Five

Chapter 5 — Dinner 2

Sitting awkwardly together with my parents and acting like we're a perfect happy family never suited me. I can't wait for the public to see the bigger picture. That this family is as toxic as a venomous snake biting your fucking leg.

"So… How's work, darling?" I tried not to gag at the endearment 'my' mother used

"Nothing different…" I glanced at my father and caught him glaring at me. A silent warning that I should act nice, and so I did "Actually, we're planning to hold a fashion event next month" like hell I would "I was wondering if you would like to... Be a guest or something?"

Her eyes twinkled in amusement and she started blabbering about what she's going to wear and that my father should come with her.

Can't wait for this dinner to be over.

 ---

"It was nice talking to you again, Allerick. We'll be going. Stay safe on the road!" my 'mother' smiled and waved at me before hopping in my father's car.

"It's good that you behaved well, son. You should act like this more often or better yet, why don't you try acting as well? I'm sure you'll ace it" he said, matching my tone earlier

Fucking old shit.

He also hopped on his car and maneuvered it away. I sighed after that and muttered curses.

"Ah?" I heard someone from behind me, and so I faced the person and mentally groaned when I saw who it is.

Can this day get any worse? Just fucking kill me already.

"Rea..."

"Stop. I don't want to hear anything from you, at least not now. I'm so fucking drained with all this shit" I stopped him while pinching the bridge of my nose

"Hmm... Sorry. I'll go then" he said and bowed his head before leaving

I watch his figure disappear from the crowd and that's when I decided to leave.

Waking up in the morning feeling groggy. I doubt that there's something good going to happen today. I planned to just laze around, but then I remembered the fashion event I lied about.

"Guess I need to plan it now..." I started getting ready and literally dragged myself out of my penthouse

I dropped by the nearest coffee shop and got myself an Americano before continuing my journey to the company.

Before I sit down on my chair, I called Cole inside.

"What do you need me for, sir?" he asked right after closing the door to my office

"Uh… I kind of lied about a fashion event to my parents and now we need to prepare for it." I explained to him

"You do know that we also have other matters to prepare for, right? You told me that we're meeting the YSV for a possible collaboration in the brands. On top of that, we received an invitation from the Athletics which is due next month"

"Athletics? What do they want again?"

Athletics is such a big brand. Them inviting us would mean a win to our company or something in reverse.

"They are suggesting a joint venture with us— Sterling Fashion" he said that caught me off guard

"What the ****?"

"Yeah... What the **** indeed, sir"

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" I asked him and he shrugged

"I know that your family is stressing you out… A lot... Then, that visitor that you had a past with? So yeah, guess it yourself" he professed

"That's not supposed to affect our performance. Have you prepared anything for the possible joint venture?"

"That's not my job but yeah, I have something in mind. I'll just rough it up and send it to you after I finish it. Just check it for any possible mistakes or something"

"Fuck… Thanks, Cole" I muttered

"Happy to be of any assistance, sir"

"How about the YSV? Anything in mind?"

"There's really nothing different with their products and ours, so I don't see any reason to collaborate with them but if you think more allies is great then I'll prepare something for that too" he commented

As expected of a Vanguard. So capable.

"Thank you, Cole. I really don't know what I would do without you."

"It's my job to help you. My family owes you a lot too. This is the least I could do."

"Still..."

"Well, I better go now, sir. I'll send it to you through email so don't forget to check it before 9 pm" I nodded at that

Better get to work. Can't depend on Cole for everything.

To be continued...

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