Aurora
I whip my head up to meet the owner of this voice.
It's him. Zuriel's brother. Mr. Klaus.
"Oh, hi," I greet him awkwardly, "Y- you are a part of the CEO's board too?"
He shrugs, "I guess I am."
I arch a brow, "Uhh.. we're both late though."
How did he get here same time as me? And why's he not panting?!
"After you," he gestures towards the door.
I just nod, and push the door to the conference room, my heart pounding in my ears.
"Good afternoon, everyone, I'm so sorry for my late arrival. I had an issue to deal with, and thankfully it has been resolved."
"That's not a problem, ma'am," a scruffy looking young man on huge glasses replies.
"Thank you very much," I hurry to my seat, but I don't sit just yet.
"If your boss is here, I'd like for us to begin," I force a smile.
"He's here already, ma'am. We can begin," the scruffy looking boy replies.
I furrow my brows, the forced smile still on my face as I try to scan the room to see who their boss is.
"Is there a problem ma'am?" My secretary asks.
"Not at all," I clear my throat.
My eyes fall on Mr. Klaus, who is smiling lazily at me, his hand on an armrest, propping his chin.
"So.. uh.." I turn to the projector behind me, still trying to figure out who among them is the boss. The oldest in that group seems to be in his late thirties. As much as I would like to assume he's the boss, I can't quite place my finger on it.
"So.."
...
"With all of these ideas I have just dished out, I hope I have been able to show you that your plan to collaborate with us is certainly not a waste of time."
I turn to the members of the board of AstraTech Innovations.
They all stare back at me, or maybe they are looking at the projector.
'Please tell me you actually like my ideas, don't break my heart please,' I silently plead as I wait for their CEO or whoever to speak up.
"Nice work you have here ma'am, but could you elaborate on your point five?" A silky voice speaks up.
My eyes immediately fly to Klaus who is sitting upright, his sharp eyes scanning the contents of the projector.
I swallow, and nod, "Okay, according to my point five," I scroll back to the slide.
"The Astra Sentinel Program focuses on integrating AI-operated drones capable of autonomous decision-making during field operations. They can perform surveillance, identify threats, and neutralize them before human response even arrives."
"Hence, these drones are built for real-time surveillance and threat detection. Each unit syncs data instantly to a central hub, ensuring faster response and smarter defense coordination."
I turn to Mr. Klaus, "Understood, sir?"
He nods, rising to his feet, "You've got brilliant ideas Ms. Marcellane. We are ready to work with you to bring these ideas to life."
My insides scream at his words, and I almost jump across the table to hug him, but I restrain myself.
A bright smile lights up my face, "Thank you very much sir. We are pleased."
"I believe we have come to the end of today's meeting?" He shoves his hands into his pockets.
"Yes sir," my secretary nods.
With that, everyone begins arranging files, and putting them away into their bags, or just switching off their laptops. One by one, they file out of the conference room.
Except Mr. Klaus.
He still stands there watching me with that lazy smile etched on his face.
"You're one brilliant young woman," he finally pushes his seat back, "I'm impressed."
My heart skips at his words.
"I didn't realize you were actually the CEO.. why did you say you were a board member then?" I arch my brow, clutching my iPad closer.
He shrugs, "Technically, I am a member of the board," his smile widening into a grin.
I roll my eyes, "Oh well."
He doesn't reply. Instead, he stares right at my soul.
"Sir?"
He blinks at me, and takes a step forward, pauses as if he's trying to think of something, then resumes his steady steps towards me.
"How come I never knew you were my brother's wife?"
I grip a chair, feeling my knees give way as he comes closer, "He... I'm no longer his wife now."
"That I can tell. But I'm asking a totally different question. How come I never knew you once married him?"
I exhale, "I didn't even know you were his brother."
His brows furrow. His lips turn downwards, and he takes another step forward, towering above me.
"Hmm, that boy can be foolish sometimes, hm?"
"He was foolish every day for the past six years I was with him."
Klaus' mouth slightly pop open, "Six years?"
I hold my face, "Can we please not talk about him? I have more important things to think off."
He nods, "It's okay Aurora dear," He pats my head, "We're friends now, so if you need anything, don't hesitate to call me," He slides his hands into his coat, and brings out a card.
"Here," he hands it over to me.
I take it from him, giving it a skeptical look, "Friends? Since when are we friends?"
The lazy grin returns back to his face, "Since now."
I can't help but laugh softly, "Who knew you could be these cheesy?" I shake my head.
"That should be you," he turns on his heels, "Oh, and if Zuriel tries bothering you again, let me know, I'll make sure to take care of him."
Zuriel...
That's when an idea hits me in the head, "Mr. Klaus, hold on," I rush after him.
He freezes in his tracks, "Yes?" He looks over his shoulder.
"Uhh, I was wondering, do you still have some spare time? Please? I'll like us to have coffee together."
His brows arch the highest I have ever seen anyone do. No one I know has ever done it that high, let alone both brows at once.
"Please," I manage to smile at him.
He just nods, "That's fine. I'm not in a hurry."
I close the little space between us, and slid my hands into his. My heartbeat skyrockets like crazy as I intertwine my fingers with his.
I exhale, and meet his.. amused eyes?
"Isn't it interesting that you're bold enough to hold my hand?"
"Life has taught me that I suppose," I reply.
He twists his lips, "You're interesting. I like you," we both walk out of the conference room hand in hand.
"Actually.. I want to ask you something," I speak up again.
He nods for my go ahead.
"Will you marry me?"