Third person’s point of view.
*Ferguson’s Penthouse*
“Miss Claudia is on the phone, sir” Rob reported as he stretched forth his cellphone towards Ferguson, who’s busy grooming his hair.
Deep and thick frown lines appeared on his forehead immediately Rob made mention of Claudia’s name.
He clenched his jaw as he glared harshly at Rob through the mirror, as though Rob had committed an unforgivable sin.
“Sir?”
“What?!” he snapped, feeling offended.
Rob subconsciously took a safety step back.
“What should I say to Miss Claudia?”
Ferguson faced Rob, he glared at Rob’s face for a moment before shifting his glare to his (Rob’s) hand.
“I didn’t recall permitting you to receive her call, correct?”
“Yes, sir”
He raised an eyebrow questioningly.
“Then why did you pick up?”
He suddenly narrowed his eyes at the phone in Rob’s hand, then looked back at his phone laying on the small table in front of his mirror.
“Since when did you two exchange numbers?” he asked. “Why did she have your phone number?”
Rob quickly raised his right hand up, stuck out four fingers, and shook his head in denial.
“I swear on my life, sir, I really don’t know how she got my number”
He also turned his phone and showed it to Ferguson…the call was still on going, but they couldn’t hear if Claudia was saying something from the other line because she wasn’t put on speakerphone.
“Look, her number isn’t even saved on my phone, and today’s the first time I ever got a call from her”
Ferguson simply looked away without saying a word, and continued grooming his already perfect hair.
Today’s the day he’s to attend the charity gala with his supposed fiancée, (Claudia), and even though he doesn’t like the idea of going with Claudia, he still wanted to look his best.
“What does she want now?” he asked, remembering Claudia’s still on the phone.
“She wishes to know when you’re picking her up, she said she’s ready and waiting for you”
Ferguson rolled his eyes and sighed.
“Tell her, she can go on her own if she can’t wait”
“Yes, sir” Rob replied and walked out, relaying Ferguson’s words to Claudia on his way.
Ferguson checked himself out once more in the full-length mirror, his eyes scanning over every detail of his outfit. He adjusted his tie and smoothed out any wrinkles on his suit jacket, wondering if this ensemble portrayed his personality better than the others he had tried on.
Although Ferguson wasn’t particularly fond of Claudia, he knew that appearances were important. He wanted to look good, to make an impression. Maybe, just perhaps, he would catch another woman’s attention and have a passionate night of sex.
Talking about sex, his mind wandered, and he shamelessly let Stella into his thoughts. He replayed their intense, passionate moment during her audition, and a subconscious smile crept up his face.
But that smile was quickly wiped off when he remembered their relationship… they’re only teacher and student, nothing more, nothing worth smiling or feeling happy about.
••••
*Few Minutes Later*
As Ferguson made his way downstairs, he frowned and stopped when he found Claudia waiting for him. He averted his gaze from her to Rob, wondering if they (she and Rob) weren’t on the phone a moment ago.
“Hi” she waved enthusiastically at Ferguson, he ignored her and focused his gaze on Rob.
Rob quickly rushed to Ferguson to explain himself. “She was already at the door when I came from your room, sir”
“Then how come you didn’t inform me?”
“She didn’t permit me…”
“Oh, really?” Ferguson sounded offended by Rob’s excuse. “On what authority did she not permit you? Is she house mistress now?”
Rob didn’t know how to answer these questions, he knew instantly that he’s done something stupid, so he simply bowed his head apologetically.
But Claudia spoke on his behalf before he could utter an apology.
“Don’t be too hard on him, Gus, I…”
“You don’t have the permission to call me that” Ferguson interrupted her, glaring harshly at her.
“Oh, I’m sorry” she apologized with a smile. “I just wanted to surprise you and…”
“Well, I don’t appreciate surprises” he cut her off again, his voice laced with disapproval, which made her shoulders slump down in disappointment.
She looked down at herself, she had elegantly dressed up herself in a beautiful gown and expensive accessories, and a glamorous make-up just to catch Ferguson’s eyes.
But sadly, his eyes were on his driver since he came downstairs. The only time he looked her way, was to glare at her. He obviously has no feelings for her, he is making it show that he doesn’t want to have any relationship with her.
Taking a deep breath, she wore a radiant smile and linked their arms.
He wanted to push her away, but he’s already promised his mother that he will attend this gala with her, and he couldn’t bear to break his mother’s heart.
“Rob, go get the car running” he ordered.
“Yes, sir” with that, Rob rushed out.
Ferguson glared at Claudia once more, but she ignored his glare and smiled.
“Let’s go” he said.