The week came and gone that Adrian didn't even notice that it was yet another weekend again. As always he was buried with work, too many things to take care of for bearing the name "CEO."
Kelvin had been posting him with the mighty information he has about the lady from gala event.
"I'm busy with work, there are piles of files on my desk to be cleaned up man, keep your hopes up and I will see you on Friday after work."
That was exactly Kelvin's word to Adrian when he couldn't wait any more and gave him a call on Tuesday evening.
Friday evening came quickly. Adrian sat in the private lounge of The Angles, the exclusive bar he and Kelvin often used as their unofficial war room. Dim blue lighting cast a soft glow across polished tables, and the low murmur of conversation created a comfortable atmosphere for confidential talks.
Kelvin slid into the sofa opposite him, his usual playful smirk tugging at his lips. He set down two glasses of red wine before speaking.
"So," Kelvin began, swirling his drink, "about that mystery girl at the gala…"
Adrian lifted an eyebrow. "You said you'd explain in person."
"I will, calm your nerves first." He said smirking.
Adrian's gaze narrowed slightly. "first you were not there at the event, I don't even know why I believed that you really have something to tell me about this lady.
Kelvin leaned forward. "I was talking to Jude last week about my company's annual event.
Jude is Kelvin's cousin. He choose to be a caterer despite his family wealth. He wanted to make his own name outside his family glory.
"According to him, It was his team that handled Gwen's event. He talked about lacking workers. However he mentioned that one of his worker brought an extra hand for the last event they managed."
"You needed to see how he was day dreaming when was describing the lady."
"My mind immediately flashed to your mystery girl."
It might not be her, but since Jude's team was the one that managed the event, that's already a big start you know."
Adrian's glass paused mid-air. "And how would you know that?"
"Because they were the only catering company who called for that event.
"And I can say the way you talked about her wasn't casual. You had that 'I've seen you in another lifetime' expression. Rare for you."
Adrian sipped his wine slowly, his thoughts pulling back through hazy corridors of memory. There was indeed something about her, the tilt of her head, the way her eyes seemed to carry unsaid stories.
Still, he wasn't going to just jump at Kelvin's theory and start randomly asking questions about her, that will speak low of him.
"You're reading too much into it." Kelvin said.
Kelvin chuckled. "Suit yourself. But I'm betting she's from your past. You've got that restless look again."
Adrian set the glass down, the crystal giving a muted clink. "I'll look into it. Quietly."
…..
Saturday night arrived with the kind of energy that was uncertain. Adrian always have the feeling whenever he is about meeting his supposed family. But its unavoidable anyway.
It was the celebrating party of Kristy for her new collaboration with Gwen group.
It was meant to be a small grand party of friends and family but Kate had to make a big event, just to brag. It looked like an expensive charity galas.The ballroom of the Grand Hotel glittered with chandeliers, polished marble, and attendees in couture. Laughter, camera flashes, and the pop of champagne corks filled the air.
Kate was already mingling with political figures, Kristy stood near a Gwen Group representative, and Adrian navigated the room with effortless poise.
The event started after Kristy and Gwen gave their speech about their collaboration. The hall echoed congratulations.
Isabella, dressed in a crisp black catering uniform, moved efficiently between tables, checking on the waitstaff she was supervising for the evening.
Lisa was also present but not because of Bella this time. Her cafe had been contracted to handle part of the dessert service, so she was both manager and hands-on helper tonight.
Adrian arrived with Kelvin to the event. He didn't want to be left alone to handle Kate and Kristy on their quest of trying to link Gwen to him.
Across the room, Adrian spotted her. The lighting softened the edges of her features, but the same quiet self-possession was there. She smiled politely at guests, occasionally tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Kelvin appeared beside Adrian, following his line of sight. "is she the lady?"
Adrian's lips curved faintly. "Did I say anything?"
Kelvin smirked," I bet she is the mystery lady."
Adrian left him to his thought and shifted to greet one the invitees
Kelvin wandered off toward the dessert table, more interested in food than fashion contracts. On the way, he nearly collided with a woman carrying a tray of mini cheesecakes.
"Oh! Sorry!" she exclaimed, steadying the tray. Her dark hair was pulled into a neat ponytail, and her eyes sparkled with a mix of warmth and mischief.
Kelvin grinned. "No, that's my fault. I was distracted by… well, everything in this room. Are those cheesecake bites?"
She arched a brow. "They are. And they're not for you. Yet."
"Yet?" he repeated, following her toward the table.
"I'll save you one if you promise not to bump into me again," she teased.
Kelvin laughed. "Deal. I'm Kelvin, by the way."
"Isabella," she said, setting the tray down.
He found himself lingering near the dessert table longer than necessary, just to hear her laugh again.
Meanwhile, Lisa was in the small prep room behind the ballroom, directing two staff members on plating. The sound of music and speeches filtered in from the main room.
She glanced at her clipboard, the next dessert course needed to be ready in ten minutes. She moved toward the doorway, but paused when she caught sight of Adrian speaking with a senator near the bar.
It was ridiculous, she told herself, that her chest tightened. She didn't know him. Not really. And yet, there was that strange pull again.
She forced herself back to work.
..
Adrian, on the other hand, was doing what he did best, observing without drawing attention. He noted the way Lisa coordinated her team with quiet authority. She didn't hover, she trusted her people, stepping in only when necessary.
More than once, she caught him watching. But she never lingered, always turning back to her duties as though the moment had never happened.
Kelvin rejoined him with a plate of mini cheesecakes. "I met someone," he said casually.
"Should I be surprised?" Adrian replied.
"This one's different. Isabella. Works here. She might know you mystery girl personally. Know who knows."
That made Adrian's gaze sharpen slightly. "Knows her how?"
Kelvin shrugged. "Didn't ask yet. Thought I'd pace myself."
...
Later in the evening, as the hall was getting empty, Lisa stepped into the hall to answer a call from Isabella about a supply mix-up. When she hung up, she found herself face-to-face with Adrian.
"Is everything running smoothly?" he asked, his tone polite but with that edge of curiosity.
"Definitely," she replied, shifting the clipboard in her hands. "Events like this always gives her small hiccups."
He gave a faint smile. "You seem to handle them well."
"many years of practice," she said, then excused herself before the conversation could dig deeper.
Adrian watched her walk away, that strange, unsettled feeling returning.
By the end of the night, Kelvin and Adrian were already about leaving the hall. Kelvin clapped Adrian on the shoulder.
" Gwen and your family didn't bother you tonight. I wonder why.
"Maybe they have mapped out another plan."
"I think," Adrian said slowly, "that I'm going to have someone run a background check on her."
"Who?" Kelvin asked clearing confused.
"Are we still talking about Gwen and your family?"
Adrian didn't answer.
"Ohh!!" Kelvin exclaimed.
Kelvin's smirked. "Knew you wouldn't be able to let it go."
…
In the quiet aftermath, Lisa and Isabella stayed behind to help pack up. Kelvin rushed back as if had forgot an important piece of document, he found himself at the dessert table again, offering to carry a box for Isabella.
"You don't have to," she told him.
"I want to," he replied. And he did. Something about her grounded energy, warm but unpretentious, was like a breath of air in a room full of pretension.
"I'm actually here to get your contact number." He said
Bella laughed
"Because you had been a perfect gentleman throughout the night, I can't say no"
She stretched out her hand, Kelvin gave her his mobile phone to type in her phone number.
Adrian had already stepped out into the cool night air, waiting for Kelvin to arrive. But his mind wasn't really at peace.
It was on a woman whose face felt like a fragment of another life.