.

“I’ve been told, yes.”

“Could you..stay the night?”

Christa grabs Heinrey’s hand.

“I get lonely..nowadays..”

Heinrey snatches his hand away and opens the door.

“Goodbye Christa.”

• • •

I wake up the next day and glance over my calendar. I work today, unfortunately. Usually I wouldn’t be so indifferent about my job but Sovishu is my boss, and I had caught him cheating on me. I sigh and stretch making my way over to my bathroom connected to my room and complete my face routine and brush my teeth.

I suppose we haven’t had an actual breakup, so I’ll clarify it today. It makes me nervous to think about it as I start my shower. I had known Sovieshu since we were children.

‘Why is he acting like this..?’

He isn’t the type to do something like this. Or well, I’d thought he wasn’t the type. I shake the thoughts from my head and grab my towel, quickly drying myself and slipping on undergarments. Going back into my room, I open my drawer and start applying lotion and grab a change of clothes.

‘This is too much to worry about.’

I wonder if Sovieshu had even been thinking of me. He certainly didn’t contact me after the encounter. Had he even felt a tinge of regret or sympathy? If he did he did a great job hiding it.

I put on the double button blazer and tailored pants I had grabbed from my drawer earlier. I can’t dress casual at work so this will do. Grabbing my keys and putting things into my purse I look over at the time. It was 8:32. Perfect. I didn’t have to be at work until nine. I grab my wallet and put it into my purse which I swing it over my shoulder. I quickly shuffle over to my closet and grab my white pointed pumps along with black sunglasses off the table, also stowing them away in my bag.

Checking to make sure I have everything, I make my way out of my apartment, locking the door behind me. I press the elevator button and wait. I pull my phone out of my bag and check the time. 8:35. I could have a quick breakfast before going to work. Ah, that’s right. How did I get to work? The elevator doors open and I’m met standing face to face with my ride to work.

…Of course. Sovieshu looks down at me with cold eyes and I stare back at him with a similar but more unbothered expression. He folds his arms and sighs as if he was annoyed with something he had going on. What’s he doing?

“Excuse me. You’re in my way.”

He gets even more annoyed with my words but ultimately steps out of the elevator as I walk in. The doors slowly close and I hold eye contact with him before they shut completely. I sigh without knowing how tense my shoulders suddenly were and push my hair out of my face.

Those eyes. He had no sympathy at all. It seemed as if he felt he had a right to do what he was doing. The elevator doors open and I walk outside and glance around.

Sovieshu’s car was parked where it usually was but I’m definitely not riding with him anymore. I’d ask Artina for help but I don’t want her to feel obligated to do this every morning. I sigh and check the time on my phone again. 8:38. Would Sovieshu put his emotions aside and take me to work with him? Absolutely not. His pride wouldn’t let him.

I turn back and start making my way to the lobby. I guess I won’t be early today like usual. Maybe Sovieshu would…? No. I hit myself inwardly for being so hopeful.

‘This isn’t some fairytale where a prince swoops me off of my feet-’

“My Queen!”

I turn back around and am met with violet eyes and feel the weight lift off my shoulders.

Chapter 8: People Enjoy Waking Up Early?

Summary:

Heinrey pouts and I smile but only for a second after remembering my situation. He has such a range of emotion and expressions. I shake my head.

“No, my boyfriend usually takes me to work so I’ll have to get going soon.”

“Ah right, your boyfriend…”

“Heinrey,”

Suddenly, Heinrey jumps at my closeness and backs away. Is this déjà vu? No, this hasn’t happened before but…

“M-My Queen!”

He seems happy to see me but stands further away than usual. I feel a pinch in my heart. Was there something wrong?

“Are you alright, Heinrey? You-”

Before I could comment on his flushed face and awkward movements, he takes a step closer at a preferable talking range and shakes his head vigorously.

“No no! I’m perfectly fine. It’s just a bit warm for me today..eh..”

His eyes seem to have trouble deciding on my face or our surroundings. I decide to drop it and he clears his throat, smiling nervously.

“My Queen, you look very professional today!”

“Well, I have work today. I can’t exactly wear whatever I want when there’s a dress code.”

Heinrey chuckles lightly at my joke and I smile.

“You also seem to be wearing work attire. You are up early as well.”

“Ah yes, though my position doesn’t require me to be there until 10, I like to wake up very early. It is a thing I enjoy.”

Ah, he is a morning person. I didn’t think people like that actually…

“Are you not a morning person, Queen?”

As if reading my thoughts, Heinrey figures it out.

“No, I prefer to wake up around 11 rather than 6 or 7.”

“There’s a whole day ahead of you though!”

“That mindset is oddly optimistic. Although it is refreshing.”

“I especially like to think that way now that you are someone that I could run into everyday.”

“Oh?”

I try not to let it show but I was suddenly taken aback that my eyes widened a little. Did Heinrey enjoy talking to me? I noticed we seemed to go into conversation smoothly despite me meeting him a couple days ago.

“I see.”

Heinrey seems to smile even cuter than before. Is this alright to think? I don’t have a boyfriend anymore, so I guess. Still, I’d never thought such a thing about Sovieshu. Ah, that’s right. I check the time again and it’s 8:40. I sigh.

“Is something the matter, My Queen? Do you not want to see me everyday?”

Heinrey pouts and I smile but only for a second after remembering my situation. He has such a range of emotion and expressions. I shake my head.

“No, my boyfriend usually takes me to work so I’ll have to get going soon.”

“Ah right, your boyfriend…”

Heinrey seems to go from sad to an unreadable expression looking off to the side. What was this? I push away my pride and tell him the truth. Heinrey didn’t seem like the type to gossip.

“He’s..not my boyfriend anymore though. I don’t know why I labeled him that. I guess the word ex would be better suited.”

Heinrey’s face brightens at my words and his smile grows bigger than before. He takes my hands in his and I don’t pull away, already somehow accustomed to the feeling. Is this just something he does?

“I will take you to work, My Queen!”

My eyes widen again. He has a car?

“I don’t mean to trouble you, really. I wasn't even aware you had a car. Also, I’m sure you need to-”

“You could never trouble me, it’s a very fancy car, and I don’t need to be at work until later.”

He interrupts me and answers all of my doubts. I stand there stunned.

“I..I-I…”

Unable to come up with a valid reason, I glance over to Sovieshu’s car and back to Heinrey. I sigh and nod. Heinrey smiles brightly and lets go of my hand and skips over to the side of the building where the other parking spots are. I follow him and we stop at a beautiful royal blue car. I actually really liked the car.

Heinrey held open the passenger side door for me and I got in. He seems to have been raised to treat ladies with such chivalry. His parents must be good people. I take in the car smell and smile. This car was gorgeous. I may not know cars, but I’m certain this is a kind of Mercedes Benz.

“This is the latest Audi A8,”

Dammit.

“Do you like it, Queen?”

Heinrey starts up the car and I feel the cool AC hit my face. I smile and nod, pushing my hair off my shoulders.

“It is to my liking. It’s a very beautiful car.”

Heinrey seems satisfied with my answer as we both put on our seatbelts and he drives off. I give him a location and he puts it in a GPS on his phone.

“I forget that you moved here recently.”

“Yes, I want to remember the places quickly.”

Heinrey smiles, stopping at the red light and takes a sip of a drink he had. It looked familiar. Heinrey notices me looking and smiles warmly.

“It’s one of the drinks I ordered from the cafe I saw you come from when greeting me on my move.”

Now I remember.

“Is that an alcoholic drink?”

Heinrey shakes his head.

“No no. I don’t drink alcohol often. I got the non-alcoholic one!”

“Is your tolerance for alcohol perhaps low?”

“Ehh…”

Heinrey’s face flushes as though he’s embarrassed to admit it. How cute.

“I have a low alcohol tolerance for wine so it’s alright if you do.”

Heinrey looks over to me and pouts.

“You shouldn’t go around telling that to people, My Queen. It’s very dangerous.”

The light turns green and Heinrey starts driving again.

I know this but it’s something we can relate to so I’m sure it’s okay. Did he try to lecture me just now? I giggle.

“I’m serious.”

“I know, I know.”

Heinrey grumbles and I giggle again. I look over to him as he drives with one hand and sips his drink with the other. He’s fairly attractive for someone- wait…

“Heinrey, how old are you?”

At this, Heinrey chokes on his drink but drives steady and sits his drink down. I pat his back startled as he continues to clear his throat. Was the question so surprising?

“M-My Queen..”

I remove my hand from his back and he thanks me quietly. The ride goes on in silence and we finally arrive at the building.

“I’ll get your door..”

I sit in his car alone for a few seconds and take off my seatbelt. Was the question too intrusive? There’s a saying to not ask a woman her age. Maybe it’s the same for men? The car door opens and Heinrey helps me out of the vehicle. As I step out Heinrey breaks the silence.

“I-I’m twenty two..”

I trip hearing the words and Heinrey manages to catch me between his arms before I fall completely. I snatch my head up to him.

“Twenty two?”

I realize the position we’re in and our surroundings. Heinrey helps me to my feet and closes the car door and I compose myself but still stand shocked.

“Were you expecting a little older?”

Heinrey asks shyly and I nod truthfully.

“You do look young, though I have to admit I was expecting a few more years older.”

“You speak as if you are an old woman, Queen.”

Heinrey chuckles. I suddenly feel embarrassed at our age gap.

“I'm much older than you..”

“You can tell me tomorrow when I drop you off here again.”

“Huh-?”

I’m taken aback as Heinrey goes to the drivers side of the car and smiles. I get shocked a lot with Heinrey apparently..

“I’ll see you after work as well, My Queen.”

“...Don’t you have work today, too, Heinrey?”

The realization seems to hit him like a truck as his face fills with horror and he drops his head between his arms on the top of his car. I chuckle lightly but jolt a little as Heinrey snaps his head back up with a determined expression.

“I’ll quit-”

“Don’t say such stupid things so recklessly.”

I put my sunglasses on and smile gently.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, when you drop me off here again.”

Heinrey’s eyes light up at his own words and he smiles brightly.

“Yes yes! You will!”

That seems to brighten his mood as he goes into his car and pulls off.

I look at the time again: 8:52. Huh.. I could still grab a coffee. Heinrey's driving was smooth as well. The conversation was enjoyable, and he said he'd drive me every morning I needed to go to work. A car ride with Heinrey every morning...

'...Maybe I'll become a morning person as well..'

Chapter 9: That Woman...

Summary:

“What did you mean by trouble getting to the elevator, Eliza?”

Hesitant for a moment she looks to the elevator and then back at me and started in a low tone,

“It seems the rumors of you and Sovieshu have spread quicker than I imagined it would.”

“..How much of the building knows?”

“A rough estimate would be at most 92 percent.”

I stare at her surprised and she continues.

“I guess since he was around with that woman a lot while you were away.”

I make my way through the revolving doors, coffee in hand, and toward the desk clerk. Her eyes light up and she greets me with a smile.

“Ms.Trovi, on time as always.”

“Ms.Verdi, good morning.”

I sit my coffee and bag on the desk and start digging for my verification pass.

“I hope your break was well.”

“I wouldn’t call a meeting with a high status business a break, but the plane was alright.”

Giving her my pass she scans it on a nearby card reader and lights flash green with a beep following. Handing my pass back I place it in my wallet and wallet into bag. We give each other a final nod and I go pass her into the busy hallways.

I’m quickly hit with the busy atmosphere but there was something else lingering. What was this? I don’t need to look around to feel the stares of my co-workers. I suppose the rumor makers had already gotten a hold of what Sovieshu had done. Despite their gazes I continue my stride to the elevator and when reaching it, the door opens. Unsurprisingly, it was my head assistant.

“Ah, Navier!”

She gasps with little shock and lets me into the elevator, pressing the 17th floor and swipes a key card to the card reader. The 17th floor was where my office was, so not everyone had access to it. I smile, feeling at ease with her.

“Mrs.Eliza, good morning.”

“Good morning, I was just coming to see if you had trouble getting here.”

‘Trouble getting here? Does she mean to the building?’

“Yes, I made it here by car. I got a ride from an..”

Acquaintance? Were Heinrey and I close enough that I could refer to him as a friend yet? Before I could answer that, Eliza shook her head while taking my bag and coffee.

“No no, not to the building, Ms.Trovi. I mean the elevator.”

The elevator? Why would I have any problems getting to the elevator? The doors open and we walk into my office. I sit at my desk and start getting comfortable in my chair as Eliza places my bag and coffee next to me before sitting at her desk.

Her desk wasn’t far from mine but it was a good distance across the room.

“What did you mean by trouble getting to the elevator, Eliza?”

Hesitant for a moment she looks to the elevator and then back at me and started in a low tone,

“It seems the rumors of you and Sovieshu have spread quicker than I imagined it would.”

“..How much of the building knows?”

“A rough estimate would be at most 92 percent.”

I stare at her surprised and she continues.

“I guess since he was around with that woman a lot while you were away.”

Ah, I nod and take a sip of my coffee. I should’ve gotten tea. I assort my paperwork I left on the desk before I went to the meeting and continue where I left off.

“Also, the business meeting you just attended, I have bad news.”

“Bad news?”

“Yes, he passed unfortunately. The CEO of the business.”

I can’t help but let my face twist into sadness and displeasure. I had left a good impression on him, but even more, he was a kind man and I looked forward to working with him.

“I see…”

Conflicted, I decide to write a letter of condolences and give it to Eliza. She informs me that they moved here recently. Recently? I hadn’t known that.

“Then could you send it to the building on behalf of our company.”

“But that’s-”

“Yes, I know.”

Sending it on behalf of the company would mean our company in its entirety and the only person who would write such a letter would be Sovieshu. What he’s done recently isn’t in my favor and it isn’t my job to make him look good, but I needed the company to look good at least. I’ve worked too hard for this business to look bad just because of my feelings. Eliza reluctantly nods and takes the envelope making her way to the shipping department I would assume.

I sigh and turn my chair around looking out the window that stretches from one side of the room to the other. I stand and walk over to the window.

I honestly had favored the previous CEO but I assume by now that there was a new one. I’d have to make another great impression after I already have.

‘Hopefully the new CEO has a liking to me.’

I look up to the watch hanging above the elevator, and as I do the doors open again. This time I had expected this person to come and I turn back to the window feeling exhausted at the sight of them.

“Navier.”

“Sovieshu.”

“Sit down please.”

“I’d rather not.”

Sovieshu leans against my desk and sighs.

“Was that the girl?”

I hear him shift around and then he responds.

“What do you mean?”

“The woman that you’ve been with while I was away, it was the one I saw at the complex-”

“We rarely see each other in the office, I thought you’d be happy with my visit.”

I internally roll my eyes but keep them trained on the window, looking down at the passing vehicles. Staying silent, I listen as Sovieshu makes his way next to me and he sighs.

“I-”

He’s interrupted by a beep from his watch and almost immediately after I hear a beep from my phone. It was the lobby calling us. I pick up my bag and he follows me into the elevator. I ignore the atmosphere on the way down as we walk to the lobby and he breaks the silence.

“We’ll talk later.”

I don’t respond. It seems he thinks that he’s in the right then..

When we finally reach the lobby I am immediately shocked by the sight of my assistant on the floor, and what I pray for is warm tea and not piping hot coffee splattered over her gray pencil skirt and white button up. I quickly rush to her aid.

“Mrs.Eliza!”

“M-Ms.Trovi! I was on my way to bring tea a-and-”

I help her stand and move away from the spilled tea. Meanwhile I see Sovieshu rush past me with a concerned look on his face.

“Rashta!”

“A-Ah!”

I hear a woman behind me and I turn around along with Eliza. I immediately regret it when I see the familiar silver wavy locks. So Rashta was her name. She pulls him into an embrace and I can’t help but notice my heart sink in my stomach.

“Are you alright?”

“Th-That woman-!”

She points over to Eliza and Eliza’s eyes widen.

“She shoved me!”

Chapter 10: Poker Face

Summary:

“Navier, it’s my job to deal with her.”

“No, she’s under me. I’ll deal with her appropriately.” I say, eyes never breaking contact with his.

“We don’t have time for this-” He grumbles.

“We have a meeting to prepare for, I’m aware. I’m not a child.”

“Then why are you acting like one?” He snaps at me. I blink in surprise and hear the whispers of everyone. There was a brief moment that he glanced around and then he walked back over to Rashta, making everyone disperse. He’d made such a big scene to just walk away at the end. I walk with Eliza back to my office and she finds a change of clothes in her desk drawer and excuses herself to change. I’m left with my own thoughts and a silent room.

Like I would buy such an obvious lie. Sovieshu, on the other hand, played right into it.. He didn’t actually think Eliza would do something like this right? He’s smarter than this. The sudden strut he made towards her said otherwise. I was wrong. I quickly stood in front of her, making him pause just about two feet away.

“Get out of the way.”

Have you lost your mind? Is what I wanted to say. He obviously wouldn’t respond with reasoning so I just stare at him.

“Why are you protecting her?” He asks with a hint of anger.

“I could ask you the same thing.” I say nonchalantly and glance over to Rashta who was standing with her arms folded but flinching at my gaze.

“She’s..” He pauses, stony expression faltering. A few seconds later, there are janitors cleaning up the mess but I don’t move. I can’t. I know as soon as I do it’ll be a show of defeat, leaving Eliza with him.

“Navier, it’s my job to deal with her.”

“No, she’s under me. I’ll deal with her appropriately.” I say, eyes never breaking contact with his.

“We don’t have time for this-” He grumbles.

“We have a meeting to prepare for, I’m aware. I’m not a child.”

“Then why are you acting like one?” He snaps at me. I blink in surprise and hear the whispers of everyone. There was a brief moment that he glanced around and then he walked back over to Rashta, making everyone disperse. He’d made such a big scene to just walk away at the end. I walk with Eliza back to my office and she finds a change of clothes in her desk drawer and excuses herself to change. I’m left with my own thoughts and a silent room.

‘Is she another high status business woman?’ I shake my head immediately.

‘No, I’m sure I would have recognized her..’

If she’s not of any use to him why would he defend her so stubbornly? He also made a fool of himself in front of everyone, I’m sure they’re talking about it on the west side of the building by now. After a while I turn my chair to face the window. I hear the elevator doors open signaling Eliza’s entrance.

“The meeting will commence at the Occidental building Thursday at 11am. We won’t be having it here, Ms.Trovi.”

That’s the business I went over to California for. They moved here recently, fortunately for us. It would have been very time consuming and difficult to take a plane each time we wanted to congregate.

“The meeting’s been postponed?” I ask, taking a teacup from the new tray she’s brought.

“Yes, the host recently issued a later date because of the setting. He also wishes for a more appropriate environment. The building is not yet fully furnished, you see.” She elaborates and I nod.

I suppose it would be a little inappropriate for the building to not be ready. A few hours fly by while we work, with Eliza giving me small updates every few moments. It’s nearly 3pm when Eliza suggests we get lunch, as usual. She’d usually bring me food but I wanted to go out today. It actually felt nicer than usual since July barely gives off breezes like today.

“Please be cautious, Ms.Trovi.”

“I will.” I reassure but that doesn’t stop her from following me to the lobby doors and handing me my purse.

“I will give you another list of bodyguards to choose from when you return. Please choose one this time-”

“I already have one in mind. I’ll let you know when she gets back to me.” I say while putting on my sunglasses. She gives me a nod, allowing me to leave.

As soon as I step out the door I feel a light cool breeze and push my hair from my shoulders. I should take advantage of the weather while I can, it’s almost august. I start my strut down the street going to the place I normally go when I leave the building.

I can’t help but look at the cars passing and think of Heinrey. It’s nice of him to want to drive me to work every morning. I stare at the red light.

‘I should buy a car soon though-’ I’m cut from my thoughts as I see a familiar flash of blue hair across the street. Shouting from this distance would draw too much attention so I quickly use the crosswalk and get closer to be sure. Before I could get too close though, blue eyes met mine.

“Ms.Navier?”

“Ah, it is you.” I say with a waiver of relief in my voice. I wasn’t the best at stealth I guess.

“You can call me Navier, it’s fine.” I assure him before looking around.

“Then just McKenna is fine, as well.” He smiles.

“Are you out here alone?” I ask and his smile twists into a more exhausted look.

“No, I’m waiting for Heinrey. I’m bringing him out of the office to eat.” My eyes widen slightly. I look at his white button up and navy blue slacks.

“Office? Do you both work at the Occidental building by chance?” He flinches before forcing a smile.

“Oh, if only you knew..” He chuckles nervously and waves off as if dismissing the topic. It must be a stressful job.

“What about you Ms- I mean, Navier. Are you also out to eat?” Oh! I had almost forgotten. I grab my phone from my purse and check the time. I shouldn’t be out for too long. I’ll go back in 20 minutes.

“Yes, I was on my way and noticed you from a distance but I wasn’t sure.”

“Is that why you tried to sneak up on me?” He asks cheekily and I feel my cheeks heat in embarrassment. I manage to keep my composure.

“I wasn’t.” I say briefly.

“My apologies for assuming then.” He smiles nervously. I don't know if he bought it or not.

“My Queen!” I hear the high but smooth voice I’ve heard plenty of times before and I look over McKenna’s shoulder. Just as I thought, it was Heinrey jogging over to us, wearing a waistcoat and tailored pants in the same navy blue color McKenna wore.

“You should mind how you walk in work attire.” I say and he smiles even wider than before somehow.

“Are you giving me a lecture? I don’t mind it if it’s from you, my Queen.” I sigh and look away.

“Would you like to accompany me to lunch?”

“Oh?” He says with a tilt of his head.

“Of course, if you already have a place picked out, I won’t keep you.” I say quickly and start going in the direction of the place. I hear both of them follow.

“No, we were actually going to scan the area for a place.” McKenna says and Heinrey humming in agreement.

“I see.” At some point they both are walking on each of my sides as if sandwiching me between. I glance over to Heinrey with another look at his suit.

“I didn’t know you worked at the Occidental.” I say. Heinrey shoots a look over at McKenna and before I could look at McKenna’s reaction Heinrey responds.

“I-I didn’t know if you’d be interested. It’s a bit boring and a lot of people think what we do is..y’know.”

It must be because of the stuff they work on. I hum in acknowledgement but eyes never leaving Heinrey from behind my sunglasses.

“What about your position? What do you-?” Heinrey and McKenna’s arm suddenly shoots out to me and pulls me back and a car speeds past. I feel my heart beat pick up in my chest and adjust my sunglasses.

“Are you alright, Navier?” McKenna asks worriedly as they help me stand straight.

“Yes, thank you both.” How could I not pay attention to my surroundings.. I hit myself mentally.

“You should look ahead, while walking, my Queen.” Heinrey pouts and I push my hair away.

“You’re right, I apologize.” I say sincerely as we stand at the crosswalk. Heinrey chuckles.

“You’re surprisingly clumsy.” He giggles again. I lift my chin and close my eyes.

“I was just interested in your work is all.” I say as the pedestrian beacon changes and we cross. After a few minutes of walking we arrive at the place and Heinrey’s mood seems to rise even more.

“Laura’s Luscious Delights.” He reads aloud and walks happily into the shop. McKenna and I following quietly behind him. I see Laura shoot a suggestive look at me while taking his order and I look away keeping my nonchalant facade. We sit at a table with Joubert coming over and dropping off our orders with a tray while, like Laura, smirking at me suggestively. Pretending I didn’t see it, I started eating my fruit salad, deciding on a light snack.

“Are you vegetarian by chance, Heinry?” I ask. I noticed him and McKenna ordered a slice of pizza but Heinrey had a vegetarian one but McKenna had pepperoni. Heinrey frowns at my question and McKenna chuckles.

“No, but I’m not allowed to eat meat for this week.” He says sadly.

“Are you dieting?”

“He would never. That’s why I’m making him.” McKenna says and teasingly eats his pizza in front of Heinrey. Heinrey grumbles and flicks his forehead then they start shoving each other. I remove my sunglasses and smile lightly while eating my salad. Their banter reminds me of my brother.

“Are you two related by chance?” I ask and they freeze. McKenna turns away while Heinrey smiles.

“No, I’m his assistant. That’s all-“

“He’s my cousin!” Heinrey exclaims happily and McKenna groans.

“Oh,” I feel my interest pique, “Were you close as children?”

“Too close.” McKenna grunts again, pushing Heinrey away and continues eating. The rest of the time was quiet other than some light conversation here and there before we were done- and Joubert came to collect the dishes. We started our walk back to where the three of us had met up.

‘Ah!’ I steal a glance and Heinrey. I should ask for his number. Would it come off the wrong way though? No, it wouldn’t be weird to ask for Laura’s number. Friends ask for each other’s numbers. We are friends, right? Before I knew it, we were at our separation point.

McKenna gives me a nice smile and wave before walking over to a car that looked like Heinrey’s but it was a lighter shade of blue. I stare up at Heinrey for a moment. Should I ask him?

“I’ll see you tomorrow then.” I say. Heinrey smiles very brightly before speaking.

“My Queen?”

“Yes?”

“Do you want to ask me something?”

“No.” I say, not letting my facade falter. Heinrey grabs my hand again.

“You have a very good poker face.” He says.

Dammit.

He kisses my hand unexpectedly and before I could react he quickly jogs over to what I assume is McKenna’s car and gets inside. I feel my face twist into surprise while Heinrey waves with his head out of the window and they pull off.

I stand there until they were out of view and look back down at my hand. Why did I…like it?

Notes:

SORRY I HAVENT UPDATED THIS! SUMMER SCHOOL AND MY SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES ARE BLOWING UP AND GETTING IN THE WAY BUT I WILL STILL CONTINUE THIS! IT JUST WONT BE CONSECUTIVE! AGAIN, SORRY <3 THX FOR THE KUDOS THOUGH!

Chapter 11: A Messenger Bird?

Summary:

“Look, your majesty! A messenger bird!” I smile at her joke.

“Oh my, the ones with small letters?” I play along and cover my smile. “Those are from centuries ago, who knew they still existed?”

She puffs her cheeks with a grumble and looks back to the tree pointing. “Really! Look!” She repeats.

I turn to entertain her but shockingly there’s a small blue bird in the tree with a note attached to it’s foot.

“A messenger bird?” I say questioningly.

The next few days flew by normally. After lunch today, I managed to get more work done than usual. I stayed longer as well, just to use work to keep my mind off of things. It was only an extra two hours though and I called for Artina to take me home. We had a light conversation before we said our goodbyes and went into our own apartments. I’m a little glad she didn’t talk much. I feel I wouldn’t have the energy for a real conversation.

I take a shower and read in my towel for a while before deciding on one of my pajama sets. It was my button front robe and cami top that I’d bought a few weeks back. Laura dropped by with some food and left. She never stays after I get out of work, assuming I’m exhausted and she brings me dinner. She’s a really good cook so I never have complained.

I chose to watch a k-drama before eating and plugging up my phone next to me in the living room. Laura brought me spaghetti so I assumed she made it while in her apartment. She gets off a little later than me but since I worked more tonight, she must have had time.

Sovieshu’s on my lock screen. Hm, it didn’t bother me but this obviously couldn’t be there any longer so I quickly change it to one of good memories with me and Laura at an amusement park. I chuckle at the picture of Laura stuffing her face with cotton candy and me smiling at her.

I didn’t seem straight faced in this picture. Was it just my default face then? Do I look like an unapproachable person? I frown at the thought.

‘Maybe I was too cold.’ That woman, Rashta, is very different from me. A couple of days ago I saw her face to face at work and her personality seems more bright and fresh. I can tell she has some deceptive traits but I won’t bring them to light unless I have to. I don’t want anything to do with her. How am I to like her if she took Sovieshu away from me? I’m not too angry at that but she even tried to frame Eliza. Am I overreacting?

I close my eyes and sigh. Making my way to the sink to wash my dish and then into my bedroom. I brush my teeth, wash my face and settle into bed.

‘Should I try to radiate better energy?’

. . .

“I’m afraid you still have two hours left, sir.”

“I see..” Heinrey sighs at McKenna’s words and stops his writing to glance over to the large window. McKenna notices his staring and his shoulders relax.

“I wouldn’t mind if you went out for a stroll, sir. You seem a little stressed.” His brother died and he was immediately placed into the CEO position. Who wouldn’t be stressed? Much work would need to be caught up on but…

“No..I…” Heinrey looks away from the window and gets back to work.

“That’s what my time off is for.” He finishes and continues his work. McKenna silently but reluctantly agrees and stands upright. “Mckenna,” He starts quietly.

“What is it?” Mckenna quickly responds, ready to break the silence.

“Do you think she’d be willing to become my COO instead?” Heinrey asks.

“Ms.Krista? She’s already been presented the opportunity. I’m sure she will take the offer.” Mckenna replies.

“That’s not..” Heinrey mumbles.

‘I didn’t mean her.’ He glances over to the glinting, golden pen inside of his pen holder.

“Pardon?” McKenna speaks and Heinrey shakes his head.

“No, it’s nothing.” The blonde dismisses the previous topic and reaches for the pen, swapping it out for the blue one he was writing with.

“Hm..” Heinrey smiles slightly with a hum. He takes a blank sheet of paper from his desk drawer and begins to write.

“McKenna, do me a favor,” He says and McKenna turns to him with interest. With each increasing word Heinrey’s smile grows wider with small chuckles in between.

. . .

“Is there something wrong?” Artina asks me. I can hear the wavering in her voice.

“What do you mean?”

We walk along the path around the building. It was slightly chilly tonight. I expect it to be since we’re nearing the beginning of September. The moon wasn’t full but it was beautiful nonetheless. It still emitted the white luminescent glow through the trees, making rays throughout the path. The lamps set up on the tree’s made me fond of this path at night.

Wanting to clear my head earlier, I asked Artina without a second thought to accompany me.

“You look to be not in the best mood.” She says. I don’t blame her for picking it up. I in fact am not but let’s not make a big deal out of it.

“I’m fine. Just nostalgic.” I answer.

“I see.” Artina says and looks up at the sky. She gasps and turns to me with a slight surprise while pointing to a tree.

“Look, your majesty! A messenger bird!” I smile at her joke.

“Oh my, the ones with small letters?” I play along and cover my smile. “Those are from centuries ago, who knew they still existed?”

She puffs her cheeks with a grumble and looks back to the tree pointing. “Really! Look!” She repeats.

I turn to entertain her but shockingly there’s a small blue bird in the tree with a note attached to it’s foot.

“A messenger bird?” I say questioningly. Where did it come from?

“Maybe it’s here for you, your majesty.” Artina jokes with a curtsy. I huff out a chuckle and place a hand over my chest.

“No, no, no. I don’t know anyone with a-” Just then the bird swoops down very elegantly and onto my shoulder. I yelp in surprise and Artina hides a brief chuckle before taking a picture.

I stand stiff for a few moments before glancing between the bird and Artina. “What should I do?” I ask.

“Well, it it’s actually a trained messenger bird, maybe the note is for you.”

A trained messenger bird? Who would send me a note by bird? Maybe Sovieshu as an apology? No, he's not the kind to admit to his faults, let alone remember that I like birds.

I look to Artina again with confusion. “I-I’m no bird expert, Miss..” She stutters with a nervous smile and hands behind her back. She does that a lot.

I raise my hand with an obvious gesture to my index finger, as if pointing, experimentally. Surprisingly, the small bird hops on with understanding and my eyes widen. Artina’s eyebrows raise.

“Maybe I should start actually calling you ‘your majesty’ all the time. You’re like a real queen.” She smiles.

“Nonsense.” I say. Looking back to the bird, I find it already looking at me. I cautiously lift my other hand to it and it chirps loudly and slightly backs away. Me and Artina look at each other before laughing lightly.

“Don’t worry, I won’t touch you.” I say gently and grab the note attached to its ankle. I hand it over to Artina and she opens it before handing it back to me.

-I am free and will be bored tomorrow. If only a queen would swoop me of of my feet and accompany me for brunch-

I can’t hide the smile on my face and quiet laughter escaping my voice. Artina notices, despite me covering my smile.

“Is it someone you know, your majesty?” She asks. I’m used to the nickname so I pay it no attention as we walk over to a nearby bench.

“There’s no name but I’m sure I could guess who it might be.” I say and sit down on the bench. I reach for my bag to grab a pen to reply but the bird on my hand will make it difficult.

“U-Um,” I stutter while thinking of a solution. Suddenly, as if recognizing my inner conflict, the bird flaps its wings and moves over to the bench as well.

“Oh, thank you.” I toss it a smile and it seems flustered. I reach for the blue inked pen in my bag and write a response on the back of the small paper.

-I will be free as well. I’ll wait in the lobby by nine, do you have a place in mind?-

Satisfied with my words, place my pen back inside of my bag. This is oddly fun. The small bird taps the same ankle on the bench.

“You are a very smart bird.” I compliment it while tying the note carefully to its ankle with some difficulty. Once finished I point my index finger again and it complies.

“Tell your owner that he is very sly.” I whisper before lightly flicking my wrist in the air and the bird flies off.

Notes:

I AM VERY SORRY FOR THE LONG DELAY. SCHOOL HAS KEPT ME VERY BUSY AND THIS STORY HAS NOT ENDED. I APOLOGIZE.

Chapter 12: Sovieshu's Anger

Summary:

“Good morning! Are you two headed somewhere as well?” He asks.

“W-What?” Sovieshu questions with confusion.

“It’s such a lovely day to be out isn’t it?” Heinrey smiles brightly. “I just thought I’d go out for brunch and my Queen should accompany me!”

“Queen?!”

“Yes, fitting nickname isn’t it? She just radiates power and elegance.” Heinrey looks down to meet my eyes before speaking again. “Not to mention beauty.”

For some reason the words fill my heart and I close my eyes to pull away any blush that may appear on my face. He turns back to Sovieshu who was shaking with anger. His teeth grinding and fist clenched. Rashta on the other hand had her jaw dropped and was staring up at Heinrey with sparkling eyes.

I didn’t like it.

It’s around 7:30-ish. I’m sitting in front of my vanity mirror on my phone as Joubert does my hair. I of course told her and the others that I’d be going to brunch today. I called them last night telling them that I had plans to go out today in which they all were over this morning in an instant to help me get ready.

“How d’ya like this one, Navier?” I hear Joubert ask as she hunches down and places her hands on my shoulders, taking a look in the mirror herself. I lift my head to look into the mirror as well.

Hair shaped and styled now into a low bun. I angle my head a few times before smiling. It looked very nice. I wish I could learn to style my own hair like this.

“It’s called a chignon bun. You look to take a fancying to it.” Joubert giggles and I nod.

“Yes, it’s very pretty, thank you.” I say before standing and dusting off my robe.

“I made it a little messier since you’re only going out for brunch. It fits the occasion.” Joubert says proudly as we walk from my bedroom to the livingroom and sit on the couch.

Laura was in the kitchen cooking and it smelled delicious. I waited quietly on my phone while Joubert, Eliza, Nian and Artina chatted on the other side of the couch. I wouldn’t say my apartment is grand but it’s certainly big enough to fit the sectional couch and my other furniture.

After a few more minutes, Laura joined the conversation as she placed breakfast down on the table in front of the couch. I reach for a plate but Laura before I eat the eggs on my fort Laura grabs my wrist.

“Don’t eat too much! You’re still attending brunch soon!” She lectures and I chuckle.

“Yes, yes, I know.” I reassure her and we all start chatting, causing some time to pass. Laura and Joubert start cleaning the dishes and Eliza goes to make some tea. I check the time and it’s now 8:22.

“So, who’s the mystery guy? Do I know him? Have I seen him?” Nian ambushes me with questions.

“I’m sure you’ll recognize him when you see him.” I say as Eliza brings over the tea. I hurriedly take a teacup from the tray and pretend I don’t see Nian’s glare.

“You’re too good at dodging.” She pouts and takes a cup as well.

“Artina tells me your smile never left your face when you got the letter.” Eliza smiles and I sip at my tea quietly, averting my eyes.

“Her Majesty even recognized who the letter was from without their signature.” Artina adds.

“No signature? Oh my!” Laura says giddily while covering her mouth,

“I need to get dressed.” I say and stand, placing my teacup down gently on the platter.

“Oh, yes!” Nian stands happily and claps. “I have an outfit I’d like you to wear. It’s very brunch appropriate!” She says and quickly walks over to the door before coming back over to me and handing me a box.

“You should have boots to match this.” She says. A light pause as she puckers her lips and moves them to the side as if biting her cheek. “It’s a batwing cardigan- which should look really good on you,” She says and taps the box.

“And a burgundy sleeved top. It’s a little chilly today so, you’ll need it. The jeans are black like the cardigan and..” She pauses again.

“You still have those side zipper knee highs you brought a couple weeks ago, right? The chunky burgundy ones?” She asks. I nod and look over to Eliza. She quickly goes into my bedroom.

“Ah! Great!” Nian smiles and guides me towards my room though it felt more like pushing..

“You go ahead and put these on then!” She says as Eliza sits my boots gently down beside my bed then walks out.

We’ll be waiting~!” She sings and closes the door, leaving me in the bedroom alone. I look down at the box in my hands and pace it on my dresser. I go over to my window to close the curtains but a feather catches my attention. I instead open up the window and look around with little hope.

“Ah!” I gasp with a smile as the large, golden bird once again enters my room. This time it seems exhausted and flops down onto my bed.

“If I hadn’t known any better I’d say this was your room.” I giggle and I stroke the hair on its head.

“You have to be very quiet, I have guests outside of the room.” I whisper and spot the note attached to its ankle. Ah, yes. This must be Heinrey’s bird as well then. I take the note and walk over to my vanity before reading. Taking a pen from the pen holder on my bedside table, ready to respond.

-I do have a place, but we can go wherever you wish-

He writes so formally. Maybe he works a role in the Occidental where his handwriting is important. It’s so neat. The bird flies onto my lap as if waiting for my response and I smile.

“You and the blue bird have a very large range of expressions. What is your name?”

“Squawk?”

I of course wasn’t expecting it to answer me. I write down my response.

-What you have planned is fine-

After tying the note back to its ankle I hear someone call out to me. “Are you alright, Navier?” Oh my, how long have I been in here?

“Y-Yes, I’ll be out in a moment.” I call back as I follow the bird to the window. It looks back at me again. Such beautiful eyes.

“Please get back safely.” I say gently and kiss its head. It squawks again before drunkenly flying away. How cute! I close my window and curtains and quickly change into the clothes Nian got for me. After putting on the boots, I turn to my body mirror and look at the outfit together. I’m glad Nian thought of me when choosing this.

I walk out of my bedroom and my friends rush me with compliments about how pretty I look. I would tell them to stop but they’ve done it all my life so I’m used to it. I thank each of them and grab my black leather purse.

“Tell me everything that happens! Hand holding, smiles,” Laura starts and then gasps. “Kisses!” She squeals and I adjust my cardigan.

“This isn’t a date.”

I think.

“Yes, yes, whatever you say, your majesty.” Nian says mischievously while covering her giggles. They all leave my apartment ith me and head to their own on this floor. All except Eliza, who follows me to the elevator.

“You’re very early, Ms.Trovi.” She says and I look at the time on my phone. Heinrey didn’t tell me what time we needed to be at the place, but I did say I would be in the lobby by nine and it was only 8:32.

“I like to be early for things like this.” I say.

“For dates?” She asks and I snap my head to her, the heat rising in my face.

“E-Eliza..!”

“I’m just messing with you, Miss.” She laughs quiet and elegantly and I close my eyes and look down. Pouting won’t do anything. I shake away the blood in my face and take silent breaths.

The elevator door opens and one of the worst things that could have happened, happened.

“Oh! Miss!” Rashta exclaims with a smile.

“You-!” Eliza snaps but I hold my hand up to stop her.

“I’ll be fine. You can go ahead home.” I say calmly. Eliza screws her mouth shut before looking over to me in concern and I nod. She leaves the lobby and now I’m alone with the woman. How old was she anyway? Nevermind, I’m sure I don’t want to know.

I walk past her and sit in one of the lobby chairs. She sits across from me and giggles. What does she want?

“Yes?” I ask and she sits up straight.

“W-Well, I thought that I should get to know you.” She explains.

“And why is that?”

“Because we’ll be working and living in the same building, Miss!”

What.

“Sovieshu is such a kind man! He gave me a position. It’s not as grand as his, but- I’m happy to get a job!”

What.

“He brought me an apartment too! It’s for until I can start paying my own bills. He is so very generous. How long have you known him?”

I decide to just get up and start walking to the path I walked last night. Maybe it will cool my head. I can’t be stressed today. Before I can walk out of the lobby the last person I want to see walks through the entrance.

“Sovieshu~!” Her cheery voice calls out from behind me and she rushes past to hug him.

He doesn’t seem to notice me at first but Rashta points at me with a smile on her face for some reason. His smile on the other hand drops. I bite my cheek and keep a poker face as I turn and walk back to the elevator. I hear him call out my name and his footsteps advancing over when I hit the call button. Fortunately, they open quickly but an unexpected face appears when they do.

“Ah, I thought I’d get here before you.” He says with a smile.

It’s Heinrey.

He takes a quick glance behind me and I see his face lift in surprise and then twist into something along the lines of mischief.

“Follow after me, my queen.” He whispers in a tone I’ve never heard before. Before it can surprise me, he takes my hand and we walk over to..Sovieshu?

“Good morning! Are you two headed somewhere as well?” He asks.

“W-What?” Sovieshu questions with confusion.

“It’s such a lovely day to be out isn’t it?” Heinrey smiles brightly. “I just thought I’d go out for brunch and my Queen should accompany me!”

“Queen?!”

“Yes, fitting nickname isn’t it? She just radiates power and elegance.” Heinrey looks down to meet my eyes before speaking again. “Not to mention beauty.”

For some reason the words fill my heart and I close my eyes to pull away any blush that may appear on my face. He turns back to Sovieshu who was shaking with anger. His teeth grinding and fist clenched. Rashta on the other hand had her jaw dropped and was staring up at Heinrey with sparkling eyes.

I didn’t like it.

“Please excuse us, we’re on a time limit.” I say sharply, which snaps Rashta’s attention to me. I hear an amused chuckle from Heinrey and he opens the door. I walk out swiftly and Heinrey joins my side.

After a few minutes of walking, I hear Heinrey chuckle again and I look up to him.

“What is it?” I ask.

“I’ve never seen you look at someone so scarily, my Queen.” He says. Did I look intimidating?

“Yes well, I won’t exactly look at my ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend affectionately.” I say with my eyes closed and chin raised.

“I see, I see.” He says with a light tilt in his voice. He seems too happy but I won’t comment on it.

“Is the place close?” I ask and he nods excessively.

“Yes, yes. Very close.”

Notes:

Hope you're enjoying the story :> Someone mentioned before to put emphasis on their clothing and I will try to do so!

Chapter 13: What a Relaxing Brunch

Summary:

“M-My Queen,”

“Yes?”

“Are you sure you want to name him Queen? Maybe there’s another name that comes to mind?”

“No, I like Queen.” I tease him with a smile and he laughs embarrassedly. I don’t know why he is embarrassed, but it’s cute.

I‘ve been wondering about it for a while but today is a good day to ask, right? This is for us to get to know each other after all.

“Are you wearing contacts?”

Heinrey takes time to process my question as he chews his food. “No, my Queen.” They are very real.” He says with a smile.

Violet eyes aren’t unnatural but they are very rare. I’ve never met someone with such a color but I’ve seen it on TV before. I stare at his eyes for a little while longer. They are very vibrant and full. He glances at me and clears his throat while fanning his face.

“I don’t mind if you look at me, my Queen, but my heart beats really fast when you do.” At his words I sit up straight and focus back down to my food quickly.

“I apologize. Your eye color is just very rare.” I explain myself quickly and eat my food. Heinrey smiles and leans onto the table with his elbows and props his chin up on his hands.

“My Queen, you have very nice eyes too. I really like them.”

“My eyes aren’t hard to find.”

“They compliment your skin a lot though. You are very beautiful.”

“You say such things a lot?”

“Only to you.”

“I don’t like liars.”

“But it’s true!” He pouts. He has a very large range of expressions. His eyes remind me of the bird he owns.

“What is your bird’s name?” I ask and Heinrey laughs nervously.

“I didn’t name it..” He says reluctantly and I glare. How could he not name such a gorgeous bird? He takes another bite of his fruit and looks away. Sitting at a window booth allowed him to avoid my look easily so I dropped it and asked another question.

“Well, are you going to?”

“Why don’t you choose the name, my Queen?” He answers and looks at me again.

I could name it? He must have spent lots of money on such birds like the golden one and blue one I met recently. Then again, it may be a requirement to have a bird at the Occidental. They are very skilled with magic and other wondrous things so I wouldn’t be surprised if they used birds often.

“Did you get the bird from your workplace?”

“A-Ah..well, only some people have birds.” He stutters and continues his pancakes. “You can name mine.” He says with a bright smile.

The red in his cheeks are like strawberry jam. How lovely. No. A lovely person would immediately name a lovely bird rather than prolong it. I eat the blueberries on top of my pancake and ponder.

Hm..A name…. I look up and Heinrey was still staring at me eagerly. His eyes vibrant and sparkling.

“I’ll name her Queen. Because she’s very majestic.” I answer and Heinrey freezes with a blush.

“What?” I ask.

“Y-You could call it Queen if you’d like but, it’s a male bird.” He says, almost embarrassingly.

“Oh! A male!” I say with surprise. “Well, men can be majestic too.”

“I-I suppose so..” Heinrey says quietly while poking at his food. His head turns and face flushed as he drinks his milkshake. Seconds pass and he asks me, “M-My Queen,”

“Yes?”

“Are you sure you want to name him Queen? Maybe there’s another name that comes to mind?”

“No, I like Queen.” I tease him with a smile and he laughs embarrassedly. I don’t know why he is embarrassed, but it’s cute.

When we finish brunch, we walk for a while around the area. He asked me to show him around so that he would be more familiar. We reach the botanical garden that I come to frequently with Nian.

“This is a very pretty garden.” He hums.

“I come here during my freetime or when I want to relax. It’s a good place.” I say as we walk side by side.

“What do you do to relax?”

“I read or journal. Whichever I am feeling at the moment.” I say. I do like to read but it is definitely more enjoyable to do here than in my bedroom. The garden gives a comforting feel that I can’t find anywhere else.

“Do you mind if I join you one day?” He asks. I look up to him and he’s already smiling at me. Doesn’t that get exhausting? Or is it genuine?

 

“Only if you bring Queen.” I say. I hear him chuckle.

“I may be too busy some days so I will definitely send him when I’m unavailable.” He says. It makes me happy that I will be able to see Queen sometimes. I nod with a smile.

As we exit the park I see a large school bus.

“Is there a school nearby?” Heinrey asks.

“Yes, the magic academy. It’s not too far from here. There are mages there just like your workplace.” I explain.

“We don't have many mages.” Heinrey says. “I am a mage myself but there are very few where I work.”

“I see.” I say as we start heading back to the complex.

“Do you like mages, my Queen?” He asks. Why wouldn’t I?

“Yes, I am funding a girl that goes to that academy. Although she is growing fast.” I say nostalgically.

“Were they on a trip?”

“They go on trips frequently for..” I trail off.

“My Queen?” Heinrey asks worriedly and we stop walking.

“There have been cases of mages losing magic..They’ve been traveling to hopefully find a solution.” I explain quietly and Heinrey nods. Thankfully he doesn’t ask any other questions pertaining to it as we enter the path around the complex.

“What does Queen like to eat?” I ask and Heinrey chuckles.

“Will you feed him if I tell you?” He asks.

“If you send him over I’m sure he’ll be tired after such a long flight from yor building to my whereabouts.” I say and he chuckles again.

“He’ll eat anything you feed him, I assure you.” He says. What a vague answer.. I’ll just ask Eliza maybe.

“Ah! Miss Navier!” I look forward and see Rashta heading toward us on the path. How does she keep finding me?

I stop walking and Heinrey stays by my side as Rashta skips over to us happily, the dress she wore a white backless puff sleeve ruffle dress and white flats.

“Are you out for a stroll as well, Miss?” She asks brightly.

“I-”

“Oh!” She smiles when she looks to Heinrey and clasps her hands together. “Hello! I believe I saw you earlier with Miss Navier!” She giggles.

“Yes, you did. Hello to you too.” Heinrey answers with a small smile. Rashta squeals.

“He’s so handsome and polite! Who is he, Miss?” Rashta asks me while maintaining eye contact with Heinrey. Her closeness to him scratches at my nerves and I answer quickly.

“He has moved here recently. His name is Heinrey.” I can’t be rude for no reason. If she wants to meet him then I can’t stop her. It’s not like I own him.

“Oh, I’ve been here for a while! Would you like me to show you around this path?” She asks.

“Thank you for the offer but I’ll be fine. I’m walking it right now just fine.” He says and looks to me.

“Oh! Then all three of us can walk! I know this beautiful spot where-!”

“Three is a crowd.” Heinrey says bluntly, his smile now gone from his face and eyes coldly looking at her. Oh?

“O-Oh, then maybe I’ll see you around?” Rashta asks with hesitancy. Heinrey continues to stare down at her and I can’t tell what he’s thinking. He seems annoyed. Could he be?

“G-Goodbye then!” Rashta smiles, which seemed a bit forced, and walked the path where we came. I watch her walk away with stuttered footsteps and not once looking back. Heinrey sucks his teeth and sighs heavily.

I stay quiet as we continue to walk, making sure my face was relaxed. Was he actually irritated? Does he not like Rashta already?

“My Queen,” I look over to him. “Am I not handsome today?” I cock an eyebrow at his strangely arrogant question.

“Usually by now a girl would be swooning over me. Head over heels, even.” He says. “I even dressed up nicely today, too.” He pouts. I stay quiet trying to keep my poker face but the sweat on my face rolls down.

“No, you’re very handsome.” I say. It’s not like I thought otherwise but it was weird for him to say out of the blue. He chuckles at my words.

“Sorry, you just seemed so stiff earlier.” He says. Oh, it was a joke. Thank heavens.

“I apologize, for I am not fond of her.”

“I see. That man she accompanied this morning seemed rather angry.”

“Yes, I rarely see him as such. It was actually enjoyable.” I admit half jokingly. “You did a good job in making him so.”

“Thank you, I worked hard.” He jokes.

“Or maybe you’re just good at making people angry without trying.” I say and he laughs.

“Do I make you angry, my Queen?” He asks.

“Sometimes.”

“W-Wha-?” He stutters and I chuckle under my breath.

By the time we get to the front of the building it’s around 11 he takes me back to my apartment. I assume he goes back to his as I sit on my couch with an exhausted sigh. Who knew a brunch could be so draining?

. . .

The next few weeks fly by quickly, just as the days seem to. It was the end of October and Heinrey and I had gone out to eat or just to talk a few times. Artina accepted the bodyguard position and went under some training provided by Eliza. My friends of course were trapping me with questions about Heinrey. They had not been dates. He was just trying to make me feel better about my break up with Sovieshu. Surely. Yes.

My planning for the Halloween party I do every year was done and now it’s tomorrow. People that have collaborated with the company in the past always attend. For example Nian’s makeup and modeling industry along with others, now including the Occidental. I’m surprised that the new CEO accepted the invitation. I had a meeting with the company a couple weeks back but did not get to meet the CEO. I should ask Heinrey to introduce me to him. That wouldn’t be too much, would it? Anyway, due to the large amount of people coming, I’ve decided to use a larger venue than last year, hopefully I estimated the space correctly. I’m sure Eliza would correct me if I had done otherwise.

Laura along with some other friends I knew in the complex set up decorations. The theme was fairytales this year so I let Eliza choose a costume for me. I finished my work at home to be ready for tomorrow and did it quickly as I always do the day prior to the event. Usually Sovieshu would come to ask me what I would dress up as but I guess that's off the table. I don’t have to match with anyone, it’s not necessary.

The sweater I had on warmed me to some degree but it was still a little chilly in the complex. I even let my hair down so my ears wouldn’t feel cold. The afternoon sun didn’t help either. I asked Eliza to talk with the landlord and she reported back that they’re working on it. Apparently it’s throughout the whole building. I drape a fleece blanket over my shoulders and walk to my apartment door. When I open it, Sovieshu is standing there surprised to see me as if I didn’t live here.

“Sorry, I was going to knock but, uh..” He shakes his head. “Anyway, about the party, for tomorrow,”

Is he going to ask to match with me? It didn’t have to be in a couple way but I did miss talking to Sovieshu like we did when we were children. It would be nice.

“Rashta is able to come, right?”

Oh.

“I won’t stop her from attending, if that’s what you mean. She works for the company now doesn’t she?” I state and he sighs in relief. I almost turn and slam the door in his face but I remember the reason I’m leaving in the first place.

“Is that all?” I ask.

“I’m..going to match outfits with Rashta as well.” He admits. I can’t help but snap at that.

“You don’t have to tell me every single detail about your new relationship, Sovieshu.”

“Relationship?” He asks.

He isn’t going to do this right now, right? I don’t put it past him…

“I might not look it to you, but I am capable of reading between the lines.”

“I’m not saying you can’t. All I came over to do was to ask for your permission to invite Rashta.” He says.

“She’s fully capable of asking me herself. You’re treating her like an abandoned puppy.”

“You have no idea what she’s been through.” He says through clenched teeth.

“I would like to know what she’s been through, seeing as she stole my boyfriend from me.”

“You-!”

“If you're going to yell at me, please acknowledge your volume beforehand.” I interrupt his upcoming tantrum but that seems to anger him more.

“Why have you changed so much?” He says quietly. Me?

“I’m still the same. You on the other hand are debatable.” I say as I exit my apartment and lock the door behind me.

“Maybe you need to start self reflecting. At least Rashta acknowledges her wrongs.” He scoffs and I walk over to the elevator.

“Well, I apologize for not agreeing to everything you say and being wrapped around your finger.” I press the call button.

“And you wonder why I compare you two..” He says and walks off.

“Did your father compare his new girlfriend to your mother this often?” He sharply turns and growls.

“You know that’s your problem! You only ever think about you!” Is the last thing I hear him say before the elevator door closes.

I sigh in exhaustion. Conversations with him always turn into a one-sided argument. I don’t know if he prefers that but it’s getting annoying. After a few seconds, the doors reopen and I walk into the lobby and sit in the usual chair I always come to. The magazine there had a fragrance cover so I started to read it to pass the time. I become a little amused and proud when I see Nian modeling some of the products.

After about 5 minutes or so I heard the lobby door open, letting in a cool breeze. I placed the magazine down and wrapped my blanket around me tightly before walking to the entrance. Before I could fully make my way over, I’m rushed with a hug by large arms.

“Koshair, you made it safely.” I smile and embrace him back warmly despite the cold coat he wore.

Koshair, my brother, had gone to work in another state unfortunately about three to four years back. Sovieshu had fired him because of his aggressive tendencies and disregard of his public image. Although he gave a gentle goodbye, it still hurt to see my only sibling go. I had no clue when he’d return or even be capable of keeping a stable income. A couple days earlier however, he contacted me and talked of his return. Our hug ended and behind his was Falhan. Fallhan had also left with Kosair since he was not only his former secretary but a childhood friend I’ve known for almost as long as I’ve known Koshair.

I hug him as well and he accepts it with an unexpected smile.

“How are you? How has your new job been?”

“Let’s go to your apartment first, you’re going to make my head explode with all the questions.” He smiles and I immediately close my eyes and slightly lift my chin. It’s a tell I make when trying to compose myself.

“Yes, let’s go.” I say.

Falhan carries a few bags and we head to the elevator. It’s there when he turns to me with a smile.

“You’re all grown up, look at you!” He says in a teasing town. I scoff and turn my head.

“You, on the other hand, haven’t changed at all.” I hear him grunt while Falhan laughs. The doors open and I see Heinrey, along with McKenna inside of the elevator. He smiles at me and while I wait for the nickname he usually calls me by, his eyes dart over to my brother with surprise.

“Heinrey?” I call out to him. It seems to snap his daze.

“Heinrey?” My brother repeats questioningly as he looks to me. What is going on?

“Yes, he’s moved here recently. Not too long ago, actually. Why?” I ask.

“He’s-”

“Nice to meet you! I didn’t catch your name!” Heinrey interrupts and extends his hand for a handshake. His smile shining but strained. Koshair stares at him for a few moments before accepting the handshake.

“Koshair..” He says slowly but not in a menacing way at all which surprised me. He spoke slightly formal too.

McKenna looks behind me with eyes I can’t decipher but before I could turn around, Falhan places his hands on my shoulders and ushers me into the elevator as Heinrey and Mckenna exit.

“Miss, wouldn’t you rather be in the comfort of your home than stand here cold? You don’t want to catch a cold before your event, right?” He asks as Koshair also follows us in.

I hum with trained eyes watching Heinrey and McKenna leave the building quickly as the elevator doors shut.

Chapter 14: Preparing for the Event

Summary:

-What are you dressing as for tomorrow, my Queen?-

Why does he want to know? Will he match with me? No, surely not. Only couples or close friends do. I doubt I am a close friend of his. We’ve only known each other for a month or two. He might just be curious, then. Eliza comes back with water in a small bowl and Queen drinks with a melodic chirp from time to time as I ponder at my desk for a reply while getting a small sheet of paper. Biting my cheek and puckering my lips in thought, I finally write. When I finish, Queen hurries back to the arm of my chair and peeks as if reading the letter.

-Guess if you’re so interested-

“Sqwauk?!”

Koshair had brought me new clothes and jewelry. It wasn’t unexpected but I didn’t know he would purchase so much. I guess his new job is good. Laura along with Nian and Eliza visited to greet him after not seeing him for so long. They still get along well, thankfully.

“What are you and Sovieshu matching as for tomorrow?” He asks. I know he doesn’t like Sovieshu but he does try his best to show interest at times. I don’t think I have the courage to tell him right now so I change the subject.

“Have you eaten toda-?”

“That bastard cheated on her, Koshair! He’s a no good, lying, ugly snake!” Laura shouts with passion and anger.

“Laura!” Eliza goes to calm and quiet her but Koshiar has already heard it. I turn to him reluctantly and immediately see the scowl written on his face.

“Koshair-” He stands from the couch and places the perfume he got for me on the table. I watch him go to the door with suppressed rage while Falhan follows quickly behind him.

“Koshair-!” I call out again but as I stand he’s already opening the door. When he does, Artina is standing there as if she was about to knock and pleasantly surprised to see Koshair.

“Ah, you’re really back-'' He walks past her with a mumbled apology and leaves. Artina eventually comes in and closes the door behind her.

“What happened?” She asks but the room falls into an awkward silence. I explain the situation to her but her expression doesn’t falter.

“Good, I hope he kicks his ass.” She says and crosses her arms.

Oh heavens…

I got dressed for a shoe fitting Eliza booked for me. Only Nian and Eliza will join me since Laura and Joubert will help the cooks for the food at the Venue.

“Is it actual glass?”

“No, Mrs.Nian, it would be far too dangerous if she wore glass heels.”

I am shocked at the structure of the heel. It looks exactly like glass!

“The material is swarovski crystals, Ms.Trovi.” Eliza informs me and helps me walk. It doesn’t take long for me to adjust to the feeling and am able to walk on my own. I hear Nian’s quiet squeals and cheers while I pace.

“Is it to your liking then?” Eliza asks me and I nod with a smile.

“Thank you.”

“It’s my pleasure, Ms.Trovi.” Eliza smiles as well and I switch back my ankle stiletto boots. Eliza takes the heels and walks away with the employee.

“I’m guessing you’ll be Cinderella this year!” Nian states with joy. She still hasn’t told me her choice of character but I nod.

“Did the glass slipper give it away?” I ask and she giggles. We walked around for a little while longer just to shop and I had called my brother about an hour or two into shopping to make sure he had a cool head. Luckily he answered and was with Falhan. I wonder what floor of the complex they’re residing in. I know that the third is full so they have to be on another.

Around 5pm it had settled down by then. I read through a few emails of companies who were attending the party, sending me ‘thank you's' and expressing their excitement for the event. I took a bath instead of a shower tonight to relax my muscles and changed into the lace belted top and pants pajama set I purchased today.

I read for a while and wait on Eliza’s visit. She brung my costume for tomorrow evening and assisted me to put it on carefully, as the dress was delicate.

“Ah! Miss, you look absolutely gorgeous! I can’t wait for Laura and Jobert to style your hair and face tomorrow!” She exclaims as I examine the dress in my body mirror.

“Will the heels be fine to walk in with the dress?” I ask and she nods.

“Yes I made sure of it, Miss.” She says. The dress was very beautiful. Although it did not have the puffed shoulder sleeve the character has, the off shoulder strap and white long gloves made me feel very royal. The blue and ruffles of the dress complimented the faded blue and the heels that I would wear with it wouldn’t be seen because of the dress’s length touching the floor. I don’t mind.

“I’ll book your manicure for tomorrow morning then.” Eliza says while I remove the gloves. A few light taps against my window causes Eliza to raise her brows as I walk over.

“Is that Queen?” She asks.

“I believe so.” I open the window and just as I guess, Queen chirps happily coming through into the room.

Eliza offers to get water and leaves me in my bedroom with Queen. I collect the letter attached to his ankle and read.

-What are you dressing as for tomorrow, my Queen?-

Why does he want to know? Will he match with me? No, surely not. Only couples or close friends do. I doubt I am a close friend of his. We’ve only known each other for a month or two. He might just be curious, then. Eliza comes back with water in a small bowl and Queen drinks with a melodic chirp from time to time as I ponder at my desk for a reply while getting a small sheet of paper. Biting my cheek and puckering my lips in thought, I finally write. When I finish, Queen hurries back to the arm of my chair and peeks as if reading the letter.

-Guess if you’re so interested-

“Sqwauk?!”

I flinch a little at the loud noise Queen makes. I didn't know he could be so loud.

“Ms.Navier, the letters you are receiving are quite a few. Should I throw them away?” Eliza asks. I didn’t realize I had kept so many in my drawer all this time.

“Purchase a small decorative box for me to store them in. I’d like to keep them.” I tell her and she nods before heading into the living room.

I move the curtains out of the way so that Queen could leave but he stares at me for a few seconds. It felt like he was studying me.

“Queen?” I call him, and after, he chirps and flies away.

Strange.

. . .

The next day I go to work, I wave goodbye to Heinrey before he drives off and I step into the lobby. While walking, I see Ms.Verdi holding an envelope as I walk over to check in.

“Ms.Verdi?” I call while pulling out my pass. She jumps as if caught examining the envelope and smiles nervously.

“Ah, M-Ms.Trovi,” She stutters and quickly scans my pass along with handing me the envelope. “Here you are. This letter is addressed to you, although it has no name. Again.”

I take the envelope. I flip it around and my eyes stop on the golden wax seal that kept it closed. He sent me another letter.

“Thank you.” I say and Eliza walks into the lobby. She greets me and takes my bag as I stare at the envelope. What would he send me that we couldn’t have talked about in the car?

We make it up to my office and settle down, ready to work like any other day. I tear open the flap of the envelope and remove the letter.

“Is that from Mr.Heinrey?” Eliza asks with a smile while placing some paper work on my desk. I suppose she’s gotten used to Heinrey sending me letters and birds.

“Yes.” I answer and read the content.

-I will bring the CEO to you tonight. I will make sure he dresses very handsome, my Queen-

Is this all?

“Queen is here.” Eliza says and goes to one of the many windows in the room. Just as she said, Queen was tapping on the window and sitting on the window sill.

I scribble down a reply quickly and she lifts open the window. Queen soars over to me and lands on the arm of my chair while I slip the letter back inside of the envelope. Queen takes it between his beak with a very happy expression.

“Deliver this safely as well.” I say and kiss his head. His wings flap erratically and he quickly flies out of the office. Eliza chuckles lightly before closing the window.

-Ms.Trovi?-

A voice comes through the speaker system near the elevator doorway. Eliza presses the button and I speak.

“Yes?”

-Your personal bodyguard is here. Shall I send her up or assign her elsewhere?-

Oh, Artina. She has been working some shifts around the building these past few weeks.

“Yes, send her up. She’ll stand post here and give her a permanent verification pass as well.”

-Yes, maam-

The speaker announcement ends with a quick beep and waits at the door for Artina’s arrival.

Eliza began to tell me about the sudden phone calls I had been getting yesterday for some interviews for me and Sovieshu. I could guess what this was about.

“It’s mostly news stations and reporters. They want to ask how the business is going, and about..”

“My love life. Yes.” I smile gently to soothe her of stress. It seems to work to a certain degree but not fully.

In the past me and Sovieshu have kept our relationship hidden from reporters and simply stated that we were both seeing someone. I’m glad that we did since I don’t have to talk about the predicament I’m in as of late. Sovieshu could easily come out and say that he is with Rashta now but what about me? If he gives an answer I suppose they’ll be expecting one from myself as well.

“I’ll deal with this matter later.” I state calmly. Artina enters and Eliza and I both greet her welcomingly. Although Eliza adjusts the collar of her white button up, the black tie, blazer, slacks and shoes fit great. The attire definitely suits her. She straightens her earpiece and stands firmly at the door. This wasn’t the first time I’ve seen her in uniform of course, but I do like how they look on her.

If she’s taken a few lessons I suppose she’s met some of Sovieshu’s guards as well. I hope they didn’t go too hard on her.

/

Notes:

I'll do a double upload <3

Chapter 15: Prince Charming

Summary:

“My Queen, did you copy my outfit?” Heinrey ask and I turn back to him? His look was gone and he was smiling bubbly with a faint tinge of pink on his cheeks.

“No, we just happened to dress as the same fairytale.” I say with closed eyes.

“What a great coincidence.”

“Rashta never knew photo shoots could take so long, Executive Lante..” Rashta says weakly. “It was almost three hours.”

A purple haired business leader walks with her through the building's large and busy hallways. He smiles sadly at her with a few encouraging words. They go in one ear and out when she spots a golden envelope at the lobby desk. She rushes over to the desk clerk with sparkling eyes.

“Ah, Ms.Rashta! How was your first day?”

“Ms.Verdi! Would you happen to know who’s letter this is?” Rashta asks excitedly. Executive Lante rushes over to her quickly, explaining how asking such information is improper.

“I could tell you who it is addressed to but not who it is from.” Ms.Verdi says, feeling pity for her. She doesn’t know any better, she thought.

“Yes please!” Rashta exclaims with a smile and hands clasped. The desk clerk raises the envelope as if displaying it.

“Letters like this are usually given to the second chief, Ms.Navier.” She reveals. “I think the writer has taken a liking to her.”

“Ms.Navier has a secret admirer?! How romantic~!” She squeals.

‘How could someone as cold as her have people like this?!’

“Has he visited?” Rashta asks.

“I can’t give away that information, Miss.” Ms.Verdi says with a sorrowful smile.

‘But I’m her boss’s woman. Shouldn’t she be scared of me?!’

“Maybe Rashta could ask the Chief to give her access! Is that something Rashta can do?” She pouts to Executive Lante.

Before the man could reply, the envelope is taken from Ms.Verdi’s hands from a woman with pitch black hair pulled into a ponytail and her strong, blue eyes were slightly shielded by bangs.

“Please refrain from giving such information out without the second Chief’s permission again, Ms.Verdi.” The woman says and the desk clerk nervously lowers her head.

Those sharp eyes fall onto Rashta next, making her spine go rigid. Cold sweat rolls down her forehead and she steps back hesitantly. She eyes Rashta for a moment before looking to Executive Lante, and back to her.

“I’ll be taking this up to the second chief myself. Her orders.” The woman says as she turns back to Ms.Verdi.

“Of course, ma'am.” Ms.Verdi says with her head still bowed and hands over one another on her lap. The woman bows to excuse herself and walks away, allowing Rashta to release a breath she didn’t know she was holding.

‘What a terrifying look..!’ Rashta thinks while patting at her heart lightly.

“I’m sorry Ms.Verdi. Rashta got you into trouble, didn’t she?” Rashta pouts sadly.

Ms.Verdi quickly retorts, telling her not to worry. After a few minutes of conversing with the clerk, Rashta says her goodbyes and herself along with Lante leave the building.

“Who is that..?” Rashta whispers to Lante. Lante stares at her for a few seconds before understanding her words.

“That is the second Chief’s personal bodyguard. She must have been sent by her.” Executive Lante explains as they stand near the entrance.

“A personal one? Like in the movies?!” Rashta exclaims while covering her mouth. Lante chuckles at her knowledge and nods.

“Yes, like in the movies, and the ones the Chief has.” He says.

Just then, the second Chief, Navier, exits the building as her guard and assistant follow closely. Navier glances over to Rashta but before even realizing if she was going to say anything, a limousine pulls in front of the building.

“Good afternoon, second Chief. Are you out for lunch?” Lante greets formally and bows his head.

“Yes, good afternoon.” Navier says, words coming graceful from her and aura elegant. “I’m taking leave early today to ensure preparations for the party are going nicely. Will you be attending again?” She asks.

“Ah! Sister Navier!” Rashta squeals and stands closer to her. She’s able to catch the small indication of annoyance cross Navier’s features and can’t help but feel a fire of pride rise in her.

“Pardon?” Navier says with hooded eyes.

“Oh, Rashta didn’t mean to let it slip, but we’re technically sisters now, aren’t we?” She smiles. “Since we have the same boyfriend now, that makes us family!” She adds.

A slight raise of her eyebrow’s shows Navier’s disbelief but it soon returns to its soft but stony, relaxed expression.

“I’m sorry to inform you but that’s not how it works here. It may be different where you come from but I do not intend to share any relationships I have with you.” Navier says bluntly. Rashta’s smile drops and opens her mouth to speak but Navier interrupts.

“And I don’t know if the Chief has informed you otherwise, but he and I are no longer in a relationship as of late.” Navier corrects while her guard escorts her over to the limousine. “Maybe you can call his next mistress your sister.” She adds before entering the vehicle.

“H-His next-?!” Rashta stutters in embarrassment and anger. She bites down her words.

. . .

“That girl that the Chief has around is working at the advertisement department.” Eliza says. “A few of our commercials and posters will have her face now.”

“Oh?” Is that where Sovieshu assigned her? Thankfully he didn’t give her anything too important.

Joubert does a quick scan of my Cinderella bun one more time before dusting my dress. Just as I had thought, the dress hid the shoes but I'm sure a few people would ask whether or not I had the glass slippers. If not then Nian would sooner or later brag to everyone at the event despite her not wearing them.

“I heard a few people saying that she is from a poor family. On my way here, I mean.” Artina chimes in, dressed as Mulan. The others were also dressed; Laura as Ariel, Joubert as Rapunzel and Eliza as a fairy godmother.

“I heard that too! She acts like it as well.” Laura huffs and Eliza pinches her cheek. Laura whines, making Eliza pull away with a smirk.

“Watch your tongue Ariel and please keep that in mind when we arrive.”

We all were in my apartment for now but the Chief’s along with the second Chief’s had to enter the venue alone because of all of the paparazzi. Especially since this officially will be the first time the public has seen Occidental’s new CEO. I’ve tried to contact Sovieshu all day about how we will discuss relationship questions to the press, but he was too busy unfortunately.

When I get out of the limousine later it’ll be like a red carpet. I’ll walk towards the door while multiple cameras flash and is recorded live on television. I’ll pose for some cameras of course but I won’t spend all of my time there. It’ll just be a quick five minutes. Hopefully no one will bring up my love life. I already hinted in the past few weeks that I’m in a relationship. Sovieshu and I were planning to announce it here, but now…

“What’ll I do..?” I whisper.

“Ms.Navier?” I snap out of my daze and look to Laura as she ushers me outside. “The limousine is waiting. It's time!” She smiles and I return it.

After spending about 10 minutes or so driving there, I finally saw the venue come into view, with paparazzi and press surrounding the entrance but behind the stanchions. Feeling the hum of the engine and the vehicle halt, I felt an overwhelming pit form in my stomach as I fumbled with my long, silk gloves. It’s just one straight path of carpet to the entrance and I’ll be done.

‘Smile and nod, Navier..’ I breathe to myself before the car door opens.

An immediate barrage of flashes and cheers erupt when a chauffeur assists my exit of the limousine. I toss a few cameras some signature smiles while I make my way to the glass double doors being held open by two security guards. Most of the people working here work for my company so I feel a little reassurance at the familiar faces.

Questions that were asked were mostly about new collaborations and things like ‘what to expect in the future’ or something along the lines of my opinions on certain companies. I’ve been trained to answer these questions in a vague way. Answering questions in front of me was Chief Kaufman. I’ve never met him before but I hope to make progress with his business here when I have the chance.

“Second Chief~!” I turn and see a trusting familiar face.

“Ms.Circe,” I smile, relieved at her presence.

Circe is the daughter of a CEO I once knew. While we often do business with him, he’s not one to come to events like this. Circe on the other hand loved to come for rumors and gossip.

“I’m glad you could make it.” I say and she smiles brightly.

“Ms.Circe, Ms.Trovi! What are you wearing?” A journalist suddenly asks and Circe huffs.

“Are you dense? I’m obviously Jasmine and she’s Cinderella.” She says and instead of shaming him, the reporter seems more piqued.

“Cinderella you say! Do you have the glass slippers as well?” He asks me jokingly. Some in the crowd chuckle playfully and I smile.

“Why yes I do.” I say and almost immediately the laughter ends and everyone focuses on me. The reporter stumbles over his words with his camera man behind him.

“Wow! Glass slippers seem impossible. W-Would you mind showing us, Ms.Trovi?” He asks excitedly.

I nod lightly before slightly raising my dress just above my ankles and a gasp goes around the people as they break out into cheers and applauds.

“Oh my! How lovely!” He says as the camera focuses on my heels. For a while he talks about it to the audience and I look over to another limousine pulling in.

It ruins my mood.

Sovieshu appears along with Rashta behind him as he helps her out of the limo. A couple of reporters and cameras fly their way and I don’t have to go over to know the first thing they asked him. The cheers decide for me.

“I’ve got to say those are some gorgeous heels! Added with the dress it’s jaw dropping, where’d you get them?” The reporter asks me and I focus my attention back to them.

“If I told you that, my fairy godmother would flip her lid.” I smile and people around us laugh at the joke.

“Who’s that?” Circe says, unfortunately for me, bringing attention to Rashta and Sovieshu coming this way.

“His new girlfriend…” I whisper to her while everyone faces their way. Circe’s eyes widen before switching to worry.

“Oh Miss…” She says sadly. Before she can try and comfort me any further, the cameras return back to me.

“I’ll see you inside.” I whisper reassuringly to her and she nods and walks away.

“Now, I don’t mean to hold you for long, Ms.Trovi, but do you have your Prince Charming coming for you soon?” The same reporter asks me.

I can feel the cameraman zoom in on my face, watching intently for any reactions. They must have been holding off until now.

“Well, I-”

“It’s the Occidental!” I hear a reporter shout in the distance. Suddenly the before intent cameraman and crew turn to the shining gold limousine pulling in.

“What an entrance.” I say calmly, hoping to coax the reporter in front of me to the limousine instead of me. I’ll leave and just meet the CEO inside. I’m sure Heinrey’s waiting for me there anyway.

“An entrance indeed!” The reporter says excitedly. I take a quiet breath at my successful shift of attention. When I turn to hurry to the double doors, a shout catches my attention but also catches me by surprise.

“Wait a minute, that’s..!”

Did they know who he was? I turn and catch Sovieshu’s eyes in front of me. We lock eyes for a second before he’s talked away by Rashta. I push it to the back of my mind as golden hair hangs over golden shoulder pads, crest, and studded belt. Other than that, the rest of the costume was white, indicating that this person was dressed as Prince Charming. The fairytale I dressed as.

I move over a little to see him but when I stop in my tracks.

“That’s Heinrey Lazzlo! He’s the new CEO!” A reporter shouts and for what seemed like the hundredth time tonight, the crowd cheers. Some were already writing things down while others gossiped quietly but..

It’s Heinrey? He’s the new CEO?

I could have guessed but I didn’t think much of it since he was talking about himself in third person this whole time. I watch with a facade for a few seconds as the reporter asks him a question. He didn’t appear to be paying any attention to him though while he was looking around past the others on the red carpet. Wait.

“S-Sir!?” A reporter calls out to him while he walks away and the limousine pulls away.

He catches my gaze and smiles, like he always did. That smile that brought me back to the first time I saw him on my flight, that made me think of who he is with such curiosity that I couldn’t contain.

Before I knew it, he stood in front of me and took off one of his gloves before taking my gloved hand. I tried to brace myself for the kiss that was to come like any other time he had done so, but he pauses. I feel an anxious twitch in my fingers because of all the cameras and eyes watching and stare at him with accusatory eyes. And then before I could open my mouth to speak, he knelt on one knee without changing the soft grip he had on my hands.

Though his eyes were different.

It wasn’t the puppy dog look that he always had when he did this so that I wouldn’t pull away. Or that beaming with happiness hue that shined in bright, purple irises. This was..a sensual one. One that I couldn’t pull nor look away from. His eyelids were hooded but not once did he break contact with mine while he kissed my hand and then stood.

I didn’t try to have to block out the noise of cheers, gasps and shouts from the crowd, for my heart was already beating so loudly in my ears. Heinrey’s look didn’t falter not once. He actually looked as though he enjoyed every second of this despite my glare. I take a brief second to look past him and once again, my eyes meet Sovieshu’s. This time, he looked more annoyed than shocked. Why should he? Isn’t he happy with Rashta?

“My Queen, did you copy my outfit?” Heinrey asks and I turn back to him. His look was gone and he was smiling bubbly with a faint tinge of pink on his cheeks.

“No, we just happened to dress as the same fairytale.” I say with closed eyes.

“What a great coincidence.” He says, and I can almost feel the happiness radiating from him.

“Well you two have a great evening! I don’t want to hold you!” I hear the reporter say happily before going over to Rashta and Sovieshu. Sovieshu almost instantly switches on his facade and I walk away with Heinrey following closely behind.

“My Queen, are you angry with me?” I hear him whisper. What?

“No? Why would I be?” I ask. He doesn’t answer but instead beams while sliding his glove back on.

Notes:

Fun fact,

I actually didn't realize that Prince Charming kisses Cinderella's hand until after I chose that Navier would be Cinderella. I saw the image of him doing it after I finished the previous chapter and that Heinrey does it too.

Chapter 16: Waltz

Summary:

“So you were here, second Chief.”

I open my eyes and sit up straight as my title was used. I didn’t have to look up for the familiar blonde was kneeling in front of me with his gloved hand extended as an offering. His smile was also unusually more cheerful right now.

“I was scouting the entire venue to look for you. Are you by chance good at waltzing?” He asks.

Rashta had been left alone as soon as they entered, abandoned at a table and sipping wine that had been served around in tall glasses. While this party had been one she had never been able to attend, it wasn't very thrilling if there was no one to enjoy it with.

Soviehsu was clearly agitated at that man from before. Chief Heinrey was it? Yes, that’s who caused him to storm in after answering a few questions for the press and seated Rashta at a table.

“No, it’s the second Chief’s fault,” Rashta whispers to herself before taking another sip of wine.

How could that woman move on so quickly? She hadn’t even spared the Chief an apologetic glance, let alone talk to him when they entered.

“How cold-hearted…” She mumbles again. Surprisingly, a few women sat down at her table with bright smiles.

“Ms.Rashta was it? Congratulations on catching the Chief’s heart!” One says.

“Yes! I’m not surprised though with how beautiful you look!” Another chimes in with a sweet tone of voice.

“Your hair is so long and silky! Is it natural?”

“Your eyes are gorgeous too! I’ve never seen silver eyes!”

“Are you dressed as Snow White? Your dress is absolutely charming!”

Rashta’s eyes widen with all the sudden compliments and questions. ‘Is this the power of the Chief's partner?’

She clears her throat before beaming, “Yes, the Chief suggested we dress together and had someone design my dress.”
All the ladies gasp in excitement and giddiness.

“Are you close to the second Chief as well?”

“Don’t ask such ridiculous things. You know the second Chief has a heart of ice,” A woman says. “Also, wouldn’t it be weird for the two to be close? Everyone thought the second Chief and first Chief were together.”

“The Chief has warmed up to her, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the second one did as well.”

“Actually,” Rashta starts, steering all of the ladies' eyes to her. “There is something that the second Chief did for Rashta.”

. . .

“Both the CEO and COO have to have a good relationship to keep the business running smoothly, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she did.”

I turn to the source of the whispers but when I do, the women visibly flinch and turn their heads away.

“The second Chief is right there! Quiet…!”

“Do you think she heard us..?”

Are they talking about me? I check my dress to make sure I hadn't spilled any wine or food to cause such whispering but there was nothing. Just to make sure I even dusted the dress and stood to walk around for a little.

I’d told Heinrey to go when we entered just in case any rumors stirred. He had left with a kicked-puppy expression and I went to find Eliza and the others. We ate at the table for a while and that’s when I started hearing the whispers. I thought nothing of it at first but now that I just heard a topic of me and Sovieshu, there must be something going on.

Before I could ask Artina to investigate, a woman walks over to me.

“Second Chief,” She says and I can feel the nerves bouncing off of her. “Pardon me if I’m mistaken but, did you actually send a personal invitation to that woman?”

My eyebrows twitch, “Personal?”

“I-I apologize but that woman said that you sent her an invite with your signature. Something about w-welcoming her into the company.”

I slow my breathing and relax my shoulders. “No, I did not.” I smile and relax the grip I had on my wine glass. “She must have misunderstood something.”

“Oh, y-yes! She must have.” She stutters with a smile. A couple of her friends come over and walk her away. I walk back over to my table and Laura along with the others sigh in relief.

“I thought we’d lost you,” Laura says, lightly patting at her heart.

“Please, you’re so dramatic.” Joubert rolls her eyes and they start their bickering while Eliza tries to calm them both.

I seat myself next to Artina and she looks at me with determined eyes, awaiting instructions. I whisper an order in her ear. She backs away with slight surprise.

“Are you sure?” She asks and I nod. With that, she sets off through the crowd and I relax in my seat and drink my wine.

“Did I miss anything?” I hear a voice sing sweetly and look over to Nian seating herself at our table. She had been talking to a few men after entering with her husband but I didn’t want to interrupt her.

“For some reason, Rashta thinks that I personally invited her to this gathering.” I tell her. Joubert and Laura continue to quarrel and Nian leans in and speaks discreetly.

“I’ve heard that she comes from a poor lifestyle so maybe she just doesn’t understand how things work here.” She whispers before leaning back in her chair.

“I of course am not defending her, but the Chief should at least teach her a thing or two if he wants to keep her around. Especially in an area like this.” Nian says and takes a tall champagne glass from a waiter.

It’s true that everyone in this area has a tendency to spread such rumors and is of a higher class, it could stain a reputation even. I suppose that Rashta’s rumor isn’t that well known yet since I haven’t noticed her in a bad mood but it might spread like wildfire tonight. It doesn’t have anything to do with me so I won’t intervene.

The music starts and predictably men start asking Nian for a dance. She went with one of them happily and waves goodbye. I get up to look for Sovieshu since he’s usually the only one to ask me for a dance but Artina walks alongside me with the information that I had asked for earlier.

“It’s rumored that he is a playboy and most times will not take his work very seriously.”

“I doubt the previous CEO would place him in such a position if he didn’t get work done.”

Earlier I ordered Artina to find anything on Heinrey. I just wanted to know but it seems like there’s just rumors.

“That’s all, your majesty.” Artina finishes and I give her a nod to which she walks away.

I only noticed from the crowd of people that I had been in that Sovieshu was already dancing with Rashta. Since no one could ask me for a dance because of my status, I go to a nearby waiter who was fortunately close to an empty table and sip champagne with my eyes closed. Why did I feel so tired all of a sudden?

‘Is it because of the situation I’m in?’ I sigh quietly and think of my apartment. I’ll have to stay here for at least another two hours since I’m the host.

“So you were here, second Chief.”

I open my eyes and sit up straight as my title was used. I didn’t have to look up for the familiar blonde was kneeling in front of me with his gloved hand extended as an offering. His smile was also unusually more cheerful right now.

“I was scouting the entire venue to look for you. Are you by chance good at waltzing?” He asks.

Heinrey was asking me to dance. Would this be proper decorum? There’s no open rule about a CEO dancing with another from a different company. Though it’s never happened at one of my events before, would it be alright? For some reason, I didn’t care at the moment and sat my glass on the table, and let Heinrey take my hand.

“I’ll have you know I’m quite great so don’t whine if you can’t keep up.” I say with a straight face. Heinrey chuckles anyway as we walk to the dance floor.

“I’ll let it go if you step on my feet accidentally then.” He smiles as we get into position.

Sovieshu glanced at me briefly before the music started but I didn’t look much into it. When we did start dancing, Heinrey was doing as I expected and we caught the eyes of a few people. I’m sure that more gossip about me might spread about this but there will never not be gossip here.

“I finally got noticed,” Heinrey says quietly and I focus back on him. He was smiling while looking somewhere in the crowd but I couldn’t point out exactly who he was referring to.

He must have picked up on my confusion because he elaborated. “I drew more attention to myself because he didn’t look too angry on the carpet.”

Oh, he meant Sovieshu. Maybe I wasn’t able to see him because of my height difference to Heinrey. If Sovieshu was looking, that means he must have gotten a reaction out of him.

“I think I’ve gotten used to how quickly rumors spread so, you don’t need to worry about me believing in such things.” Heinrey says suddenly before we spin together.

“Do you mean about how I sent a gift to Rashta?” Is he saying that he believes me?

“Thank you,” I smile politely, “I won’t believe your playboy rumor either.” At this, Heinrey seems taken aback because his eyes widen before he starts laughing cheerily. I am confused for a moment.

“Why are you laughing?” I take a spin on my own before Heinrey pulls me back. “Are the rumors-?”

“No no no,” He chuckles for a little longer before smiling reassuringly. “Please don’t believe any rumors about me either.”

The rest of the time I danced with Heinrey, it was a comfortable silence and I restrained my smile. I felt way calmer than earlier and that I could stay more than two hours. Heinrey sometimes would whisper a joke but I put my head down when he did. If I entertained him he would do it more and that wasn’t the right time because of all the people watching.

Immediately after the dance was over, Rashta basically threw herself at Heinrey while smiling giddily and Sovieshu followed behind her while staring at me. It was very uncomfortable. Did he have something to say?

“Would you please dance with me, Chief?” Rashta beams to Heinrey. He looks over to me but I can’t answer as Sovieshu had quickly asked me to dance with him.

It wouldn’t be proper if I danced with the same partner twice, so I accepted and we walked away but not before I could spare an apologetic look to Heinrey. The music started and Sovieshu and I started dancing. While it wasn’t as lighthearted as the dance I shared with Heinrey, it was definitely more formal and familiar. I’ve danced with Sovieshu since I was young. I remember it being so much more fun and interesting. A lot of younger memories with Sovieshu were happy.

“Second Chief,” I look up to Sovieshu’s intent gaze and I internally sigh. I suppose my young days will remain in the past.

“I admit I have taken a liking to Rashta so I can’t tell you not to take a liking to other men,” He says quietly but with his practiced poker face.

Taken a liking? Does he still think that we are together? Or no, perhaps he thinks that I will accept Rashta into our broken relationship.

“However I will advise that Chief Heinrey isn’t a great choice.”

“What?” I can’t help but let my facade slip a little before straightening it back when Sovieshu twirls me.

“I’m saying that as the second Chief of Eastential don’t do anything that would ruin our public image.” He says with a hint of sharpness. I stop myself from scoffing and look at him quizzically.

“I don’t know what you’re hinting at, but me and Chief Heinrey are-”

Cutting me off was none other than Sovieshu gasping in bewilderment and ending our dance abruptly. “Rashta!”

Chapter 17: The Early Morning Brunette

Summary:

“It looks as if Chief Sovieshu only believes what leaves Ms.Rashta’s mouth. It must be tiring for you.” He shrugs with a smug tone.

“Are you looking for a fight?” Sovieshu snaps in a hushed tone. I look at Sovieshu with surprise but Heinrey only smirks with hooded eyes.

“If you don’t call for bodyguards after I beat you then yes.” He whispers back.

“Chief Heinrey- wouldn’t- dance with me..!” Rashta whined between sobs.

“Please calm yourself.” Sovieshu cooed while hugging her tightly and smiling warmly down at her.

This was all happening on the dance floor and the music hadn’t stopped. She was making such a fuss about a dance partner and had drawn more eyes to her which also meant more eyes were on me.

“Right in front of the second Chief?”

“It’s like she’s being publicly humiliated on purpose.”

“The Chief left her side so quickly..!”

“Oh my, maybe they weren’t ever a couple after all.”

“They seemed so intimate though?”

I left the floor with haste and headed to the restroom. Fortunately, there was no one in there and I closed my eyes while standing across from the mirror. Although after a few seconds Eliza came in quickly along with the others to check on me, not including Artina.

“Chief..!” Eliza and everyone watched me in silence for a few seconds before I raised my head.

“I’m fine.”

“We could leave early if you’d like.” Laura says. I shook my head and held her hand.

“I want you all to have fun tonight. Besides, it’s just a dance.” I tell them calmly. Nian smiles and snatches my other hand.

“Oh my, you are always putting others before you, Navier!” She beams and Joubert smiles nervously.

“I don’t think that’s necessarily true…”

“Come on! I’ll introduce you to other Chief’s I’ve seen at the party!” Nian says and nudges me to the door. When I open it, I see Heinrey standing in front of the door frame and he backs away in surprise.

“A-Ah! My Queen, I wasn’t- doing anything weird!” He smiles but I can feel the nerves bouncing off of him.

The others must have been staring him because he starts stuttering over his words again trying to explain himself.

“I was just looking for you because this place is so big, I thought you’d might get lost!” He exclaims. He knows I’m the host and that it is very unlikely for me to get lost in my own venue.

“Thank you for searching for me.” I say as we all step out of the bathroom to make the conversation less weird.

“Would you like another dance then?” He asks me.

“I think I’ve danced enough for one night.”

“R-Right, then maybe a dish together?”

“I’m going back to my own table. Mr.Mckenna might be waiting for you.”

“I see..” He sighs sadly and walks away. I send everyone else back to the table and Nian walks alongside me and fans her face.

“If I hadn’t known any better Chief I’d say he’s following you like a love struck puppy.” She giggles.

“Have you seen Chief Kaufman yet?” I ask and she starts to laugh even more.

“Yes, yes, right this way.” She sings.

Kaufman and a few other people were sitting at a large table. One of those people including Sovieshu and Rashta for some reason was sitting next to him. Nian excuses herself but I was alone briefly since Ms.Circe sat down next to me.

“Would it kill her to leave his side for a few minutes?” Circe whispers to me.

“It would seem she needs to be the center of attention always.” I whisper back and then look to Kaufman.

“I hope the party is to your liking, Chief Kaufman.” I say with a smile. He maintains his expression and drinks his wine.

‘Is it too loud, then? I made sure to give instructions for soft music only.’

“It’s nice, thank you for inviting me, second Chief.” He thanks and I nod.

‘So he does like it then?’

“Chief Heinrey,” Sovieshu says suddenly and I turn to see Heinrey seating himself near the end of the table. When he does, Rashta pulls Sovieshu’s sleeve.

“Chief Heinrey was the one to follow you when Chief Sovieshu left you on the dance floor.” Ms.Circe whispers and I look over to her.

“Did he really?” I ask with slight surprise and drink my wine. I’d thought he spotted Laura and the others look around for me.

“Yes, isn’t he a sweetie pie?” She smiles with a whisper. I choke on my wine for a few moments and compose myself with a handkerchief.

‘S-Sweetie pie?’

“Are you here to apologize?” Sovieshu asks and takes Rashta’s hand.

“Apologize? I don’t know to whom I’d be apologizing but I came to introduce myself to Chief Kaufman.” He says.

“I mean to Ms.Rashta.” Sovieshu says.

“Am I inclined to dance with someone when I don’t want to?” Heinrey asks.

“It is very rude to decline someone of a dance while on the dance floor. Not to mention your attitude.” Sovieshu glares.

“My attitude? I’ve actually heard tonight that I’m a sweetie pie if you must know.” He shrugs and Ms.Circe and I look away nervously.

‘H-He has good hearing...’

“I also have never seen this woman before Chief Sovieshu, so excuse me if she is of a high status.” Heinrey says, “Or is it that maybe it is the opposite-?”

“You’re so mean..” Rashta's quiet voice cuts over Heinrey and everyone looks at her. “It’s because I’m not well known and because of my position, right?”

“Here come the water works.” Ms.Circe whispers to herself lower than before.

“I’m simply stating that it is bizarre to get so emotional over a dance.” Heinrey says.

“B-But Heinrey..” Rashta sobs.

She addressed him without his title which is very inappropriate.

‘What is she doing? Should I involve myself?’ I look around and catch Chief Kaufman’s gaze. Just a few seconds after I do he looks away with a sigh.

`Where is he looking?’ I think before sighing myself and standing.

“I didn’t want to get involved, but this isn’t something to argue about. It is just a dance.” I say and I see Heinrey smile.

“Just because you hate Rashta doesn’t mean you have to take his side, second Chief.” Sovieshu tells me with a glare but Heinrey comes to my side and looks at me only.

“It looks as if Chief Sovieshu only believes what leaves Ms.Rashta’s mouth. It must be tiring for you.” He shrugs with a smug tone.

“Are you looking for a fight?” Sovieshu snaps in a hushed tone. I look at Sovieshu with surprise but Heinrey only smirks with hooded eyes.

“If you don’t call for bodyguards after I beat you then yes.” He whispers back.

‘I’ve never seen either of them ready to fight this eagerly.’

“Alright, that’s enough.” I say but their glares toward each other don’t end.

“Chief, you will cause a scene soon so please calm yourself.” I say stepping in front of Heinrey and Sovieshu looks down at me. When I get his attention I turn to Heinrey.

“Chief Heinrey, you are an invited guest.” I say and Heinrey looks down at me with surprise. “Please, sit down, the both of you.” I order calmly.

They both plop down in their seats; Heinrey sighing with a smile and Soviehsu gritting his teeth. However, when they sit down, Chief Kaufman stands and bows to me.

“I’ll be taking my leave now, second Chief. Thank you for inviting me.” He says. I want to ask why the sudden goodbye but I just thank him again.

“Yes! Thank you for coming, Mr.Kaufman! Hopefully, we can all have more fun next time!” Rashta shoots up from her seat and beams.

I can’t help but look over to her while holding back a scowl but my surprise must have shown because she looks at me with confusion. “What is it, Navier?” She asks before turning back to Chief Kaufman.

“Oh. Will you be visiting the Eastential soon for trade meetings then?” She asks more gracefully than before. Is she imitating my tone?

What? How does she know about the trade deals? Those are supposed to be confidential! Surely, Sovieshu wouldn’t tell her about such things, right? I’m not able to ponder too much before Chief Kaufman glances at me and leaves the table.

“I’m leaving the table but I’m sure you’ll see me around the venue, second Chief.” Ms.Circe says while patting her chest above her heart. I smile and nod.

The rest of the party I was free from Rashta and Sovieshu but I’m sure I’ll hear an earful from him later in the week. The next morning I wake up and feel a wave of nausea. I mostly drank wine last night whenever I didn’t want to think and it must be hitting me now. Though I didn’t have to wretch I did drink lots of water. Luckily I didn’t have to go to work since I could do my work from home but I’d definitely rather do it while at a desk. I stayed home for the next few days anyway.

“Yes, I’m going to visit Heinrey.” I say into the phone. “No, I’ll be fine. It’s just for a little.” I say and end the call with Artina.

While I did stay home the morning after the party, I’d realized that Heinrey left his glove to his costume and I didn’t know whether or not he’d wanted it. I don’t know if he’d used the outfit again, so I decided to give it to him myself since he gave me his apartment number. I didn’t want to go there for just a glove so I asked Laura to drop off brownies in the morning.

After throwing a cardigan over my silk pajama set, I check the time and head out into the hallway. Although it was 8 in the morning, there was someone, an unknown car, parked outside. I saw it out of my window but didn’t think anything of it. However when I went into the elevator I met the owner of said vehicle.

“Oh, pardon me,” I say while stepping into the elevator. It was a woman around my age with brunette hair and wore a winter dress. She had two other women standing on her sides. “I didn’t expect anyone to visit this early in the day. I’m afraid I’m not wearing appropriate attire.” I finish.

“Oh no, please don’t mine me. I’m here to see someone special to me. I’m only dressed for that reason alone.” The woman says with an endearing tone.

“It’s nice to have someone like that. Especially for the holiday season arriving.” I say and look up at the illuminating number near the roof of the elevator. It was to the fifth floor.

“Are you heading to the fifth floor as well?” She asks. Oh she must have noticed my glancing.

“Yes, I’m also visiting someone.” I admit as the doors open. I wasn’t too nervous when the doors opened but after walking side by side down the large hallway made it sort of awkward.

I keep my eyes forward and my eyes dart to Heinrey’s apartment door number and walk over to it but the woman follows me and we both stand at the door with wide eyes.

“Do you also-?” I began to ask but she ignores me completely by knocking on the door quickly.

I stay quiet, anxiously waiting for the door to open but the other two women shift their way in front of me so that they would stand on the brunette’s sides again.

\\“It’s rumored that he is a playboy”//

Artina’s words suddenly rang in my head and my body began to feel light. Was Heinrey truly-?

The door opens and interrupts my thoughts and I see none other than Heinrey standing at the door.

Chapter 18: A Maid?

When Heinrey opened the door he seemed uncomfortable but after scanning faces, his eyes landed on me, whom was strayed behind, and all of his energy suddenly showed in his features.

“My-!”

“Heinrey!” At the same time he spoke, the brunette hugged his arm and smiled up at him. “I haven’t seen you in a while-”

“Sister in law! Yes! Let me introduce you,” He smiles with lots of excitement. The woman is taken back by said energy as he maneuvers his arm out of her grasp and turns her towards me, making the other two women turn towards me as well.

“This is my-!” Heinrey clears his throat and changes the way he introduces me. “This is Navier. The woman I told you about before.” He says and although it is slight, the woman’s smile drops but she forces it on.

I change my focus to Heinrey and notice that he is still very much excited for some reason. So this woman is his sister in law?

“My Queen, this is Christa. My sister in law.” He says and she extends her hand with a now soft smile.

“Nice to meet you.” She says and the other women looked slightly shocked but kept their mouths shut.

“Likewise.” I say and accept the handshake. Heinrey invites us all in and it’s then I notice that he’s wearing a checkered pajama set and had no intentions to leave his apartment.

Heinrey allows the two women to make coffee and when he makes his way back into the living room he sits me down on the couch.

“Wait here my Queen.” He whispers lowly in my ear and I jump at his closeness. He backs away with a smile and I glare at him and cover my ear. Why must he act like this in front of others?

He walks over to his sister in law, Christa was her name I believe, and they talk quietly to each other. I decided to mind my business since I couldn’t hear them anyway. The women come over with the tea and they finish their conversation. Heinrey quickly seats himself next to me and Christa sits with her friends.

“My Queen, what brings you here this early in the day?” He asks me while taking a cup.

“Oh,” I look around for the chocolate box and took it from off of the table, handing it to Heinrey. Although you wouldn’t know it was a chocolate box, Heinrey smiled at me almost immediately.

“You don’t even know what I got you yet.”

“I’m sure whatever it is, I’ll love it regardless.”

“You’re just saying that.” I say coldly. “Open it up at least.”

“Yes.” He unwraps the bow from around the box and reveals the freshly baked brownies. They look very nice actually.

“Laura made them.” I say as he takes a bite. He chews for a few seconds before his bright purple eyes light up and his cheeks shade pink.

“I should visit her bakery more often!” He hums and I nod.

“Yes you should.” He chuckles at my words and I give him his glove.

“You left it last night.” I say and he takes it in his hands, glancing between Christa and I. Christa looked a little uncomfortable so I reconstructed my words.

“At the business party I hosted. Thank you for attending.” I say with closed eyes. Heinrey chuckles at me and his phone rings. He excuses himself and walks into his bedroom, leaving me with the three other women.

“Do you visit Heinrey often?” One of the women suddenly asks and Christa looks over to her sharply before turning back to me.

“Please excuse her,” Christa says, “This is Imaru, one of my close friends and the other is Lilide. They work under me.”

Oh. “Do you work at Occidental as well?”

“She works as the current Chief Operating Officer. Right below Chief Heinrey.” Imaru says. I can pick up on her proud and smug tone while introducing Christa for what her occupation is.

“They are my secretaries.” Christa adds.

This time she doesn’t stop the woman’s ridicule towards me. I suppose that it’s because her status is out. I’m certain that Christa knows my status then, being the second Chief of the Occidental she is sure to know who I am. Maybe her secretaries may not recognize me then? Is this why they are boasting about Christa's role to me?

“Pardon how I spoke earlier,” Imaru says, “I just wonder who would be worth our Chief’s time and visits him. I’m sure you can understand.”

“Yes, Chief Christa will be around him more often. You will see her visiting frequently.” Lilide adds.

Christa looks at me while she drinks her coffee as if waiting for me to say something, but I remain quiet. If she is asking me to say my title aloud, I refuse to do so. They will immediately switch into a different attitude and cover up their intentions. I could gain information on their character, but before I can analyze any further, Heinrey comes back into the livingroom and I walk over to meet him before he can sit down.

“Send Queen to my room later.” I tell him and he frowns.

“My-”

“You have visitors. I’ll come back another time. Next time it will be announced.” I say as he walks me to the door.

“Promise?” He asks and grabs my hand.

“Stop acting so childish.” I say and he looks down at the floor.

“Okay.”

I don’t know why but it felt odd that he didn’t raise my hand and do what he always did. Was I really used to it? Heinrey didn’t seem to notice since he was looking off somewhere deep in thought about something and I felt uneasy. I lift my hand to his face but pull away.

‘What are you thinking Navier?’ Suddenly Heinrey takes my hand and kisses it with a smile.

This smile didn’t look as happy as his previous ones, nonetheless I could still feel that it was genuine. That was the last I saw of Heinrey on my time off and the weeks passed by. It was now January and I thought of hosting a new years party but Sovieshu told me he’d host one of his gatherings of celebrities and wealthy people. I wasn’t against the idea but I didn’t attend because of the work I had to do. The gathering was last week and it must have gone over like it usually does. Heinrey sent me a letter saying that he wouldn’t be able to drive me to work for a while because of a business trip he’d be attending. That was a while ago but luckily Artina had begun to drive me since she was my bodyguard anyway.

“Yes, I work under Chief Heinrey as head of his security unit.”

“Oh?”

I also had found out from Koshair himself that he worked for Heinrey, serving as a security guard. The difference between Koshair and Artina is that Koshair secures Heinrey’s whereabouts and surroundings while Artina focuses on me only. I also have security units but Artina is to be at my side always.

-I should return by next week. I’m very lonely without you my Queen

Heinrey will be coming back soon. Why does he speak as if I’m his only friend? I store the small letter inside of the jewelry box I ordered Eliza to get for me a while back and write a reply on a new paper.

-Suck it up

Queen makes a loud screeching sound and I giggle.

“He’s a grown man. He’ll be fine for another week.” I tell Queen as I tie the letter onto his ankle.

Oh! I almost forgot!

“Queen, wait a moment. I told your owner that I’d feed you. You must have come a long way.”

I beckon Artina for the food I set aside for Queen and he starts to move happily on my desk. Was he dancing? How cute! Artina comes over with a tray and Queen jumps onto my lap, watching as the tray is sat onto the desk. I remove the lid from on top of the covered insects that were still alive and take the chopsticks from Artina’s hands. I’m not too fond of worms and things like that but I will put up with it if it means that I can feed Queen.

“Your owner said you’d eat anything but I’m sure he was lying.” I raise a mealworm to Queen’s beak. “Open your mouth. Say ah.”

“!”

I felt his body trembling in my lap but before I could guess why, he flew away; knocking the worm onto the floor and the chopsticks from out of my hand.

“Queen!” I follow after him but he hurriedly flies out of the open window and up into the clouds.

“Maybe Queen is different from other birds, second Chief.” Artina says and closes the window, guiding me back to my seat and cleaning up the insects.

“Ah! Ms-!” Eliza enters the office and comes over to my desk. “Wait, what happened?”

“What is it?” I ask quickly.

“Oh, yes. Apparently that Rashta girl has rumors about her around the building as of late!”

“What kind of rumor?”

“She is said to be a run away maid!”

“!”

Chapter 19: A Director?

It’s just as Eliza said. After spending the rest of my time at the building, I heard Rashta’s rumors when getting a coffee, monitoring everyone’s work, and even at the meeting I hosted for policy changes for the company. When I tried to ask Ms.Verdi about it though, she seemed a little off. Actually, not about just this either. She’s been very distant lately towards me but I’m not too worried about it. I’ll try and give her some space.

I thought after a couple of days the rumor would disappear but it didn’t even quiet down. I asked Artina to look into it and it turns out there’s a valid reason it isn’t going anywhere.

“A director attended one of Chief Sovieshu’s gatherings and noticed her right away. Although now he’s claimed to have mistaken her for someone else, some people think it was because of the Chief’s influence.” Artina explains.

A lot of wealthy people come to Sovieshu’s gatherings so it doesn’t sound out of the ordinary that a film director would be there.

“What is the director’s name?”

“Lotteshcu Rimwell.”

I’ve certainly heard that name before. In fact I think Nian branded her makeup in one of his movies. Rashta is one of our showroom models so she should have a permanent office in the building near the photography room.

Just to be clear, a showroom is where we take pictures of designer clothes while a model wears them, aka Rashta. Mostly small brands that like to promote themselves but sometimes we get really big brands. Rashta is the one that models the clothes and photographers get the pictures.

‘Should I just go and ask her myself?’ I dismissed the thought just as soon as it came.

With how she acts I doubt I’ll get a truthful answer. I thanked Artina and let her go stand guard as I finished up my work. When we got back to the complex I told her I would walk the path and she decided to walk with me. Not even a few minutes of walking, I spotted a familiar face.

“Second Chief..!” Her eyes lit up but returned to its dim and saddened expression.

“Rashta, what are you doing out alone in the dark?” I ask. She didn’t look to be her peppy usual self so I think we can have a more relaxed conversation without any twists for now.

“...”

“Hasn’t the Chief assigned you a security or bodyguard yet?”

“No.”

“I’ll get you one then.”

“I’ll be fine, second Chief. Thank you.”

“If you say so.”

This conversation wasn’t lively at all. In fact, could it even be called a conversation? It felt like I was talking to a machine. She definitely seems down.

“I’ll be on my way then.” I excuse myself, not knowing what else to say or how I could comfort her, but when Artina and I take a few steps, she spins around and calls out to me.

“W-Wait..! Second Chief!” We both turn back around to face her.

“May I ask a question about Mrs.Taunia?”

Nian?

“You may.”

“Is she..um..?” She glances over to Artina before nervously looking down. Is she afraid that Artina will do something?

“Give us a few feet.” I order Artina and she nods before walking away. Rashta visibly relaxes and continues.

“Does Mrs.Tuania have loose morals?”

I almost shouted.

“She is a good person and great friend.” I say briefly to contain my anger.

“But, she is always happy around other men at the parties I’ve attended so far. That doesn’t seem proper for a married woman.”

Nian is married but her relationship with her husband isn’t the best. They both seem to do their own thing, though Nian doesn’t try to hide it.

“Mrs.Taunia is popular among everyone. Not just men.”

“But,” She clasps her hands together and looks off to the side. “I’ve only seen her talking with men.”

“Men and women partner with each other to dance, so it would probably look confusing if multiple men were asking her at once.” I say with a stronger hint of retaliation.

“O-Oh..! I’m not asking this to say anything mean about her. I just..”

“Mrs.Tuania isn’t someone to misbehave like such, so please do not bring up this matter to me ever again.”

“Yes, second Chief.” She says quietly.

When I got back to my apartment, there was a serving of dinner on my counter wrapped up and a note next to it.

-Visit me when you’re free! I miss you! 💗 ~Laura

I smile and attach the sticky note to my fridge before eating the warm food. While I ate, I called Eliza just to make sure of something

-No I don’t believe I’ve heard anything bad of her-

So nothing of Nian has spread. Why did Rashta suddenly ask me about her then?

-Oh, wait! There has been something about Mr.Landre having puppy dog eyes after dancing with her at Chief Sovieshu’s gathering-

Maybe Rashta is planning to spread something to take the focus off of herself.

“Let me know if you hear anything questionable right away. Please relay this to Artina as well.”

-Yes second Chief-

The next morning, I woke up and decided to stay home. I of course would be doing work but just in my apartment. I didn’t really get days off since I decided that kind of thing for myself or if Sovieshu decided he didn't have anything for me to work on. I texted Artina that I would stay home so that she didn’t have to get into uniform or get ready. She went out to jog anyway so after I take a shower and get dressed I go down to the lobby to take a walk.

“Heinrey?”

“My Queen~!” He stood at the elevator door dressed in a suit and directly in front of me.

Wait, directly in front of me? I blink a few more times while I stared up at him and even almost pinched myself. No, I’m not dreaming.

“Heinrey, why are you here?” I realize as soon as I said it that the question might come off the wrong way and Heinrey’s smile drops into a frown.

“I’ve been gone for almost two months and these are your first words to me?” He pouts and I clear my throat.

“What I meant was; I thought you were coming next week.” I rephrase.

“I came back sooner than I thought too. We departed last night and I didn’t send Queen because he’d probably get here by the time I got here.” He explains.

“I see.”

“I would’ve told you sooner if I had another way to contact you.” He sighs dramatically as we walk further into the lobby and away from the elevator.

Huh?

“Are you..asking for my number?” His gloomy demeanor fades in an instant and he takes his phone from his pocket, handing it to me.

“This doesn’t mean you’ll stop sending Queen, right?” I ask with slight worry, but I don’t let it show as I type my number into his phone.

“Of course, I’d also rather send Queen but I need a quicker way to contact you just in case.” He smiles and takes his phone back. “I have to go to work for an hour or so but I’ll be back before noon.”

“Alright. Feel free to visit my place anytime.” I say and he nods but his eyes light up as if remembering something

“It is your birthday soon, yes?” He smiles.

“You knew?” I ask with little shock. I had no idea he knew what day my birthday was. Then again I didn’t tell him because I don’t celebrate it.

“I was going to bring this up another time but since I caught you before I went up to my floor, I’ll ask you now.”

“Second Chief.” My name is called by Sovieshu who was walking over and glances down at me but not before tossing an annoyed look to Heinrey.

“I was wondering where you were but you’re with him again I see.”

“Again?” I emphasize but Sovieshu directs his attention to Heinrey.

“At what time do you have to be at work exactly, Chief Heinrey?” He asks in a demanding tone.

“I don’t have an exact schedule set if you must know. There are still adjustments being made to my liking.” Heinrey smiles smugly.

“Shouldn’t something like a schedule be finalized quickly? I hear that the current COO is your sister in law. You should spend your time adjusting things with her rather than loosely walking around the complex.”

“Thank you for your concern but I’m sure I’ll manage.” Heinrey smiles but it was a frosty one.

Once again, I was standing between the two while their conflicting emotions radiated off of them. Actually it wasn’t conflicting but more jealousy.

“I’m going onto the path, Chief Sovieshu.” I say, breaking the silence and begin to walk with Heinrey following.

“Wait,” Before we could get far, I turn to Sovieshu’s voice and he walks over to us again and offers me his hand. “I have something I’d like to discuss with you in private.”

I glance down at his hand. Has he ever done this before? Distracted, I missed Heinrey’s gaze but Sovieshu brought it up quickly.

“Is there a problem, Chief Heinrey? Why are you looking at my second Chief like so?” Sovieshu asks, and Heinrey’s eyes return to him, his smile now long gone from his face.

“Because you are stealing a conversation away from me.” He says briefly.

“She is my second Chief, not your conversation piece,” Sovieshu replies while taking my hand and pulling me away from Heinrey but I follow without resistance.

We walked outside and onto the path. I followed him side by side for a few minutes in silence, keeping my eyes trained forward.

“I saw Rashta here alone last night. I’ll get her a guard when I go into the office tomorrow.”

“Rashta?”

“Yes, on the path last night I saw her. Should I give her a raise? Maybe she doesn’t know what to do after work. I’ll get someone to show her around-”

“With all due respect, why are you bringing up Rashta? That’s not what I’m here for.” He asks me.

“It’s because I hear her name every time you’ve spoken to me previously. I won’t make the assumption again.” I say and I see his shoulders raise a little.

“Then, since we’re on the topic,” He starts, “You must have heard of what’s happening in the building as of late.”

“Yes, the rumors of her.”

“You’ve had wealth and were born as the daughter of a high businessman and woman. Rashta started out with nothing and is only now benefiting from her gifts.”

“I don’t understand,” I say and we stop walking. I’m suddenly thankful for the dress coat I wore because of all the wind and the low temperature. ”If you want me to stop the rumors, that should be something you can do as her boyfriend.”

“I’m asking that you don’t humiliate her in front of others anymore. It will just make things worse.”

“What do you mean? I haven’t done anything like that.”

“You invited Director Lottecshu to my event because you knew.”

“And you know that the invitations I send on your behalf are random. It varies from directors to other business leaders. I had no clue that she worked as a maid.” I say calmly.

“Then you should have canceled the invitation-”

“No, you should have done it yourself.” I interrupt him with another calm demeanor but this just makes him more annoyed.

“Your heart really is made of ice.” He says behind grit teeth and walks away.

What was his point of taking me away if it was just to accuse me? I sigh and go back to my apartment. Though, as I get off of the elevator I see Heinrey standing at my doorway and he notices me from the elevator’s ding. He straightens his posture as I walk over to him.

“My Queen,”

“Aren’t you supposed to be going to work?” I ask and his neutral face shifts into a sadder one. He reaches out and my eyes track his hand but he retracts after a moments hesitation.

“Did he offend you again?” He asks quietly.

‘Again?’

“I wish that I was born five years earlier..” I stay quiet to this and look at him curiously. Did my face show my exhaustion or can Heinrey perhaps read me too well?

“Shall I send Queen when I get to work?”

“Ah!” I feel my body grow lighter at the mention of Queen and smile lightly. “I would love it if you could. Where is he?”

“He’s in my apartment.” Heinrey smiles, happy out of the blue for some reason and satisfied.

“Then maybe we could make a quick visit? I’d like to ask you questions about him, if I may?”

“P-Pardon?”

Chapter 20: Rashta's Reputation

Heinrey doesn’t reply to me but instead has been looking off to the side and smiling nervously. He glances at me before clearing his throat and speaking.

“I-I mean..Queen is very shy! And he will get very flustered if we go and see him together right now. Besides! He’s probably on his way to my office right now! He does that sometimes..!”

‘Queen doesn’t seem embarrassed when he visits me and Eliza is there.’ I think and look to the side pondering. ‘I suppose it would be improper to invite myself over early in the morning.’

“I apologize. I realize that I’m being arbitrary.” I say and look back up at him.

“N-No no. Um, what was it that you wanted to ask about?” He asks.

“What exactly does Queen like-”

“He likes you.”

“I’m sorry?”

Did I hear that right? I’m able to see Heinrey’s flushed face despite him shielding most of it with his hand.

“He likes y-you, my Queen…”

I smile and hold back a chuckle. He must be embarrassed since we’re talking about him like an actual person.

“Tell him I said thank you but that’s not what I was going to ask.” I say and this just makes Heinrey blush even more. “I wanted to know what he likes to eat exactly. He didn’t exactly like the food I gave him last time.”

Heinrey’s flushed demeanor quickly drops and tenses as if remembering something bad and he grabs my shoulders.

“Yes, that is a very important question. I’m glad you asked.”

“You are?”

“Occidental birds happen to be very picky eaters and I should have told you that before.” He frowns.

Then perhaps Queen only likes it when Heinrey feeds him? “I’ve heard that some birds only allow their owner to feed them, so I won't take offense to it.”

“No, I’m afraid that’s not the case, my Queen. He doesn’t like things that are alive.” He says assertively as if he wanted me to remember.

“Then should I give him the insects cooked next time-?”

“He doesn’t like insects at all.” He interrupts.

. . .

1 Week Earlier

“Really? Am I allowed to go?!” Rashta beams and Sovieshu chuckles.

“There will be big people there. I wouldn’t want you to miss out on an opportunity to make friends.”

At this gathering, there were people from all across the state that attended just to maintain friendships or meet new people. Rashta looked around the venue in awe. A smile formed on her plush pink lips and took a wine glass that a waiter offered.

‘I feel like a social butterfly since the second Chief or Mrs.Taunia isn’t here.’

“Ms.Rashta,” A woman calls and walks over to Rashta with a couple of other women following.

“Is the Chief not here with you?” Rashta’s fingers twitch and her shoulders tense.

“Yes it seems like you had him wrapped around your finger these past few months.” She says and the other women giggle. Rashta breathes calmly and smiles brightly.

“I ushered him into work. I didn’t want to take up all of his time. After all, he has a huge role to play for his company.” She says sweetly.

“Oh my, you’re very smart for a model!”

“You’ve taken the Chief's time into account like that? I had no idea!”

The women start erupting with compliments all the whilst boosting her ego. Rashta lets the words flow into her brain as she drinks her wine slowly. She glances around the venue feeling sudden empowerment over all of the people.

‘Yes, no one here would dare step above-’

CRASH

“Oh my! Ms.Rashta!”

“Are you alright?!”

“She’s gone pale!”

The wine bleeds across the floor and Rashta takes a few steps backwards. Her eyes were widened with fear and hands trembling. A few meters away was a middle aged man conversing with others and her breathing becomes frantic. She sways nauseously where she stands, but Executive Lante holds her steady and calls for her, not knowing she was far too deep in thought.

‘This isn’t possible,’ She squeezes his hand and looks to the floor. ‘Why is he here?’ Rashta catches a glimpse of Executive Lante and turns on her heels.

“I’ll be turning in for the evening. I-I’m afraid I’ve had too much to drink.” She stutters and Executive Lante follows after her quickly.

“Ms.Rashta-!”

“Oh my! I guess I wasn’t mistaken!” A loud gravelly voice interrupts Lante and Rashta flinches and freezes in place.

“You’re called ‘Miss’ now! You’ve gone up in the world I see~!” The man beams and Rashta faces him reluctantly.

‘Sir Lotteschu..!’ She thinks horridly.

“You have people treating you with such etiquette even though you ran away from my manor?”

Black clouds her visions and she passes out.

. . .

Present Day

Rashta picks at his nails, sitting on the large couch in her office, thinking about the week prior. She pouts and squeezes the large pillow, pulling it onto her lap.

‘I’m glad that the Chief stood up for me, but..’ She clenches her eyes shut to stop her tears from forming.

‘All of the hard work I did to build up people’s trust and liking to me..is gone because this happened.’ She looks down at her fingers that used to be soiled with dirt and dust, now sparkling with jewels and gems.

‘No, I’m a business man’s woman now, not a mere maid! My position is secured.’

“Ms.Rashta,” A woman opens one of her large office doors and looks at her. “Director Lotteschu requests five minutes of your time.”

“Sir Lotteschu is here?!” Rashta exclaims, flinching at the name. She immediately covers her mouth after doing so.

‘I accidentally called him how I used to before.’ Rashta looks down, not wanting to see the other woman’s face. ‘Ms.Verdi must think I’m pathetic.’

‘Would she have brung a former enemy of the second Chief to her office?’ Rashta can’t help but think and bites the nail on her thumb.

‘Why couldn’t the Chief also ban him from the building or throw him in jail for something?’ Rashta hugs into the pillow trembling.

“Tell him to leave.” She orders and Ms.Verdi frowns.

“I’m afraid he said that if he does, you might regret it.” She says. At this, Rashta grits her teeth and throws the couch pillow across the room.

“Then tell him to come in! Let me see his shameless face!”

After Ms.Verdi exits the room, Lotteschu enters and doesn’t even spare a glance to Rashta. Instead he looks around the room in awe.

“This is nice, very nice.”

“What do you want? Why are you here?” She asks fumingly.

“Oh my, you look of a higher status now, Rashta.” He smiles.

“It’s Ms.Rashta to you! You can’t talk to me how you used to before!” She shouts and the Director looks at the rings on her fingers.

“That is true for the time being I suppose.” He shrugs and takes a seat at a cushioned chair.

“For the time being?” She asks and hides her hands behind her.

“Don’t be so angry, alright? Your new lover ordered me to say I was mistaken about last week’s encounter. Now people think that I’m an old fool who can’t remember faces.” He says, “Whether I keep you being my former maid a secret or not is up to me.”

“You shouldn’t have said anything about it in the first place!” She shouts.

“Now now, what did I just tell you about all of that aggression? Besides,” He walks over to Rashta and takes her hands in his.

“I’m still keeping that baby you left a secret, aren't I?” He smirks.

Rashta’s mind shuts down, feeling a wave of nausea run through her veins. What a bold faced lie. She almost believed him.

“You’ve got some nerve..!” She says with grit teeth. “You killed him!”

“What? Me?” He smiles. “Now, I understand why you think I would because it has the blood of someone of your status but he’s still my grandson!”

“No! You definitely..!” She sobs.

“Listen, I’m here to help you.”

“What?”

“Exactly how long do you think the Chief will favor you, hm?”

“No!” She shouts. “The Chief loves me! He even-!”

“Do you not remember how my son treated you?”

Her voice is cut by the words and her shoulders slump. The words that he repeated to her; I wanted to save you, I thought I could save you, you’re holding me back, you’re pulling me down with you, I can’t change my life for you. Rashta’s fists clench and nails dig into her palm,

“You’re just showing his future lover that he’ll be swayed easily enough. And when that happens, you’ll return to being a maid.” Lotteschu says.

A maid? No, she wants to stay like this. This lifestyle is much better! Lotteschu walks over to Rashta and places his hands on her shoulder.

“But, I can prevent that, if you wish.”

Rashta’s eyes fill with hope and she hesitantly looks up at him.

“H-How..?”

“You’ll of course have to help me first, Rashta.” He smiles, releasing his hold on her. “I’ll drop by another time so think it over.”

. . .

Complex || 4:50 pm

I had been waiting for Queen when Heinrey left earlier this morning but he never appeared at my window. That one time I went to brunch with Heinrey he did say that Queen may be busy sometimes. What exactly does Queen do? Anyway, since Queen hadn’t arrived, I decided to wait for Heinrey since he said he only had to be in the office for an hour but he hasn’t returned either.

‘I hope they are alright.’ Now that it gets darker quickly outside, I’ve visited the garden more often because of how the lights glow on the flowers. They look more luminescent and glow more than during the day when the sun is out.

With nothing else to do, Artina escorts me to the garden. I bring my journal just in case I get any ideas while there. I didn’t use my journal for writing my thoughts, but rather how things are in society. Rashta for example; she asked me about Nian so I wrote it down to remember if anything were to happen, like rumors again.

“Oh,” My phone rings inside of my coat pocket and I take it out to answer. It’s Sovieshu. I look at Artina before reluctantly answering.

“Yes?”

-I won’t be in the office tomorrow, so I want you to instead leave everything you need to give to me in your office-

“Are you traveling?”

-Yes, I must meet with a few other people in another city so pick up the paperwork another day-

“Alright then.” I stay on the phone for a few more seconds. It was eerily quiet on his end so I check the time on my phone. It’s only five.

“Are you not in the building right now?”

-No, I’m back at the complex-

“I see.” It’s silent for another few seconds before I speak again.

“Is that all then?”

-Yes. I mean, I have something else to say-

“What is it?”

-...I didn’t mean to blame you for what Director Lotteschu did earlier today. I was very angry at the time, so I’m sorry-

“...”

Is that why he took me away from Heinrey then? To take his anger out on me?

“I understand.”

-Also, I remembered this afternoon that your birthday is next weekend. I have a trip planned. I want to make amends. What do you think?-

Would it be wrong of me as the second Chief to refuse the Chief. People have been weary of our respect for each other since we rarely talk in public now. Even if he is in another relationship, people will expect us to be close.

‘This is unfair.’

-Chief?-

“Yes, I’ll be looking forward to it then.”

-Oh, also, have you spoken with Chief Kaufman recently?-

“No, not recently,” I say. “But I did speak briefly with him a couple of months ago.”

-Then I’ll schedule a meeting before we depart-

“Yes.”

-I’ll see you later then-

“Goodbye.” After hanging up I sigh. I suddenly don’t feel like being in the garden any longer and turn on my heel, heading back to Artina’s car. But while turning, I catch a glimpse of a platinum blonde through the artigwall bushes. I stop in my tracks and remember that a courtyard fountain is over that way.

“Second Chief?” Artina calls out.

“You can wait in the car, I’ll be there in five minutes.” I order and Artina nods, walking back to the car.

Walking deeper into the garden, I hear the sound of running water getting louder and turn a corner. He sat on the ring of the fountain sadly and swishing his hand under the water before we met eyes.

“My Queen.”

Chapter 21: Wishes

Summary:

He looks up at me and smiles more brightly now. “I could call Sovieshu a son of a bitch if that helps your mood too.” He beams.

“Pfft-!” I cover my mouth quickly from the unexpected comment. I shouldn’t laugh at something like that.

“Sovieshu is a son of a bitch.” He whispers and I’m not able to contain my laugh again.

“My Queen.” He calls with slight joy and a smile growing on his face.

I stood and looked at him in shock for a second. The wind blowing pulled me back to my senses and I walk over to him.

“What are you doing out here?” I ask and he looks back down at the water.

“You said you come here to relax, so I thought it would relieve some of my tension.” He smiles.

His smile looked the same as before. When I visited his apartment that one time before he left. It looks real but it doesn’t feel happy.

“Is your position becoming stressful?” I ask. Heinrey glances up at me before returning his gaze to the water.

“To be honest, I don’t have a lot of people I can open up to.” He says. “I’m always surrounded by people but as a Chief, there’s no one that I could truly speak openly around.”

“It’s because I have to be mindful of how I act around everyone now. It’s very pressuring.” He admits.

“...” He still hasn’t looked at me while saying any of this. Could it be that he’s embarrassed? There was a time that I had this feeling too. When I first became COO I tried hard to follow in my mother’s footsteps.

“I’m still happy that I can speak to you so freely. Not only as a Chief but as myself as well.”

‘I had a hard time trying to express myself to others as well.’

“I understand, but I’m not able to be around you as much as you’d like. Sending letters are enjoyable, aren’t they?” I state.

“It’s much more enjoyable to talk with you face to face, my Queen.” He looks up at me and smiles more brightly now. “I could call Sovieshu a son of a bitch if that helps your mood too.” He beams.

“Pfft-!” I cover my mouth quickly from the unexpected comment. I shouldn’t laugh at something like that.

“Sovieshu is a son of a bitch.” He whispers and I’m not able to contain my laugh again.

I notice that Heinrey’s hand is wet and get my handkerchief from my coat pocket.

“Are you here alone?” I ask.

“Yes, but I’m sure McKenna will find me any second now.” He says and takes my handkerchief.

“Did you run away?”

“Maybe.”

“You didn’t even try to lie..”

“I could never lie to you, my Queen.” He smiles and finishes drying his hand. I reach out to retrieve it but he quickly stores it in one of his inner coat pockets and stands.

“!”

“I’ll return it when it’s been cleaned.”

“Ah yes, about my birthday-” I start as we walk to leave the garden.

“Yes!” He exclaims, “I wanted to take you out for dinner. Or maybe we could travel somewhere, my treat.”

Hearing the word travel makes my heart sink, and I store my hands in my pockets.

“My Queen?” He calls out and I look up at him.

“Soviehsu has asked me to travel with him.” I tell him and see his features very visibly grow disappointedly. “I apologize deeply.” I add.

‘Why do I feel so terribly right now?’

“No, please don’t apologize to me.” He chuckles. “It’s your birthday after all, I don’t want to pressure you..”

. . .

1 Week Later

“Chief, this gift will be far too much.” McKenna says while looking at the rings on display.

“A ring for a gift will be very overwhelming. Especially since you met just recently.” He adds.

“You’re being dramatic. It’s just a ring.” Heinrey says as he gives his card to the clerk.

“You have hidden intentions.”

“No I don’t.”

“You suck at lying, Chief Heinrey.”

“Stop talking to me.” Heinrey says.

He retrieves his card from the clerk and they walk back to the complex.

“Do I have enough icing by the way for the cake?” He asks.

“I’ll go and pick some up right now.” McKenna says and eyes the blonde suspiciously. “You sure are being unusually generous.”

“What do you mean?” He asks and removes his coat. “It’s my friend’s birthday soon, am I not allowed to get her gifts?”

“You’ve never gotten me a gift like this.” McKenna says while holding the ring box. Heinrey snatches it out of his hands.

“You don’t wear jewelry.”

“You’ve never baked me a cake.”

“You don’t eat cake.” Heinrey says and pulls something from out of his coat pocket.

“What’s this?” Mckenna asks as Heinrey hands it to him.

“It’s a very priceless handkerchief.” He answers vaguely.

A puff of purple smoke blinds him for a few seconds but disappears just as quickly. A golden bird emerges from said smoke and seats itself on a nearby countertop. McKenna looks down at the handkerchief and back to the bird.

“You want me to tie it around you?” He asks and the bird nods excessively.

‘One day I’ll actually leave him…’ McKenna thinks annoyed while tying the handkerchief around its neck.

When finished, he walks over to one of the windows of the apartment, opening it as the bird lands next to him. Just before the bird takes off, he catches a glimpse of the letter “N” sewed into the cloth of the handkerchief.
He isn’t able to examine any further as the bird quickly leaves the room.

“Is it Chief Navier’s…?” He mumbles to himself.

. . .

Botanical Garden || 7:56 a.m.

‘I’ll have to bring some documents with me when I leave this weekend. I’ll have Eliza pack them right now.’

“Coo!”

“Queen?” Surprisingly enough, I look at a nearby tree and there is Queen on a branch.

“Ah!” I smile as he lands next to me on the bench. “Are you here to return my handkerchief?” I ask and Queen jumps onto my lap.

“Chief Heinrey must have tied it to you then? You look very handsome with it.” I compliment and hug him. I close my eyes and notice the familiar scent wafting around him. It’s a musky one, very sweet but a hint of the jungle.

“Queen, you smell like Heinrey.” I sigh with a smile.

I feel him twitch in my grasp and back to see if I was holding him too roughly but he backs away in a flustered manner.

“Queen?” I reach out to him but he flies away quickly.

“Queen!?” I call out for him to come back but he doesn’t stop.
. . .

Heinrey’s Apartment || 7:52 a.m.

The golden bird swoops through the window and the purple could of smoke appears again. This time Heinrey emerges and covers his flushed face.

“She said such a thing..” He mumbles and crouches to the floor. “She knows how I smell?”

“What’s the fastest way to go blind?”

Heinrey looks up at McKenna, whom held out his clothes while looking down at him.

“You’re the chief of a high ranking company and you’re sitting buck naked in your living room. Get a grip.” He says and Heinrey quickly puts on his clothes.

“Did you go to see the Chief Navier with that handkerchief?”

“..I couldn’t tell you.” Heinrey grumbles and Mckenna adjusts his clothes neatly.

“Please tell me the truth. Did you?” McKenna sighs.

“Did you go to get the icing that quickly?”

“I went to get something from my apartment first.”

“Then I’ll go with you.” Heinrey says and pulls on his coat. McKenna quickly follows him out of the apartment, walking behind him.

“Isn’t she planning to go on a trip with Chief Sovieshu? Are you sure they aren’t a couple?”

“He is with that girl. They couldn’t be.” Heinrey answers and they walk out of the lobby.

“There are people that have relationships of three, Chief Heinrey.” McKenna says. “Also, if you were to get on Chief Sovieshu’s bad side then our collaborations with them might be on hold.”

“I’m sure that won’t happen. I’ll be fine. I haven’t angered him so far.”

“What do you mean by ‘so far’?” McKenna asks and they stop walking.

“...” Heinrey looks away annoyed and McKenna groans.

“Why aren’t you saying anything?!” He questions. “Also, are her feelings mutual or are you just obsessing over her?”

Heinrey looks away again but this time, a woman he recognizes catches his eyes and she looks at him. She stares wearing a long, pink, double breasted coat and her white wavy hair reaching past her waist.

Heinrey quickly decides he’s not interested and walks pass her as if not seeing her at all, but she calls out to him quickly.

“Chief Heinrey..!” She calls softly and Heinrey turns to face her again with a poker face.

“What is it?”

Rashta looks up at him with a pitiful face. “Don’t you have something you want to say to me?”

“No.” Heinrey says bluntly. “What about you? Isn’t this supposed to be the other way around?”

“!” Rashta looks at him with tears in the corner of her eyes and McKenna looks at her with pity.

‘I know he doesn’t like her but he could at least be a little easy with his tone.’ McKenna thinks.

“I think that…” Rashta lets her tears fall and smiles up at Heinrey.

“I think that you’re a great person, Chief.”

‘Anddd she’s lost it..’ McKenna thinks.

“Ever since a rumor started about me being a runaway maid, everyone has been treating me differently. The rumor is false of course.”

‘I’m sure it is..’ Heinrey thinks sarcastically.

“They used to be so nice, but now they’re all mocking Rashta..but you-!” She wipes her tears, “You’re treating Rashta the same.”

“It’s because I don’t like you anyway.” Heinrey says.

“C-Chief..” McKenna stutters.

“I know we weren’t on good terms but I appreciate you nonetheless.” Rashta says.

“Is that so?” Heinrey says absentmindedly while checking his wrist watch. “I’ll be on my way now, if you’re finished.” He says and turns on his heel, walking away.

“O-Oh dear..” McKenna stutters more nervously this time and reaches out to Rashta but ultimately follows after Heinrey. Rashta watches as they both leave her line of sight.

“Maybe you could go easier on her? Perhaps..?” Mckenna suggests quietly and Heinrey huffs.

“You want me to be nice to someone who tried to paint me unchivalrous at a public event?” He argues.

“Fair enough.” McKenna reluctantly agrees.

“Anyway, when is Ergi going to arrive? Shouldn’t he be here soon?” Heinrey asks.

McKenna checks his watch before pulling out his phone. “He should be here already, actually. Should I text him again?”

“No, I’m sure whenever he’s done fooling around here he’ll come to me.”

. . .

Navier’s Office || 8:00 a.m

“The documents are in this briefcase, second Chief.” Eliza says, placing a briefcase on my desk and I nod.

Soviehsu enters my office and I dismiss Eliza.

“How did the meeting go yesterday?” He asks and I start packing everything away.

“Well, the budget for new projects is similar to last year since everyone had no problems keeping within its boundaries,” I start.

“And although Chief Kaufman agreed with trade dealings, we need to further discuss how traveling will work…”

. . .

Yesterday || Conference Room 11:57 p.m.

‘Why’d they make it my duty to figure out the travel issue?’ I wonder as I get up from my seat.

I spot Kaufman still at his seat in deep thought and go over to him.

“Chief Kaufman, do you have a moment?” I ask and he nods, gesturing to the seat next to him. I sit down and place my elbows on the table.

“Why did you appoint me for the traveling matter?”

“Is it something you don’t think you can resolve?”

“No, not that, it’s just at my event you seemed..”

‘Like you hated me. It made me want the ground to swallow me whole…’ I finish in my head. I stay quiet but Kaufman smiles slightly as if amused.

‘Does he think I’m a fool?’ I think slightly offended.

“At your event, I just feel that you could have kept the other woman in check but I won’t hold it against you.” He says

“I just think you are best suited for the job, second Chief. That is all.”

. . .

Present

‘I should decide the budget for Rashta as well next time..’ I think.

“Lutainpo’s company is plenty far from here.” Sovieshu agrees and leans on my desk.

“We can discuss that some other time though,” He smiles at me. “We’ve got a plane to catch this weekend, don’t we?”

“Pardon?” I ask while writing down some orders for Eliza to do while I’m away. Oh, while I’m away!

“Oh, you mean my birthday trip.”

“You have a one track mind whenever you’re working.” Sovieshu chuckles. “A certain someone told me you go to the botanical garden a lot. Do you work there as well?”

“So what if I do?” I glare and he chuckles again.

“Just take a break every now and then, alright?”

“You too.” I say. He stands away from my desk and starts heading for the elevator but stops at the doors.

He turns back towards me and hesitates before speaking. “There’s also a fountain in the garden. It looks like one we used to go to when we were little to throw coins to make a wish.”

“..Yes, I remember.” I say and look down at my desk. “We got in trouble because I fell into the water and you hurt yourself trying to help me out.” I smile nostalgically.

“Well, at least your wish to grow taller came true, huh?” He smiles.

“..Yes.”

‘I’d actually wished that we would always have a good relationship..’ I look up at Sovieshu entering the elevator and waves as the doors close.

‘My wish..didn’t come true, Sovieshu.’

Notes:

IM BACK SORRY FOR BEING GONE SO LONG IM NOT DEAD🙏✋🤚