Elara
”I don’t need to remind you how significant this opportunity is,” the manager told me and Sasha before going to the airport.
“GGG is one of the biggest companies in the industry.
If we secure this partnership, it will benefit our company for years.”
I nodded as I tried my best to ignore hi lingering gaze on me.
“There are several companies competing for their attention,” he continued.
“That means first impressions matter.
I expect both of you to be professional, courteous, and attentive.
We are not just representing ourselves today—we are representing this company.”
”I understand, sir,” I said and he nodded in satisfaction.
“I’ve done my research,” he added.
“Their representative is known for being exceptionally capable.
She doesn’t waste time, and she certainly doesn’t tolerate incompetence.
Be careful with your words.”
By the time we arrived at the international arrivals area, representatives from several other companies were already waiting.
Some held welcome signs.
Others stood with bouquets of flowers or neatly wrapped gift bags.
It almost felt like everyone was preparing to compete for the same prize.
Our manager adjusted his tie before looking at us.
“The moment she arrives, smile.
Let me do most of the talking.”
I simply nodded.
A few minutes later, the automatic doors opened.
Conversations around us gradually faded as a tall woman walked out, pulling a sleek black suitcase behind her.
She looked to be around her early thirties, dressed in a cream-colored tailored suit that somehow managed to look both elegant and intimidating.
Every movement she made was calm, as though nothing in the world could rush her.
“This must be her,” our manager murmured.
The representatives from the other companies immediately approached.
“Ms.
Kenna, welcome!
I’m from—”
”Our company has already arranged transportation for you.”
”We’ve also prepared accommodations if you haven’t decided where to stay.”
Everyone spoke over one another, eager to be noticed.
The woman listened patiently before offering a polite smile.
“Thank you very much,” she said, her voice smooth and composed.
“I appreciate the warm welcome, but I’m afraid I’ll have to decline.”
The crowd fell silent.
“I already have someone picking me up,” she added with a smile.
Nobody argued.
There was something about her quiet confidence that made people instinctively step back.
I found myself wondering what kind of person could casually make executives from multiple companies wait…
and still have everyone thanking her.
Then I heard a familiar voice.
“Sorry I’m late.”
Every muscle in my body stiffened.
And, when I looked toward the entrance..
I saw Damian.
He walked toward us wearing a charcoal suit with the sleeves casually rolled to his forearms, one hand tucked inside his pocket as though arriving late to meet one of the country’s biggest business representatives was the most ordinary thing in the world.
For a brief second, I forgot to breathe.
What…
was he doing here?
Kenna smiled the moment she saw him.
“There you are,” she said.
“I was beginning to think I’d have to accept one of these generous offers.”
Damian took the handle of her suitcase effortlessly.
“I’d never hear the end of it if I let you.”
She laughed.
“I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me.”
The two of them looked comfortable around each other, the kind of comfort built over years of friendship.
Our manager immediately stepped forward.
“Good afternoon.
I’m Adrian Torres from Silverline Solutions.”
Damian acknowledged him with a courteous nod but said nothing.
Kenna handled the introductions herself.
“Pleasure to meet you.
I’m Kenna Lawson, the representative from GGG.”
Everyone quickly introduced themselves one after another.
When my turn came, I stepped forward with a polite smile.
“I’m Elara Green.”
Before I could say anything else, Kenna looked at me for a long second.
Then she smiled.
“Aren’t you gorgeous?”
I blinked and she laughed softly.
“I’m sorry.
That probably sounded too direct.” Her eyes sparkled with amusement.
“I simply believe beautiful things deserve to be acknowledged.”
Heat immediately crept into my cheeks.
“T-Thank you.”
Behind her, I noticed Damian glance at her before looking at me.
His expression remained unreadable.
Kenna tilted her head slightly.
“You have very expressive eyes,” she continued.
“They’re the first thing I noticed.”
I let out an awkward laugh.
“I’ve…
never had anyone compliment my eyes before.”
”Then everyone before me lacked observation skills.”
A few people nearby chuckled politely.
Even our manager looked pleasantly surprised by the unexpected exchange.
Kenna extended her hand toward me.
“I hope you don’t mind my saying that.”
”Not at all.”
”Good.” She smiled again.
“Because I’d like to know you better.” She then reached into her handbag and pulled out her phone.
“Would you mind exchanging contact information with me?”
The request caught everyone off guard.
Including me.
“Our…
contact information?”
”Yes.”
I hesitated.
“I mean…
if it’s work-related, of course.”
Kenna laughed.
“It might be.” She lowered her voice just enough that only I could hear.
“And if it isn’t, I’d still like the option.”
My heart skipped.
Was… Was she flirting with me?
I wasn’t even sure how to respond.
“I-I…”
”It’s alright,” she said warmly.
“You don’t have to decide whether you like me.
Just decide whether you’d be willing to answer a message someday.”
Her confidence wasn’t arrogant.
If anything, it was strangely refreshing.
She wasn’t pressuring me.
She simply seemed genuinely interested.
After a moment, I nodded.
“Alright.”
Her smile widened.
“I was hoping you’d say yes.”
We exchanged phone numbers while everyone else watched in obvious confusion.
One of the executives from another company finally spoke.
“Ms.
Lawson…
would you also like our contact information?”
Kenna slipped her phone back into her purse.
“I already have your companies’ official contact details.”
The atmosphere immediately became awkward and I could feel Sasha’s insecure eyes against me.
And, of course, Damian’s dark gaze.
When I risked a glance in his direction, I found him already looking at me.
Our eyes met for only a second.
Then he looked away first.
For some reason, that brief moment made my heartbeat become just a little harder to ignore.