CHAPTER 36
ALEXIA P. O. V
The next day was a meeting between Nexus company and ours so l had to be there. I could already smell Asher's strong scandalwood scent when l got the company 'is it just me or the scene became stronger' probably just the enhanced smell but now it was getting more harder to control myself around him and l didn't like it one bit and reprimanded myself for it. Recently l have been too mentally exhausted from thinking about project and who would want to kill me and why? l was still thinking hard about it that l spaced out as Nadia's explains the problems we were facing, l was so lost in my own world that l didn't even notice they were all looking at me until Nadia touched my shoulders and l flinched
"Miss are you alright?" She whispered
"Umm... Yeah l'm fine, where are we?"
"Erm Mr Slade asked what is your step towards the robbery of the project and how you plan to handle it"
I looked up at him and for minute l thought I saw an atom of worry in his eyes but it quickly disappeared, l put on a professional smile though I was far from smiling
"I'm doing everything I can towards this issue the only reason for this meeting was to informed you of what happened as l don't plan to keep anything from our business partner but regarding the missing project l'll handle it" I hoped
Nadia took over and l zoned out once more then immediately left when the meeting was over and headed to my office until Nadia came in
"Miss, someone requires an audience with you"
"Tell them to make an appointment" I said dismissievely
"I'm afraid l need to talk to you now" Asher voice out
"Mr Slade, to what do l owe your visit?" Nadia and his assistant left
"Are you alright?"
I was taken back by this question, it was just so out of the blue
"Of course l am Mr Slade, why wouldn't l be?"
"Hmm, try harder than that when lieing to me"
I frowned
"Why are you here?"I asked that lingering question in my head
"To check on you"
"Why?"
"Well because your mind seemed somewhere else and we simply can't have that, can we?"
"I'm fine" I said firmly even l myself trying to believe
"Then get your act together, you don't seems like someone who has everything under control as you say not to mention the project is still out there"
I felt rage bubble up inside me and l just snapped
"Fuck you Asher so that's all you have to say? You're really the Robot l said you were before l was an idiot for thinking otherwise, whatever wants to happen to that project should happen cause l'm freaking tired of overthinking like an idiot and now there's someone out who wants me dead so l'm not only worrying about the damn project but also for my own dear life worse part l'm so helpless and alone"
my voice cracked at that last part, I felt fresh tears ran down my cheeks as l let everything out of my chest
"So No Mr Slade, l am not fine but don't worry about your precious project l'll make sure is safe, you can have my word on that" I said dejectedly
But suddenly l felt my face gets buried in his chest and his scent was so overwhelming I let out a small moan
"I am so sorry, you were going through that alone and l'm sorry for what I said earlier and I promise you,from here on out you won't be alone anymore l promise l'll help you to find your assassin and find the thieves behind the project. You don't have to be alone anymore"
He soothing voice and his pats on my head were comforting and I wanted to remain in his embrace forever but then l remembered Julia so l reluctantly pulled away besides his scents were already having an effect in my head.
I embarrassingly looked at the floor, l had allowed my emotions get the better of me making me spill, l have never had someone told me that before and besides he's with Julia no matter how much I like him l don't want to be someone that snatches other girls man
"You don't have to Asher, really"
"But l want to" he looked at me so intently
Why is he being so stubborn?
"Really Asher you don't, l can have someone do it"
"So you rather have someone else do it than me who can actually get it done cause you believe l can't?"
"No no, not at all quite the opposite"
"Then let me help"
"But.....
"There's no way l'll change my mind" he said firmly
*Sighs*" fine, thank you but why are you helping me?"
He looked at me so intently that l started feeling nervous
"Because I don't want anything to happen to you"
I blinked 'what does he mean by that? And why did he say it so endearing? I gulped then quickly turn around so as he won't see my flustered face. What's wrong me? Get a hold of yourself Alexia
"Are you okay?" He asked softly
What's with all this sweet and caring voice and his sweet scent isnt helping matters!!!, l need to leave before l do something really really stupid cause l can get really embarrassing when l'm shy
"Um... Yeah you are fine..erm ... I mean l'm fine, um... I'm late for something, l need to go"
"I can drop you off" he offered
I blinked blankly at him then shook my head violently, 'Get a grip Alexia he has girlfriend for Godsake' thinking about Julia gave me a sinking feeling
"No thank you, l'll take my car, do have a nice day Mr Slade" then dashed out of there
Once at my car, l calmed down my chaotic heart then let out a heavy sigh 'ah what's wrong with me and what was that back there? I literally ran away from my own office, why did l tell him everything, l should have never let my emotions get the better of me, l don't want anybody to be in trouble because of me cause l have a sinking feeling that the person behind the project and my assassin have a connection which I can't figure out yet but one thing I know for sure is that there are very powerful people and l'm afraid if l involve anyone they'll get hurt.
Tomorrow is Hayden's wedding so l planned to get a gift for him but what? Maybe l'll drop by the mall to see if anything will be of interest. Strolling down the mall nothing caught my interest at all. I was already giving up when a new boutique caught my eye, walking into it was really an eye candy and the clothes were fantastic, l even bought a few
"This will Clara's second home in no time" I muttered
But nothing there would be a gift for a man so l exit the store and headed to a watch store and one in particular caught my eye but just as l about to reach for another hand took it, l looked up and met Julia's eyes. I rolled my eyes ' the last person l wanted to see, but was the watch for Asher?' I thought but l had no time to deal with her so l let her keep the watch, 'l'll find something else' I thought my eyes searching for a more suitable watch
"Ohh you like the watch?" Her annoying voice said
"Not anymore,you can have it" I said trying to avoid any spite fest
"Don't behave like you can afford it"
"Whatever you think"
"Is not what l think is what l know, l mean look at what you're dress in, what? Are you a clerk or something?"
*Roll my eyes* " Something you'll never be" I turned around to meet the sales girl
"Hi, um... I'm looking for suitable men's watch is gonna be a gift so l want it to be special"
"Yes of course, follow me Miss"
"Oh and make sure to give her the cheepest one available so as to not finish her year's salary"
The sales girl was confused but looked at me for confirmation
"Give me your most expensive ones" I said with a straight face
"Infact l heard this store is famous for it's top notch watches, the one's that aren't in display, l want those" she nodded and went to bring them out
"Ugh, l know your type you look for a rich backer and spends their money like it is yours while you don't even have the slightest idea how to work and you look like a professional gold digger"
"Seems like Miss White main goal today is all on me, tell me what did l do to deserve all this attention" I smirked
"Don't flatter yourself, is just that Gold diggers like you annoys me is either you make friends with one of us or sleep with one of us just like you are sucking up to Clara, a little side note your rich backer no matter who he is won't be able to afford what you asked for why not save yourself the embarrassment and head home"
"One would mistake you actually care for Clara and let me not be mistaken if anyone is sucking up to someone between two of us is you, that watch is for Asher isn't it?"
"How dare you call his name, peasants like you aren't allowed to call his name, is Mr Slade to you or don't at all because he wouldn't even want to associate with a lowlife like you"
"Ugh.... Please stop bootlicking the man he is not even here, you behave like your so high and clean yet your even more dirty than the beggers on the street don't think I don't know 'Moonlight' hotel is your favourite place in the darks,hmmm.... I wonder why?" I feign innocence and her face turned grim
"You saw nothing"
"Trying to deny?, Yet you claim to love Asher but apparently it doesn't seemed so to me and yet here l am innocent me accused of being a Gold digger"
"I...
"Ah ah ah" I hold my finger to silence her then turned over to the sales whom arrived minutes ago and nodded her to proceed
"This Miss arrived yesterday is called *Graff Diamonds Hallucination*, valued at $55 million.This luxurious timepiece features a kaleidoscopic array of rare and colorful diamonds totaling over 110 carats. It was created by Swiss luxury jeweler Graff Diamonds and is considered a true marvel of luxury and craftsmanship"
'nice piece' I thought but it wasn't what l want to give Hayden though... I want something unique that would help him one way or another
"That's way ahead of her budget even her backer budget, Alexia do you have any ...
"I'll take it"
I swear Julia shocked face made my day after successfully purchasing it l asked the sales lady
"Are you married?" I asked
"Yes Miss but how did you know"
"You may have removed your ring on your finger but the mark is still evident, if you don't mind me asking why did you remove it?"
"The work don't allow married women so l had to remove the ring" she said while packaging the ring
Earlier while Julia was talking,l was angry so l had to distract myself l'm not proud of it but l peeked at her head and found out that She's married with two kid both very ill and her husband was involve in shady business and she was swimming with debt and now she's considering putting her kids up for adoption even though she it was tearing her to pieces
"I want you to keep it"
"What?!
"I want you to have it" I flatly said
"But... But l can't accept it, l won't"
"You can accept it and you will"
"Miss, l don't want any trouble accepting this can put me in jeopardy and l'm already going through too much as it is, l can't accept it"
"It won't be trouble, you'll sign your name and l'll sign mine it shouldn't put you in trouble and if does.... Take this" I handed her my business card
"You can call me up anytime besides you don't have to keep it, you can sell it l'm sure that'll be more useful to you"
All of a sudden tears filled up in her eyes and she started balling then knelt down in front of me
"Miss you don't know what you had done for me, l can never be grateful enough, thank you, thank you, thank you" she was causing a scene and people started gathering
"Hey hey is okay, is nothing, no need to cry, is no problem" I tried desperately to calm her down
"What's your name?" I asked
"Mila,can Miss give me the opportunity of knowing her name?"
"Alexia"
"Thank you so much Miss Alexia, l owe you my life"
I asked nervously" is alright, jeez see the time l have to get going"
"Oh gosh don't behave so high and mighty just because you gifted someone an expensive watch that might probably be fake"
"Miss or whoever you are, are you questioning the quality we sell here?, I have watched and hear you insult this wonderful lady here whom in turn didn't even reply you but you didn't give up and now you can't afford the watch your are questioning the authenticity? How shameless " Mila respond Julia
"Don't tell me you have been brainwashed " Julia sneered
"Miss, we do not take kindly to insults towards our staff and you are causing more scene as it is, we kindly request you leave" the manager told Julia
"What how dare you!!"
"Does are our rules " she said firmly
Julia looked around embarrassed, defeated and angry, ah my day couldn't get anymore better
"This isn't over, Alexia " she said then stormed off
"We are truly sorry" the manager turned to me
"Is fine "
She nodded and walked away and l turned to Mila
"Till next time "
She nodded" thank you again "
I nodded and left, l later saw a perfect gift that l was searching for and it could beneficial to both Hayden and his soon to be wife.
I got back home and just layed at the bed gazing at the ceiling my mind void. I didn't want to think anything even snowy could sense my mood cause she didn't come close to me as she usually did.