Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Cedric showed up at my apartment. I made him wait for thirty minutes after my phone kept ringing incessantly early in the morning. The receptionist said Cedric was there. I was startled because I didn't expect that annoying guy to carry out his plan.

And when I looked at my phone, there was a pile of messages from Cedric. Incredible. But that didn't make me hurry to go down. I intentionally slowed down, wanting to see if he'd become more anxious about my arrival or not. Besides, he had work in the morning. Why would he bother picking me up from the office? It's just a waste of time.

When we faced each other, he immediately stood up and approached me, smiling as if the time he spent waiting meant nothing when he saw me walking towards him.

"Morning," he greeted. I didn't respond. What's the point?

"I parked the car in the visitor's area."

As if it matters, it's right in front of the lobby. Security could tow it away. But... Cedric actually droves a car? Seriously! I didn't take it too seriously when I mentioned it yesterday. I even brought a thick jacket neatly folded in a paper bag, just in case Cedric was on a motorcycle.

Cedric asked me to get in slowly. I was a bit worried about the unfamiliar car's scent. I didn't want to feel nauseous and make things complicated. However, my fear disappeared when my senses picked up the soft scent of Eucalyptus.

The car's interior was ordinary, like most other cars. Maybe I'd say it's like a ride-sharing car. Yeah, something like that. Is Cedric doing a side job as a driver?

"Whose car is this? Yours?" I asked without beating around the bush as soon as Cedric got into the car and buckled his seatbelt.

"No, it's the company's car. Today, I have a task to pick up some managers."

"So, because of this, you had the guts to pick me up?"

I heard him chuckle softly. "I'll exchange it for my personal car someday. For you, Anya." Cedric glanced at me briefly before starting the car's engine. "Just pray that it'll happen soon."

"You're talking as if we have an intimate relationship."

"I hope for that very much."

I gave a sardonic smile. "I already said you don't have to bother. I know it was a huge mistake, but I never asked you to take responsibility. I also haven't allowed you to get too close, Cedric."

He nodded, seemingly understanding what I said. "In that case, may I have your permission to get closer?"

"I refuse," I replied quickly without much thought.

"I'll make sure you won't refuse, Anya."

"Pushy!" I glared at him sharply. My hands also instinctively clasped in a defensive manner.

"In this matter, I'm not afraid to be persistent with you, Anya."

"As long as you know, Cedric. My mind is made up and not swayed at all. It's up to you how you want to perceive me; it's none of my concern. What matters is that I don't want my life to get even more chaotic. Understand?!"

Once again, Cedric smiled. Oh my gosh! I'm still talking, you know! He's not deaf, right? Why does his response always involve smiling, constantly smiling, like there's nothing else he can do but smile? It's really puzzling!

Instead of getting more annoyed talking to Cedric, I decided to focus on the road. It's more productive. The roads in Washington DC weren't too crowded this morning. I'm grateful for that; at least I could get to the office quickly and avoid being close to Cedric again. Wait, it seems like I missed something.

"Earlier, you mentioned picking up managers?"

"Yes, Miss. I have to be at La Meridien at nine o'clock."

I furrowed my brows. "What's the occasion?"

"Miss Krystal said it's an office tour," he said with a chuckle.

I don't really care about that information, but what concerns me is the office tour this time. How did I miss this? Damn! Krystal had mentioned that there would be visits from branches all over Indonesia in the near future, but what I didn't know was that the visit was scheduled for now. Normally, Krystal always asks me to oversee the progress of such visits, just like in previous years.

Did Krystal lose faith in me? Suddenly, I felt sad. What if the assistant who helps me is more capable and skilled? Will Krystal then prefer them and... remove me from the position? Is that it?

"Have you had breakfast, Miss Anya?"

For some reason, my heart felt so heavy. Could it be that I'm about to be replaced by Krystal? But yesterday, Krystal said she liked the way I work. What's going on now? I have no idea about this.

"Miss Anya?"

A sob escaped me.

"What's wrong, Miss Anya? Are you feeling unwell?"

I shook my head but kept my gaze down. Thinking about all the possibilities at work only made things worse. Tears flowed uncontrollably.

"Anya? What's happening to you?"

Maybe Cedric pulled over the car; I'm not sure. What I do know is that he gently pulled me into a hug, something I wanted to reject, but I couldn't.