Old friend

3rd pov

The name sounded familiar to Verena, but where? She had many friends since middle school, but until college, she only kept in contact with two: Sarah and Rosemarie. When it came to guy friends, she lost contact mainly because they were forming families.

And she isn't the type to stick around married men, even if they were friends. Besides, the only guys she ever knew were Brian and Kevin, among other guys from her past, but the name Emanuel sounds too close to home.

Not wanting to give herself a headache, she left the ordeal alone; besides, she had an important client in the morning she needed to prepare for.

***

"Mr. O'Hara, it's my pleasure to finally meet you in person. Please have a seat.

"Thank you, Mr. Brown, CEO Collins."

"CEO O'Hara," replied Mr. Collins, not really making eye contact. Our last conversation didn't end well, so imagine my surprise when he agreed to this meeting.

"Shall we get started with some food?" My mind is supposed to be here with me, in this meeting, but it's with her right now. I wonder what she'll make for me tonight.

*****

"Before heading to the O'Hara residence, I need to stop by Mike's. Mr. Cortez called; he is there at the moment and would like a quick meeting."

"Cortez? Is that a new client?

"Yeah, not mine, but one of the girls'. I just need to give him more information about the payments."

""The last name sounds familiar, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, his full name is Emanuel Cortez."

"Are you serious? THE Emanuel Cortez?"

"You know him?" I asked, taken aback by her response to the mystery man who hasn't left my mind.

"You don't remember him? And you glorify your memory? I'll let you figure this one out. See you later.

This brat really hanged up on me. Sometimes I feel like slapping the shit out of her.

*****

"What do you think, CEO O'Hara?

"..." Just as I was about to add a comment, she walked in wearing a very casual dress, her hair down, covering her soft shoulders.

She's so perfect, from the way she walks to the way she talks. Whenever she walks into the room, there's a subtle change in the atmosphere. She's like a warm fire in winter and a cool breeze in summer.

She carries herself with such confidence it makes even the proudest man jealous. She has no fear, no worries; her soft hands make perfect dishes. Even a simple potato soup will leave you in heaven.

It wasn't just her physical appearance, but an inner radiance that shone through. She possessed an effortless elegance, captivating without trying. She walked over to a table where a man was waiting. Who is this man with my woman?

""CEO O'Hara?" called out Mr. Collins, the father of my bride-to-be. He just doesn't know it, or rather, doesn't accept it.

"Yes, I agree a ceremony should be held in memory of those who sacrificed themselves in the fire. I suggest donating to those who lost their homes and allowing them to stay in our hotels free for three months.

"For free? Wouldn't the company lose a good amount of money?

"Yes, but hundreds of families lost everything—money, pets, loved ones. What's a few thousand to us?"

Every year we suffer from fires; this year was the worst. None of my properties were damaged, thank God, but many others were not so lucky.

After discussing further options, we agreed to raise sixty thousand dollars. We will also donate another twenty-five thousand dollars to those who sacrificed themselves.

Mr. Brown was the first to leave. CEO Collins must know my intentions, as he refused to leave, keeping an eye on his daughter, who was busy reviewing some documents.

"She'll never agree to marry you, CEO O'Hara. She's not ready; she's focused on her career."

"Your daughter is smart, yes? Then she'll agree if she knows the benefits it will bring to both you and her business."

"If you want my daughter, you'll have to win her over, which won't be easy, or even possible. She's strong-headed and stubborn. If you somehow manage to get her to marry you, I'll be the first to applaud you and give you a big kiss," he said, smiling—a very sinister smile.

I don't fully understand Miss Collins. I barely managed to catch her before she leaves my house. I have not spoken to her, seen her cook, or interacted with her.

So, what has captured my attention? Her smile, which I have never seen? Her scent, which I have never smelled? Her face, which I have only seen from a distance? Or is it the fact that I have never had a woman like her in my arms and need to explore her?