Between 2 Hearts – Episode 31

      Later in the day, Naomi and Mia met each other at the bus station and boarded a bus together.

“So, what will you do now?” Mia asked.

 “I don’t know, but seriously, how come he’s the owner of the company?”

“I have no idea, but don’t worry, I’m sure there won’t be any problem.”

“Are you sure? I thought I was free from seeing him again, and now he’s my boss. How do I avoid him?”

 “You worry too much, sis. It’s gonna be fine, okay?” she placed a reassuring hand on Naomi’s arm.

 “Okay, I hope so.”

The bus stopped at their destination, and they got off, walking away from the crowded station.

The next day, Naomi was engrossed in her work when someone knocked on the door. 

 “Come in,” she said, still focused on her task.

“Give me a minute,” she added without looking up.

“Sure,” Alex replied, his voice low and smooth.

Naomi’s head jerked up as she recognized his voice. Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in Alex’s presence. She quickly stood up, her face flushing with nervousness.

“Um, Alex… sorry, I mean, Your Highness… no, no, I mean…” she stuttered.

Alex’s smile cut her off. “Alex is better,” he said,

 “Please, have a seat,”she  said, as she gulped hard, feeling her anxiety spike.

Alex sat down, his gaze never leaving hers. Naomi slowly sat back down, avoiding his gaze.

“Um, is there something you want me to do for you, sir?” she asked.

 “Not really. I just came to say hi and to know if there’s anything you’re not comfortable with in this place.”

 “No, no, I’m fine. Everything is fine. It’s amazing here.”

 “That’s good to know.”

   An awkward moment hung between Alex and Naomi until Olivia knocked on the door and entered, holding a bunch of red roses. Her eyes widened as she saw Alex, and she bowed immediately.

“Ma, this came in for you,” Olivia said, placing the roses on the table in front of Naomi.

Both Alex and Naomi looked at the flowers in confusion. 

“For me?” Naomi asked, her brow furrowed.

 “Um, I will take my leave now.” Alex said as he stood up to leave.

Naomi stood up as well, and they both bowed to him. Alex smiled and left the office.

Naomi let out a sigh of relief and sat back down. Olivia looked at her curiously. 

“Is everything okay, Ma?”

“Yeah.”

 “Why was the boss here? This is the first time I’ve seen the boss in any staff office. Did something happen?”

 “No, everything is fine.”

 “Okay, that’s a relief.”

 “So, who sent the roses?”

 “I don’t know. A delivery man came with it and said it’s for you…”.

    “Ok, thank you”.She said.

Olivia bowed and left the office, leaving Naomi staring at the roses in confusion. A small note was attached to the bouquet, and a heart shape was drawn on it. Hee eyes lingered on the symbol, wondering who could have sent such a thoughtful gift.

   Alex returned to his office, surprised to see Nathan helping himself to a drink from his shelf.

“Nathan,” Alex called out, and Nathan turned to face him.

“Where did you run off to?” Nathan asked, taking a sip of his wine. “Your secretary said you left your office,” he continued. “I know you only leave your office when you have a meeting or something urgent to do.”

“Don’t I have the right to leave my office and look around?” He countered.

 “No, I know you went to see her.”Nathan smirked.

“Why are you here?” He asked, moving to sit behind his desk.

 “Don’t change the topic. You went to see her.” He smirk.

Alex’s response was interrupted by the ringing of his telecom. He picked it up, listened for a moment, and sighed. 

 “Okay, let them in,” he said before hanging up.

 “What?”

“Elora and Diva are here,” Alex replied, and the door opened, revealing the two women’s frowning faces.

“Alex, what’s the meaning of this?” Elora demanded, her voice angry. “Why does your secretary need to call you first before we’re allowed into your office?”

 “How dare she!”Diva’s voice was equally furious.

The two men exchanged a look, both of them accustomed to the women’s nagging.

 “Calm down, both of you,” Alex said, his voice firm but patient. “It’s just the rules.”

“What stupid rules? I’m your sister, and this company belongs to Dad. And Elora here is your fiancée.” Diva said.

 “Don’t get too pissed, she’s just doing her job. Besides, this is the first time you guys are here, so chill.” Nathan said.

The two women sighed, their anger slightly abating.

“Why are you guys here? You didn’t tell me you were coming.”Alex asked.

 “We actually came to take you for lunch, and I didn’t know Nathan would be here.”Diva’s face brightened as she moved to Nathan, smiling and holding his arm.

“I don’t think I’ll go with you. I have a lot on my desk.”

 “Come on, no excuses. We planned this for you guys.”Elora pouted, wrapping her arms around Alex’s neck.

 “Nathan, talk to your friend.”Diva chimed in, looking at Nathan expectantly.

 “Can’t we do this next time?” Nathan asked.

“We do it now,” Elora and Diva said in unison.

 “Okay, come on, Alex. Let’s go.”

Alex let out a tired sigh, knowing he was outnumbered.

   

    Some minutes later, the group emerged from the office, the ladies wrapping their arms around the men’s arms as they walked. Everyone in the office bowed and smiled at them, admiring their elegance.

“They all look so perfect together,” one of the staff whispered to another, and the murmuring continued.

Meanwhile, Naomi was halfway done with her work when she stretched her body and a knock came at the door. Olivia entered, beaming with a smile.

“What’s amusing you?” Naomi asked, smiling.

“I’m just happy to see happy couples together,” She replied, her eyes shining with excitement.

“Aw, that’s nice,” Naomi said politely.

“Seeing the boss and his friend with their fiancées together makes me want to find my own Mr. Right.”

“What do you mean?”

 “The boss and his friend, the governor’s son, went out with their fiancées who came to see them. They just left a while ago. I’m sure they’re going out for lunch.”

 “Oh, that’s good.” She said firmly.

 “Speaking of lunch, will you be going out for lunch?”

 “Um, no, I’m okay.”

“Okay, then I’ll be out for lunch,” Olivia said before leaving Naomi’s office.

   Naomi sighed and pulled out snacks from her bag, opening them and starting to eat. Her cell phone rang, and she picked it up, smiling when she saw Mia’s name on the screen.

The two friends chatted and laughed, the stress of the day melting away.

Later that evening, at home, Naomi finished making dinner for herself and her dad. After bidding each other goodnight, she headed to her room.

She sat down in front of Alex’s portrait, staring at it with a sigh. Her thoughts were lost in the past, memories flooding her mind.

Meanwhile, Alex stood on his balcony, sipping wine and lost in thought. Elora was sleeping peacefully in their bed, but Alex’s mind was elsewhere.

Mia, too, was lost in thought, lying beside her sleeping mother. She couldn’t shake off the news about Elora and Diva visiting their men at the company. She tried to control her emotions, but it was hard to ignore the pang in her heart.

“Come on, Mia, stop thinking about this,” she whispered to herself. “He can never be yours. Get on with it.”

With a deep sigh, she finally closed her eyes, letting sleep wash over her.

Nathan, too, was lost in thought, his mind occupied by Mia’s recent behavior. He had noticed she was avoiding him whenever he saw her in the palace. He let out a sigh, wondering what he could do to change the situation.

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. His mom entered, holding a glass of warm milk.

“Hey, sweetie,” she said softly. “I brought you some milk to help you relax.”

   “Thanks, Mom,” he said, taking the glass of milk from her and sipping it gratefully.

 “How are you preparing for tomorrow? You know it’s your first time to work in your father’s company.”

 “I know, Mom. I’ll try my best to move the company forward.”

 “I believe in you. All the best tomorrow. Make sure you get enough rest so you can wake up early.”

“I will, Mom,” he promised, taking another sip of his milk.

 “Good night, son.”His mom leaned in, kissing his cheek.

“Good night, Mom,” he replied, wrapping his arms around her in a warm hug.

As she left, Nathan let out a gentle sigh, feeling a mix of emotions. He continued to sip his milk.

    

TBC