Chapter Four - Suprise bouquet

Christopher's POV

I parked in front of her mansion. After cutting the engine, I went around to her side of the car, intending to open the door and gently wake her. She'd already fallen asleep.

In her slumber, she looked breathtaking. I almost didn't want to disturb her, but I knew I had to. The night was getting colder, and winter was just around the corner.

"We're here, love," I said, as softly as I could manage. But she remained peacefully asleep.

"Eve," I murmured, gently nudging her shoulder. That seemed to do the trick. Her long lashes fluttered open, and she stared up at me, her expression still clouded with sleep.

"Are we home?" she asked softly, her voice sounding so endearing that a smile tugged at my lips.

"Yes, we are." I stepped back, giving her room to get out, and followed her into the house.

"What can I offer you?" she asked, dropping her handbag onto one of the sofas as soon as we entered the living room.

"A glass of water would be perfect," I said, taking the opportunity to look around. "You have a beautiful house," I added as she handed me the water.

"Thank you."

'About today...I apologize if I overstepped my boundaries and made you uncomfortable' That's what my teenage self would have stammered out to someone he liked. But I'd thoroughly enjoyed teasing her, and I had no intention of apologizing for it.

"What's so funny? Why the smile?" she asked, squinting at me.

"Nothing... I should be going. I'll be in touch... oh, and thanks for the water," I said, turning to leave.

"Not that it's any of my business, but how are you getting home? It's quite a trek to the estate gate," I heard her mutter as my hand touched the doorknob.

"Well, how kind of you to worry, love, but my driver's waiting outside." I winked, and she rolled her eyes.

I deliberately avoided calling Eve for two days, burying myself in company matters and endless meetings. I'd once read women loved flowers, especially from a partner, as it made them think of him whenever they caught a glimpse or whiff of the blooms. So, I had a massive bouquet of roses delivered each day I didn't call, hoping she'd appreciate the gesture. I also planned to surprise her at her office tomorrow, her birthday.

I walked into her company with a small bouquet in hand, but I immediately questioned my decision. Every single person seemed to be ogling and staring at me. I hated being noticed, hated being out in the open, especially when it involved playing the love-sick boyfriend. But I needed to do this, not just for her, but for me.

Her company was the biggest fashion brand in the country, and I needed rumors to spread. If my father believed I was genuinely involved with Eve, he'd finally leave me alone.

"Those are lovely flowers, sir. Welcome to Ethereal Eve. How may I help you?" the receptionist said, beaming and staring at the bouquet.

"Oh, thank you," I replied. "Would you mind directing me to Eve's office?"

"You mean Director Eve?" she corrected, clearly taken aback by my informal address.

"Yes."

"Do you have an appointment?"

"Well, no. I'm her boyfriend. I wanted to surprise her," I replied, and I didn't miss the look of poorly concealed shock on her face. "So?" I prompted, waving a hand in front of her.

"Oh, forgive me, sir. The top floor... Her office is on the top floor," she stammered.

"Thank you." I winked and headed for the elevators.

I smiled to myself as I stepped inside. I was certain the paparazzi would get wind of this soon.

The elevator dinged, signaling my arrival on the top floor. I stepped out and looked around, but the hallway was deserted.

The office directly opposite the elevator was empty. Trusting my instincts, I turned to the door on my left and was about to knock when I heard her laughter. It was so infectious that a smile spread across my face before I even realized it.

I went ahead and knocked, though I would have preferred to simply walk in – it was, after all, still part of my surprise.

"Come in," her voice called from inside.

I smiled, turned the doorknob, and entered. I didn't miss the look of shock and surprise on Eve's face.

"Chris, you didn't say you were coming," she asked, a nervous edge to her voice.

"What for? So I could miss this?" I chuckled, continuing to walk towards her.

"Happy birthday, love," I said, winking. I completely ignored the guy in the room, who was sitting on her desk while holding her hand intimately. I strolled toward her, a smile on my face, and lifted her into a twirl, much to her astonishment.

Setting her down and turning her to face me, I skillfully brushed a strand of hair away from her face, cupped her cheeks in my hands, and kissed her temple. She was too shocked to speak, too embarrassed to react.

"Happy birthday," I whispered against her ear, before handing her the flowers.

After a moment, she regained her composure and shot daggers at me with her eyes.

I noticed the scowl on the man's face, but I couldn't care less.

"It was nice catching up, Eve. I'll leave you to your visitor," the man said, his tone laced with a familiarity I recognized all too well.

"It's boyfriend, not visitor..." Turning to Eve, who had surprisingly gone mute, I added, "Why don't you introduce us, love?"

I watched her took quick deep breaths before she smiled and turned to me.

"Fred, meet Christopher...my boyfriend. Chris, this is Fred, my childhood best friend," she said.

The room fell into an awkward silence for a split second before he finally extended his hand. "Nice to meet you," he said. "Likewise," I replied, before settling onto one of her sofas as she saw her guest out.

"You should have told me you were coming, for God's sake!" she burst out as soon as the door closed.

"Why does it feel like you still like him?" I asked.

Her expression shifted from anger to nervousness in a heartbeat before she blurted, "What? No, I don't!"

But I didn't believe her. From what I'd glimpsed while entering her office, she'd been beaming and blushing as the bastard held her hand. Pardon my language, but I dont like the guy for some reason.

"I mean, if you do, you could just ask him out and save yourself all these shenanigans," I suggested, but she didn't appreciate the sentiment.

"No, I don't," she said firmly, glaring at me. Funny enough, I found her stance endearing. She looked gorgeous even with a scowl.

"Why are you smiling?" I heard her ask, surprised to realize I was.

"I'm not," I said, walking towards her desk. "Let's grab dinner," I offered, extending my hand.

She stared at my hand, then raised her eyes to meet mine, probably to gauge my sincerity.

"If we are to succeed in convincing your family and mine that we're in a relationship, we need to be seen together more. Besides, it's your birthday, and I want to take my girlfriend out on a date."

I saw her lips curve into a small smile before she took my hand.

"Well then, I'm all yours."