Noah’s POV:
I leaned back in my office chair, as I reviewed the project reports spread across my desk.
Derek, who was pacing beside me, began.
“Listen, Noah, if we don’t secure a space soon, we’re going to have to postpone the building once more. We can’t afford that, the investors might back off thinking that we are not serious.” He urged, rubbing the back of his neck.
“I know, Derek,” I replied, forcing a smile.
“I guess we just need to be patient, the right opportunity will surely come along.” He murmured.
“Patience isn’t what we need right now.” I shot back. “We need action. Have you considered expanding your search outside the city of Shanghai?”
Before he could respond, the office telephone rang, cutting through our conversation. I picked it up, glancing at Derek. “Yes?”
“Mr. Sylvester, it’s the receptionist here. I have someone who wants to see you. She says it’s urgent.”
“Who is it?” I asked.
“She said her name is Natasha. And that you’d know her immediately once I mentioned the name.” The receptionist replied.
Clearing my throat, I nodded to myself. “Send her in.”
Derek glanced at me, his eyebrows raised. “Natasha? As in Natasha Cheng?”
“Yeah,” I said, trying to sound calm.
A moment later, the door opened, and Natasha stepped inside. “Noah.” She called out.
“Natasha,” I replied, standing to greet her. “Good to see you.”
She turned to Derek. “Good afternoon.” Giving him a polite smile. He nodded and took the hint to exit, closing the door behind him.
As the sound of footsteps faded, Natasha made her way to my desk and slid into the chair opposite me. “Since we’re friends, I really don’t have to ask for your permission before I take a seat, am I right?” She asked, a teasing smile on her lips.
“Of course,” I replied. “What brings you here?”
She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands. “I missed you, Noah. Thought we could catch up on lost times.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You’re joking, right?”
Her laughter filled the room. “Okay, okay! I actually came to discuss the project with you.”
“What do you want to discuss?” I asked.
“I heard from Mr. Zhao that you’re still searching for a suitable space for the building. He also mentioned that the last site you found was confiscated by the government?” She replied.
“Yeah, that’s right,” I confirmed. “It’s been a real headache.”
“Well, I have a friend.” She continued. “I’m actually the face of his estate. He owns a few properties he’s willing to sell to prospective buyers. I could put in a good word for you, and then you can discuss the details with him.”
I felt relief wash over me. “That would be amazing. Thank you, Natasha, I would really appreciate that.”
“Anytime.” She said, waving her hand dismissively.
“Do you want something to drink? Coffee? A cold beverage?” I inquired.
“I’m on a diet.” She interrupted with a playful smirk. “And you know I don’t enjoy coffee in the afternoon. Can’t you remember?”
“Honestly, I don’t,” I admitted, slightly embarrassed.
She chuckled, clearly enjoying it. “Well, now you know. Drinks aside, I have to say, your wife is stunning. How did you two meet?”
I hesitated. This was a topic I wasn’t entirely comfortable discussing with her.
How do I tell her that my stepbrother divorced and threw her out of the house? Then I married her because I always had a crush on her.
“We met five years ago. Had a one-night stand, and I haven’t forgotten her since then.” I replied.
It wasn’t a complete lie!
Mirabelle and I had a one-night stand, and I had always held a soft spot for her after everything.
I could feel Natasha’s gaze piercing me, analyzing my response. “That’s a romantic story,” she said, leaning back in her chair. “You both look perfect for each other.”
I forced a smile. “Yeah, we do.”
Suddenly, my phone buzzed on the table, drawing my attention. I glanced at the screen. “Oh, I need to take this,” I said, smiling widely.
“Sure ” Natasha replied, her smile unfading. She stood, stretching slightly. “I should get going anyway. Let’s meet up later. It would be nice to have an actual discussion and catch up.”
“Yeah, that sounds good,” I said, already distracted by the call. I picked it up, putting the phone to my ear. “Hey, babe.”
As I spoke, I watched Natasha make her way to the door. She turned to give me one last smile before stepping out.
As I finished my call with Mirabelle, Derek re-entered the office. “Everything okay?” He asked as he made his way to the table and sat down opposite me.
“Yeah, just talking to Mirabelle,” I replied, pushing aside my thoughts of Natasha.
“Good to hear.” He chimed in. “So, about that space-”
I held up a hand, cutting him off. “Natasha mentioned she could help us find a suitable property. She knows a guy who’s selling.”
Derek raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t she the same Natasha you once mentioned years ago?”
“Yeah,” I said. “Why?”
“Just making sure you’re keeping things professional.” He replied. “You don’t want any distractions.”
I shrugged, dismissing his concern. “I am married, Derek.”
“I know a lot of people that go back to their exes even though they are married. Spending time with her while working on this project might stir up your emotions.” He pressed.
How pathetic!
“Natasha and I never dated, Derek.” I reminded him.
“But you fucked her once or twice am I right?” He asked, and I nodded my head in response. “Just keep it in your mind that Mirabelle is actually a good woman. Then you will not be able to cheat on her because it would make you hate yourself.” He added.
Taking a deep breath. “Can we change the goddam topic?” I pleaded.
“Alright, if you want that. But seriously, if we can lock down that property soon, it’ll make a world of difference.” He said and I nodded.
“It surely will.” I chimed in.