Chapter Fourteen: Simple Words Make One Happy

Eveline's POV

Axel had asked me whether he could come over after work. Although I'm still overwhelmed by what had happened, the chances of Axel initiating this relationship were rare, so who was I to reject his offer?

"Sure." I had flashed him a smile meekly and instantly gave him an answer on my brain's orders.

Afterwards, Axel dismissed me so that I could go and unpack my things and get used to my new workplace. As Axel made his way back to his desk, I walked out of his office and strolled towards another door situated adjacent to Axel's office.

I traced the perfectly carved sphere doorknob and twisted it, enabling my being access to the room. The interior design was fairly simple yet elegant. The room was larger than the average size of private offices in this company albeit slightly smaller compared to Axel's office. I mean, he is the CEO, I don't expect any less. The floorings were marble and screamed classy while the walls were painted pure white which gave off a sense of comfort. The combination of modern and vintage created a splendid contradiction which added to the uniqueness of the room. Expensive and magnificent painters which seemed to be produced by famous artists I might've never heard of filling up the empty spaces on the walls naturally. What stood out the most was the fish tank that had already made itself at home at the corner of my office, near the windowsills. To my left and right, the walls were covered by bookshelves which stretched up to the ceiling. A small movable ladder was attached to the bookshelf to aid those who are shorter access to the books at the top of the bookshelf. The ceiling was vacant with only plain lighting situated in the centre of the room. As I turned on the lighting did I realize that the light was not dazzling and did not hurt my eyes at all? My new desk was located in the centre of the room, tilted slightly such that the table was facing the west-southern direction from where I was standing. The desk was black which added to the modern and classy atmosphere with white drawers attached to the bottom left and right sides of the desk. The drawer handles were sphere-shaped and golden in colour. The shiny handles radiated gold strips of sunlight to the corner of the room.

I plopped myself down on the desk chair and rested my arms comfortably on the armrests. Soft and cushioned seats, perfect for when I have to work long hours or overtime. I leaned back and felt yet again a soft material pressing against my head, closing my eyes I embraced the serene surroundings.

"I should unpack now," I announced out of nowhere after I'd gotten enough of lazing around and not doing any actual work. Axel had granted me half a day off for me to settle down in my new office and my new job.

I stood up and stared at the piles of cardboard boxes in disdain, sighing before picking up the box at the very top and unsealing the box carefully. Inside the box rested my computer with all the pieces placed cautiously to avoid damage. I took out the device and began setting it up which did not take long.

A few minutes later, I began unboxing the next box. Inside revealed my file, some important documents entrusted to me and my writing instruments all shoved into a large pencil case. Carefully, I rearranged my files in alphabetical order and placed them neatly inside the top drawer to avoid any potential damage that may fall upon the crucial documents.

Now then, for the decorations. I was a strong believer in keeping my workplace cosy and welcoming akin to one's home. Why so? Well, a workplace was the definition of a second home to me, a place where I would spend hours operating.

Some artificial plants that do not require any watering, and a few picture frames containing photographs of my friends, family and me had completed my desk.

I glance over at my finished desk in triumph before proceeding with the work for the day. Although I was given half a day off, I felt obliged to do some work instead of wasting time.

Flipping through documents after documents, eyeing every word with precision, and checking for errors were getting boring after a mere forty minutes. That final yawn which escaped my lips was evident that I required a break, perhaps a walk or a leisure activity for me to relax would help splendidly.

Coincidentally, I bumped into Axel the second I stepped out of my territory. We both exchanged glances before nodding in acknowledgement and then going our ways.

"Wait." Axel stopped abruptly, turning around to face my back. Likewise, I also twisted my upper body to enable my eyes capable of seeing Axel.

"Don't forget about this evening." He reminded me sternly as if he was not going to be pleased if I changed my mind last minute or abandoned him alone.

I gave him an affirmative nod. Axel signalled that I was free to go. I made my way towards the lift doors, in the complete opposite direction of where Axel was heading.

Unbeknownst to both Axel and me, my lips slowly curved into a small smile. He had been looking forward to this evening, almost as much as I do. Terrific this was. At the very least I knew I was not the only one nervous and anticipating tonight.

Axel's POV

I dismissed Eveline before bulldozing my way through my workload. Occasional sighs here and there as I eyed the work pile, decreasing albeit not much. I scrunched my eyebrows and massaged the bridge of my nose, a visible frown appearing on my face.

I lied back, feeling my head bumping the soft fabric of my chair as I gave my mind time to pull itself back together and proceed with work but sadly, to no avail. This will not do at all. I could not focus on my work at all. This was frustrating.

No, a change of space and environment may help with my lack of focus and attention. Ah yes, exactly what I need.

"Eveline, can you please get me a cup of coffee? Thank you." I said nonchalantly, still viewing the papers.

No responding sound or interaction. I turned around only to meet space. I frowned again, resting my head in the palm of my right hand. How could I forget? I had already sent Eveline away to settle down at her new desk. She was not due to work for me until after lunch. That small mistake was full proof that my brain was lost and that I am not in an appropriate state of mind to carry out any work of a kind.

I arose from my seat and stretched my arms to loosen my muscles from sitting for such a long time. Out the doors, I went, determined to get myself a cup of coffee and finish work early today.

What I did not expect was to see Eveline's delicate figure stepping out of her office. The second I closed the door only then did I realize that there was another person in front of me.

Eveline was there.

I was not ready to face her after that tiny error I made in my private space. Honestly, who could after seeing the person who occupied one's mind all day long, affecting one's performance. This was in no way an insult, I find it amusing that Eveline was capable of driving me crazy like this.

Act cool, do not show her your current state. If I do, I will have to answer her inquiries and I do not want her to hear me talk about just how lovesick I was. This marriage is, after all, merely a marriage of convenience for both of us. This was a point I had made clear to Eveline from the start. How would she think of me if I broke the very crucial point I had warned her to not break? I dared not dream of it, it would damage our existing relationship badly.

Walk away without saying anything, my brain had instructed. For it to be able to give clear orders when met with Eveline yet unable to function well while working says a lot. Walking away will save me from any form of embarrassment, yes that is true.

I nodded at Eveline as she reciprocated my action. No words, only small gestures were exchanged between the two of us before we parted.

However, out of the blue, I paused and blurted out some words I knew I could never take back. It was as if my brain suddenly had a change in plans and had acted recklessly without discussing it with me beforehand.

Subconscious I was at that time when I had stopped. Why had I stopped? "Wait." What was there to wait for? "Don't forget about this evening." Why did that come out wrong? It sounded like I was looking forward to it.

Only after Eveline sent me an obvious nod of acknowledgement then I realized what I had done and said. Oh well, since what was said had already been said, I'll just leave it at that.

Eveline walked away from me before stopping as I did. Curious as to why she did that, I slowed down my pace.

"I look forward to this evening as well." Eveline shot me a huge genuine smile before skipping off.

My eyes widened. Never had I anticipated that such a thing would happen. Life sure is filled with surprises, positive ones at that.

"I do too," I mumbled softly under my breath.