New Endearment Unlocked

. . .

Jin and Zeirenne measured up to each other with stares. In the end, Jin had to surrender, "Fine. But I want you to promise me something."

She raised her eyebrows, urging him to speak.

"Promise me you won't take that necklace off again."

* * *

That morning, they went to work together. Although the conversation was dull, sharing the same car still made them at ease. Especially Jin, who'd be worried if she was not under his watch.

They had another meeting with the officials for today, and the rooms were finally done with the renovations. All the officials had their designated offices, like another act of 'keeping your friends close but your enemies closer' for both sides.

Even Silva International's employees working for the summit were about to move in, and they both saw Assistant Perry on the lead.

"Good Morning, Miss Lin. Good Morning Mister Young," he greeted them with a bow, "I have to apologize but Mr. Argenti will not be able to attend today's meeting. I'll be here as his proxy."

Zeirenne extended her arms out, "Then I look forward to working with you, Assistant Perry."

When they finally reached the conference room, Mr. Dela Cuesta was doing his usual rounds. He held his head up with pride, boasting the two celebrities beside him.

"Everyone," he started as the two CEOs settled themselves down, "I'm sure you all know who these two are."

Murmurs filled the whole room.

"It's Clarence and Amelace. Oh my god! I'm a fan of both!" one of the employees squealed under her breath, leaning on her seatmate who shushed her on the sly.

"They will be the models for this summit, and they will be joining us in the preparations from this moment on."

After this brief promo, all the company representatives stood up from their seats and stated their presentations. The agenda for this day's meeting revolved around the overall progress of the three companies. Putting this into account, Mr. Dela Cuesta decided to congratulate the three CEOs for their success in clearing up their personal conflicts.

He interrupted Miss Alcantara who was in the middle of addressing the day-to-day schedule.

"Well, I guess we'll have to congratulate you for all your efforts. Besides... admitting your relationship is not an easy thing to do," he said, "We're glad you chose the easier way out. Admitting your relationship even if it may deem you both... unprofessional."

Zeirenne raised an eyebrow to this, but Jin squeezed her hands under the table.

"We'd appreciate it if you sit down, like the chairperson you are, and listen to the reports before addressing our private lives, Mr. Dela Cuesta. Be a professional and talk about the summit, not us," he said and the entire room had to stifle their laughter.

Mr. Dela Cuesta had to grip his seat before fixing his composure.

The three representative then took their turns in laying all the progress and plans out.

"We already associated with CF&H and Silva International," Miss Alcantara concluded, "We decided to go with CF&H's plan. With 1,125 hotels under CF&H, Silva International will handle entire renovation. On the other hand, ZA International will be in charge of every employee. We will be in charge of training the employees from these hotels."

When the meeting ended, the two CEOs escorted the officials out, before heading for their respective offices.

Being ticked off with Mr. Dela Cuesta's snarky remarks, and to avoid a dull atmosphere from the aftermath of their burdensome conversation, they went on their separate ways, unaware of the surprise waiting for them both.

* * *

The smell of strong perfume greeted Jin's senses even before stepping inside his office. He questioned Miss Jones with a blank stare.

"Miss Amelace is inside, Mr. Young," she said and he furrowed his brows.

He walked inside his office to find Miss Amelace looking around.

"Oh. Mr. Young, you're here," she greeted him, even tucking a few hairs behind her ears as she fidgeted like a small child.

"What brings you here Miss..."

She fixed herself on the sofa without being offered a seat, yet was surprised to see Jin sitting on his swivel chair rather than sitting with her.

"Oh. Well I wanted to ask you about something."

Jin maintained a brick-hard expression, trying to control his irritation from slipping out.

He surely did maintain a concealed face, but his words did the job, "You're not in any position to ask me questions, Miss..."

Miss Amelace, however, took this differently. She stood up from her seat, walking towards his table before leaning herself forward, saying, "You know there are many ways to fix that... we can always spend some time to build that kind of relationship from this moment on. Wanna go for dinner... Mister Young?"

He smirked.

"And what makes you think I have time for that? You see, I already have my hands full at this moment."

Her face suddenly became flushed. Taking a few seconds to compose herself, she decided to strike back.

"But if Miss Lin agrees on Clarence's invitation, I bet you'll have enough time right?--"

"Damn it," was the last thing she heard before seeing Jin scampering out of his office.

* * *

On the other hand, Zeirenne found herself in an odd conversation with Clarence.

"What brings you here, Mister Clarence?"

The actor flashed her his toothpaste commercial smile, before leaning closer, saying in a forced husky voice, "Do you wanna go out for dinner?"

Zeirenne's ears moved to this, but she had to clear her mind. It was dinner, food, after all.

"I'm sorry, but I don't think I have the time for that, Mr. Clarence," she said.

He furrowed his brows, thinking she was playing hard-to-get. He decided to push his luck further, "Really? It's my treat this one time."

Her eyes almost sparkled to this. What's better than food? Free food, of course!

"Oh it's your treat?! Yeah sure why not--"

Before she could even finish her answer, the room shook from a sudden blizzard. The door at it's full swing almost blew them off their seats, and it spat Jin who stormed through the room with a fiery aura.

"How can I possibly let you treat my girlfriend, Mister Clarence?" he said with a very sarcastic tone, facing Zeirenne, "and how can you possibly make him pay for your food. You should really stop scamming other people's money, Babe. You already have billions... and if it's not enough for your advocacies, you can take everything I have as well."

As if in a trance, Zeirenne felt his lips on her forehead, even before realizing he was already in front.

Jin sat beside her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders before throwing Mister Clarence a smirk, "I hope you can forgive my girlfriend and her... habits," he said before taking her hand for a kiss.

. . .