Chapter 27: Chapter 27

I wake up from my deep slumber when I hear some buzzing noise from a conversation. I am still light-headed so I keep my eyes closed still lying on the couch at Dmitri's office. I wonder what time is it already. I wonder how long should I wait for Dmitri. I wonder how will I talk to Seid afterward. I wonder about many things that I unconsciously groan from too much headache. Then a deep cool voice becomes vivid to my ears, "Hey, Avery," Dmitri's voice sounds so damn great especially when he calls my name. I actually hate my name being called because I prefer people to call me by my nickname since my parents' accident. My full name reminds me of them so I hate hearing it very much, but with Dmitri's, it is different. It sounds more like music to my ears.

When I didn't respond to his first call, he speaks to me again, "Avery? Are you up? How'd you feel? Does your head still hurt? Do you want me to bring you to the hospital? I am sorry the meeting took longer than expected, I should have brought you home, first."

He bombards me with a series of questions in a worried way, like someone who's totally concerned about me. This time, I remove the arms covering my eyes, and I smile at him, I try to sit so Dmitri supports me with his manly arms and sit beside me. Still not feeling okay, I comfortably lean my body and rest my head to his shoulder, "Hey," I answer with a little hoarse voice from my sleep.

"How's the meeting? Is everything good now?"

"Yes, no need to worry. And you?", he asks and answers back.

"And Seid?" I shyly ask.

I can see his brows furrowed before he responds, "I don't know, I don't care. Ms. Johnson says you fell ill. It's better if we get you to the hospital."

I think of what he said but I hesitantly decline, "No, I think it's better if I go home now. It'll take some time to get to Seattle anyway. Since I don't have my car, I'll just take a cab."

He chuckles, "Do you think a billionaire like me would let you take a cab?"

I answer with a burst of laughter, "Then, take me home, Dmitri."

Then he talks to Ms. Johnson about certain things about the company, then he fetches me from the couch. As I stand and walk side to side with Dmitri, I can see jealousy from Ms. Johnson's eyes through her reflection on the glass. Not only Ms. Johnson but even the ones in the meeting scrutinized me with all their might, probably thinking about what kind of charm I used to enchant this billionaire. I feel proud of myself for some reason but also worried, at some point.

As we get on the elevator, Dmitri and I remain silent. "Will I be like a Claire? Or any other women that he dated? Or someone from SEXONITE? What will my role be in Dmitri's life," uninvited and unnecessary thoughts overflow like raindrops on my mind. I decided to not tolerate the ideas since Dmitri and I have known each other for only a few days. What fate or destiny may hold is still full of ambiguity. I must not let get its best out of me.

Ding!

The elevator reaches the ground floor where the lobby is located. As soon as we walk out of the elevator, Seid is standing next to a pillar facing the elevator. The moment he sees us getting out of the elevator, he walks towards us. We meet at the center of the lobby, on the same spot where the logo of the company is imprinted. Dmitri's hold gets tighter as Seid gets closer. But he remains calm and quiet and didn't say anything. Seid, Dmitri, and I all stop in the middle. The tension builds up at this moment. Unexpectedly, Seid is the one who breaks the ice, he sets my eyes on me alone, looking at me with fierce but sad-looking eyes,

"Ava, I will drive you home. Why don't we talk?"

"I believe I made it clear that Ms. Anderson is my guest," Dmitri butts in before I could even answer.

"Indeed, but the business matter is now over, I professionally waited for the meeting to be over, now it's time for me to deal with my personal matters," Seid declares his annoyance towards Dmitri's authoritative statement. He doesn't back down easily. It has never been his personality after all.

Dmitri, on the other hand, feels attacked but doesn't give Seid a chance to take me away, "Too bad for you, I invited her here, I brought her here and I will be the one to drive her home until our appointment is over."

I look at Seid's aggravated expression but Dmitri almost drags my feet towards the entrance. Feeling weak, I follow Dmitri's lead and only look at Seid as I pass by him.

***

We reach the residential building where I stay, I quietly wait for Mr. Burk to open the door. Then Dmitri speaks after a quiet trip from New York to Seattle.

"It was nice meeting you, Avery Anderson. You, indeed, are, perfectly amazing," he utters in a very distant and serious manner. His word choice got me thinking. Did he make a mistake, or did he just draw the line by intentionally saying the word 'was'.

I force myself to smile to show my gratitude for the past two days we've been together. Despite my desire to keep seeing him, our last conversation didn't go as I expected. He completely draws the line between us. Here, I thought, I've already met my perfect match. I alight the car and turn around,

"Likewise, Dmitri. I hope you'll have a safe flight back to Germany. I hope our paths will cross again someday," I sadly and teary bid my goodbye.

He just smiles and then immediately turns his look away from me. He never once looks back as the door closes and the car drives away. Indeed, it is a dreary way to part ways with someone you hold dear.

***

"Ava, we need to talk," a voice from the side of my bed speaks as I enter my room.