The Royal Contract

However, it seemed he was already familiar with it, leaving her at a loss as she tried to catch up. It was what she got for being on leave for several days. But she was not worried about the job. She knew she could handle it.

What worried her was working with this man? She remembered their other encounters and the letter he had left on her desk. Was he serious about what he wrote?

She might find out soon enough since she would be spending more time with him soon. She did not even know he had been transferred to their floor, a gigantic leap from the mail room.

“Ria, do you have any questions?” She heard her boss ask her. At least she caught her name in the sentence.

She watched her boss look in her direction, expecting something from her. Well, as much as she wanted to respond to whatever she said. She could not since she had no clue what was happening around her.

“What?” She was not paying attention since her thoughts were preoccupied with the man beside her. “I am sorry, but I am just a bit confused.” She was, at least, that was not a lie.

.....

“Of course, you are probably overwhelmed with what I said. Zach here had a headstart compared to you.” Brenda seemed to understand her predicament, but she was glad she had interpreted it in such a manner. It saved her from explaining why she zoned out.

“So, I will let him explain the rest of the details.” Brenda continued when she only nodded. However, that last part was not what she had in mind. “Can I count on you, Zach, to help Ria get updated with the project?” Her boss looked at her counterpart, and he nodded in agreement.

“Of course, leave it to me,” Zach answered confidently, but instead of seeing the arrogant smile on his face, his expression seemed different, as if friendlier.

She did not know if he was concocting some evil scheme to sabotage her, but she would be ready to prove to him that she was no pushover that he could play with and destroy.

If the company would only hire one intern at the end of this program, then she would make sure it was her, not him, who would get the job. She knew she needed it more. Besides, she was willing to work harder for it.

“Ria, do you think you will have a problem working on this project?” Brenda turned to her. “Tell me now so I can reassign someone else to it if you are not up for the challenge.”

It was tempting to say yes, but she knew it would not help her career if she backed out of this just because of him. Undoubtedly, she could handle a man like him. It would be a piece of cake.

“I think I will manage just fine.” Ria knew she could not back away from the challenge, or it might haunt her in the end. She would have to endure his company and act professionally around him. Hopefully, he could manage to do the same.

Then, her supervisor’s phone rang, making them sit quietly and wait till she was through with whoever was on the other line. When she placed the receiver down, she looked up and directed her attention to the guy next to her.

“Alona wants you to report to her right away.” She pointed at Zach. “By the way, you will have to work on this project with your other responsibilities, so work on a plan,” Brenda informed her as she dismissed them both from her office.

As they were walking outside the room, Zach stopped her from walking away by blocking her path. “I think we should work on a schedule that would work for us. If you have any suggestions, maybe we could discuss them later at lunch.”

She wanted to say no, but, of course, he was right. If she had to work with him on this project, she had to learn to cooperate. Besides, it would be best if she created a schedule that would work in her favor.

“Ok. We can make it a working lunch. Shall we do it on my desk or yours?” Ria hurriedly asked since she wanted to get away from him soon. “Do you prefer any food so I can order early?” She took the initiative so she could speed up their interaction.

“Well, I was thinking that we should go out,” Zach said, slightly surprised that she would suggest eating in. “But that will work too if that is your preference.” He did not want to contradict her since he would try to make up for his previous behaviors.

But he kept wondering what her reaction was to his letter because, at that moment, he could not tell. She was being polite and cooperative, but that was it. Was she still mad at her? He could not tell.

He wanted to say sorry, but what if that was not the right time? He was not good at this since he could not remember experiencing anything like this before.

“I think that should be sufficient and efficient. We could work while eating.” She said, thinking of treating anything to do with her association with him as professionally as she could.

“Fine. If that is what you want.” He answered with a cordial smile. “Then, I will see you at lunch.”

“Ok!” She said with a curt nod as she turned to leave, walking toward her tiny office.

“Wait!” He suddenly called to her, making her stop, glancing back behind her. “Anything.” He said one word.

“What?” She honestly did not understand what he meant by that.

“The food for lunch. You asked me what I wanted.” He clarified. “Anything you like.” He answered her before moving away, leaving her gaping at him.

She quickly turned away after watching his back move away. She could not believe that she was ogling him again. What was wrong with that man? But more importantly, what was wrong with her?

He was like the devil sent to make her life a living hell. But again, she might be overreacting. Still, her experience with men was not the proudest moment of her life.