His Contractual Mistress

Hailey's POV

Oh, gosh! I'm so happy that I am saved! I don't want to answer my professor about what time I get off from work. That is not appropriate.

Or am I just overthinking? Well, never mind. My attention returned to Vincent Shen.

Until now, he's still snobbish. How could I approach him in the future if he is always wearing a grim expression?

He is too serious and seems like he is always in deep thoughts. I wonder what he's thinking? Or maybe the right question is, who is he thinking?

Ah! Why am I paying attention to this matter? All I see he is cold and snobbish. Just now, he seemed in a foul mood. But he is a talented architect. I really want to offer him a contract and hope I can make an appointment with him soon!

And as I am thinking about it, I'm anxious if we can have a good talk. Maybe he's different when dealing with a client and discusses projects.

Yes. That's how I'll need him!

It's only two months away, and it's going to be Christmas. I want to go home and spend time during the holidays with dad. I am missing him already.

And so, I have to find a way to get an appointment and talk business with Vincent Shen.

However, he is a snob! He's even not looking at me. Am I not pretty in his eyes? I think I am sexy in my waitress attire. But he's not sparing a look at me.

Wait a minute. Why am I concerned with my looks? I indeed care about my skin and body. I make sure I look neat and pleasing. But I never did it for a man! So why would I worry if he didn't find me pretty? 

* 

Vincent's POV 

Shot! Her presence drove me crazy. I think it will be dangerous to be alone in a room with her. But Carl... This id...t cousin of mine!

Why is he asking her the time she gets off from work? Has he had a plan to court his student?

Dammit, Carl!

"Can we order now? I am starving."

I spoke all of a sudden. I know I talk a bit indifferently. I glanced at my cousins and brother-in-law. The way they are looking at me proves that they sense the irritation in my tone. But no one dares to joke on me. Instead, they began flipping the menu book and concurring that they are hungry too.

I could feel her eyes staring at me, and I desired to look up and meet her beautiful eyes.

To distract me, I picked up the Menu Book on the table and began flipping the pages. However, I can't decide anything tonight. I am just simply reading the dish's names.

*

Hailey's POV

"What is the best dish of this restaurant?" The guy next to President Zaijan is asking me.

My god, what should I do!?

I was freaking out when Vincent Shen looked up, and our eyes met—my heart flutters, and I don't understand why it beats crazily.

And before I could open my mouth to reply to his cousin, he spoke on my behalf, and I just found myself listening to him.

It looks like he is often at this restaurant as to how familiar he is with the most dishes ordered by the VIP guests.

"I thought they had new dishes."

I heard President Zaijan mumbling on my right side. I look at him, and immediately, I let my head work.

"Yes, sir. We have new dishes, but we haven't added them to our Menu yet. Good news! We are offering a free taste tonight." I replied, smiling broadly at the five men in front of me.

I then noticed him tighten his jaw. I don't understand what is going on with him, but tonight, he seems foul mood.

And so, I give all my best to act as a real waitress taking their orders and explaining a bit about the dishes in my mind.

'Is he finding my assistance lame? I know I didn't correctly act as a waitress, which I have never done before. All I do is cook.' I sighed inwardly.

So nothing I could think of but offer my recipes! And I am hoping they'll like it.

I'm crossing my fingers!

After I took all the men's orders, Manager Fely and I talked in the corner. She stayed in the room to serve the Shen and Lopezes, and as for me, I rushed to the kitchen and began to prepare three French and two Italian dishes.

I asked for the help of the two chefs I trained to make them. In this way, it was more like I'm teaching them the new dishes.

And while I'm cooking the five dishes, I sent an appetizer to the super VIP guests to not feel bored waiting for the fish.

After fifteen minutes, three of the dishes are done and sent over. And another ten minutes passed; finally, I finished preparing the other two dishes.

But before I go back, I prepared ten plates of chocolate mousse cake with raspberries and five bowls of classic banana split.

I am about to go back; I fix myself to look pleasing again.

When I'm done, I ride the lift toward the second floor with the pushcart. Every head at that table turned in my direction after I came in.

I partly bowed and brought the cart closer and began putting the desserts on the table.

"Oh my gosh! My favorite chocolate mousse cake and raspberries! This angel in my belly craved it!" Deena burst out suddenly.

And yes, my investigation says she loves mousse cake. But the raspberry thing? I love to pair it if I serve one to dad.

Now it looks like something to celebrate tonight.

"Sweetheart, are you saying that you are pregnant again?" I heard Wallace asked his wife. His eyes spark from excitement, and the couple embraces each other tightly.

"Yes! I confirmed it when I was preparing for our dine-out. But I didn't tell you yet as I saved the good news tonight! I didn't expect that I'll see raspberries and can't help bursting out with delight."

"Thank you, sweetheart!"

I clapped my hands along with everyone in that room, but I blushed when I saw the couple kiss. Of course, I haven't kissed anyone on the lips yet.

"Congratulations!" Everyone cheered, and I continued serving the dessert when Deena spoke to me.

"Thank you."

I nodded and smiled. "You're welcome, ma'am."

But Deena creased her forehead and stared at me keenly. She seemed to try to remember something, then she said to me, "You look familiar."

I do not know how to respond to her, and so I just smiled. Then I noticed she glanced at her brother, and the siblings acted strangely. No words came out from their mouths, but their eyes seemed to communicate.

I ignored their behavior and served the dessert to Madam Shen. I saw that she finished the Italian pasta I prepared. Somehow, it made me happy that she likes it. I also noticed on her plate, she tried all the dishes I cooked.

"Ma'am..." I offered her the chocolate mousse cake, and she thanked me.

She only smiled plainly. Her aura is not friendly, but she's not scary as to how everyone describes her. I think it's just her intimidating personality.

"Whoa, cousin! You are indeed starving!" Professor Carl teases Vincent, who he only ignores.

I glanced in his direction, and as a chef, it is my pride if someone becomes happy with the food I prepared.

*

Vincent's POV

It surprised me when my sister asserted that Hailey is familiar to her.

But then, knowing Sheena, I had the idea that she was chatting with Deena about the girl we saw in Budapest.

Yes. Sheena, I was waiting when I saw Hailey, and she also knew that I tried to search for Hailey so that I need not marry Eva.

But I failed to find her. I tried to search Hungary, Italy, and France. But she's nowhere to locate. I don't know which part of the Earth she's been hiding.

And yes, fate is just playing with me. When I almost lost hope to see her again, I saw her strolling around Metro City Garden.

I thought it's just an illusion, but it was her.

She appeared when I stopped searching for her.

*

PRESENT TIME

Vincent pressed his back on the chair while he was speedily replying to Hailey's message. She informed him that she finished serving the guests and was about to go home.

He quickly messages Bruce to remind him to make sure that Hailey arrives at the penthouse safe.

"Copy, boss," Bruce replied to him.

After the brief exchange of messages with Bruce, Vince sent Hailey a text.

"Tell me if you arrived home. Just then, I could sleep tonight."

"Yes, I will... Love you, hubby."

He couldn't help smiling broadly even when he was alone inside his unit. He loves the endearment Hailey gives her.

While he's waiting for Hailey to message him that she finally arrives at the penthouse, he recalled those times he saw her working as a part-time waitress at La Fleur Restaurant.

*

NEXT ON: 

Morning Headline News: "IT LOOKS LIKE PRESIDENT VINCENT SHEN'S GIRLFRIEND HAD FUN PLAYING WITH DIRECTOR RODNEY LOPEZ IN HIS ABSENCE" 

"I'm going to burn this entertainment news company!" Rodney stressed out.