Is this destiny?

~ Hilton Hotel ~

2:53 PM

At the fashion show venue, Ellie is watching her models walking on the runway. Her two designer assistants are by her side, taking notes based on Ellie's comments. There are two more designers who are snapping photos relentlessly with digital cameras. Those photos Ellie will use later to see her designs from different angles. In the fashion world, photo sells the garment... and it needs to be perfect.

Ellie's phone vibrated, she glanced at it and saw that it's a message.

[Jasper]: I'm sorry, something came up. I can pick you up at 5:30.

Ellie frowned. After so many texts and talks about his plans, now he is postponing it? She can't help but doubt his sincerity. She knows that it's probably work, but she expects him to put her first. After all, she came all the way from Seattle, and he knows that she has work as well… that is why she came to Chicago.

Regardless of her busy schedule, Ellie agreed to meet with him at four, leaving her designers and models to pack and have dinner together without her. Also, after four in the afternoon, there should be nothing business-critical. How Ellie sees it, if she can leave her work and employees behind to meet with Jasper, so can he.

She pressed her lips into a thin line and typed a response.

[Ellie]: I'm done at 4. I don't want to wait for an hour and a half.

She looked at the text she sent and thought that if he can't make it and is taking their relationship lightly… then it's better for her to focus on her company and people.

She was frustrated that he thinks it's OK for her just to wait for an hour and a half. Does he think that she has nothing better to do with her time!?

Ellie reminded herself that she came to Chicago because of fashion shows. There are four events for her to present her designs in next two weeks, and it's probably better if she focuses on that.

She hesitated for few seconds before typing another text.

[Ellie]: Maybe we should leave this for some other time.

A second later, messages started popping on her screen:

[Jasper]: No! (emoji who is panicking)

[Jasper]: Let's find something that works.

[Jasper]: Please… (emoji with hands together, praying)

[Jasper]: I waited forever for you to come here. Don't give up on me so easily... (broken hearted emoji)

[Jasper]: Are you willing to come to my office? (nail biting emoji)

[Jasper]: It will take you about half an hour to reach, and I will do my best to finish before 5.

[Jasper]: That is max half an hour wait.

[Jasper]: Sofa in my office is comfortable.

[Jasper]: You can sip some beverage while waiting.

[Jasper]: I will make it up to you.

[Jasper]: Please? (emoji with big expectant eyes)

~ K Industries HQ building ~

Outside Jasper's office.

"Lily, please don't pull those stunts again." Faith pleaded. "You will cost me my job."

Lily rolled her eyes. "I just dropped off documents at his desk. What is the big fuss?"

"You should not enter without permission."

"I knocked.", Lily said with a smirk.

Faith made a face and shook her head. She does not know how to answer this. Even if she knocked, it was obvious that her boss didn't allow her to enter.

Lily was in her own world. "Did you notice that he showered and changed his clothes? Do you know if he found someone… special?"

Faith frowned. As much as she would like to know if her boss is taken or not, how is she supposed to know that? "I'm not aware of his activities outside office."

"How is his schedule?"

"As always." Faith thought for a second before adding: "The only thing he asked me is not to schedule anything for today after 3:30 PM."

"Don't you think that is unusual?"

"Maybe he has some appointment. It happens…", Faith glanced at the screen which showed Jasper's work schedule and saw that there is a confirmed meeting with Mr. Korhonen. "Forget what I said... I see that he has a meeting which starts at four. Work related. Probably that is the reason he told me to keep his late afternoon free."

Faith's desk phone buzzed, it's a specific sound indicating a call which is coming from Jasper's office.

Lilian didn't find the need to step away.

"Yes, CEO Kiani?", Faith answered while focusing on her phone. Her boss just scolded her, and she needs to show that she is committed.

She heard Jasper say: "Around 4:30 Miss Young will come to see me. Please escort her to my office to wait for me. Inform reception downstairs. Treat her well."

"Yes, CEO Kiani." Faith kept the phone down and she was unable to hide surprise showing on her face.

"What?", Lilian asked.

"Maybe you are right…" Faith leaned closer and spoke to Lilian in an almost whisper: "He just told me that Miss Young will look for him while he is in a meeting… and to let her in."

Lilian frowned. She was unable to accept: why is Jasper making a fuss over her being in his office, practically kicking her out, yet some other woman can come and wait for him there?

"Who is this Miss Young?", Lilian asked Faith angrily.

Faith was surprised by Lily's attitude change and shrugged indicating that she does not know. Suddenly, she felt guilty that she said anything. She should not gossip about her boss! Cold sweat beaded her forehead. Did she just make another mistake? Today is NOT her day.

Both Faith and Lilian were startled when CEO's office door opened abruptly. Jasper walked by them without sparing them a glance. He was heading to his three o'clock meeting.

Faith composed herself and asked Lilian in her business tone: "Is there anything else I can help you with? Or did you come here just to drop off the documents?"

Lilian stared after Jasper until the elevator door closed. She ignored Faith's questions and walked away. Her mind was racing. Jasper just kicked her out because she entered by herself, but he will allow some strange woman in? And he showered! Did he shower for that woman? Did he dress up for her? She gritted her teeth while thinking of this injustice. It's one thing if he hooks up with women in clubs and who knows where… but this one is coming to his office! And she still remembers how Jasper rejected her more than once while saying that office is not a place for romance.

Lilian's eyes flashed with malice when she remembered that the woman will wait for him while he is in a meeting. That must be the meeting which starts at 4. So, if she is in the main lobby, she will get a chance to see who that mystery woman is.

Faith was unaware of Lilian's thoughts, and she didn't notice how angrily Lilian stomped away. She was concerned about the possibility that because of her moment of indiscretion, an office gossip might start. And if anyone talks about a woman who is waiting for their CEO in his office, everyone will know that it started from her. The only thing Faith can do is focus on her job… while she still has one. She called the reception to inform them to call her when Miss Young arrives and then she got busy with her other tasks.

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