10 Uncomfortable

After weeks of preparation, the dismantling was a breeze.

The glamorous stage, once filled with the scents of perfume, beautiful women, handsome men and wealthy guys, now looked desolate and empty. Such a fast-paced, high-stressed white-collar life, who would have time for complaints? Better to look forward to next month's bonus.

Alice dragged her weary feet towards Building Two, considering after tomorrow's meeting report, she'd demand a couple of days off, bonus or not.

At the reception desk, she heard giggly conversations behind her, like something out of a TV show. The idealized couples seemed so fake until they were right in front of her, and then it was clear that some pairings were just meant to be.

Alice waited for her key card, not expecting Mr. Williams to head straight to the reception desk. She greeted, "Hello, Mr. Williams," and nodded in Emily's direction with a smile.

The beautiful woman, so different from her haughty self from the night before, merely nodded and turned away, her tall frame giving an impression of fragility.

John smiled at her gently, "Hello," and then asked the receptionist, "Get a room for Miss Brown." Alice's key was ready, and she thanked the clerk and was ready to leave. Her steps quick and hurried.

As she passed by Emily, the subtle fragrance, those mesmerizing eyes, seemed to be sizing her up.

In her room, Alice went through her routine, checking the tub for stray hair and making sure the towels were neat.

It struck her that she wasn't on duty tonight, and she sighed at her own absent-mindedness. But the more exhausted she was, the more restless she found herself tossing and turning, worrying about whether Miss Brown would blow up again like last time.

She drifted off, her dreams filled with that figure, so near yet so far. She jolted awake, her fingers clenching the crisp white sheets.

Her mind was on her grandfather lying in the hospital bed, holding her hand.

She opened her eyes suddenly, the thick curtains keeping the room pitch dark, not a sliver of light creeping in. She rolled over to grab her watch from the bedside table--her body clock was right on time.

Even a bit early, she got up, washed her face with cold water, and went to check out.

In the lobby, Alice stopped in her tracks.

Mr Williams was sitting on the sofa, engrossed in reading a morning paper, while the early shift staff members kept giving each other knowing looks.

Mr. Williams seemed to sense something, put down the paper, and those sharp, bright eyes met hers. Alice remembered he had been up late too.

"Miss Smith, can we have breakfast together?" He stood up, his tone casual, as if it were a spur-of-the-moment suggestion, but the words left Alice no choice but to agree.

She forced a smile, attempting to play along as they headed to the buffet.

"Doe you always wake up so early? That's a good habit." Alice picked a piece of Tiramisu and a cup of milk, sitting across from John. He was eating quietly.

"You really love cake!" Alice smiled, "Yes, very much. Seems it can refresh me when I'm exhausted." She looked up at him.

John showed a playful grin on his usually calm face, and simply said, "Last night's launch was great, and the board members were pleased as punch."

It was a praise of her work, and though she tried not to show it, Alice was beaming with pride under her modesty. Jack got a quick pat on the back.

John set down his coffee and burst out laughing, "Really? Because I know for a fact that this is the only time he hasn't clashed with a partner."

"Oh? And that's a shame, because our Mr. Thompson doesn't seem to have caught on, otherwise, he might have given me a raise by now." Alice chimed in, feigning disappointment.

Alice's casual chat was, inevitably, bound to attract the wrong attention in her work uniform. The servers might think she was checking their work, and it wasn't exactly the best image for her to be lingering.

Just then, the attention of the diners was drawn to Emily entering the restaurant. Tall and with a small face obscured by sunglasses, she exuded a certain charm despite the shades.

Alice looked up, quickly finished her last bite of the cake, and gave a vague smile, seemingly teasing but also subtly insightful.

John shot her a glance. His usually gentle gaze hardened as he watched Alice check her watch and stand up, "I need to go. See you later."

It was the perfect timing, as Emily approached their table. Alice greeted her with a smile, "Good morning, Miss Brown."

She motioned to the server to clean the table, then turned to find the manager, giving him some instructions. Just as she was about to leave, she caught a glimpse of John striding towards her.

His voice was serious as he asked, "Miss Smith, this cooperation has been a success, and I'm very satisfied with the service."

Alice was momentarily taken aback, "Mr. Williams, you've already said that."

"Yes, but you haven't given me your telephone number." His looked at her, carefully noting her reaction.

He really didn't need to ask for her number, did he? Alice felt her voice chill as she rattled off a number, her smile professional yet challenging, "That's my work phone number.

If any help is needed, feel free to call me any time." She emphasized "wok telephone number," her gaze challenging his.

With a twinkle in his deep eyes, he seemed unaffected, "Okay." She turned to leave, a few strands of hair falling loose, fluttering in the breeze as she walked away.

John's heart stirred, and he noticed her displeasure, but he resisted the urge to follow and explain, pausing for a moment to watch her leave.

Alice stepped outside, paused at the door, and thought, "This really makes me uncomfortable.

Mr Williams's attitude towards me has been a bit off, and I've noticed it.

But I don't think he's a playboy, so I've had some good feelings about him.

His mysterious attitude, though, really makes me wonder about his motives for having dinner at my place last time--maybe I look like the woman who clings to a rich man, or just an employee always at his beck and call?"

Emily smiled faintly, naturally noticing this scene--though she couldn't make out what they were talking about. After a long silence, she slowly said, "You got up so early."

John replied with a similarly indifferent tone, "Work." He seemed a bit absent-minded, idly fidgeting with his phone.

The sun shone through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, casting light on this man's features and body, as calm and composed as a mountain or sea, confident in everything he held.