Unwanted Date

The morning has come, but Reis remained stoic in bed. She didn't get even a pinch of sleep last night after Felix left. Her heart is too upset to let her body rest.

Someone is ringing the bell, but she cares not to answer it. If Rames is already awake, he will answer the door for her. She is in no mood, so she cares less about everything.

"Morning Miss Ratchana!" Tawan has arrived with his team. They all wear a pink shirt with blue jeans. Looking at Reis–still in bed– Tawan sighs.

"Keep the attire in the walk-in closet. Prepare the makeup and hair. I'll be there in a minute," says Tawan. His team nods, slowly marching into Reis's closet.

Tawan sits carefully next to Reis. "You don't wanna go, right?" he asks her politely. "Ai hia Felix! How dare he force you!"

Reis closes her eyes, taking control over her anger. Hearing the name makes her feel more bitter.

"Miss, I think, he meant well. He is just doing his job..." Tawan softly coaxes Reis. "Okay, how about this... We tag along, in a different car. Just in case something happens."

"No need to," Reis replies to him in a deep voice. She raises up from her bed, grabs her towel and goes straight into the bathroom.

After a while, she comes out, ready to doll up by the stylist team. Sitting like a statue on the chair, she stares at her reflection in the mirror.

No matter what, stay strong. Things in life not only happen in a good way. There are times when you have to face the Hell. Reis closes her eyes while calming herself. It's a part of her ritual whenever she had a bad day, and obviously today is that very day. She let Tawan and his team do whatever they want to, less discussion needed.

"Miss Ratchana, Mr. Nitthitorn is here. He's waiting at the lobby, so should I ask the guard to escort him upstairs–"

"Don't. Let him wait at the lobby," Res's hand is shaking a bit while talking through the intercom. As much as she allows this, obviously she can't hide her anxious feelings, knowing that now Jupe already knows her location. Even just a building number, she feels unsafe already.

"Certainly, Miss Ratchana..." The intercom goes silent after that. Reis sighs as she checks herself one more time. Her white blouse with khaki cargo pants and boots, she almost knowing where is the destination of the date.

"Let's go," after a while, she grabs her bag and is ready to leave her condo, even with a heavy heart.

She has to face this. She has no choice.

***

The Green Apple Ranch.

That's what it states at the entrance.

A horse ranch clubhouse where rich folks spend their mornings. Especially when you own a horse. Morning riding couldn't be more than a good therapy for mind and soul. With tea and a good hefty breakfast, this place is definitely a sanctuary.

But, not for Reis. She's not into this type of place. She finds it dull and boring. So, once she arrived, she sat on her chair, stoic and gloomy. Jupe is socializing with some group of businessmen, who Reis never cares to know.

She has zero interest over everything, especially when it's associated with Jupe Nitthitorn.

"Sorry... I met my college mate and we had a short talk. We planned to attend our college's reunion next week..." Jupe sits on his chair before raising his coffee cup. "Would you like to come along?"

Reis shakes her head. "Sorry, I am busy..."

"We can ask Felix to rearrange your schedule. I know he can make some room for you to attend the reunion," Jupe replies.

"Stop bugging my PA. He has a lot to handle. Adding more won't help him that much," Reis casually lifts her coffee cup and sips the content while giving away a boring look.

"That's his job, for God's sake!" Jupe gushes. "I believe his job is looking over your appointments, not looking over you and trolling you around–"

"We have different job scopes for our PA, Mr. Nitthitorn. Different company, different rules," Reis slowly lost her cool. She's still in rage about this date, and the temper still lingers around her.

"I agree with that. We are the one who decided for that. That's why, I believe you can dictate Felix to clear your schedule for three days so you can join me at the reunion," Jupe keeps pestering, although the temper from Reis is clear enough for him to retreat.

Yet, he chose to have a fight with her.

"Why should I listen to you? And why must I follow you?" asks Reis. She drops her fork in care, in poise. But, her eyes and her facial expression have changed into something darker.

"We are to be engaged and married, Reis. I think, I'm not wrong to invite my girlfriend to my college's reunion..."

"Now that you mentioned it, let's discuss it," Reis smacks her lips together. "I don't think the engagement planning works. It's a hasty move, and I can't bear a mistake anymore."

Jupe drops his tab on the table and have a look at Reis carefully.

"I'm afraid that won't happen. The agreement has been made, and we will get engaged in no time soon," Jupe tries to negotiate in a manner. Conceal his true self so he won't accidentally lashes out his anger.

Reis inhales deeply before she replies to Jupe. "Then, I would like to suggest something..."

"Name it! You want a grand wedding? Or.. get married abroad? Name the place! Italy? France–?"

"I want you to stop bugging my PA. And, don't use your connection with my dad to force me to go out with you," Reis is getting deadly serious. "I'm telling you, I have no interest in marriage. Don't say I didn't warn you. I only hold onto this plan because of my Por."

The table goes silent. Jupe, staring at a strong head Reis can't believe how much the lady changed since the last time they met at the party. Reis looked timid at that time, but now, it's almost as if Jupe is meeting someone else.

"Then, pass me your number. I bug your PA and Mr. Ratchana because I don't have your number," Jupe smirks. Reis is taken aback by the demand. Which amuses Jupe; a man who loves challenges.

"You can ask Felix–"

"You asked me not to bother him, yet you want me to ask for your number from him?" It's payback time for Jupe. Reis sighs, feeling somehow embarrassed.

"Fine. But, don't expect a text or call from me..." Reis passes her phone to Jupe. The man smiles as he takes the phone and dial in his number. Once the phone rings, he passes the phone back and quickly saves the number.

"That's more like it..."

Reis sighs as she continues having her breakfast in silence. Her heart is getting more and more pricky, but she dares not to create a scene. The only thing she can do is patience.