Clara laid out six different outfits, frowning at each one. Natasha sat nearby, arms folded, still fuming from their argument last night. Clara sighed, glancing her way.
"Natasha, would you please help me out?" she asked, sulking.
"Does my opinion even matter?" Natasha replied flatly, her expression unchanging.
Clara groaned. "Wait... is this about last night? Seriously?"
Natasha stayed silent, which only annoyed Clara further. But instead of snapping, she inhaled deeply, trying to stay calm. She reached for Natasha's hand, speaking softly.
"Natasha, I get it, you don't have to like everyone. But don't let this suspicion ruin things. You know I barely have friends. It's just you and Ashley. It hurts when you speak ill of him, and I'm sure it'd hurt him too."
Natasha hesitated before sighing. "I was just trying to be cautious," she said, her tone softening.
"I'm sorry, Clara. I shouldn't have behaved that way."
"It's okay. Just... don't give me that ice-cold attitude again. The room felt like a freezer," Clara teased, cracking a smile.
Natasha smirked. "Fair enough. But speaking of cold... who are you trying to impress with all these outfits?"
Clara blinked. "What? Nobody! I just want something casual for work." She avoided Natasha's gaze.
"Casual? Hmm. Then explain your hair," Natasha said with a mischievous grin.
Clara touched her curls defensively. "What's wrong with my hair?"
"Nothing. It just looks... fancy."
"You're imagining things," Clara muttered. "Now, help me pick something. I'm late."
After trying on a few combinations, Clara settled on a floral blazer paired with a white printed skirt. It was simple yet elegant.
"You look amazing, I have to admit," Natasha said, nodding in approval.
"Thanks. I need to hurry. See you later!" Clara called, grabbing her bag.
"Bye! And break a leg," Natasha teased, waving her off.
---
The drive to the company was frustratingly long thanks to heavy traffic, but Clara finally arrived. She opted for the private elevator to avoid unnecessary stares from colleagues, given that her office shared the same floor as the CEO's.
As soon as she stepped out, Ashley noticed her. The subtle vanilla scent of her perfume hit him first, then her outfit caught his eye.
"Wow," he muttered under his breath, his heart racing. Approaching her, he managed a composed greeting. "Hey, Clara."
"Hi, Ashley," she replied with a small smile.
"I have to say, you look stunning today." His words escaped before he could stop himself.
"Thanks," Clara said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, a seemingly harmless gesture that sent Ashley spiraling.
He felt a familiar warmth building and clenched his fists discreetly. Get it together, Ashley!
"See you at lunch," she said before heading to her office.
"See you," he murmured, watching her retreating figure.
---
Clara was engrossed in her tasks when the sharp ring of her office phone interrupted her focus.
"Bring me the files my secretary handed you yesterday," the CEO, Master Alexandro, ordered curtly before hanging up.
Clara sighed, rubbing her temples. What's with his mood lately? she wondered as she grabbed the files and headed to his office.
The moment she walked in, her eyes landed on Mitchell, standing by the window. Her heart skipped, but she quickly composed herself.
Mitchell turned, and his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than it should have. The glow about her today was undeniable, and he found himself stealing glances.
Ashley, who stood beside the CEO, noticed Mitchell's reaction. Though irritated, he kept a neutral expression.
Clara handed the files to Alexandro and was about to leave when he stopped her.
"Clara, I'll be traveling for a business trip soon, and your services will be required. You'll be joining the team," he stated bluntly.
Clara hesitated. "Sir, may I decline?"
"You may," Alexandro replied, his tone icy. "But be informed that refusing will result in a salary deduction for not fulfilling your job responsibilities."
Her mind raced. Something about Alexandro still didn't sit well with her, and the idea of traveling with him only heightened her discomfort.
Mitchell, observing her hesitation, felt a pang of curiosity. Why is she declining? Is it because she knows I'll be there? He shook his head, chastising himself. Don't overthink, Mitchell. She doesn't even know you're coming.
Meanwhile, Ashley saw the announcement as a golden opportunity. His lips curled into a sly smile. Looks like fate is on my side.
"Understood, sir," Clara finally replied, her voice steady.
"Good. Prepare accordingly," Alexandro said, dismissing her.
Clara left the office, her thoughts a whirlwind. What had she just signed up for?
Back inside, Mitchell glanced at Ashley, who seemed unnervingly smug. Something about his demeanor set Mitchell on edge. What's that guy planning?